Finding the right program in your Start menu can be difficult if the items are all out of order. Here's how to sort them alphabetically.
1. Click Start -> (All) Programs
2. Right-click on any item in the Programs area
3. Click Sort By Name
If you need any more help with it, just watch this quick little video tip.
By Rick Castellini 2002. Revised by Adam Cochran 2007
Earlier this summer, my co-host, Adam, decided to do an 'on air' review of a product. The product he chose is Mozilla Firefox , an alternative web browser. Being on the radio and downloading, installing and reviewing software was a new experience for us, but the impression was instant and impressive for both of us.
Mozilla loads most web pages much faster than Internet Explorer and makes a dial-up connection seem snappier. Because Mozilla does not use any code from Internet Explorer, it is inherently less likely to be plagued by the various security holes that Internet Explorer fights against on a daily basis. The software is free and I've put together a list of features and tips that I like about this great little browser:
I am writing this from a client's house. Typically I wouldn't work on the site while I am on the clock but since I have to sit and wait for they repair scan to finish, I might as well tell you why I'm here.
It all began with a call this morning. My client said that she could move her mouse but it wouldn't let her click on anything. Luckily I had time available to see her in the afternoon.
When I got here I took the computer into safe mode where I discovered two strange things.
1. A windows kept popping up telling me that Windows Explorer had a problem and needed to be restarted. Followed immediately by a window that said that the problem couldn't be repaired. Or vice versa. I don't remember which order the windows were coming up.
Some days I seem to face recurring themes. Today's was extortionware. Extortion is when someone forces you into paying money to solve a problem that the person or institution requiring payment caused. If that doesn't make a lot of sense, ask Rick to explain how his "If you want to keep your kneecaps – go get nachos for us," program works during the show on Saturday.
We have spelled out our proven method of home computer security countless times here on HelpMeRick, but just as a reminder here it is again in brief:
1. Don't use Internet Explorer to surf the web unless you have to
I had a client today with a few vision problems. The small fonts and certain colors were difficult for him to see.
Hold CTRL+(+ key) to increase font size adn hold CTRL+(- key) to decrease the font size. However, this change is only temporary.
To make more permanent changes to the font size go into Tools->Options and select the Content tab. You can make changes on that main screen and under the Advanced button.
Oh heck – just watch the video below (click "read more if the video isn't already showing), it makes more sense that way.
I visited a new customer today that set the record for the most viruses and spyware on a single system. The computer had no anti-virus program of any sort on it, no anti-spyware system, was running the first version of XP, and on dial-up. Needless to say, the computer was hosed and it took more than six hours to clean-up (between what I did in two hours, and the four hours I let the user take care of in secondary scans and cleanup).
The customer made a comment that I hear often in this situation, "This kind of thing makes work for you, huh?." My standard answer, "Yes, but it is the worst part of my job. Why? Because this is so preventable."
Lately I have had several people ask me how to make a CD from only certain pictures from several folders. Here is a short video explaining how it's done.
The background music came out pretty bad, but the rest of the video should run OK. (click "read more if the video isn't already showing)
Every Saturday between the first and second hour of the show we grab an order of barbacoa nachos to go from Bocaza. Bocaza is a Mexican grill. We have tried the nachos to go from almost everywhere else in town, but Bocaza is the best for sloppy spicy nachos.
The nachos are made up in several layers beginning with the bottom layer…
1. Jack Cheese
2. Frijoles Negros (beans that are black)
3. Spicy, slow simmered, shredded barbacoa (beef)
4. Inferno (Habanero, Jalapeno) salsa
5. Queso (Nacho cheese sauce)
6. Guac and sour cream
They put it all in a to-go carton with the chips on the side.
