Skip to content

Internet

You are ignoring Web 2.0 – 12 articles to catch you up

Over the past few years, I have written and talked much about Web 2.0 or as it is sometimes known, cloud computing. You have ignored those articles and haven’t visited or tried the Web 2.0 offerings that are changing the way we use computers. Today, I’m going to give you a second change to get up to speed, because I will be writing more and more about Web 2.0 in the coming months, and I want you along for the ride!

Listed below is your HelpMeRick.com reading assignment for the day.

WolframAlpha Search Engine

More and more news stories are cropping up regarding this up and coming search engine. In fact, some feel it might challenge Google’s dominance. I will study up on it more, give it a whirl and report back. Have you used WolframAlpha? If so, leave a comment and tell me what you that out of it. Wolfram|Alpha.

For Beginners: 3 Getting Started Guides for Google Docs

You know that I write about Web 2.0 (cloud computing) often. To me, working in your browser is easier, safer (for backup), and more consistent than using desktop applications. And since most of us use only the bare minimum of features for document creation, why spend $100s of dollars for name brand applications. Online applications offer full Microsoft Office compatibility… Read More »For Beginners: 3 Getting Started Guides for Google Docs

How to Download Files from the Internet – Video Tip

Once you find a file you would like to view or download, how do you get it to your computer? Follow these steps to get the computer safely and successfully to your computer:

  1. Click once on the file?s name (some web sites will have a download button)
  2. You will be asked to ?Save? the file before the download initiates. Pay special attention to the ?Save In? box at the top of the save screen so that you know where your file is going. (TIP: I suggest that you download all files to the desktop so that they are easy to find)
  3. Click on the Save button and in a few seconds your download will start and you will see a progress meter showing how much of the download has completed

That?s all there is to downloading a file.

Remember that you can click back to the web and continue surfing, writing email or doing other activities at the same time you are downloading, but you do have to stay connected to your provider for the download to continue.

Also, it is possible to download more than one more file at a time.

Click the "Read more" link underneath this tip to listen and watch the video describing this tip.

Inserting images into body of Gmail

chemical reaction
photo credit: neys

For new (or veteran) Gmail users out there who missed having the ability to insert images directly into their messages, the wait is over. Today, Google announced that if you enable the Inserting Images option under Labs.

This new feature gives me the opportunity to introduce a second Gmail feature to you that enhances the way you work with Gmail. In order to enable the Insert Image feature, you first have to know about Labs. Google introduced Labs as a part of Gmail about two years ago. This feature contains many add-ons and enhancements that Google engineers have developed that can be optionally added to Gmail. To get to Labs, all you do is click Settings at the top of your Gmail screen, then click the Labs tab.

In addition to enabling the Inserting Images option (it’s towards the bottom of the Labs list), you might also want to try:Read More »Inserting images into body of Gmail

5 pieces of technology I can’t live without

P3067024
photo credit: jwcline

Many of these types of articles have been written on the Internet, but I don’t think I ever did one. These are the five pieces of technology that I consider essential to my digital life.

  1. Smart phone (currently the iPhone 3G). Since I started using cell phones, I saw the need and utility to marry the phone with a portable organizer. I even carried around the clunky (but useful) Handspring Visor with the Sprint phone plug-in. Smart phones offer the best in communication via voice, Internet, chat, instant messaging, and now social networking as well as maps, password management, Internet access, GPS, games, and so much more.
  2. Flash drives. USB flash drives truly make my day-to-day life tons easier because I can carry so many tools with me to fix and augement computers in my pocket. And I can change up, add to and update those tools quickly and easily.
  3. Netbook. Netbooks are the small little laptops that weigh less thanRead More »5 pieces of technology I can’t live without

Gmail guide for beginners – 3 Videos – Video Tip

This week’s video tip is a HelpMeRick.com first…it involves 3 videos to cover the topic of Gmail. Directly above each video below, I give a short synopsis of the videos contents. The more I use it, the more impressed I am with Gmail. If you currently use Gmail, don’t be afraid to watch these videos as you might pick up a tip or two yourself.

Google offers a good Help section covering their email system, and you can find it by clicking here. My short video series here are meant to just get you started quickly and give you the highlights of this email system.

How to use Google Maps & Street View – Video Tip

You asked for it, and I deliver. Watch the short video below to see how to use Google Maps and the Google Maps Street View feature. Be sure to pass the article and the video on to your friends and family!

Computer Help Show Podcast – 03-18-09

A very busy day on the phones from callers asking some great questions. Plus, we had our first question through Twitter today as well. We waxed a little philosophical about politics and technology, but tried to stay on our designated topic this month: How to save money with technology. Great fun, great information, have a listen!