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Windows Key Shortcuts

We featured this particular tip about a year ago, but it bears repeating. Also, I discovered a few additions.

The Windows Key (located between the Ctrl and Alt keys on your keyboard) allows you to push it and another key to gain quick access to some Windows utilities and programs. Here are the combos:

* Windows Key + F = Find
* Windows Key + E = Windows Explorer (my favorite)
* Windows Key + R = Run
* Windows Key + M = Minimize all open windows so that you can see your desktop again (Windows Key + D will do the same thing)
* Windows Key + C = Control Panel
* Windows Key + Pause/Break = System Properties

Enable your menus and toolbars in Internet Explorer 9 – Video Tip

This tip applies to Windows Vista and Windows 7, 8, and 10 users only. Since Microsoft opted to not include XP users in the upgrade path to Internet Explorer 9, you XP users can file this tip until you upgrade to your next computer (if you stay with Windows). If you chose or were automatically updated to Internet Explorer 9, you may… Read More »Enable your menus and toolbars in Internet Explorer 9 – Video Tip

Must read article for ALL computer illiterate users

I detest the phrase computer illiterate, but unfortunately hear it almost daily in my work. I think the better way for a computer user who feels inadequate around the technology and the terminology is to refer to themselves as time challenged. Since illiteracy can be thwarted with a healthy dose of education, that leaves making the time to obtain that education the… Read More »Must read article for ALL computer illiterate users

Rick’s guide to trouble free computing

Advice chairIn January, this web site and my business will turn 13 years old. In that time, I have worked on thousands of computers ranging from the oldest DOS machines to the newest gaming and Mac monsters. My youngest client in that time has been 5 years old and my oldest was a 94 year old author writing a book for the first time on a PC. When your work in any field for a certain period of time, you start to spot patterns and consistencies.

After incubating the idea in my head for about six months, I want to share with you (and anyone you forward this article to) my opinion of how to use computer technology with the bare minimum of issues and cash. The following would be my advice to a computer user who truly wanted to follow my advice, no questions asked, based on my knowledge and experience.

  1. Buy a mid-range laptop costing no more than $600. Immediately install Ubuntu Linux on the laptop and allow Ubuntu to completely erase the drive’s contents (Windows and a ton of trial ware) as it installs. Ubuntu will provide you a top notch Office productivity package (word processor, spreadsheet, presentation manager, etc), tons of games, CD/DVD burning, secure, fast Internet browsing with Firefox, photo management and editing software, and more for no cost. Ubuntu also does not require

Troubleshooting Sharing Printers in Windows 7 or Vista – Video Tip

Windows Vista and 7 have helped make networking computers a little easier, but there are still some idiosyncrasies  that can be irritating. One of those is the default password required for sharing of printers or files. You can shut it off, thankfully. Here’s how: Click Start Type:  Advanced Look for and click Manage Advanced Sharing Options Scroll down to the Password Protected… Read More »Troubleshooting Sharing Printers in Windows 7 or Vista – Video Tip

5 Quick and Easy Steps to Spring Clean your PC

Spring has sprung and along with your other spring cleaning chores add these five computer cleaning techniques to keep your computer clean, cool, and happy.

  1. Desktops: Unplug all of your cables (label them if necessary) and take the tower outside. Open up the side (usually thumb screws or a latch on the back of the computer) and blow the dust out of the system with a can of compressed air. I recommend starting from the top and moving towards the bottom making sweeping motions from side to side. Pay particular attention to the vents on the case so your computer breathes well. Don’t over spray the fans as you might cause some damage to

How to download, install, and configure Avast Antivirus – Video Tip

I try to continually test and analyze what is available in the world of computers for my clients and web site visitors. Security tops the list of the testing, reading, and studying I do. Recently, AVG released yet another upgrade, and more bulk. As of today, I no longer recommend that users use AVG Antivirus. My current recommendations are as… Read More »How to download, install, and configure Avast Antivirus – Video Tip

How to fix and control AutoPlay in Windows 7 – Video Tip

AutoPlay is the function of any operating system that controls what happens when you plug something into the computer. Whether it be a CD, DVD, digital camera, camera memory card, USB drive, MP3 player or other item, your computer reacts to it based on a preset of instructions. For reasons that number in the dozens, these instructions can change, be… Read More »How to fix and control AutoPlay in Windows 7 – Video Tip

Windows 7 – 4 month report

Technically, I’ve been using Windows 7 (in beta and final form) for more than a year, but for today’s discussion I want to review what I’ve seen with it since its public release in October.  Since then, I have helped many computer users setup their new Windows 7 laptops, desktop, and netbooks (probably around 125-150 new systems in total). I also helped around a dozen or so computer users upgrade from XP or Vista to Windows 7.

After this hands on experience, I’ve started to see some trends about Windows 7 that I like and some that I don’t like. Maybe some of this information will help you with the purchase of your next system.

Windows 7 is Vista done right (in the speed department)

On the surface, many computer users familiar with Windows Vista will think they are simply looking at Windows Vista. And overall, they would be right. Except for the small user interface changes with the Start menu, taskbar changes, system tray overhaul, and the way you can interact with open Windows, Windows 7 looks and feels like Vista. Under the hood, however, is where Microsoft Read More »Windows 7 – 4 month report

How to transfer your iTunes library & playlists to a new computer

If you use an iPod, iTouch, or iPhone and plan on getting a new computer, you will want to read this article! OR, if you use any of these devices and want to make sure your library stays safe, you will want to read this article!

Yesterday, I helped a customer setup a new Windows 7 computer and transfer email, favorites, and other data from his old Windows XP computer. Turns out that he also needed to move his iTunes library of more than 8,000 songs and almost 150 playlists!

There isn’t too much I panic about when I arrive at a customer’s home or office, but moving large, customized iTunes libraries is something that does get me a little nervous. In the past, I have had to open an iTunes XML file in a word processor and then use find and replace to enter the path to the storage location on the new computer. It was extremely difficult and tedious.

I am happy to report that I successfully transferred the entire 36 gigabyte library and playlists usingRead More »How to transfer your iTunes library & playlists to a new computer