Although I've made an effort to give detailed instructions on how to do things on the computer in the past, I've thought it might make things easier to setup a page with links to some those posts.
You can (and should) still use the search feature on this blog, but I hope the new page will help answer some of the more common questions more quickly.
I even added the new page in the navigation menu, so all you have to do is click the "How To" button to get immediate access to the links.
I'll do my best to add to remember to add to the list every time I create a new "how to" post, but just in case you can't find what you're looking for, don't forget to use the search feature.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
What's Wrong With the iPad?
While iPads continue to be the latest craze (next to the iPhone), I've recently come across a few articles that I thought you might be interested in. I've played with the iPad a few times and don't own one. So my knowledge and opinion of them is limited. At first glance, they are cool and fun to use and the portability makes them great for easy carry along.
But like anything else, once you spend some time getting to knows the ins and out of a device, you get a better feel for works great and what doesn't. These articles share a bit more insight into problems (or complaints) about the iPad.
But like anything else, once you spend some time getting to knows the ins and out of a device, you get a better feel for works great and what doesn't. These articles share a bit more insight into problems (or complaints) about the iPad.
By the way, if you're interested in alternatives to iPad, here's an article detailing iPad's 12 biggest competitors.
Acer is also working on it's own version of the iPad. This one (compared to the others) looks the most interesting to me.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Troubleshooting Printer Problems
Printer problems are one of the more frustrating issues we computer users sometimes have to deal with. That's because most of us only have one printer attached to the computer and when we need to print something, we typically need it now.
There are many different things can cause printer problems, but regardless of the problem, the basic steps to troubleshoot the problem are the same. Hopefully the steps below will help solve your problem. If they don't, you may need to contact technical support for further help.
First things first .....
Look for error messages on the computer or the printer itself. These messages can help you find the cause immediately. Some of the common error messages you may see include paper jam or no ink. Some printers only have flashing lights to indicate problems. Your printer manual should be able to help you decipher what the flashing lights mean. If you don't have your printer manual (or can't find it), you should be able to download a copy of it on the manufacturer's website.
Listen to the printer. If you hear the printer trying to print, then you know the computer is talking to the printer and that the problem is in the printer itself. It may be that the printer is out of paper, or the paper isn't feeding correctly. if you don't hear anything, the printer is either off (or really dead) or the computer may not be talking to the printer (which requires further troubleshooting).
The next step is to check the printer queue. Every time we click the print button, the print job is sent to the queue and when the printer isn't working, these print jobs can pile up (causing more problems). Checking the print queue will reveal backlogged print jobs ... and if there are any, you'll want to delete them all. Follow the steps below to check the print queue.
Power-Cycling the Printer is another good troubleshooting step when having printer problems. Doing so re-initializes the printer and can clear up some issues. You can also reboot the computer. Sometimes it's best to shut down the computer, then power-cycle the printer, and then start the computer back up. This helps to re-establish communication between the two.
Check the Manufacturer's web site for more help. Most manufacturer web sites have a good support section that details common problems and how to fix them. They may also offer software patches to fix known technical issues. This step may be too advanced for some people, but this is still an option.
Uninstalling your printer's software and reinstalling is another option ... although, I typically consider this a last resort. If you do decide to try this, be sure to uninstall through the control panel. If you don't have your printer disk, you can download the software from the manufacturer's web site. Be sure to get the software that matches your operating system (Winy7, Vista, XP, etc.) and System Type (32 or 64 bit).
Ink Problems are another common issue all together. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning the print heads, removing the tape on the ink cartridge, reseating ink cartridges, or changing cartridges all together. Your printer manual can help you accomplish these tasks.
These steps won't fix every printer problem, but they do fix the majority of them. And with luck, they'll fix yours as well.
There are many different things can cause printer problems, but regardless of the problem, the basic steps to troubleshoot the problem are the same. Hopefully the steps below will help solve your problem. If they don't, you may need to contact technical support for further help.
First things first .....
Look for error messages on the computer or the printer itself. These messages can help you find the cause immediately. Some of the common error messages you may see include paper jam or no ink. Some printers only have flashing lights to indicate problems. Your printer manual should be able to help you decipher what the flashing lights mean. If you don't have your printer manual (or can't find it), you should be able to download a copy of it on the manufacturer's website.
Listen to the printer. If you hear the printer trying to print, then you know the computer is talking to the printer and that the problem is in the printer itself. It may be that the printer is out of paper, or the paper isn't feeding correctly. if you don't hear anything, the printer is either off (or really dead) or the computer may not be talking to the printer (which requires further troubleshooting).
The next step is to check the printer queue. Every time we click the print button, the print job is sent to the queue and when the printer isn't working, these print jobs can pile up (causing more problems). Checking the print queue will reveal backlogged print jobs ... and if there are any, you'll want to delete them all. Follow the steps below to check the print queue.
- Click the START button and then CONTROL PANEL
- Open the PRINTER folder
- Double-left click on your printer icon (a new window opens)
- If there are any print jobs queued, they will show up on the window. When troubleshooting the printer, you want to delete all of these print jobs. To do this, single-left click a job (to highlight it) and then click DOCUMENT and CANCEL on the window's menu. Repeat the process for every print job.
- Once the print queue is empty, it wouldn't hurt to reboot the computer as well as power-cycle the printer.
Power-Cycling the Printer is another good troubleshooting step when having printer problems. Doing so re-initializes the printer and can clear up some issues. You can also reboot the computer. Sometimes it's best to shut down the computer, then power-cycle the printer, and then start the computer back up. This helps to re-establish communication between the two.
Check the Manufacturer's web site for more help. Most manufacturer web sites have a good support section that details common problems and how to fix them. They may also offer software patches to fix known technical issues. This step may be too advanced for some people, but this is still an option.
Uninstalling your printer's software and reinstalling is another option ... although, I typically consider this a last resort. If you do decide to try this, be sure to uninstall through the control panel. If you don't have your printer disk, you can download the software from the manufacturer's web site. Be sure to get the software that matches your operating system (Winy7, Vista, XP, etc.) and System Type (32 or 64 bit).
Ink Problems are another common issue all together. Most of these problems can be solved by cleaning the print heads, removing the tape on the ink cartridge, reseating ink cartridges, or changing cartridges all together. Your printer manual can help you accomplish these tasks.
These steps won't fix every printer problem, but they do fix the majority of them. And with luck, they'll fix yours as well.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Customizing Windows Gadgets
Windows Gadgets are new feature included with Windows Vista and Windows 7. Gadgets are really Window's version of Yahoo Widgets. Gadgets are little tools you can add to your desktop. The more popular gadgets used include the weather, calender and clock.
Windows displays gadgets in an invisible sidebar on the right side of the desktop. However, this sidebar can moved to the left side of the desktop if you prefer. You can also configure Windows to start the sidebar (and gadgets) every time windows starts.
If you don't see any gadgets on your desktop, it's most likely because the sidebar is closed. The easiest way to re-enable it is to click the START button and type "sidebar" in the search field and hit enter. Then click the WINDOWS SIDEBAR link in the results.
To Configure the Sidebar to Start Every Time Windows Starts, follow the steps below:
If you add the weather gadget, you'll have to configure it to display the weather for your current location. If you rest your mouse on the right side of the icon, you'll see a little wrench (click it). Type your location (city, state) in the search field and then click the magnifying glass before clicking OK.
You can easily close gadgets you no longer want by hitting the X to the right of the gadget's icon ... or you can right click on the gadget itself and select CLOSE GADGET.
Moving Gadgets
By default, gadgets are placed in line with each other on the sidebar (which is usually displayed on the right side of the desktop). But if you prefer, you can detach any gadget and move it wherever you want it on the dektop. All you do is right-click on the gadget and select "Detach From Sidebar". Then hold the left mouse button down the gadget to drag it wherever you want it.
For more information on Windows Gadgets, click here.
Windows displays gadgets in an invisible sidebar on the right side of the desktop. However, this sidebar can moved to the left side of the desktop if you prefer. You can also configure Windows to start the sidebar (and gadgets) every time windows starts.
If you don't see any gadgets on your desktop, it's most likely because the sidebar is closed. The easiest way to re-enable it is to click the START button and type "sidebar" in the search field and hit enter. Then click the WINDOWS SIDEBAR link in the results.
To Configure the Sidebar to Start Every Time Windows Starts, follow the steps below:
- Click the START button and then CONTROL PANEL
- Double-left click the WINDOWS SIDEBAR PROPERTIES icon
- Make sure there is a checkmark in the box next to "Start Sidebar when Windows Starts"
- Click OK
If you add the weather gadget, you'll have to configure it to display the weather for your current location. If you rest your mouse on the right side of the icon, you'll see a little wrench (click it). Type your location (city, state) in the search field and then click the magnifying glass before clicking OK.
You can easily close gadgets you no longer want by hitting the X to the right of the gadget's icon ... or you can right click on the gadget itself and select CLOSE GADGET.
Moving Gadgets
By default, gadgets are placed in line with each other on the sidebar (which is usually displayed on the right side of the desktop). But if you prefer, you can detach any gadget and move it wherever you want it on the dektop. All you do is right-click on the gadget and select "Detach From Sidebar". Then hold the left mouse button down the gadget to drag it wherever you want it.
For more information on Windows Gadgets, click here.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
How to Insert Pictures Into Microsoft Works Word Documents
Microsoft Works Word comes preinstalled on many new computers (unlike Microsoft Office, which you have to purchase). Works Word is similar to Word, but does look and feel a bit different. Inserting images into Works Word is also similar, but the terminology and steps are a bit different. The instructions below will help you insert images into your Works Word documents as well as manipulate the image.
To begin, open Microsoft Works for Word. You can start typing your text and insert the picture later or insert the picture first and type later. For the sake of these instructions, I recommend typing some text first so you can better see how text can be made to wrap around the image.
Once you have your text, follow the steps below to insert a picture into the Works Document.
To Resize the Image, single left click on it so it’s highlighted. Notice you’ll see eight small black squares along the border of the image. While holding down the left mouse button, you can drag these boxes downward and inward to make the image smaller (or outward to make the image larger).
Please note that in order to not distort the image, you’ll only want to drag the corner boxes (not the boxes in the middle of the top and bottom border).
To Wrap Text Around the Image, RIGHT CLICK on the image and select FORMAT OBJECT.
Under the “Wrapping Tab”, you’ll see three options (or styles). The pictures help explain each option, but you can make the image appear inline with the text, or make the text wrap around the image. The difference between “Square” and “Tight” is the amount of white space left between the image and text.
Notice that you also have the option to make the image appear on the left or right side of the page (as opposed to center). Though worded poorly, selecting the option to have “no text on the right” allows you to move the image on the right side of the page (though you have to move the image manually). Likewise, “no text on left” allows you to move the image to the left side of the page and wrap text around it. These options are only available when “square” or “tight” wrap options are selected. Once you’ve selected either no text on left or right side, you can hold the left mouse button down the image and drag it to the left or right corners of your page.
After wrapping your text around the image, you may notice there are two other tabs on the Format Object window. The “size tab” just allows you to resize the image by typing in numbers. Most people don’t use this tab since it’s easier to drag the corners of the image.
The “text tab” is similar in that it allows you more finite control over the placement of text around the image. But this tab is rarely used as well.
If you're using Microsoft Office instead of Microsoft Works, click here for help with inserting pictures into Word.
To begin, open Microsoft Works for Word. You can start typing your text and insert the picture later or insert the picture first and type later. For the sake of these instructions, I recommend typing some text first so you can better see how text can be made to wrap around the image.
Once you have your text, follow the steps below to insert a picture into the Works Document.
- On the menu, select INSERT, then PICTURE, then FROM FILE
To Resize the Image, single left click on it so it’s highlighted. Notice you’ll see eight small black squares along the border of the image. While holding down the left mouse button, you can drag these boxes downward and inward to make the image smaller (or outward to make the image larger).
Please note that in order to not distort the image, you’ll only want to drag the corner boxes (not the boxes in the middle of the top and bottom border).
To Wrap Text Around the Image, RIGHT CLICK on the image and select FORMAT OBJECT.
Under the “Wrapping Tab”, you’ll see three options (or styles). The pictures help explain each option, but you can make the image appear inline with the text, or make the text wrap around the image. The difference between “Square” and “Tight” is the amount of white space left between the image and text.
Notice that you also have the option to make the image appear on the left or right side of the page (as opposed to center). Though worded poorly, selecting the option to have “no text on the right” allows you to move the image on the right side of the page (though you have to move the image manually). Likewise, “no text on left” allows you to move the image to the left side of the page and wrap text around it. These options are only available when “square” or “tight” wrap options are selected. Once you’ve selected either no text on left or right side, you can hold the left mouse button down the image and drag it to the left or right corners of your page.
After wrapping your text around the image, you may notice there are two other tabs on the Format Object window. The “size tab” just allows you to resize the image by typing in numbers. Most people don’t use this tab since it’s easier to drag the corners of the image.
The “text tab” is similar in that it allows you more finite control over the placement of text around the image. But this tab is rarely used as well.
If you're using Microsoft Office instead of Microsoft Works, click here for help with inserting pictures into Word.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Free Programs Every Computer Should Have
There are many free programs that every computer should have installed. You should also make sure their up to date. If you a see warning notice pop up telling you an update is available, you'll want to say "yes" to downloading and installing it.
You can easily check to see if these programs are installed on your computer by clicking the START button and then ALL PROGRAMS. You'll have to scan the list of programs looking for the titles below. If you do see these programs installed, it would be a good idea to open them and click the CHECK FOR UPDATES button which is usually located under HELP on the menu.
You can easily check to see if these programs are installed on your computer by clicking the START button and then ALL PROGRAMS. You'll have to scan the list of programs looking for the titles below. If you do see these programs installed, it would be a good idea to open them and click the CHECK FOR UPDATES button which is usually located under HELP on the menu.
Adobe Reader
Adobe Reader is the program that lets you open and PDF documents. If you already have Adobe Reader installed on your computer, you can open it and click HELP and then CHECK FOR UPDATES to get the latest version. If you don't have Adobe Reader installed, you can click here to get it. If you want the ability to convert your documents to PDF for easier sharing through email and the internet, then you'll want to buy Adobe Acrobat.
Flash PlayerMany websites today use Flash technology to add graphics, video, and other interactive modules. Flash player allows to view these websites correctly. Flash is a plugin installed in your internet browser (e.g., internet explorer, firefox, etc.), so it needs to be installed in each browser separately. To get the latest flash player, click here.
JavaJava is similar to Flash, but is different technology. You know those cute little greeting cards you get in the email that say "click here" to create your own firework show around the statue of liberty or throw snowballs, etc. ... those are created using Java. Java is also used on many business sites like FedEx, USPS, and others. To get the latest version of Java, click here.
QuickTimeMany of the videos you see on websites use QuickTime to play them. QuickTime is Apple's technology so it can be installed on PC's and MAC computers. If you have QuickTime installed on your computer, you may see a program (under ALL PROGRAMS) called, APPLE SOFTWARE UPDATES. You can open that program to update it. If you don't have it, you can get the latest version of QuickTime by clicking here.
MalwareBytes AntiMalwareThis is one of my favorite programs! It specializes in removing junk from your computer. There is a free and paid version of this program and the difference is automation. You have to update and run the scans yourself in the free version, whereas the paid version will automatically do those things for you. To learn more about MalwareBytes AntiMalware, click here.
PowerPoint ViewerThis program allows you open and view PowerPoint Files (PPT and PPS). All those cute little slide shows you get in email are usually created with PowerPoint. You only need this program if you DON'T have PowerPoint installed on your computer. To download PowerPoint Viewer, click here.
If you don't have Microsoft Office installed your computer, you can also download free viewers so you can open and read Microsoft Word and Excel documents too. But like the PowerPoint Viewer, you only need the Word Viewer and Excel Viewer if you don't have Word or Excel installed on your computer.
Microsoft Office Compatibility Converter PackYou only need this program if you have Microsoft Office installed and it's a version earlier than 2007. You don't need it if you have Microsoft Office 2007 or later or if you don't have Microsoft Office installed. This converter pack allows earlier version of Microsoft Office to open Word, Excel and PowerPoint files created with Microsoft Office 2007 and later. To get the Microsoft Office Converter Pack, click here.
Microsoft Works 6-9 File ConverterThis program is for Microsoft Word users who sometimes have to open documents created with Microsoft Works. Although Microsoft created both programs, they're not compatible with each other. Many new computers today come with Microsoft Works pre-installed. And this is the only program you are working in, that's fine. But if you're a Word user and now need to open a Works document (.wps), this converter will let you. To download the Works converter, click here.
FirefoxI'm a big believer that EVERY computer should have a second internet browser installed. The reason is that if Internet Explorer gets corrupted (which it frequently does), then the only way to fix it is to get to the internet ... but if you can't get to the internet, you can't fix it. That's where having another browser your computer is helpful. Having another browser on your computer will let you get to the internet if Internet Explorer is corrupted. You don't have to use Firefox if you don't want to. But having it installed will give you a backdoor to the internet. While there are other browser alternatives (Chrome, Safari, Netscape, etc.), Firefox is my favorite browser. To get Firefox, click here.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
How to Make Text Larger on the Internet
I've been sharing this tip with my clients for years, and thought it a good idea to share it here too. Some of us are visually challenged and find it difficult to read the text on many web pages. Even more frustrating is that the text size varies from web site to web site.
The cool thing is that there is a keyboard trick you can do to easily increase or decrease the size of text on any web page you're visiting. And this trick works in both Internet Explorer and Firefox (as well as other internet browsers).
To make text larger, hold down the CTRL key on the keyboard and then hit the + sign. You can keep hitting the plus the sign while the CTRL key is held down to zoom in a couple of times.
To make text smaller, hold down the CTRL key on the keyboard and hit the - sign (minus key to the left of the + sign). Again, as long as you are holding down the CTRL key, you can keep hitting the minus key.
Using this little trick, you can quickly and easily change the text size of web pages so they're easier to read.
The cool thing is that there is a keyboard trick you can do to easily increase or decrease the size of text on any web page you're visiting. And this trick works in both Internet Explorer and Firefox (as well as other internet browsers).
To make text larger, hold down the CTRL key on the keyboard and then hit the + sign. You can keep hitting the plus the sign while the CTRL key is held down to zoom in a couple of times.
To make text smaller, hold down the CTRL key on the keyboard and hit the - sign (minus key to the left of the + sign). Again, as long as you are holding down the CTRL key, you can keep hitting the minus key.
Using this little trick, you can quickly and easily change the text size of web pages so they're easier to read.
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