Windows Basics you may not have Thought to Know

February 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

You may know the basics of searching the Internet, but do you know how to find people? About storing your digital photos, or playing a favorite game? Do you know how to instant message, or place your favorite picture on your desktop background?

No?

Then you’ll want to peruse some of these great Windows Basics:

  • Sure, you’ve searched for files, for printers; you’ve even searched the Internet generally, but search for people? By typing in the person’s name and where they live, you can begin with a great list. Put everything in quotation marks when you search, and you’re on your way! Internet Search services, widely available on the Internet can also help you locate that lost someone.
  • The My Picture Folder helps you to organize your pictures. Pictures from your digital camera are stored here. In the folder you can decide whether to print your picture, order additional prints from the Internet or other picture management tasks.
  • Tap into DirectX to play some games. DirectX will teach you all of the steps, from installing to troubleshooting.
  • Learn how to network the web through Windows XP. You may know how to email, but do you know how to instant message? Find out through the Windows XP tutorial at Microsoft.com.
  • Sure, you’ve used your computer multiple times, but how do you add on a new user, someone who has access to your files and computer programs? learn how to add a new user through the tutorial, “To add a new user to the computer” found at Microsoft.com.
  • Use your favorite picture as your desktop background. Once the picture is within My Picture Folder, it is easy enough to retrieve and place as your desktop background.
  • Get involved in a newsgroup. Interested in pottery or at-home business opportunities? The options to be a part of a newsgroup are as many and varied as the people who frequent the Internet.

Have fun trying some of these Windows basics—they might just spur you on to even greater fun.

Filed Under: Internet, Windows Tagged With: , , , ,

Windows Desktop Fun

February 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Windows XP introduced a new interface, along w...

Image via Wikipedia

What do you have to know to use Windows?

Quite a bit.

The good news is that you can learn as you go, taking in the bare minimum at first, and filtering in some fun and wacky stuff as you go along.

Here’s some fun to get you started:

  • Get ahold of a desktop background that you can be proud of. Choose from 14 category images including “Fireworks Display” and “Lovebirds” at Microsoft.com as well as new categories dealing with “Automotive,” “Nature” and more. Check back every month. A great selection of options offered by the How-To-Geek includes: cats, dogs, tigers, flowers and more. All Theme Packs are available at Microsoft.
  • Favorite themes for the desktop include: “Harry Potter,” Narnia: Dawn Treader” and “Best of Bing 5”.
  • Find a gadget such as a clock, a WeatherBug, or a “Super Search Bar” to add a bit of extra class to your desktop. Put together a slide show of your favorites. Or get your wallpaper to rotate using the Mozilla Firefox Wallpaper Rotator—for folks who prefer a bit of the dark side.
  • Get a Digital Photography Fun Pack for Windows XP. Get what you need to create greeting cards and title slides or get the Sci-Fi Icons Packs Series 2. A sample of “Borg-green” wallpaper can be found at How-to Geek.
  • Juice up your Folder Icons by using “130 Fund Desktop Folder Icons” found at: cnet.com.
  • Try some of the new enhancements such as, “ObjectDock 2.0,” “Fences” or “Winstep Nexus Dock.” Surround yourself with new widgets, drag and drop options, as well as styles and special effects for your desktop.

Because Windows is almost as common as, well, the microwave oven, it would be fair to say that many of us are looking to go beyond the basics of Windows use and to have some well-needed fun. Get started here with these great ideas; they will more than likely lead you to more.

Filed Under: Internet, Windows Tagged With: , , , ,

Some of the Best Things About Microsoft Windows 7

January 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

After Windows ME, the folks at Microsoft learned from their mistakes. They have come a long way with Windows 7 which is good, because users didn’t know what to expect. Many PC users have embraced this newest offering. There six editions to Windows 7, but most persons only know of three, namely: the Ultimate, Professional and Home Premium. The other editions are not available for sale in some countries. These are the Starter, Home Basic, and Enterprise. Each edition is geared towards a different user level. The Ultimate edition is aimed at the PC and Windows experts while Starter Edition is for budget-priced notebooks.

With Windows 7, Microsoft unveiled a number of cool new features. Some of these which have made tasks easier include:

1. The Problem Steps Recorder or PSR: Many PC users have had trouble explaining to tech support what they did before they encountered a problem, or what the problem is. This fantastic feature is godsend to technicians as they can see what you did. You would need to activate it so as to record your steps, but it is easy to use.
2. Being able to search from the start button has been available since Vista, but is even more of a time saver with Windows 7. It is quite intuitive and a great tool for persons who are not PC savvy.
3. Homegroup setup and networking is easy and this makes sense since just about every household has more than one PC or laptop, not to mention Smartphones. Once a HomeGroup has been set up on one PC or laptop, all the others running Windows 7 will be automatically detected and added.

Granted there is a learning curve to Windows 7, but there are so many useful features it is worth the time it takes to learn. After getting used to the updated interface, finding things on the menu is very easy.

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Why Windows Updates Should not be Ignored

January 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Anyone who owns or uses a computer regularly would have had least seen a Windows Update notification pop up every now and then. Savvy computer users are well aware of the need to install these updates when they are available. But, what are Windows Updates? These are small programs that Microsoft engineers release to fix bugs and glitches in the operating system. There is in fact, a Microsoft Updates option which provides updates not only for Windows but a range of Microsoft products including Office.

While not everyone thinks it is vital to install these updates when they become available, it is always better to err on the side of caution. This is especially true for those updates that are listed as critical or security updates. These are meant to fix holes in IE (Internet Explorer) or the Windows OS. When these security patches are not used it is easy for virus and other malware to infect a computer or network.

With automatic update it is easy and painless to keep abreast of Windows Updates as they become available. Computer users who activate this feature can relax knowing they are always protected. There are instances when you may need to respond to notifications or give permission for updating to take place. If you would rather not use automatic update, then manually check for them at least once per week. Since security updates are released every second Tuesday of each month, known as Patch Tuesday, later in the week is a good time to check for these patches.

There was a time when some people felt that having just one PC or laptop with antivirus software meant that updates weren’t essential. But these days, with so many people being active online and sharing files it is always better to be safe than sorry.

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Why an Online Education May be Right For You

January 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The field of education has changed drastically over the years. The advent of the Internet and greater access to computers and new software has led to a virtual revolution where learning is concerned. People use computers and the Internet for research, virtual study groups, and of course many classes are now held entirely online. The Internet as a learning tool transcends age, gender and class. There is some form of educational activity online for just about anyone.

Three of the major benefits of online education are:

1. The cost is generally lower
The cost of education, especially at the college level can be prohibitive for many people. Online education is generally cheaper, making it possible for more people to pursue their studies. Students also benefit from the fact that travel is unnecessary, and there is often no need to buy printed material. While many trusted academic resources may need to be purchased, electronic versions are usually less expensive and generally more current.
2. The virtual classroom can be accessed from almost anywhere in the world
The ability to get an education or just gain knowledge has been improved significantly by access to the Internet. For some people attending college was a dream due to cost, distance and family and work obligations. Now they can seek career advancement through online education.
3. Easier access to information and updating of information
The Internet has made it easy for people to learn new things by using online resources. Studies have shown that more and more, students at all levels are using Internet resources for research. These resources include online or electronic libraries, electronic journals and databases just to name a few.

There can be no doubt that the Internet and access to computers have changed the way people learn. Some of the world’s top schools now have online programs for students.

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Great Careers in Computing

January 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The boom in computer technology has given rise to major changes in education and the development of exciting career options. There are various school programs at all levels designed to prepare individuals to meet the demands of the industry. It is possible to focus on one area, or to have a mix of disciplines. Some of the most in-demand skills being sought by tech and other types of companies are:

1. Software Engineering: This involves creating the programs that power everything from operating systems to games. Many universities offer these studies, but there are also other institutions offering training in this field.
2. Computer Engineering: This field covers both the software and hardware aspects of computing. These skills are also heavily utilized by communications companies and other tech-intensive companies.
3. Information technology architects: Here the focus is on developing computer infrastructure such as networks. This particular discipline often covers software as well. Many types of businesses and institutions have need for these skills. This job often involves making software and system recommendations as well.
4. Tech support: There will always be computing issues of one kind or another. Tech support is a vital part of the industry and it is the linchpin of the customer service efforts of any tech companies.

Currently there is a shortage of skilled workers in some areas of the tech industry. Makers of popular gadgets have expressed concern about finding enough workers to help meet the growing demand for their products worldwide. Currently, there are many computing careers that deal only with the needs of Smartphone users. The creation of applications for these devices is currently a billion dollar industry.

Careers in the field of computer science can open up whole new worlds for anyone trying to chart their own path. It is best that anyone with an interest in computing to seek career guidance before making a decision. There are many different career paths when it comes to computing.

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Don’t Forget to Back Up Those Files

January 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

One of the biggest problems with computers is that the people who operate them forget to back them up. They assume that the computer will just keep working fine, and they won’t need to worry about their files or other information. Then, when the computer crashes or stops working, or a file accidentally gets deleted, there’s a serious problem. That’s especially true if the file that disappeared was important, or there was sensitive and important information on the computer that was badly needed. Don’t let that happen to you. You don’t have to be a victim of a computer crash or accidental file deletion, because there are programs to protect you.

One such program is PC Tools, which is designed to back up your computer so that you don’t lose important files or documents. It will restore files with its backup and recovery software, and it also has other features that can help protect you and make the most of your computing experience. Avoid that sick feeling you get when you realize that your computer just isn’t going to turn back on, or when you discover that you clicked the wrong file for deletion and those treasured family memories are now gone forever.

Every day, people delete things off of their computers, only to wish that they had them back in the future. You’ve probably done it too. If it hasn’t happened to you yet, don’t assume that you’ll be safe in the future. An accidental deletion of something you wanted to keep – or a complete computer crash that wipes out everything – can happen to anyone. When your files are backed up and can be restored, you’ll have peace of mind and you can enjoy working with your computer and saving important documents to it. Living in fear of a computer crash is no fun, but you don’t have to do that anymore.

Filed Under: General, Internet, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Getting Richer Web Content With Microsoft Silverlight

January 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

When it comes to rich media on the Internet, Flash used to be the go to software. However, Microsoft entered the arena a few years ago with its Silverlight. Still, not many people fully understand what Silverlight is all about. The add-on helps to improve the viewing of animations, multimedia and other rich content on websites.

Silverlight works across platforms and browsers to make the web browsing experience better and to enhance interactivity. Some of the things it is known for include:

1. Deep Zoom feature which enables the zooming of pictures while maintaining quality.
2. It can be used to develop and deliver interactive content to the mobile web which is good since so many people now have Smartphones.
3. It supports and enables quality display of large video files which can be difficult to load on websites. Users want information on the web to be delivered quickly.
4. It is fast, allowing the playing of more than one video if needed without slowing down the PC as long as there is enough bandwidth.

At this point in time it is not a necessity for every computer user as not all websites require this particular download. However, over time this may change and when it does, Silverlight could very well become the standard. Right now, Silverlight is of more importance to developers than it is to the average user. Most people just want to be assured of quality content, whether it is animations or movie files. They really don’t care if the underlying software is Flash or Silverlight.

More and more, users with the Internet Explorer browser are getting notifications that they need to install Microsoft Silverlight when they want to view certain videos. The fact that it is free is an added bonus as anyone who wants it can easily download it.

Filed Under: Internet Tagged With:

The Best Netbooks on the Market

January 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

These days just about everyone is on a budget. This can be pretty tedious to deal with when new tech products are constantly being released. Thankfully, manufacturers do make an effort to create devices that are cutting edge but a bit easier on the wallet. Of course, with technology, you get what you pay for. So if you pay less, you have to expect to get less.

This is the case with netbooks, which are like scaled down versions of laptops. They are physically smaller and less powerful than even low end models of laptops. Two major advantages however is that netbooks are much lighter, and usually far less expensive. You can even get one for free with the right Internet service contract. Just be sure the rates are to your liking before signing up. As with typical laptops, no netbook is perfect, and some excel in certain areas while falling down in others. A few of the best available today are:

1. Lenovo ThinkPad X100e: Actually Lenovo as a brand is making strides in the tech world. The ThinkPad gets top marks for its processing speed.
2. Asus Eee PC 1015PED: The long lasting battery makes it a hit with netbook users, although the video quality need some work.
3. Gateway LT2118u: This netbook model has won praise for good battery life and its innovative design.
4. HP Mini 210-1199DX: It is highly rated for its looks and style, but it is pricier than most other products.

Right now netbooks are hot commodities in the tech arena. Many people simply want to access online entertainment and to view their favorite websites especially while on the go. They simply don’t need the kind of processing power that you can expect with laptops or desktop PCs. Current market trends show an increase in demand for these handy devices.

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How Useful are Internet Newsgroups?

January 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Internet has given rise to new industries and a whole new world of terms and concepts. Even now, new ways are being created to do the same old things. Possibly one of the best examples of this is the way information is managed and disseminated. Internet newsgroups, or usenet newsgroups offer not news stories, but also a variety of far reaching topics for general discussion.

The main positive about these discussion groups is that they promote dialogue between individuals of vastly different points of view. People in various fields are recognizing the importance of and using discussion groups.

Some groups are dedicated to particular topics, while others follow the current news items of the day. Search resources like Bing by Microsoft are often heavily utilized to find newsgroups. The groups function effectively because all users have access to the same data and news reports. Some of the topics that power newsgroup discussions are:

1. Entertainment
2. Politics
3. Science
4. Sports

Even learning institutions use newsgroups, or encourage participation to broaden the perspectives of students. In fact, many of the topics discussed on these groups make their way into the classroom. Most newsgroups are free, requiring only an email address to obtain access.

Sometimes proprietary software is necessary to read news items and post comments. Often these can be downloaded free of charge. There are also websites which list the top newsgroups, which makes it easy for users to find those dealing with the topic of their choice.

There are groups that do not require software downloads. Users simply sign up and log in to join discussions. They can also be kept updated via email of current news items and discussion threads. It is also possible for users to start their own newsgroups. It should always be kept in mind that some discussions can quickly spiral out of control.

Filed Under: Internet, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: , , , ,
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