Contemporary Solutions

Computer Tips and Tricks

a compilation of "secrets" from many sources and my own experience 

A Quick Review:  Remember…

• Install anti-virus software and update it regularly.
• Install an anti-spyware program and update it regularly.
• Never reply to a Spam email.
• Never reply to a Phishing email – one that asks for personal information.
• Never click on a link in an email from someone you do not know.
• Use only secure web sites when purchasing online.
• Never use a debit card on the Internet.
• Use a Firewall on your computer.
• Use a Router to connect to your ISP never connect directly.
• Backup your files regularly.
• Use a surge protector, and unplug everything during a storm.
• Set a password to access the computer if necessary.
• Don't have passwords written down and easily accessible to others.
• Use proper computer and email etiquette.

• Picture files are large files and do not email easily.
• Make your picture files smaller for emailing and for storing them on the computer.
• Download the Microsoft Image Resizer.
• Go to: www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx
• Scroll down the list on the right side of the page until you find the Image Resizer.
• Click on ImageResizer.exe to download the program.
• Follow all the prompts on the screens that follow to install it.
• When the Image Resizer is downloaded, you will then have an option to “resize” your pictures when you right-click on a picture file.

• How many times have you typed a large amount of text only to look up and see that you had the Caps Lock key on?
• To avoid this, apply sound to the Caps Lock key.

-        Go to the Control Panel.-        Choose Accessibility Options.-        Choose the Keyboard tab.-        Under the Toggle Keys section, click on the box in front of Use Toggle Keys.-        Click Apply, then close all boxes. 

Using Accent Marks and Other Symbols:

·        How can we find accent marks, degree symbols, fractions, and other unusual symbols?

·        Open up Microsoft Word:

-        Go to INSERT, then SYMBOL.

-        Choose the symbol that you want and click on it.

-        Click the INSERT button at the bottom and close all boxes.

-        The new symbol will now be inserted into the document!

Give Your Eyes a Break:

·        Turn on Clear Type to sharpen the screen:

·        Right-click on an empty spot on the DESKTOP.

·        Choose PROPERTIES; then select the APPEARANCE tab.

·        Click EFFECTS.

·        Check the box marked, “Use the following methods to smooth the edges of screen fonts.”

·        In the dropdown box, choose CLEAR TYPE.

·        Fine Tune the Clear Type option:

-        Use the  Power Toy!

-        Download the Clear Type Tuner Power Toy at:

-        www.microsoft.com/typography/ClearTypePowerToy.mspx

-        Open the Control Panel:·        Go to START, then CONTROL PANEL.

·        Choose APPEARANCE and THEMES.

·        Choose “Clear Type Tuning.” Start the Wizard and follow the prompts! 

Optimize Your Computer:

• Remove unused files from your system.
• Allow Windows to run faster.
• Free up valuable disk space.
• Clean traces of your online activities.
• Download CCleaner:

-        Fast and free.-        Go to: www.ccleaner.com/download

-        Choose the “Download CCleaner Now” option.

-        Then choose the “Alternative Download” option 

Put Your Computer to Sleep:

·        What is the difference between Standby and Hibernate?

·        In Standby:

-        The computer reboots quickly. Standby is used when you will be away from the computer for shorter periods.

-        The computer is put into a low power state.

-        Your files are not automatically saved, so save any open files before going into Standby.

·        In Hibernate:

-        Hibernate takes longer to reboot than Standby.

-        Use this if you will be away from the computer for a long period – i.e., overnight.

-        Your files are automatically saved, but will remain open when you come out of Hibernate.

·        To set Standby and Hibernate options:

-        Open the  CONTROL PANEL:

-        Go to Performance and Maintenance.

-        At the next screen, click on the Power Options section.

-        Choose the Power Schemes tab to configure your settings.

-        Choose the Advanced tab to set even more options. 

Report Phishing Email:

·        Report Phisihing email to the company being spoofed.

-        Check the company’s web site for an email address to report abuse.

·        Report Phishing email to the government: it has an email address to which you can forward the messages:

-        This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   

Wireless Security When Traveling: 

·        When you are using a public wireless Internet connection (a hotel, Starbucks, etc.), you must disable file sharing so that others cannot see your files: 

-        Open the CONTROL PANEL.

-        Double-click Network Connections.

-        Right-click your connection and select PROPERTIES.-        Select the GENERAL tab.

-        Clear the checkbox labeled "File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks."

-        Then click OK.

-        To ensure that the new setting takes hold, restart your laptop. 

Maintenance for Your Computer:

·        Disk Cleanup:–       Go to CONTROL PANEL, PERFORMANCE and MAINTENANCE, then Free up space on Your Hard Disk.

·        Disk Defragmenter:–       Go to CONTROL PANEL, PERFORMANCE and MAINTENANCE, then Rearrange Items to Make Programs Run Faster.

·        Scan Disk or Error Checking:–       Open My COMPUTER, and then right-click on the “C” Drive.

–       On the FILE menu, click PROPERTIES.

–       On the TOOLS tab, under Error-checking, click Check Now.

·        Deleting Cookies, Temp Files and History Files:–       Go to CONTROL PANEL, SECURITY, then INTERNET OPTIONS.

–       Choose the GENERAL tab, and follow the directions to delete cookies, temp files, and History files.   

More Cool Web Sites: 

Translate into any language: http://translator.live.com/ 

Prescription medicine information by Consumers Reports: http://crbestbuydrugs.org:80/ 

Create PDF files for free: http://www.dopdf.com/ 

Golf Putting Game:  www.matchpractice.com 

Find company specific keywords to talk to a live person: http://ivrhacks.com:80/ 

Share calendars, documents, photos, and more: http://www.keepandshare.com 

Keep your computer clean and free of junk:   www.ccleaner.com 

Free AVG Anti-virus software:  http://free.grisoft.com/ 

Power Toys for XP:  http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx 

To clean Temporary files download ATF Cleaner: http://www.atribune.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=25