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This article contains a dozen of the most-asked questions of the past month,
a couple of really good (free) utilities, and several useful Internet resources. The Windows Key is usually located on either side of the spacebar and is imprinted
with a tiny window icon similar to the icon on the Start button. Pressing the
Windows Key by itself opens the Start Menu. While this is normally opened with
a mouse click, it is nice to know in case the mouse is not working. How do I change the speaker volume or how do I get the volume control icon on the TaskBar? In Windows XP, click on Start, select Control Panel, click on the “Sounds,
Speech and Audio Devices” icon and check the box, “Place Volume
Icon in TaskBar”. Click OK to close. What version of Windows am I running? Right click on My Computer, select Properties, click on the General tab, System to see version and number. This can also be accessed via Control Panel, System and the General tab. How do I set my computer clock? Those using Windows XP can set up their computer to automatically set
the computer clock to the correct time. Double-click on the clock
(lower right-hand corner), click on the “Internet Time” tab, and check the box titled “Automatically
Synchronize With An Internet Time Server”. When the computer is connected
to the Internet, it will check and adjust the time as necessary. How do I use business symbols (trademark, copyright) in Microsoft Word? There are two ways to insert copyright and trademark symbols in text of a Word document. The first uses AutoCorrect by typing ( c ) for the copyright symbol, ( r ) for the registered trademark symbol, and ( tm ) for the trademark symbol. AutoCorrect must be enabled for this to work – from the menu bar, select Tools, AutoCorrect, and place a check in “Replace text as you type”. The second method is to use keyboard shortcuts. Use Alt + Control + C for the copyright symbol, Alt + Control + R for the registered trademark symbol, and Alt + Control + T for the trademark symbol. I’m having trouble viewing the screen. Can I make the items bigger? You can increase the size of icons and text via the screen properties.
Right-click on a blank portion of the Desktop and select Properties.
Click on “Effects” and
check the box marked, “Large Icons”. To enlarge the text, again
select Properties and click on the “Appearance” tab. In the field
marked “Scheme”, click on the down arrow to see all the selections.
Near the bottom are two marked “Windows Large” and “Windows
Extra Large”. I don’t have Microsoft Word (or Excel or PowerPoint) – is there a way to view and print these files? Check out the Microsoft Download Center at www.microsoft.com/downloads/.
In the menu on the left side of the screen, select “Office and Home Applications”.
There are many files available for download, among them are service packs,
security upgrades, drivers, and the viewers for Microsoft Office files. How do I set my printer to “draft” quality to save on ink? Go to Control Panel, Printers (or select Printers from the Start
Menu, Settings). Select the printer to change, go to Printer,
Properties, select the Setup tab and check the selection “Draft”. Don’t forget to click on “Apply” and
then “OK” to save the change. I didn’t get a Windows manual with my computer. While Windows does not come with a user manual, there
is an excellent help system built in, complete with manual,
guided tours and tips. The Help feature also gives you access
to the Troubleshooting Wizards (here’s hoping you
never need them). How do I send a picture in my email? Once in “Create Mail”, using “Insert” allows you to
position pictures using a variety of formatting options. To begin, click the
position in the message where the picture should appear. Select “Insert” from
the menu, click on “Picture”, and then use “Browse” to
find the picture file. Use “Layout” and “Spacing” options
as needed. How do I save an email? Once you have selected an email to save, from the menu bar click on “File”, “Save As”. You can then choose the location to save the file, the name for it, and the format to save it in. Depending on the email, your options will be in the native email format (*.eml), as a text file (*.txt) or as an HTML file (*.htm). How do I save pictures from the Internet? Right-click on the picture and select “Save As”. You can then choose the location and a name for the file. Optionally, if you want to use the picture as your Windows wallpaper, right-click and select “Set as Background”. Great Freebie: Burn4Free If you are like me and want a fast, easy to use, no nonsense program for burning CD’s, download a copy of Burn4Free. Did I mention it is also FREE! The URL is: www.burn4free.com/. The site includes a tutorial, FAQ and links to other useful sites. There are four methods to use for burning a CD with Burn4Free. They are: drag files to the Burn4Free main window, use the embedded file explorer, use the “fly” windows (my favorite, see below), or right-click from Explorer or Desktop to burn files directly to CD. The “fly” window is a mini, transparent window. You drag files/folders to this window, where a count of files/folders, file size, audio duration (if applicable) is displayed. When ready to burn, simply click on the “x” in the upper right corner. I have been using this little program for a long time and love it. Great Resource for Windows Users: MalekTips For a truly useful collection of
tips, go to malektips.com/, a website
created in 1998 by Andrew Malek, “offering free computer help, hints, and tips
to the Internet populace”. Need a Calendar, Sign, Card or Picture? Try PrintFree.com PrintFree was created so that visitors to be
able to “print free” common
useful items they would normally have to pay for. At www.printfree.com/ you
will find a site full of useful items you can print for only the cost of paper
and ink. There are 2004 calendars with color pictures in six themes. There
are customizable calendars, office forms, lined and graph paper, schedules
and flyers. |
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