Google Tips

Google Tips

So, tell me, are you a huge fan of Google? Do you use it to do all of your important searching on the Internet? It's okay to admit it. Trust me, you're not the only one! Now, do you have the Google searching strategy down to a tee? You know, do you know what to type in the search box to get exactly what you're looking for? Not quite sure if you do or not? Then you've got to check out the tip we're showcasing on our homepage today. It's called Google Tips and it will tell you everything you need to know about searching the right way with Google!

99 Counters

I’ve always loved the idea of Web counters, but it's always been a grueling task to find one that was visually appealing, as well as, accurate. But not anymore. With 99 Counters, you can make your own counters, just the way you want them, all for free!

All you have to do to get started is register. Begin by clicking on the Sign Up button. All you need is a working e-mail address and to create a password for your account. As soon as you’ve registered, it takes you right to the page where you can start making your own counters!

Choose a theme from the drop down box, name your counter and just like that, you’re done! Or, you can go to the My Themes tab and completely customize your counter.

Start by naming your theme. Then click on the Choose Options link next to each item. For example, Size, Border, Background, etc. That will allow you to edit each of those areas to your exact specifications. You can now use your newly created theme from the drop down menu on the My Counters tab.

This is a very easy way to create a counter from your own customizations. Once you’ve created your counter, it gives you the code you need to embed it on your Web page, social networking profile or blog. Have fun!

http://www.99counters.com/

~ Amanda

Selective Printing - Video Tip

When you're printing something (whether it's part of a Web page or even part of WorldStart's newsletter), do you ever just want to print part of it instead of the whole thing? I know I like to do that sometimes, because it saves me paper and printer ink. And besides that, why print the whole document when you only need bits and pieces of it? Well, if you would like to learn how you can do that, through selective printing, just click on the link below now! http://imgsrv.worldstart.com/videotips/index.htm

Or, if you would just like to read today's tip, you can do that as well, here:
http://www.worldstart.com/tips/tips.php/567

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Control That Virus

A computer virus is a lot like a human virus. It's contagious, disgusting and something you’d like to stay away from as much as possible. Just like a cold virus, it can be passed on very quickly and it’s difficult to recover from.

So, how does one catch a computer virus? Well, the most common way of transferring and contracting viruses is by copying infected material onto or from an infected floppy disk, CD or DVD. Another way is by receiving infected programs or data files. Since the Internet is quickly replacing the floppy diskette/CD/DVD as the method by which computer data and programs are exchanged, it has also become a vehicle for virus transmission. It can be in the form of an e-mail attachment or by visiting FTP Web sites. The e-mail message alone cannot contain infected data, however, it is possible to attach infected programs and/or data files to an e-mail message. FTP sites are also very popular on the Internet for transferring programs and data files. If the programs or data files on the FTP site are infected, anyone who opens the file will contract the virus.

Removing a virus can be a very challenging task for anyone. But with the right information, it's possible to eliminate a virus infection from your computer. Prevention, however, is better yet! But how, you ask? Well, with regular virus scans, of course!

Scanning for a Virus

1.) If you have an antivirus program installed on your computer (Norton, McAfee, AVG, etc.), it's recommend that you update it before running a scan. Also, make sure it's not expired. If it is, you will not be able to download the latest virus definitions. There's no point in running a scan if your software is not up to date, because new viruses will not be identified and cleared out.

2.) Let’s start by finding your antivirus program. It will more than likely have an icon in your system tray, located in the bottom right hand corner of your screen. After you find it, double click on the icon to open the program.

If you don’t have an icon, you can find your antivirus program by going to Start, All Programs.

3.) You are now on your antivirus program’s main page or control center. Here’s where you can find all the functions your antivirus program offers. Go ahead and click on the tab to run a virus scan.

4.) After you click on the Scan tab, it will give you the option to select the drive you want to scan. It's recommended that you choose the Scan Computer option so that your whole computer is checked.

5.) It will practically run on its own after that. When the scan finishes, it will open a report window where you’ll be able to see if there was a virus found and if it has been healed or quarantined. If need be, it will give you the option to delete it as well.

Plus, to make your life easier, you can even program the antivirus software to run a scan automatically. You can opt to have it scan every time you start up your computer or even just once a week. Cool, huh?! Here are the steps for setting up a scheduled scan.

Scheduling an Automatic Scan

1.) Open up your antivirus program.

2.) Select the drive, disks or files you want to be included in the automatic scan.

3.) From the Tools menu, select Scheduler, then Schedule Scan. (Note: The wording may be different for different antivirus programs, but look for something similar).

4.) Click New.

5.) Follow the prompt and specify an answer for the questions it asks. Here are some of the things you may need to provide:

• Event Type: Select the event from the drop down menu (for example, "scan all disks").
  
• When To Do: Select a specified time.
  
• How Often: Select weekly, system startup or whatever you think is best for your computer.
  
• Start Time: Enter the date and time.
  
• Enter the date on the calendar.

6.) Click Done and you're good to go!

Now, what if you don’t have an antivirus program installed on your PC? What can you do? Well, the solution is just a few clicks away if you have an Internet connection. Again, the simplicity of getting a free online scan is so easy, you’ll wonder why you never thought of it before. Simply use a search engine like Google, Yahoo!, etc. to find a free online virus scan and choose one that suits your needs the best.

The key to a virus free computer is making sure you have all the necessary programs installed to protect your PC while you surf the Internet and do all of your other work. Here's to getting rid of viruses for good!

~ Cory Buford

Randomness in Excel

Ever need random numbers in MS Excel for data analysis?

Or, maybe you just need random numbers to fill cells while you work out formatting issues. You certainly don't want to sit and make up data just for that purpose. No, that takes way too much time.

Luckily, there's a much better way to fill those cells with random data and you can do it within seconds!

All you need to know is the correct formula.

=rand( ) will generate random numbers between 0 and 1.

=rand( )*10 will generate random numbers between 0 and 10.

=rand( )*100 will generate random numbers between 0 and 100.

I'm sure you get the pattern. So, now, it's just a matter of deciding the range of numbers you'd like to use.

Now that you know the formula, you just have to put it to good use!

~ April

Firefox 3.0.1 Updates how to use it

Hot Off the Press!

The past week has just been jam packed with new releases, so I thought we'd go over a few of those right now! If you're an avid Firefox or SeaMonkey user, I'm sure you're already a step ahead of me, but just in case you haven't heard the news, allow me to fill you in. Here we go!

Let's start with Firefox, shall we?! Probably the biggest news is that a new version of Firefox 3 has already been released. That's right, Firefox 3.0.1 made its debut on July 16, 2008 and it is now available for download. Now, I know you're probably wondering what could have changed so much in just a few weeks, but there really was quite a bit. First of all, several security and stability issues were fixed, along with various other problems Mozilla heard about through user feedback. You can see a whole list of the changes and more on this Web site. Then when you're ready, you can download Firefox 3.0.1 right here.

Now, if you're still using Firefox 2, I have good news for you as well! Firefox 2.0.0.16 was released on July 16, 2008 as well and it is also available for download. Just a few things were changed for this version, but trust me, they're still very important. You can download Firefox 2.0.0.16 for yourself right here. (Note: Just giving you a heads up. Firefox 2 will only be supported until mid-December 2008. After that, you're strongly encouraged to install Firefox 3). And lastly, SeaMonkey 1.1.11 was released on July 16, 2008 as well. You can download it here. I know that's a lot to take in, but all three of these new versions are very important to install as soon as possible. So, all I have left to say is get busy and enjoy!

~ Erin

serial number is on my computer

Q:
The other day, a technician asked me what the serial number is on my computer. I had no idea, so I told him I would have to find it and call back. What's he talking about? I really have no clue. Help!

A:
First of all, I'm just going to tell you to calm down! You're in good hands now, because I'm going to give you the precise information you need. There's no need to worry any longer. I promise, by the time you're done reading this tip, you'll be able to call that technician back and give him everything he needs. So, without further ado, let's get started, shall we?!

Have you ever been asked for your computer's serial number? How about for some of your other electronic devices? If you have, you probably already know what I'm talking about, but if you haven't, allow me to fill you in! These days, every computer, every device, etc. has its own serial number. Why? Well, keep reading and you'll find out!

The serial numbers are mainly used for inventory purposes, but they also help with identification. For example, if you're having trouble with your computer and you're talking to your manufacturer's technical support, they may ask you for that number, because it helps them to identify what type of computer you have. They can then use that information to help you in a more detailed manner, as well as, much quicker. Your manufacturer can also use that number in case you need a replacement computer or new parts for it. The same goes for any other external devices you may use along with your computer as well.

So, where can you find this number? For most pieces of hardware (including your computer, printer, etc.), the serial number can be found either on the bottom or on the back of the device. For most PCs, it's usually on the bottom of the computer tower or on the bottom of a laptop. Of course, each computer is different, but you should be able to find your number in that general area. Now, most software programs also come with serial numbers, which you are probably more familiar with. Those numbers can usually be found on the actual CD or on the CD's casing. No matter what you need that number for, you now know exactly where to find it. Yes!

~ Erin

Forget Winzip. Try 7-Zip

This one month traveling, where I was forced to use my Windows laptop, allowed me to discover many new useful and interesting software for the paid operating system.

Back in the day my compression tool of choice was Winzip. Not because I liked it, but because it was the only one I knew. In fact I was heavily annoyed by the “Do you want to register your WinZip copy now?” message that welcomed me every time I opened the program.

This month I decided to search the web for something open source, and hopefully better than WinZip. After some time looking around I came across 7-Zip, and I think it will be difficult to find something that tops that.

7-Zip is free, light, has a record compression rate, and works with most formats. What else could you want? Here is the complete list of features taken from the official website:

• High compression ratio in new 7z format with LZMA compression


• Packing / unpacking: 7z, ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2 and TAR


• Unpacking only: RAR, CAB, ISO, ARJ, LZH, CHM, MSI, WIM, Z, CPIO, RPM, DEB and NSIS


• For ZIP and GZIP formats, 7-Zip provides a compression ratio that is 2-10 % better than the ratio provided by PKZip and WinZip


• Strong AES-256 encryption in 7z and ZIP formats


• Self-extracting capability for 7z format



• Integration with Windows Shell


• Powerful File Manager


• Powerful command line version


• Plugin for FAR Manager


• Localizations for 69 languages

If you are tired of WinZip, give this a try.

What is your compression utility of choice?

Source - http://www.dailyblogtips.com/forget-winzip-try-7-zip/

Quick Access Done Your Way M.S.Office Tips

Working in MS Office 2007?

If so, do you like that really tiny toolbar they give you, located above (or below) your ribbons? You know, the Quick Access Toolbar.

I'm sure you've noticed the down arrow on the right side that gives you access to a list of common commands you can have placed on the toolbar, right?

Well, what about some of the other features on the ribbons you frequently use? Any way to add them?

Well, you could choose More Commands and work through that, but what if you're still not finding the things you really want to add? You know, things that would save you a lot of "ribbon jumping" time if they were displayed on the toolbar all together.

If that's your wish, I have a suggestion for you. Simply try a right click!

The next time you find yourself wishing you could add a button to the Quick Access Toolbar, just try right clicking over it.

When the right click menu opens, you may very well find that you can add it to the toolbar.

Voila. The Quick Access Toolbar put together in your very own way!

~ April

No More Splitting MS Office

No More Splitting

Here's the scenario: you're working on a table in MS Word when suddenly, a row splits in two. That is, part of the row is on one page and the other part is on the next page.

You're looking everything over, while thinking to yourself, "This just won't do. The topic in each row can't be split apart."

At this point, you're trying to come up with a solution. You need an efficient way to keep the row together.

So, what can you do?

I suppose you could add blank lines to the row just above the split and force Word to put it all together on the next page. I've seen several people use that tactic.

The drawbacks though include the "funny" way the row will look with the extra space. It's just visibly much taller than the other rows in the table and it has a lot of unnecessary white space.

Another problem will appear the moment you try to edit the table above the row with all the blank lines. Added lines above will push those blanks to the top of the next page. So, now, you're busy trying to remember to take them back out.

All in all, it's a bad plan.

Looking for a better idea?

Yes?

Good, because I'd like to offer you one today!

Believe it or not, but there's a setting in Word that allows you to control this very situation.

The only trick here is knowing where to find the right checkbox.

(Since the location of the checkbox varies based on the version of Word you're using, I'll need to give several sets of directions).

If you're running Word 97, the following directions are for you:

• First, place the cursor in the row you want to change. (To change settings for multiple rows, highlight all of them before you begin this process).
  
  
• Next, you need to go to the Table menu, Cell Height and Width choice.
  
  
• When the window opens, you're looking for the Row tab.
  
  
  
  
• In the middle of the tab, uncheck the "Allow row to break across pages" checkbox.
  
  
• If you'd like to also make changes for another row, use the Previous Row and Next Row buttons to move through the table and make multiple changes at once.
  
  
• When you're finished making changes, click OK.

It's time to move on to the instructions for the versions of Word between 97 and 2007:

• Again, begin with the cursor in the row you'd like to keep from splitting. (To change settings for multiple rows, highlight all of them before you begin this process).
  
  
• Now, go to the Table menu, Table Properties choice.
  
  
• As before, you're looking for the Row tab.
  
  
  
  
• Things are exactly the same here. Uncheck "Allow row to break across pages."
  
  
• The Previous and Next Row buttons are the same too.
  
  
• Click OK when you're done.

And, as always, Word 2007 is different, so here are your instructions for that:

• Highlight the row or rows you don't want to break into two pages.
  
  
• You're looking for the Layout ribbon on the Table Tools ribbons that open when working with the table.
  
  
• On the Layout ribbon, you need the Properties button.
  
  
  
  
• Uncheck the "Allow row to break across pages" checkbox.
  
  
• If necessary, use the Previous Row and Next Row buttons to navigate elsewhere and make other changes.
  
  
• Click OK when you're done.

For all versions, the basics you need to remember are to uncheck the box to keep the row completely on one page and check the box to allow Word to split the row between pages.

There you have it. Complete control over which rows Word splits and the ones it doesn't!

~ April

make my shortcuts even faster

Q:
Is there any way I can make my shortcuts even faster? If there is, I would love to know about it!

A:
As a matter of fact, there sure is! To begin though, why would you want to? Well, if you usually work with your programs maximized (for example, you can't see your desktop), it's easier to press a shortcut key combination than to minimize the current application and then click a shortcut on the desktop.

For example, I have shortcuts on my desktop to several of my most frequently visited Web sites and I've assigned them each a shortcut key.

Now, if I'm working in MS Word and need to hop over to one of those sites, I simply press its shortcut key. A browser window will open and voila, I'm on the site! It's much easier than minimizing Word, opening up Internet Explorer, hunting through my favorites, clicking on the link and having the page load. But with shortcut keys, I'm only a keystroke (or two) away!

Okay, here's how to set up shortcut keys for yourself:

1.) Right click on the shortcut you wish to have a shortcut key for and then select Properties.

Note: This seems to work best when the icon in question lives on your desktop. I've tried it time after time for icons in the Quick Launch toolbar (next to the Start button) and it just doesn't seem to work there.

2.) You'll see a box for the shortcut key. Click it.

3.) You won't be able to delete the "None" label that's currently sitting there, so don't even try (I mean, I guess you could try if you really feel the need to, but it won't get you very far!) Instead, just press the key you would like to use for your shortcut. You can use either letters, numbers or (my favorite) function keys. Finally, click OK when you're done.

Now, if you decide to use letters or numbers, you'll have to use Ctrl + Alt + yourkey to activate the shortcut. Function keys are a single keystroke affair (just be sure to pick ones you don't use in your favorite programs or you may be launching applications when you're really trying to do a function). Other than that, this little trick can save you a lot of time!

~ Steve

System Tray

System Tray

As you may recall, we have mentioned the term "system tray" in several of our tips, but we've never really explained exactly what it is. I guess I assumed most computer users know what it is, but I must be wrong, because several of you have e-mailed me about it within the last few weeks. So, I want to take this time to apologize for never writing a tip on it before. It should have been covered way back in the very beginning. But hopefully I'll make up for lost time today. Let's check it out!

Okay, so what is the system tray? Basically, the system tray is located at the very bottom of your desktop in the taskbar (the long bar that runs all the way across your desktop). If you look along the taskbar, you'll see some icons in the Quick Launch area, then you have some open space for any applications you have open and then on the very far right, you'll see where the system tray sits.

The system tray contains the clock icon, the volume icon and various other icons, depending on what all you have installed on your computer. Usually, your antivirus program icon will be there, it's where your printer icon shows up, your modem icon is there, the safely remove hardware icon sits there and so on. If you need to use any of the items in your system tray, all you have to do is double click on the icons and the programs will open. So, as you can see, the system tray is home to a lot of important applications on your PC. And now you know all about it. Yes!

~ Erin

MS office tips Software Tips

Don't Forget the Follow Up

Have you ever sent an e-mail message from MS Outlook and while it's sending, thought to yourself, "I have to remember to do that?"

It really doesn't matter what "that" is, the main issue is the remembering part.

So, how can you help yourself to remember?

While I'm sure you have developed a variety of ways to handle this type of situation, I'd like to suggest a Follow Up flag.

Prior to sending the e-mail, simply click on the Follow Up flag to add a visual reminder.

Now, in older versions of Outlook, you'll find that a flag is attached to the sent message.

Of course, it occurred to me that you wouldn't actually see the flag unless you went into your Sent Items folder.

So, that's not exactly a "grand plan." I mean, what's the point of having to remember to go looking for your reminder?!

My suggestion for this is to add yourself to either the "To:" or "Bcc:" list. That way, a copy of the message with the flag will show up in your Inbox for a later follow up.

For those of you using Outlook 2007, things are a bit different.

When you click on the Follow Up flag, you'll find that Outlook adds the message to your To Do bar task list. That puts a pretty obvious reminder right where you look the most for the tasks you need to remember to do. Perfect!

(If you don't have the To Do bar displayed, you can find it under the View menu).

That's all there is to it. Follow up reminders made easy!

~ April

Temporary E-mail Addresses

So, tell me, do you often stop and sign up for different things while you're browsing the Internet? You know, maybe there's a contest you'd like to win or a newsletter you might be interested in. Well, if you do, you know you usually have to give out your e-mail address in order to complete the process. But what if you don't want to give your e-mail address out to that many different Web sites? Is there anything else you can do? Of course there is and that's exactly what we're going to talk about today. Let's check it out!

If you're always signing up for things online, I'm guessing you'd get some good use out of a temporary e-mail address. Am I right? Never even thought of that before? Didn't know those actually existed? Well, they do and they're actually very easy to get. There are several online services these days that can provide you with a temporary e-mail address when you need one. They're perfect for when you're registering for something and you only want to use the address once. It also helps cut down on any extra spam mail that may come through.

Like I said earlier, there are several online services that offer temporary e-mail addresses. Most of them work pretty much the same, but you'll just need to do some research and find the one that best suits your needs. A few of the top contenders are Mytrashmail, ExplodeMail, Mailinator, Temporaryinbox and Maileater. You can find any of those by searching for them on Google or whichever search engine you like to use. Once you find one that will work for you, just follow their directions and you'll have a new e-mail address in no time at all!

~ Erin

Landscape Photography From Computer Printing Software Computer Software Solution Tips

Landscape Photography

Do you tend to take even more pictures in the summertime? Do you take a lot of landscape shots? If so, you might as well add some spice to them by choosing alternate perspectives and compositions. Don't you agree? Then let's take a look at our options!

The first example below shows a typical landscape photo:

How boring! To add some pizzazz to your landscape photos, here are five things you can do:

1.) Get Down - So many good landscape shots miss the chance of being great, simply because you lift the camera to your face and shoot. That may capture some inspiring scenery, but it's exactly the kind of shot we're all used to. By getting low to the ground, you can improve your results and make your photos stand out.

2.) Tilt Forward - You can enhance the impact of your immediate location by tilting your camera forward and focusing on what's immediately in front of you. The rest of the landscape can make up the background.

3.) Shoot Through - Shooting from just inside a treeline or through a patch of tall grass or flowers will heighten the sense of actually being in the landscape.

4.) Seek Contrast - Include strong elements of light and shadow to achieve a more stunning effect.

5.) Frame - Look for opportunities to frame your landscape photos in dramatic ways, such as breaks in the foliage or open portals like glassless windows and open doors.

Following these five rules will give you some of the best landscape photos you've ever taken. Happy shooting!

~ Ramachandran Kumaraswami

Windows Calendar-Tips of the Day

If you’re like me, you’ve got a lot of events to go to and people to see everyday. I used to keep a journal to manage all of my appointments, but now, I just use Windows Calendar! It’s really easy to get started and once you’ve got it going, you won’t want to stop. Let's check it out!

To start up Windows Calendar in Windows Vista, go to Start, All Programs. Then choose Windows Calendar.

Wow! As you can see, it has today’s date, an appointment book and even a to-do list (called Tasks). The first thing you’re going to want to do is schedule a new appointment. Let’s pretend for a moment that you're friends with the President and Vice President of the United States. The President calls to let you know he wants to see you at 1 p.m. on June 30, 2008. So, you whip out Windows Calendar, double click on the 1 p.m. option and enter the specifics in the Details box on the right. That's all you have to do!

Now, if you ever happen to double book yourself or you need to change the details for a specific appointment, simply right click on the date and choose what you need to do from the options shown. It's as easy as that!

Happy scheduling!

~ Brandon Zubek

Re-Posted By Computer Software Solution Services

See Titles and Totals Simultaneously MS Office Tips

See Titles and Totals Simultaneously

If you frequently work with large amounts of data in MS Excel you may find yourself frustrated as you try to see both the column titles (at the top) and the column totals (at the bottom) at the same time.

You have probably tried to freeze the titles and then split the screen, thinking you could keep the totals in view in the bottom half of the split. But, of course, that didn't do the trick, because any rows that are frozen are released as the worksheet is split on the screen. In other words, Excel just doesn't seem to want to cooperate.

So, is there a way around those limitations to still get what you want?

Of course there is! In fact, there are a couple ways to do it.

Some of you may have decided that the best way to see both the column titles and totals simultaneously is to put the totals at the top with the titles. That way, when you freeze the rows, you include the total row too.

That certainly works, but if you're like me, you just really like your totals at the bottom of the data column. So, what now?

Well, your solution can come in the form of a new window on the same file.

Yep, you read that correctly! Excel allows you to open multiple windows of the same file and each one can be set to display a different area of the worksheet.

With the workbook open, you're looking for the Window menu, New Window choice. Or, for Excel 2007, you need the View ribbon, New Window button.

At this point, you have two windows open that contain the same workbook. To see them both, you need to arrange them properly.

For this step, you need the Window menu, Arrange choice (Arrange All button on the View ribbon in Excel 2007).

When the Arrange Windows dialogue box opens, choose Horizontal and then click OK.

Now, you have two views of the same workbook. You can also use each window's border to resize as needed. For example, if all you want to see in the bottom window is the total row, you can scroll down to display the totals and make the window very narrow. You can then resize the top to fit the rest of the screen, maximizing your work space.

I should also mention that you can freeze rows in either window, allowing you to really have things your way. Titles and totals visible at all times, just the way you like it!

~ April

Re-Posted By Computer Software Tips

Printing The Grid-MS Office Tips

Printing the Grid

It's inevitable. When it comes to MS Excel and printing gridlines, you'll probably want the exact opposite of what your system is trying to do.

The question is: how can you control it? Well, you just have to keep in mind that cell bordering is not the most efficient solution!

In older versions of Excel, the magic of gridlines is found in the Page Setup section, so let's go there!

• Page Setup can be found under the File menu.
  
  
• Once the Page Setup window is open, you're looking for the Sheet tab.
  
  
  
  
• Now that you've found the right place, printing the gridlines is accomplished by checking the Gridlines box located in the Print section. (The reverse is also true. You can uncheck the box to prevent the gridlines from printing).
  
  
• Click OK when you're done.

If you're using Excel 2007, you need to look somewhere completely different.

• You need the Page Layout ribbon, Sheet Options section.
  
  
  
  
• There you'll find a checkbox for printing the gridlines. Again, check it to print the grid or uncheck it for a clean printout.

That's it!

To print the grid or not to print the grid. It's your choice!

~ April

More on IE 7 Cookies Internet Explorer

More on IE 7 Cookies

We've talked about Internet Explorer 7 cookies before, but I have more news about them for you today. So, if you use Internet Explorer 7 as your main Web browser, I urge you to listen up. Here we go!

Do you ever worry about your privacy when using Internet Explorer 7? It's a common thing to think about, but in all actuality, what you should really be worrying about is third party cookies. Yep, those types of cookies can be placed on your computer by a simple double click in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Luckily, Internet Explorer 7 makes it very easy to block them! To do so, go to Tools, Options, Privacy and then click on Advanced.

Once you're there, check the box that says "Override automatic cookie handling" and then select Block under the "Third Party Cookies" section.

That's all there is to it! From now on, your computer will be safe from third party cookies whenever you use Internet Explorer 7. It doesn't get any better than that, now does it?!

~ Ramachandran Kumaraswami

Printer Installation Tips

Q:
I just got a new computer and when I went to install my printer on it, I realized I don't have the installation disk anymore. Is there anything else I can do to get my printer installed? Please help me!

A:
You've come to the right place! I have some information I think you're really going to like. So, here's the deal: you get a new computer and of course, you want to install your printer on it so that you have the same printing capabilities you had with your old computer. Or, perhaps your printer was accidentally deleted from your computer and you're simply lost without it. Either way, you need to install your printer again and to do that, you need your installation disk. But you've lost that too? Is there anything else you can do? Read on to find out!

Lucky for you, there are a couple other things you can do to get your printer installed. People lose their printer installation disks all the time and because of that, manufacturers are implementing new methods that make everything easier. These days, most printer manufacturers are including downloads on their Web sites for the software and drivers that are needed to use their products.

So, if you've lost your printer installation disk, simply go to the manufacturer's Web site and look it up. For example, let's say you have an HP printer. For that, go to www.hp.com and click on the link that says Software and Driver Downloads. You can then choose the task you want to complete and enter in the type of printer you have. It even gives you examples to follow to make the whole process easier.

Once you find your printer type, just follow the rest of the directions and you'll be on your way to downloading exactly what you need. You can then install your printer with ease and go back to business as usual. As long as you have a fairly new printer, this method will work. Luckily, manufacturers have been doing this for awhile now, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding the type of printer you have.

Now, if you don't care for that method, there is one other thing you can do. You can contact your manufacturer and request a copy of your installation disk. Chances are, they'll refer you to their Web site, but if you'd really rather have a hard copy of the disk, they should be able to send you one in the mail. Of course, you will have to wait for it to arrive, but it can be done. If you're not in a big rush to get your printer installed, this may work better for you anyway. Otherwise, I would suggest getting what you need from the manufacturer's Web site.

Either way, you'll be able to install your printer and go on your merry way. You can't beat that!

~ Erin

What Grammar Rules for M.S.Office Tips

Have you ever found yourself wondering about the rules MS Word is using to make its grammar recommendations when you check your documents?

Ever wish you had a little peek into the madness behind it all?

Wish you could tell Word to stop checking a few things that just drive you crazy?

If any of this sounds familiar, read on to take a look into the grammar rules used to check your documents.

In older versions of Word, you need to start with the Tools menu, Spelling and Grammar choice.

At the bottom of the Spelling and Grammar window, click the Options button.

This will take you to the Spelling and Grammar tab.

In Word 2007, you can get there directly through the Office Button, Word Options button, Proofing choice.

Once there, you can select and deselect a variety of options. One to pay attention to is the Writing Style choice.

Using the drop down list, you can choose to have Word check either the "Grammar Only" or "Grammar & Style."

Interested in what the specific differences are between the two choices?

No problem!

Click the Settings button.

The Grammar Settings window will open, displaying the choices for Grammar checks.

When you select "Grammar Only," you only get the grammar portion of the list. In contrast, the "Grammar & Style" choice will have items from both parts of the list selected. (Notice that you can toggle between the two Writing Style choices at the top of the window, allowing you to easily compare the two).

Scroll through the list.

You're free to check or uncheck items as you see fit.

When you're done, click OK and then OK again. (If you're in an older version of Word, you'll also have to close the Spelling and Grammar window).

That's it! You now know where to find Word's control over the Grammar check. It looks like it's time to customize and make it your own!

~ April

Ten Net Commandments Internet Solution Tips

Here's a fun one for you!

Okay, I admit it! No one really asked today's question, but I saw this on our message board the other day and I just had to include it in today's newsletter. It may seem like a little joke to you, but all the information you're going to get today is something we all really should pay attention to. So, what am I going on and on about? Well, posted on our message board by "doldgeek" was a thread called "The Ten Net Commandments." They are just ten Internet "laws" we all should abide by on a regular basis. Let's see what they are, shall we?!

1.) Thou shalt not buy merchandise found in pop up ads or spam.

2.) Thou shalt not post thy e-mail address, phone number, address or social security number on the Internet, nor shalt thou post anyone else's.

3.) Thou shalt not forget to update thy Windows every second Tuesday.

4.) Thou shalt not connect to the Internet without installing an antivirus, nor shalt thou begin a scan without checking for updates.

5.) Thou shalt not connect to the Internet without installing a firewall.

6.) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's credit card number, nor his bank routing number, nor his social security number.

7.) Thou shalt not enter thy credit card number without seeing the tiny padlock icon on thy status bar.

8.) Thou shalt not reply to the e-mail from the Nigerian banker.

9.) Thou shalt not forward chain letters to thy friends and family.

10.) Thou shalt not use "password" as thy password, nor thy birthday, nor thy childrens' names.

Aren't those great?! I mean, they all make a lot of sense and if you think about it, they are some general rules we can all follow when it comes to keeping ourselves and our computers safe. Also, in case you were wondering, this list was put together by Mr. Mike Healan, who works for Spywareinfo. I just thought this was something all of you who do not use our message board on a regular basis would like to see. I hope you enjoyed it!

Now, go on and make sure you're staying on track with the Ten Net Commandments!

~ Erin

Yahoo Tips Yahoo Techniques

Get Some Yahoo! Help

Are you having trouble with your Yahoo! e-mail account? Maybe you're having a problem reading your messages or perhaps you can't send an e-mail out. Whatever it is, I'm sure it's interfering with your e-mail time and we just can't have that! So, if you've run out of other options in seeking help, allow me to give you the best one of all: Ask Yahoo!

Yes, that's right, you can actually ask the Yahoo! team to help you with your e-mail troubles. To do this, log in to your Yahoo! e-mail account and in the very top right hand corner, click on the Help link. Next, scroll down and click on the Contact Us link. Once you get to that page, there are three options you can choose from to receive help. You can either view the help pages, contact their customer support or ask other Yahoo! users. I suggest clicking on the second one (Contact Customer Care - reply needed), because you can get help from a Yahoo! expert directly.

So, go ahead and click on that link. From there, click on the link that describes your e-mail problem the best. There's basic help, assistance with mail errors and problems and there's mail abuse help. The most common would be the second choice, so go ahead and click on the Yahoo! Mail Errors and Problems Form link. You then need to fill in the form provided so they can pinpoint what might be causing your e-mail problem. When you're done, click the Send button and it will be sent to Yahoo! Since you requested a reply, you should hear back from someone within a day or two. Just be patient though, because they do get a lot of questions everyday and it takes time to wade through them all. But when they do get back with you, you should be able to solve your e-mail mystery and be on your way!

~ Erin

Win Rar-Win Zip

Lock Files By Win Rar and Win Zip

If u wanna lock a file with a password ...
u can do so using win rar..
Almost all archives support giving password, including WinZip, 7-Zip and it's not something special with Win Rar.
Bt Win Rar is more comfortable than any other.
And if you are setting access like this, it is better you set the compression level to "Store", which will make the compression and decompression faster, since the main aim here is to set a password.

1)Right click on the file for which u want the password to b put.
2)Click on "Add to Archive".
3)Then go to Advanced tab.
4)Click on set password...choose new password.
5)Click ok.
6)A win rar file with ur filename will be created.
7)Next u may delete the original file, as u have now compressed it with a password.
Any1 trying to open the rar file wont be able to, unless he knows the password.

So, no need of folder lock software.
enjoy your privacy guys....

IE 7 Pro Browser

IE 7 Pro

I have an awesome program for you today! It's called IE 7 Pro and its main purpose is to help you add new features right to your Internet Explorer 7 Web browser. It's simply amazing, so let's check it out!

This program allows you to add such features as saving forms, download management, control of the browser with mouse movements, spell checker, advanced tab control and many, many more. IE 7 Pro is a free download and it has so many features, I would never be able to cover them all. Truly, after downloading IE 7 Pro, I don't know how I could ever go back to using IE 7 without it!

For more information about IE 7 Pro, its features and to download it, just visit this Web site. You will also find a video there that shows off some of the features, as well as, a great review by some of the Download.com staff writers. I hope you enjoy this one!

~ Gary

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