PC Maintenance Guide

THINGS TO DO:

......EVERY DAY
1. Update Virus and Spyware - viruses spread within hours, keeping your antivirus software up to date is essential.
2. Do Incremental Backups - make a copy of the files that have changed since your last full backup.
3. Reboot when Programs Crash - failed applications can cause other programs to falter. Restarting your system will clear it out.

......EVERY WEEK
1. Perform Full Virus and Spyware Scan - find anything nasty hiding on your system by regularly scheduling a total scan.
2. Do a Complete Backup - Better safe than sorry! A backup of all your data files will help if your hard drive fails.
3. Run a Spyware and/or Adware Removal Program.

......EVERY YEAR
1. Clean Out Your PC Case. - Open up the case and vacuum it out, or, use an air duster, to clear out the dust that can clog up fans.
2. Spring Clean Windows and Your Programs. - If your PC seems sluggish, make a full backup and then use the restore CD to return the system to it original state.

E-CONNECTION GIFT CERTIFICATES Always a Welcome Gift!

Back up Outlook Express Contacts-

1. Open Outlook Express
2. From the menu select File > Export > Address Book
3. Select the comma separated text file as your output format.
4. Browse to a folder where you want to store your backup, type in a filename to Save As
5. The complete path and file name should now be in the showing in the export screen, click Next
6. Select the fields you want to export. Click Finish and you have backed up your contacts.
7. To restore the address book or to get your addresses onto a new system, select File > Import > Other address book
8. Select the text file option again. Then click Import.
9. Browse to the location of your backup file, click Open. You will then need to click Next on the CSV import window.
10. Select the fields you want to import, click Finish. You have successfully restored your address book of contacts.

Copy and Paste Review and Practice

Shortcuts

Copy this line.

To Highlight: Press 'Ctrl' + 'A'.
To Copy: Highlight an area, as shown above, then hold 'Ctrl' + 'C' (For Mac users 'Apple' + 'C').
To Paste: Click your mouse where you want the text pasted, and then press 'Ctrl' + 'V' (For Mac users 'Apple' + 'S'.

Google Calendar

Simplify. Organize. And relax. Organizing your schedule shouldn't be a burden. Check out the Google Calendar Click on this link. - http://www.google.com/support/calendar/bin/answer.py?answer=97699&topic=13398 a free online shareable calendar service. With Google Calendar, it's easy to keep track of all your life's important events – birthdays, reunions, doctor's appointments – all in one place.

Using Google Calendar, you can add events and invitations effortlessly, share with friends and family (or keep things to yourself), and search across the web for events you might enjoy. It's organizing made easy.

Quick Add Just click a spot on your calendar (or use the Quick Add link) and start typing to add a new event

Calendar Sharing View calendars that others have shared with you, and let your friends and family see your agenda.

Invitations Send invitations for any event on your calendar by adding guests

Reminders Never forget another event again. You can even get reminders sent right to your mobile phone.

What is YouTube?

Get in on the fun!!

YouTube is a video sharing website where users can upload, view and share video clips. Did you miss Saturday Night Live, The View, the ballgame? or anyother TV clip? Type in www.youtube.com in your web browser and watch it at your leisure!

In January 2008 alone, nearly 79 million users had made over 3 billion video views.

Click on this link and watch to how it works! http://help.youtube.com/support/youtube/

Can't See the Text?

Would you like Change the Appearance and SIZE of your Computer Text?

Appearance refers to the colors that are used by Windows for the default text color, text background color, window border color, title bar color, and many other elements. To change the appearance of your screen, follow these steps:

1. Right-click the desktop background, and select Personalize for Windos Vista.(In Windows XP, select Properties). If a "Window Color and Appearance" window opens, click o'pen classic appearance' properties for more color options .
2. Select a color scheme you want from the list. Use the preview window to help you make your selection. If the preview is not exactly what you want, select the closest match. You can modify the look of Widows in further detail in the next steps.
3. Click Advanced . The Advanced Appearance window opens. Advanced Appearance window showing icon font size settings
4. In the Item list, click the element to be change, such as Window, Menu, or Scrollbar, and then adjust the appropriate settings, such as color, font, or font size. Changes affect the item chosen. For example, if you change the font while menu is selected, the selected font will change for all Windows menus, but not in other items, such as icon labels or message boxes.
5. Click OK to close the Advanced Appearance window, then click OK to save your changes.

Foreign Word Translation in Microsoft Word

Want to translate a word or phrase into another language?

MS Word can translate a word or short phrase into most any foreign language very easily using this option. Follow the given steps to use built-in MS Word translation feature:
1. First of all open your word document that you want to translate
2. Go to Tools menu (In MSWord 2007 click on the Review tab
3. Click on Translate option.

Now a translate pane will appear on the right side of your document.
4. Here type any new text or choose Current selection or Entire document options to translate your opened word document content into other language.

5. Now under the "Look up in dictionary" area, Choose that language in which you want to translate that word e.g. English into French.
6. Here click on Go and then result of translation will appear in Result box.

Change the Way You View File Lists

You can change how your files are shown in a folder by clicking on View, on the menue bar, then choosing between Thumbnails, Tiles, Icons, List or Details. Try it out!

Do You Know How to Check the Hard Disk Space?

Double click on the My Computer icon then right-click on your hard disk (usually drive C). Click Properties to see the amount of disk space left on your computer.

How Do You Handle Chain E-Mail Letters?

Is there any good that can come from me forwarding those e-mails to friends?
Those e-mails can be rather convincing, but they are all just a big hoax. When I say a chain letter type e-mail, one example is about a young child who is terminally ill and needs an operation. It is probably not true. The simple truth is a forwarded e-mail cannot be tracked. E-mail services just don't work like that.
Now, if you're positive an e-mail you receive is true, check it out before you send it on. One of the most popular sites to do is Snopes.com. Snopes does a great job of keeping everything up to date and it covers a wide range of topics. You can go to the website, type in a few keywords about the e-mail you received and you should be able to find some information on it.

A Slideshow that is Easy and Fun

Click on the sound symbol in picture box to hear music as you watch the slideshow.
What a great way to put together a trip, or family reunion or any memories and it takes minutes. E-mail it to your friends and family. This slideshow was really easy and fun to put together. Click on this link and give it a try! http://www.moblyng.com/ The website will walk you through each step. If you have any questions please feel free to call or email me.

Document That Problem with a Screen Snapshot!

Have you ever run into a problem with your computer that happened to bring up an error message? Wouldn't it be nice if you could just capture that error message and send it to someone else to see if they could help you figure out what's wrong?
Here is how you can do that!
Find the Print Screen and Alt buttons on your keyboard. The PrtScn button is located on the right hand side of your keyboard right next to the Scroll Lock key. (It's also right beside the F12 key on most keyboards).
When you press the Alt and PrtScn keys at the same time, your computer will take a "snapshot" of the active window (which would be the error message).
If you want to get a shot of the whole screen, push the Shift key along with the PrtScn key and that's what you'll get.
Once you have the image captured, you can go and paste it in another program and then send it to your "computer expert" for advice! When you have the program you want to put it in open, just hit Ctrl + V to paste the screenshot (or you may have to go to Edit, Paste).

For MAC Users:
command-shift-3: capture screen to file
command-fn-shift-3: capture screen to clipboard
command-shift-4: capture selection to file
command-fn-shift-4: capture selection to keyboard

How to Send Pictures by E-mail

With the growing popularity of the digital camera, many people are taking pictures and attempting to share them with their friends and family online. Many times, this is met with frustration because the pictures have such a large file size that they overwhelm many e-mail servers.

What you need to do, is create a smaller version of the picture to send via e-mail.

If you are using Windows, there is a fairly easy way to do this...

1. Open your "My Pictures" folder by clicking on "Start" and then "My Pictures".

2. In your picture folder, find the file you want to send by e- mail.

3. Right click on it, point to "Send To" and then click on "Mail Recipient".

If you want to send more than one picture, you can highlight a group of pictures by dragging with your mouse, or click on the first picture, hold down your shift key and then click on the last picture.

4. A small window will appear that gives you the option to make your picture smaller, or keep the original size. Just chose "Make all my pictures smaller" and then click "OK".

5. This will open up an e-mail message with your smaller picture already attached. All you will have to do, is fill out the rest of the e-mail and send it.

The nice thing about this method, is that your original picture is not changed, Windows just makes a smaller copy of the picture and sends it.

3 Tips for Mastering Finder in Macs

As one of the most commonly used Mac applications, it is worth taking some time to get to grips with the Finder. These tips mainly address the basics of working with Finder windows, but hopefully there will be something new to everyone. 1. Normally you just double click to open an item, but if you hold option while doing it, the current window will close as the new one opens. 2. To close every single Finder window, hold option while clicking the red X in the corner. Alternatively press Command-Option-W. 3. You can use the Go menu to quickly navigate to common places such as Home, Applications and your 10 most recent folders. Most of these places have keyboard shortcuts associated with them.

Can I Get a Virus when I Read my E-mail?

Simply reading an e-mail message will not infect your computer with a virus or other malware. Computer viruses, trojans, and other malware infects your computer when an e-mail attachment is ran from an e-mail.

If while reading an e-mail you double-click, run, and/or save any attachment and that attachment is infected with a virus, then your computer will then become infected

Is it Time for a New Computer?

Everyone's views on the same topic can be so different. If our computers are working good enough to do what we want on them, why bother buying a whole new one? That debate could go on and on, so I think I'll end it by giving you some pointers you can follow to see if you really should buy a new computer or not.

First of all, as you all know, technology is changing everyday. There's always something new coming out and there's always something different to try. It's not always pertinent that you go along with those changes, but here are some reasons why you may want to.

You need a new computer if:

1.) Your processor speed is less than 1.0 GHz (gigahertz). (On another note, if your computer is still running on megahertz, you'll definitely want to make an upgrade soon!) See, most programs and other applications that you may put on your computer require a lot more power than 1 GHz can give them. If you don't have a fast enough processing speed, your computer will run very slow and you won't be able to browse the Internet, with the ease you should have. You can check your processor speed by going to Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System.

2.) Your computer has less than 256 MB of memory. (Again, go to Start, Control Panel, Performance and Maintenance, System to check on that information). If you don't have at least 512 MB or 1 GB of RAM memory, your computer will not run smoothly or to the best of its ability.

3.) You're using a Windows version that starts with a 3 or a 9 (for example, Windows 3.1, 95 and 98). Those older operating systems lack a lot of the features every computer should have these days, including security features and other updates that are required to keep your computer running properly and protected. The same thing applies if you're using a Mac version that is older than OS X.

4.) Your monitor is a 14 inch or smaller. If you don't have at least a 17 inch monitor, you're not going to be able to see full Web sites.

5.) You're always getting an error message of "Operating system not supported" when you try to install new programs onto your PC. Or, when you're trying to upgrade to a new operating system and you get an error message of "Hardware not supported."

6.) Your computer has no USB ports. Nowadays, most external devices (such as keyboards, mice, printers, etc.) run via USB. Therefore, if you don't have any ports, you're going to have trouble keeping up with the newer computer devices.

7.) Your PC has a 5.25 inch disk drive or even a 3.5 inch floppy drive. Floppy drives are still around, but they're being phased out as well. Software has just outgrown those two drives and they won't be of much use in the near future. Flash and thumb drives are definitely taking over.

So, those are just a few things you should look into if you're wondering about buying a new computer or not. Now, I realize you may use your computer on a very limited basis (maybe just for checking your e-mail and playing a game here and there), but if you fall into any of the categories listed above, you should still look into getting a new computer.

Have you blocked your cell phone number yet?

Cell Numbers Have Gone Public.

ALL CELL PHONE are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sale calls.

....YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222.

It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time

It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS. It takes about 20 seconds, but you must call from the number you want blocked.

Keyboard Cleaning Tips

When the appearance of your computer keyboard is looking dirty, yellowish or some keys creating problem to work properly then you can understand about inner side of your keyboard keys dirty as outside.

To clean keyboard first shut down your computer then disconnect the keyboard.

Now use the compressed air with long nozzle and start clean all keys.

Use lightly dampened cloth or spray any cleaning fluids on the keyboard keys and use paper towel to dry it.

Always be careful to not eat or drink around the computer.

How to Print Webpage without Colorful Backgrounds

You can prints out any webpage with or without its background colors background using Internet Explorer setting.

To enable or disable print background colors option, open your system Internet Explorer.

Click the Tools menu and then go to Internet Options and open it. Here click the Advanced tab then scroll down to find the option Printing section.

Now check the option "Print background colors and images" then Apply and ok.

Generally Internet Explorer setting "Print background colors and images" is disabled, if you print webpage without background colors, then you can speed up your printing and save printer ink. But the important thing to always preview WebPages before you print, in Internet Explorer go to File menu, then click on Print Preview option.

Set up Multiple Home Pages

Many web browsers, like Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer, allow you to set the multiple home pages. If there's more than one site you always visit after starting up your Internet. You can set your homepage to open several tabs of different web sites at once automatically.

From Firefox's Tools menu, Options, General, enter the addresses of sites separated by a pipe |, as shown above. Or, you can open up all the sites in tabs and hit the "Use Current Pages" button.

Follow the given steps to set multiple home pages in Internet Explorer.

First open the Internet Explorer and go to the option Tools then click on Internet Options.
Select the General tab, here you will get option "To create home page tabs, type each address on its own line" and type the URL in the Home page section.
Type one URL in one line then press Enter to type another URL. Press Ok to finish.

Customize your Browser Toolbar

You can customize your system web browser toolbar according to your needs. There are many toolbar buttons you never use. You can add some mostly used buttons for example "Paste" or "Print Preview" in your browser toolbar or remove with same option.
In Explorer,right click on the empty area of the toolbar and select the option "Customize". Here you will find a list of options in left and right panel, if you want to add any toolbar button then simply highlight it from the left panel and click on the "Add" button. But if you want to remove any toolbar buttons then first highlight it from the right panel and click on the "Remove" button. You can also change the order that buttons appear by moving them up and down from the list.
For those using Firefox all you need to do is right click the main toolbar, then select “Customize…”. You can drag and drop new icons onto any of the existing toolbars you have set up. you could also take away icons you don’t use that often. You can also create new toolbars or take some of the existing ones away.

February 2008

This sure has been a snowy winter. Lots of fun winter things to do if you enjoy the snow. The great news is that Daylight Savings is coming right up; March 9th this year. Wow! I think we are about through the longest part of winter.

This month's topics might keep you entertained. They are:

• 'Disappearing' Outlook Express toolbars;
• Rebate scams are out there; what do they look like?
• Avoid error messages on web log-ons

I hope you find them useful and, of course, I welcome any feedback.

Debbie

Outlook Express Buttons Just Disappeared?

Have your buttons ever just disappeared? I'm talking about your buttons in Outlook Express. You know, the ones that say Create Mail, Reply, Forward, Send/Receive, Delete, etc. Or, also known as the buttons you really need to be able to get through your e-mail each day.

Just right click somewhere in all of the open gray area where your buttons usually sit and choose Customize.
Then under the box that says Current Toolbars, click on the Reset button.
All of your buttons should reappear and you can then be on your way.

Rebate Scam- Beware

This is something that has been plastered all over the Web since about the last week in January (2008) and it's something every computer user should be aware of.
I'm sure most of you are aware that the United States Congress has been working on an economic stimulus package that will issue Americans tax rebate checks. And unfortunately, once the word about that spread, hackers started to take full advantage. At the end of January, the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) began sending out warnings about rebate scams. They said that identity thieves are already working on using the tax rebates as a way to get personal and financial information out of people.
As of right now, it seems as if their biggest tactic is to call people on the telephone and tell them they won't receive their rebate until they provide their banking information for a direct deposit.
. You should always remember that tax agencies will never call you and ask for your information over the phone. That's just not how they work. So, if you ever receive a phone call like that, do not give out any of your information.
The IRS said the threats are coming via e-mail as well. The e-mail looks like it's coming from a tax agency and it asks you to fill out a form that is supposedly needed to receive your rebate. Of course, the form asks for all of your personal information and if you fill it out, it will be put into the wrong hands. Another version of the e-mail scam involves a notification that a person's rebate will be audited. It then asks you to click on a link to fill out the forms needed for the process, which of course, require all of your personal and bank account information. This scam is even going as far as e-mailing businesses and accountants, telling them to download information about tax law changes. Once they do that, malware is put onto their computer that gives the hacker remote access to the computer's hard drive. And that could put several peoples' information at risk. There's also another version of the telephone scam where the caller claims to be an IRS agent. They go on to tell you that you have not yet cashed your rebate check and you must confirm your bank account number before you can do so. Beware- do not fall victim to this.
Do not click on any suspicious links you may get in your e-mail and do not give out any personal information over the phone unless you're 100 percent sure it's legit. If you receive a questionable e-mail, you can always contact the IRS through this e-mail address: phishing@irs.gov as well. And as always, if you simply use your common sense, you won't run into any problems. I promise!

Web E-mail Log-In Error Messages

Do you often get errors when you're trying to log in to certain accounts, such as your e-mail account? An error message will say something like "Your password or username is invalid. Please try again." Then, when you try again, the same thing happens. How frustrating! Well, the problem actually lies within the little things you may do without even realizing it's messing up your Internet connection. Let's check it out! Here are some dos and don'ts you can follow when you're trying to log in to your e-mail account, etc.
DON'T's
• Don't hit the Submit or Log In button more than once. Or, if you're using your keyboard, only hit the Enter key once.
• Don't touch anything else after you've clicked the Log In button or hit the Enter key on your keyboard. Just let it do its thing!
• Don't touch or move your mouse until the system has finished logging you in.
If you do, you may end up knocking out your Internet connection.
• Don't jump or switch to another screen, window or program while you're being logged in. That is a no no!
• Don't try or attempt to open any new programs or applications while you're trying to log in.
• Don't copy and paste your password or username into the text boxes.
DO'S
•Do limit the programs you have open before trying to log in. Having too many programs open at once before you log in to an account may interfere with your connection, especially if your RAM or disk space is low. Wait until you have logged in to hook up any external devices, music programs or other applications as well. If they can wait, just wait!
• Do make sure you hit the period key ( . ) on your keyboard instead of the comma key ( , ) when logging in. You should also do that with the "n" and "m" keys. For example, one of the most common mistakes is somebody@yahoo,con, which should be somebody@yahoo.com. It is a very simple mistake to make and it is sometimes hard to catch.
• Do use the drop box if your account has one for your username. That will automatically type in your username for you and it will eliminate errors.
• Do use your mouse cursor to move from field to field or text box to text box, instead of the Tab key on your keyboard. That way, you can ensure you're always filling in the correct text box.
• Do make sure your CAPS Lock key is not activated.
Most log in accounts are case sensitive as well, so it's important that you pay attention to the letters in your username and password as you're typing them in.
Following the guidelines of these dos and don'ts will surely save you time and frustration in the future!

January 2008

Happy New Year to all E-Connectors.

I hope everyone had a nice holiday season.

One of this months hints have to do with cell phones... cell phones are computers, right? Have you heard of ICE? 'In Case of Emergency'.. scroll down and read more.

I have been getting questions about malware. What is it? How to prevent it? What if it happens? Basically is bad software that gets into your computer from pop-up advertising. If it happens, it can become a nuisance and then you might need to call Debbie at E-Connections to help get rid of it!

Computer terminology can be challenging. If you are ever curious enough to know more http://www.webopedia.com/ and type it in. You will learn all sorts of fun things!

As always be sure to email or call with any questions or comments.I love hearing the feed back on this blog. Thank you all for your comments.

Debbie

ICE Campaign - "In Case of Emergency"

We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) Campaign.

The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name "ICE" ( In Case Of Emergency).

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose.

In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as "ICE."

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference! Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones today!

Pops Ups out of Control? Can't get rid of them?

Malware! (mal´wãr) (n.) Short for malicious software, software designed specifically to damage or disrupt a system, such as a virus or a Trojan horse.

Nobody ever said that malware makers weren't creative. For their latest trick, they're using banner ads on high-traffic sites Excite and Amazon to entice people into installing adware, spyware, and so-called "scareware" -- software that, in the words of Washington Post blogger Brian Krebs, "reports false or exaggerated system security threats on the user's computer, mainly in an attempt to get them to buy even more worthless software to clean up the supposed security problems."

People who unwittingly click on malicious banner ads will get bombarded with adware, spyware, and Trojan horse programs that are difficult to detect and sometimes almost impossible to remove. Meanwhile, a security researcher found a banner ad on Excite.com that redirects to a page that attempts to install the scareware program "PerformanceOptimizer."

Installing regular security updates to Explorer and popular plug-ins like QuickTime and Flash can help mitigate these problems. Of course, that requires you to be vigilant about downloading and installing security updates, which may or may not have been thoroughly tested by software makers before they were released. (Sometimes in the race to plug security holes, software providers inadvertently cause bigger problems than the ones they fix.)

No matter what protections you have in place, it's generally best not to click on anything that blinks, flashes, or gives you scary warnings that "Your computer may be infected with harmful spyware programs!!!"

But if you happen to accidentally download one of these nasties, be sure to call E-Connections 837-1590.