Here are some useful keyboard short cuts that can help you use your computer a little more quickly and can save using or in conjunction with the mouse on most occasions.
These shortcuts can be used in the following series of Microsoft Windows; Windows 95, Windows 98 (standard and 2nd Edition), Windows Millennium, Windows XP (Starter, Home, Professional, Tablet Editions), Windows Vista (Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Ultimate, Enterprise, Business Editions), Windows Server 2000, Server 2003 (All Editions), Server 2008 (All Editions)
F1 = Open Help (usually from within the program your using will open help, if you want Windows Help, minimise all programs back to the desktop)
CTRL + ESC - Open START menu
ALT + TAB - Switch between different open programs you are currently using.
ALT + F4 - Quit and close the current open program
These ones next are commonly used in Internet browsers, office applications, text programs and the like.
CTRL + C - Copy currently highlighted text
CTRL + V - Cut out currently highlighted text
CTRL + P - Paste into this spot, one previous cut or copied highlighted text
CTRL + B - Bold highlighted text
CTRL + I - Italise highlighted text
CTRL + U - Underline highlighted text
Some more using the Windows Logo key (The one that looks like a floating flag in-between the CTRL & ALT Keys)
Windows Logo - Open START Menu
Windows Logo + R - Open the RUN dialog box
Windows Logo + M - minimise all open window
Windows Logo + E - Open My Computer
Windows Logo + F - Open the SEARCH dialog box
Another useful shortcut
CTRL + ALT + DEL - Start the Task Manager dialog box
There are many more shortcuts available, but these above are the most often used,
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Quick Tips On Protecting Your Computer
Unfortunately, you have to protect your against internet threats or you will end up with a computer that will run slower, some programs will stop working and sooner or later, strange behavior will wreak havoc which has the potential to remove information.
A quick point on why this happens. As most people like to provide beneficial forms of software to help, enhance or generally provide a good experience with using computers, there are some who do the opposite. They like to create havoc, cause malicious damage and are akin to graffiti artists spraying paint on public buildings.
Two key points here -
Clearing your cache of your most used internet browser is another good idea.
Also delete Windows Temporary files.
Right, what do I do if I have some nasty (like a trojan or a virus) appears on your computer ?
First, turn off your modem and disconnect from the internet. Most nasties will 'call out" to the internet and basically say, 'hey I found a computer thats not well protected, come over and download more garbage on this person computers'.
Also re-run your preventative steps as outlined above. If you find after all this that there is still a virus, trojan or malware or other nasties still lurking on your computer, let me stress this, DO NOT continue on your own and do not continue using your computer.
I have seen too many people tell me they tried to fix thier own computer and unded up with nearly deleting all their personal information, things like, photos, music, videos, emails, letters, even business files.
If you cannot get rid of it on your own, don't try and go any further, seek the help of a computer professional. Yes it will cost you maybe $100, but it will cost you much much more if your valuable and important data is accidently erased.
Turn of your computer, disconnect form the internet and talk with family or friends who may have used professional computer services. Or alternatively, look in the yellow pages.
A quick point on why this happens. As most people like to provide beneficial forms of software to help, enhance or generally provide a good experience with using computers, there are some who do the opposite. They like to create havoc, cause malicious damage and are akin to graffiti artists spraying paint on public buildings.
Two key points here -
- Preventative maintenance can avert alot of future headache and drama
- Taking logical and pro-active steps when a nasty on the computer does occur
Clearing your cache of your most used internet browser is another good idea.
Also delete Windows Temporary files.
Right, what do I do if I have some nasty (like a trojan or a virus) appears on your computer ?
First, turn off your modem and disconnect from the internet. Most nasties will 'call out" to the internet and basically say, 'hey I found a computer thats not well protected, come over and download more garbage on this person computers'.
Also re-run your preventative steps as outlined above. If you find after all this that there is still a virus, trojan or malware or other nasties still lurking on your computer, let me stress this, DO NOT continue on your own and do not continue using your computer.
I have seen too many people tell me they tried to fix thier own computer and unded up with nearly deleting all their personal information, things like, photos, music, videos, emails, letters, even business files.
If you cannot get rid of it on your own, don't try and go any further, seek the help of a computer professional. Yes it will cost you maybe $100, but it will cost you much much more if your valuable and important data is accidently erased.
Turn of your computer, disconnect form the internet and talk with family or friends who may have used professional computer services. Or alternatively, look in the yellow pages.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Are All Internet Browsers The Same ?
Just have a look at the Internet Browser your using at the moment. If your a Windows user, it's most likely either Firefox from Mozilla or Internet Explorer 7.0 from Microsoft. These are the two most commonly used browsers.
Hang on, your asking, what IS an internet browser ? Its this; A graphical tool designed to read HTML documents and access the WWW. Ok in a little more detail, this means its the front end of viewing HTML documents (Hyper-text markup language) and an access port for the WWW (world wide web). Still lost ?
In plain English, its a program that allows you to read, view, find and/or interact with web pages containing text, images (like digital photos), sound, music and video. This is the most common way of interacting on the World Wide Web (its like the worlds largest encyclopedia).
This very Blog your reading is a web page.
Is there much difference between the differing browsers ? No, not really, much like you have Mitsubishi and Ford, different companies, but they still both manufacture cars.
Which one you decide to use will come down to personal preference. I myself prefer to use Firefox because for me, it's fast, I can turn on or off features I want to use and I find it easier in its use than some other browsers.
Here is a list to some of the popular browsers used today and a handy link should you choose to download one and try it out yourself.
Microsoft - Internet Explorer 7
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/ie/getitnow.mspx
Mozilla - Firefox 3
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/?utm_id=Q108&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&gclid=CMqAj9j_1ZQCFRwsagodihGBkw
Opera
http://www.opera.com
Avant Browser
http://www.avantbrowser.com/download.html
Maxthon Browser
http://www.maxthon.com/download.htm
Enjoy !
Hang on, your asking, what IS an internet browser ? Its this; A graphical tool designed to read HTML documents and access the WWW. Ok in a little more detail, this means its the front end of viewing HTML documents (Hyper-text markup language) and an access port for the WWW (world wide web). Still lost ?
In plain English, its a program that allows you to read, view, find and/or interact with web pages containing text, images (like digital photos), sound, music and video. This is the most common way of interacting on the World Wide Web (its like the worlds largest encyclopedia).
This very Blog your reading is a web page.
Is there much difference between the differing browsers ? No, not really, much like you have Mitsubishi and Ford, different companies, but they still both manufacture cars.
Which one you decide to use will come down to personal preference. I myself prefer to use Firefox because for me, it's fast, I can turn on or off features I want to use and I find it easier in its use than some other browsers.
Here is a list to some of the popular browsers used today and a handy link should you choose to download one and try it out yourself.
Microsoft - Internet Explorer 7
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/downloads/ie/getitnow.mspx
Mozilla - Firefox 3
http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/?utm_id=Q108&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&gclid=CMqAj9j_1ZQCFRwsagodihGBkw
Opera
http://www.opera.com
Avant Browser
http://www.avantbrowser.com/download.html
Maxthon Browser
http://www.maxthon.com/download.htm
Enjoy !
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Quick Tips On Purchasing A New Computer
Buying a new computer for the household can be a daunting experience, but it does not have to be.
Before walking into your first retail store, decide what you mainly want to use the computer for. Don't try and think of everything you want to do with it, just 3 main obejectives is fine. Heres and exmaple:
Ok, three very valid and useful things to do on a computer. But how do I choose the computer that is right for me ?
IN my experience with helping someone buy a computer, as far as they are concerned, they do not particularly care whats inside the computer, so long as it can do WHATS described to them, the computer can do the things you want it to. It like buying a car for someone, your not going to help Grandma buy a V8 petrol guzzler for a new car, when a small compact 4 cylinder is more compatible.
Three main concerns dictate purchasing a computer
Price
How much should you pay ? There are two important considerations here, both how much to pay AND how you pay.
About $500 will buy you the bare minimum computer available, although you may think cheap is good, be very careful as you may find that you may pay more over the next 12 months as you find apart form getting connected to the internet, that when you start adding digital cameras, printers, more software, the price now over a very short period of time in some cases IS MORE than what you will have paid, had you bought a "package deal"
About $3000, this is the bees knees, this computer will handle anything you throw at it apart from brewing you a morning coffee and collecting the newspaper. This price range is usually where the '20 somethings' purchase a computer to play the latest and greatest games, burn movies, watch TV, and store massive amounts of information, and usually one does not have to consider upgrading to new shiny toys for 3 - 4 years. This price point is too high out of budget for most households.
Around the $1500 mark is about the sweet spot for most families. Depending on where you buy this gives you a very decent purchase and usually with some extras (like a bundled digital camera or Multi-function printer from the larger Retail stores)
Now I also mentioned, 'how to pay' earlier. Yes, also another item when buying a computer which is often overlooked. Consider these options when making a purchase
Cash - Instant purchase, you get to take home your purchase straight away, yet you have spent the amount usually from hard - earned savings. Some stores will also discount when purchasing with cash. You also have the benefit of owning the equipment outright.
My rating 5 out of 5
Charge - Payement via Credit Card or Loan facility, your you get to take home your purchase straight away and will make minimum monthly payments to 'pay off' your purchase. As this is an item that is technically owned by you, but you are making payments over a period of time with interest that after x number of years, will be more than the original purchase price.
My rating 2 out of 5
Finance - Payment through in-store finance, and they charge anything from 8% to 25% plus monthly fees, plus a setup account fee, this is similar to paying via credit card, and is made avilaible inside a retail store through a third party finance company. Each monthly payment is also for a fixed amount over a fixed period of time. You will most often see these advertised with the larger retail stores who also offer the carrot of an interest free period. Your classic, buy now, pay later offer.
My rating 1 out of 5
Rent / Lease - Usually offered to business' and sometimes individual if its appropriate for your situation. The benefit can be an opportunity to exchange to new equipment after a set lease period (usually 3 years) and some tax benefits (to business', not individuals)
My rating 3 out of 5
Features
What features do you want, especially if you don't know what the heck comes with a computer in the first place ? The best way to know what features a computer has is to ask someone who knows a little about computers. Apart form that here is a short list of common features (and by no means complete)
Software based features -
A common question is 'where do I buy' ? This will always come down to your specific preferences for shopping but here are some examples with the benefits and shortcomings
Before walking into your first retail store, decide what you mainly want to use the computer for. Don't try and think of everything you want to do with it, just 3 main obejectives is fine. Heres and exmaple:
- I want to get connected on the internet and communicate with my family and friends
- I want to be able to store digital photos on my computer
- I want my kids to be able to their homework now that they use computers in school
Ok, three very valid and useful things to do on a computer. But how do I choose the computer that is right for me ?
IN my experience with helping someone buy a computer, as far as they are concerned, they do not particularly care whats inside the computer, so long as it can do WHATS described to them, the computer can do the things you want it to. It like buying a car for someone, your not going to help Grandma buy a V8 petrol guzzler for a new car, when a small compact 4 cylinder is more compatible.
Three main concerns dictate purchasing a computer
- Price
- Features (Both internal hardware and pre-installed software)
- Where to buy
Price
How much should you pay ? There are two important considerations here, both how much to pay AND how you pay.
About $500 will buy you the bare minimum computer available, although you may think cheap is good, be very careful as you may find that you may pay more over the next 12 months as you find apart form getting connected to the internet, that when you start adding digital cameras, printers, more software, the price now over a very short period of time in some cases IS MORE than what you will have paid, had you bought a "package deal"
About $3000, this is the bees knees, this computer will handle anything you throw at it apart from brewing you a morning coffee and collecting the newspaper. This price range is usually where the '20 somethings' purchase a computer to play the latest and greatest games, burn movies, watch TV, and store massive amounts of information, and usually one does not have to consider upgrading to new shiny toys for 3 - 4 years. This price point is too high out of budget for most households.
Around the $1500 mark is about the sweet spot for most families. Depending on where you buy this gives you a very decent purchase and usually with some extras (like a bundled digital camera or Multi-function printer from the larger Retail stores)
Now I also mentioned, 'how to pay' earlier. Yes, also another item when buying a computer which is often overlooked. Consider these options when making a purchase
Cash - Instant purchase, you get to take home your purchase straight away, yet you have spent the amount usually from hard - earned savings. Some stores will also discount when purchasing with cash. You also have the benefit of owning the equipment outright.
My rating 5 out of 5
Charge - Payement via Credit Card or Loan facility, your you get to take home your purchase straight away and will make minimum monthly payments to 'pay off' your purchase. As this is an item that is technically owned by you, but you are making payments over a period of time with interest that after x number of years, will be more than the original purchase price.
My rating 2 out of 5
Finance - Payment through in-store finance, and they charge anything from 8% to 25% plus monthly fees, plus a setup account fee, this is similar to paying via credit card, and is made avilaible inside a retail store through a third party finance company. Each monthly payment is also for a fixed amount over a fixed period of time. You will most often see these advertised with the larger retail stores who also offer the carrot of an interest free period. Your classic, buy now, pay later offer.
My rating 1 out of 5
Rent / Lease - Usually offered to business' and sometimes individual if its appropriate for your situation. The benefit can be an opportunity to exchange to new equipment after a set lease period (usually 3 years) and some tax benefits (to business', not individuals)
My rating 3 out of 5
Features
What features do you want, especially if you don't know what the heck comes with a computer in the first place ? The best way to know what features a computer has is to ask someone who knows a little about computers. Apart form that here is a short list of common features (and by no means complete)
Software based features -
- An Operating system, like Windows XP or Windows Vista, comes with some basic software functions and is the 'go between' for communicating your software and hardware in to a format usable by a computer user.
- An email program - to send and receive, text, pictures or short movies through software, an 'Electronic Mail centre"
- A Video player - for playing movies
- A Sound player - for playing sounds and music
- A Web Browser - an interface for 'viewing' pages over the internet that contain, text, sound, music, video or interactive features
- An Office Suite - software that allows you to write letters, create household budgets, create picture slide shows and with a raft of many more powerful features
- A basic Photo viewer and editor
- Other additional software can be purchased that allow for specific tasks or addtional features / functions
- A keyboard and mouse - interface devices that control almost everything you do with a computer
- A computer tower / desktop - the big box that has all the hardware 'bits'
- A CRT monitor or LCD screen for viewing the computer interface
- Speakers - for hearinfg sound / music
- Printer - for printing out on paper, text or images
- Scanner - for electronic storing permamnent copies of text, or pictures or a combination of
- Web camera - video conferencing with others over the internet face to face - in real time communication
- Other additional hardware can be purchased that allow for specific tasks or addtional features / functions
A common question is 'where do I buy' ? This will always come down to your specific preferences for shopping but here are some examples with the benefits and shortcomings
- The 'bricks and mortar' retail chains - Like Dick Smith or Harvey Norman (Stores located in Australia). The large retail chains offer all the payment options as I outlined earlier and are a convenient one stop-shop. Usually offer a 'package deal' buy a computer with screen, speakers, a multi-function printer, a digital camera and additional software and extended warranty for the one price for the entire package. Any of these items also may be purchased individually.
- A dedicated computer store - similar to retail chains but specifically dedicated to all things computer related, usually but not always focused on 'package deals'. Staff are usually for technical savvy and prices are generally more competitve
- Local papers, Classified ads in regianl or national papers, either computer resellers or an outlet for chains with excess stock, slightly better preices than retail but all transactions are usually catered over the phone or internet, no face to face.
- The internet such as sites like EBAY or Dell Direct, you may be dealing with someone who owns a retail store or an individual with places like EBAY so if you are unsure, have someone you trust to assist you with your purchase
- Word of mouth !!!! (Second hand goods) someone you know or a friend who knows someone may be selling second hand equipement and sometimes a gem can be found if you know what to look for.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Welcome to Help Me On The Computer
Hi,
My name is Jason and welcome to the first post on the blog.
The basis for this blog is this. I am a Computer technician and have over 4 years experience with over 1000+ face to face client visits ranging from hardware and software issue resolution & installations through to Virus/Trojan removal to training a person on using their computer for all sorts of reasons.
The main gripe I have with the industry for me is I like to show people how to use a computer, but with travel, bookings, limited time (usually 1 hour sessions) and varying degrees of user experience, I am only able to help ONE PERSON AT ONE TIME.
Very frustrating !!!!!
So, I created this blog to reach as many people as I can, rather than just a one on one basis. More so, you get my experience FOR FREE !!! Neat huh ?
So, whats the main aim for this blog ? It will be this, to help YOU, the NEW computer user. Yes there are probably many other countless blogs and websites that already fill this purpose. I have had a look at a few myself and I don't know, I cannot currently put my finger on it, but I felt they lacked something, like a personal touch or were very technical and would be difficult for a new computer user to understand.
Yes I see some people saying , "Hey, I don't know how to use my computer so how can you help me and how will I know where to find this blog anyway?". A very valid question that I will answer with this, just about everyone who has a computer knows a family member or friend who knows more about the computer and are most likely Internet savvy. So they may come across this blog and email you the site, so you get to read some gems then !!!!
The main agenda will be:
Also, I will be providing more details on some related items like those important factors that are not usually discussed or thought about when purchasing:
I suggest to come back often as I will be also providing basic training, helpful hints, tutorials, anecdotes and stories (usually with a helpful hint or two) as a Computer Tech, links to other useful or interesting sites, reviews and down the track I may answer questions that you, the reader, may pose.
Thankyou for taking the time to read and I hope you enjoy the site !
My name is Jason and welcome to the first post on the blog.
The basis for this blog is this. I am a Computer technician and have over 4 years experience with over 1000+ face to face client visits ranging from hardware and software issue resolution & installations through to Virus/Trojan removal to training a person on using their computer for all sorts of reasons.
The main gripe I have with the industry for me is I like to show people how to use a computer, but with travel, bookings, limited time (usually 1 hour sessions) and varying degrees of user experience, I am only able to help ONE PERSON AT ONE TIME.
Very frustrating !!!!!
So, I created this blog to reach as many people as I can, rather than just a one on one basis. More so, you get my experience FOR FREE !!! Neat huh ?
So, whats the main aim for this blog ? It will be this, to help YOU, the NEW computer user. Yes there are probably many other countless blogs and websites that already fill this purpose. I have had a look at a few myself and I don't know, I cannot currently put my finger on it, but I felt they lacked something, like a personal touch or were very technical and would be difficult for a new computer user to understand.
Yes I see some people saying , "Hey, I don't know how to use my computer so how can you help me and how will I know where to find this blog anyway?". A very valid question that I will answer with this, just about everyone who has a computer knows a family member or friend who knows more about the computer and are most likely Internet savvy. So they may come across this blog and email you the site, so you get to read some gems then !!!!
The main agenda will be:
- How do I decide on what computer to buy ?
- Suggestions on how to make that important purchase - Buying a new computer
- What software will you need ?
- What hardware will you need (Like cameras, printers, scanners, etc)
- How do I get connected to the Internet
- What do I do when my computer stops working properly
- Maintaining your computer health
- Computer and Internet security
Also, I will be providing more details on some related items like those important factors that are not usually discussed or thought about when purchasing:
- After sales service
- Warranties
- Computer Technician services
- Repeat purchases (For example , Ok I have bought a computer, now I need a printer)
I suggest to come back often as I will be also providing basic training, helpful hints, tutorials, anecdotes and stories (usually with a helpful hint or two) as a Computer Tech, links to other useful or interesting sites, reviews and down the track I may answer questions that you, the reader, may pose.
Thankyou for taking the time to read and I hope you enjoy the site !
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