Tips of the Week

Shared by President Margaret Hinners at weekly meetings:

12/11/10

Download free software from www.download.cnet.com

1. Search for name of software in the search box in the upper right hand corner.

2. A drop down box will appear and select Windows or MAC software

3. When the list is presented, Narrow the results, by selecting “Free” software.

4. There is no guessing if the software is “free” or “free to try”

1/8/11

Shortcut to typing a website address if the website is a “dot” com address.

1. Type the “name” (without the www. And without the .com)

2. Then press ctrl and enter at the same time.

3. The http://www and the “.com” is inserted automatically.

4. It will only work if the address is “.com”.

1/15/11

If you have DSL for internet with a Qwest M1000, but you now have a laptop and would like the modem to be wireless, you can buy a wireless module that will attach to the top of your existing modem, so it is not necessary to purchase an entire new modem.

1/22/11

Windows 7 Keyboard Shortcuts:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Keyboard-shortcuts

1/29/11

If you have a wireless mouse, it works best on a smooth surface. A white or light colored surface, increases the battery life. A white sheet of paper usually works well as a mouse pad.

2/5/11

When online to a secure site, and you have used a login in and/or a password, close the browser as soon as you logoff the site. Some sites will tell you to do that.

1. Passwords remain in memory until the browser is closed

2. If a hacker happens to get on your computer at that time, they can pick up the information in memory

On a public computer, you should always close the browser when you have finished with the internet.

2/12/11

If you are running a program or utility when Windows starts updating, it is a good idea to close the application until Windows has finished the update. This is especially important if the program is going to require a reboot. Never start a reboot process while Windows is updating. Windows monthly updates are scheduled the second Tuesday of every month. Occasionally there will be additional updates during the month.

2/19/11

If the battery dies in your wireless mouse, or your mouse stops working for any reason, you can bring up the start menu to shutdown the computer by pressing ctrl esc. Each task will have one letter underlined, and you can perform the task by pressing the alt key and the underlined letter.