How-to Guide For The Computer Beginner

How-to Do a manual Windows Update

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:21:14 PDT

We have now answered the questions:

What is windows update?

How do you set automatic windows updates for Vista, Windows 7, or automatic windows updates for XP

If you noticed in our What is Windows update lesson I showed you a pictured of the task bar that at times gives you a notification to check your windows updates.

In today’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner we will cover

How-to Manually check a windows update

If you have set your computer up for the automatic updates as we did in the past lesson your computer could be:

Telling you that you have some optional updates to look at.
The updates became available recently, and your scheduled update has not occurred since the availably.

I would say those are most common.

We would want to double click on the icon in our task bar that appeared in your notification area – as pictured above.

In this example, I have both important updates and optional updates.

What Windows Updates to Choose

I have two options here. I can just go ahead, and install updates by clicking on the button, or I can take a look at the updates themselves to make a decision.

As I mentioned in a prior lesson I tend to install the important or critical updates when prompted to do so. The optional updates I tend to like to look at before I install them. Today we will look at both just so you can see them. Click on the blue words, ‘2 important updates are available’. You will come to the screen below

You can read the description of each update by clicking the box next to the name one at a time, and in the blue section it will give a description. Microsoft also supplies you hotlinks to articles for more information.

You don’t have to click all the updates individually, but of course can if you want to. If you notice in the picture above we can click on the top box, and that will select ALL the important updates listed.
You would click OK at the bottom of the screen when you are done selecting your windows updates in this section. This will bring you back to the original

screen, and you can do the same clicking on the blue words 1 optional update is available

In my picture above they are telling me that I have an optional update for my Kodak printer. I can either make the decision to select the update for my printer, or I can make the decision NOT TO. Again I can click OK, and I’m brought back to the original screen once again – seen below.

Install Windows Updates

Since I know what updates the computer asking me permission to update? I can click INSTALL UPDATES at this point.

You will at this point get a progress screen as the program progresses. Depending on the size or number of updates you chose to do? It could take some time.

I have found if your computer internet speed is slower? If you do smaller numbers of windows updates at times – starting with older ones moving to newer ones? It will go faster, or if your computer struggles with these updates? It doesn’t seem to hang up or freeze up as much when you do them in smaller parts.
At times you are prompted to reboot your computer, and that will finish installing the updates.

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.

Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner on doing a manual windows update!!

Technorati Tags: windows update,how to update windows,microsoft update,update microsoft update,updates for microsoft,windows updates 7,windows update xp,vista update,vista updates,how to update computer,windows update install,download windows updates

How-To allow Windows Updates to run automatically in Windows XP

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:25:29 PDT

In Windows XP you can configure your windows update to be done automatically. In a past lesson we explained What is a Windows Update?

Today’s How-To Guide For the Computer Beginner we will learn:
How-To allow Windows XP Updates to run automatically.

Windows Updates For Windows XP

In Windows XP we want to click on our start button, and in the search box type in ‘windows update’.

We are going to make sure your computer settings are set to do the windows updates automatically.

Look to the left hand side of this new window, and we want to click on ‘settings’.
Once you open t
his section it will give a number of different options for you to choose from.

As you can see on top you have a pull down box, and it will give you different option of WHEN to do the updates. To make sure you get all the available service packs for windows XP? They state the easier way is by the automatic update option.

If this does not work? How to install Windows XP Service Pack 3
or How to Obtain the Latest Windows XP service Pack.

I have my computer on all the time, and I choose the option of allowing the computer to do my windows updates at 3:00 am each day. I know I will be sleeping, and it won’t interrupt things during the day when the computer is in use.

You can change these times and dates to what you best for your circumstance.

You can click APPLY and then OKAY at the bottom to save your changes.

You have now changed your computer to do your windows updates automatically.

Don’t forget to read the article on manually doing windows updates!

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.

Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner, and today’s lesson on turning on automatic windows updates on Windows XP!!

Technorati Tags: xp windows update,update for windows,microsoft update,update microsoft,xp service pack,updates for microsoft,service pack 3 windows,windows update in xp,windows xp windows update,windows update patches,updates for xp

How-To allow Windows Updates to run automatically in Vista or Windows 7

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:25:29 PDT

In Windows Vista or Windows Seven (7) you can configure your windows update to be done automatically. In a past lesson we explained What is a Windows Update?

Today’s How-To Guide For the Computer Beginner we will learn:
How-To allow Windows Updates to run automatically.

Updates For Windows

In Windows Vista or Windows 7 we want to click on our start button, and in the search box type in ‘windows update’. You will see at the top of the start menu the option for Windows update as seen below, and we want to click on windows update to open a new screen

Once the new window appears it will note the windows updates that are available for your computer. We are going to make sure your computer settings are set to do the windows updates automatically.

Look to the left hand side of this new window, and we want to click on ‘change settings’.

Once you open this section it will give a number of different options for you to choose from.

As you can see on top you have a pull down box, and it will give you different options to choose from.

Install updates automatically (recommended) - If you select this option then all critical updates will be downloaded automatically and installed on your computer. These updates will be installed at the time you specify in the fields labeled Install new updates. This is the recommended option for the majority of people as it guarantees that you have all the critical updates automatically installed on your computer.
Download updates but let me choose whether to install them - If you select this option, Windows will download updates to your computer, but not install them automatically. If you want to install the updates then you must install them manually. You should only select this option if you have a reason for not installing updates automatically. Only advanced users should use this option.
Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them - If you select this option, you will be alerted when there are new updates available to download and install. You can then choose to download and install the updates that you wish. This option should really only be used by people who know exactly what updates they need or those who have limited access to the Internet.
Never check for updates (not recommended) - If you select this option, Windows will never automatically check for updates. This option should never be selected as it puts your computer at great risk to being compromised, infected, or hacked.

I have my computer on all the time, and I choose the option of allowing the computer to do my windows updates at 3:00 am each day. I know I will be sleeping, and it won’t interrupt things during the day when the computer is in use.

You can change these times and dates to what you best for your circumstance.

I have opted to have my recommended updates done at the same time as my important or critical updates.
You may also have the second option of asking WHO may do the windows updates for the computer. If you leave this unchecked it would only the administrators on the computer.

These messages deal with the optional updates. These are the ones that you can choose to see if they are important for you computer or NOT important.

You can click OKAY at the bottom to save your changes.

You have now changed your computer to do your windows updates automatically.

Make sure you also read How-To do a manual windows update!

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.

Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.
Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner, and today’s lesson on turning on automatic windows updates on Vista and Windows 7!!

Technorati Tags: how-to do automatic windows update,windows update,update for windows,how do i update windows,windows windows update,updates windows,windows update 7,automatic windows,windows update vista,automatic updates,updating windows,vista windows updates,windows updates for microsoft

What is a Windows Update?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:26:11 PDT

With every version of Windows that I can remember you were always given messages about ‘windows updates’. I was asked some rather conflicting questions about windows updates, and so as you might have guessed today’s

How To Guide for the computer beginner is

What is Windows Update?

Microsoft provides windows updates, and you normally see these on your right side of the task bar in the notification area.

If you hoover over the icon that the mouse pictures are showing it will give you a message that there is a windows update available.

There are different types of updates. Updates are classified as Important, Recommended, Optional, and Featured.

Important Updates (or Critical updates) are updates that they ask you do download right away. They are normally have security issues involved with them. They are to help keep your privacy, security, and vulnerability to crooks a minimum. It could be that Microsoft found a hole they want to patch up, or found that hackers found a way to penetrate the windows system.

Recommended Updates are updates to various components of the operating system that should be installed for proper functionality.

Optional Updates, are new features, updates, or Ultimate Extras that are not necessary to install for proper functionality of the operating system or applications. In the last windows update that I did for example, they mentioned my printer software had an update to download.

Featured you don’t really see anymore, but if you ever do they will give you a description of the update. You will be able to decided if it is something that your computer will find beneficial. In other words, its little extras if you want them.

Do I need to install these windows updates?

At the bare minimum the important or critical updates, along with the recommended updates YES you should!
I have heard people mention these updates slow down your computer, or cause issues.

They don't necessarily slow the PC down - having too many computer applications open at once, or viruses, or a cluttered/full hard drive are more likely culprits!

If you found you had to do a large number of windows updates then do a bit of computer maintenance, like defrag your computer, etc afterwards.

The optional or featured updates give you description of what they are, and you make the decision as to which ones are important TO YOU and your circumstance.

Can Windows Updates be done automatically?

What is nice about newer operating systems is YES the critical and recommended updates can be done automatically for you.

In a future lessons we will go over how to configure your computer to do that for you.

The optional windows updates are just that – optional. You will have to make a choice as to whether or not you wish to download those. We will go into that more later.

Windows Updates – Final thoughts

Each home computer will have to do their own updates separately. It is the Administrator will have to do the updates as well.

From time to time to a windows update message will appear on your desktop to ask you to restart your computer. This is asked so that they update can be installed properly. You normally have an option of restarting NOW or later.

If you have a huge amount of windows updates to do on your computer? I have personally found if you do them in order of date – older ones first – and in groups of maybe 3-5 updates at a time? They update faster, and with less problems.

If you have a fast computer, or fast internet speed? You may not have to go that route. Be patient though, when you have huge amount of updates it does take time.

Message from Microsoft:

There are a number of reasons an update might fail. Windows Update needs to be able to scan your computer for needed updates, download the updates, and then install the updates. If something goes wrong during any one of these stages, it can prevent an update from being installed on your computer. For more information about an error or failure, click the Help link in the error message. If there isn't a topic on the specific error, see Troubleshoot problems with installing updates for more information.

At times we all have issues with our computer or our internet provider. Most of the time unless there is truly some issue with your computer or internet provider it’s a fluke. Try the update again, and chances are it will go just fine.

If it is a rather large update, and your computer is slower either in speed or internet? Do that update all by itself. Let all your computer resources go towards the update. In other words don’t do other things on the computer while it tries to update.

I was doing some work on a friend’s computer recently, and our internet provider was having issues due to the weather. Her computer needed over 70 updates, and I did them in groups of 5 at a time. If the update was LARGE? I did it one at a time. Due to the weather at times the internet would completely stop, and I had to start all over again. YES it was annoying, but needed to be done.

In future articles I will go into more detail on Windows Updates.

I wanted to be sure you knew what they were first.
Setup Automatic Windows Updates on Vista or Windows 7
Setup Automatic Windows Updates on Windows XP
Do a Manual Windows update

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided below.

Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner on What is a Windows Update!!

Technorati Tags: how windows update,windows update,update windows,windows updates,windowsupdate,microsoft update,microsoft updates,windows update windows xp,windows update vista,windows microsoft update,window update,windows vista updates,window updates,windows update service,install windows update,install windows updates

How-To Change Your Computer Name

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:59:15 PDT

When you first setup your computer you are prompted to NAME your computer. I know some computer beginners have other people set the computer up for them, or honestly don’t remember this step if they did it themselves.

Your Computer name is used to identify the computer on a network. I noticed as well that most of the time when you setup the computer that manufacturers will have this filled with a recommendation. Its normally the make and model of the computer.

At my home we have more than one computer. I setup a home network, and I want to be able to identify the different computers easily. You could name your computer by location (kitchen, basement, bedroom), or by user (bob laptop, sue tower). If you want to rename your computer after your pet? That is YOUR choice!

As you might have guessed Today’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner is:

Renaming Your Computer

First I must note that you will need Administrative Rights to do this.
Second Note: Close all documents, web pages, etc. You will need to restart the computer when you are done.

You will start by clicking on our start button (red finger), and show our start menu.
We will be looking for the control panel (yellow finger).

Once you see your control panel look to the left hand side

Control Panel has two views. We want to be sure you are NOT on the classic view. You notice the white dot I circled? Click on Control Panel Home if you white dot is next to classic view.

We are looking for the System and Security Section . (In Windows XP ‘Performance and Maintenance’)
We will click on the green words, System and Security

Find the SYSTEM (same with Windows XP) section, and notice:
Click on the blue See the name of this computer in blue letters (Windows XP Click on computer name tab. You should see the computer name and workgroup name.)

Your next screen is again broken down by sections. You want to look for Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings

My blue arrow above is pointing to your computer name. That is what it is called presently.

The Red arrow is pointing to CHANGE SETTINGS.

We will click on CHANGE SETTINGS, and at this time you may get prompted by your computer for either Admin password, and other screen asking if you truly wish to continue. We do want to do this if we are going to change the name on your computer.

The Systems Properties window will open first.
If you look to the top make sure you are on the ‘Computer Name’ tab.
If you notice my mouse is over the ‘change’ button in the picture.
Click the CHANGE button.
Computer Name Changes Screen will pop up next.

In the white box is your current computer name. You can click inside that white box, and change it to what you want at this point.

Keep in mind spaces and special characters can’t be used. If you want two words like “Bob computer” you need to use “Bob-Computer”. You notice I used a symbol much like a minus sign between the words.

In the picture the OK button is greyed out in the COMPUTER NAME CHANGES screen.

Once you enter your new computer name? The OK button will become available to click. You may click this once you made the changes you wanted.

Most of the time you are asked to restart the computer so the changes are completed. You may need to close all your other files, web pages, etc. before you tell the computer to restart. You will see all your open files, programs in your task bar.

How-to Change your Computer name in Windows XP

The process is similar, except some of the labels are different.

Start button to Control Panel
Click Performance and Maintenance
Click System
Click on computer name tab. You should see the computer name and workgroup name.

Click your ‘change’ button, and enter your changes in the area provided.
If you change your workgroup you may get a thank you and welcome message.

Click OK to finish, and you will be prompted to restart your computer.

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.

Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner on Renaming your computer!!

Technorati Tags: change computer name xp,windows change computer name,changing computer name,change computer name vista,change name of computer,computer name change,change the computer name,changing a computer name

How-To Rename Computer Folders

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:01:02 PDT

Welcome! Last Time we spoke about Creating a Computer folder. Today’s How-To lesson for the Computer beginner is about Renaming our Computer Folders.

We may do that to get better organized, or because we have a typo!

You will need to find the location the computer folder that you wish to rename first of all.

It can be on your desktop or elsewhere.

First thing we do is we will RIGHT CLICK on the computer folder icon itself!

A menu will appear and we will move to the ‘RENAME’ section. Then click on “RENAME”

The name area will be highlighted similar to our picture stating “NEW FOLDER”. You don’t need to click in that area at all. You just start typing. Once you have renamed the folder to what you have chosen hit your enter key.

I have changed our folder to PHOTOS.

Rename Computer Folder

If you are within a window you can also rename the Computer folder a second way

Make sure you Highlight the Folder that you wish to rename by clicking on it once.

Look at the top of your window for the word FILE

Click On FILE, and you will get a number of menu options

You are looking for RENAME

You would then click on RENAME

And your Folder name will appear highlighted.

As we did above just start typing. There is no need to click at this point. Once you have renamed your computer folder to what you had chosen you will then hit your ENTER key.

If you ever wish to change a document name? You would follow the same procedure, but clicking on the document name instead of the computer folder.

Pretty easy right?

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.

Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading out How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner on Renaming your computer folder!!

Technorati Tags: rename computer folder,rename windows system folder,my computer folder,rename folder,rename folders,rename folder windows,rename system folder,rename user folder,rename windows folder,renaming folders,rename window,folders windows

How-to Make a Computer Folder Shortcut to Desktop

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:02:32 PDT

These are pictures of computer folders.

Today’s How-to Guide for the Computer beginner will be on Computer Folders. More Specifically we will make a folder on our desktop. Some people refer to this as Folder Shortcut on Desktop.

Try to think of a computer folder much the same way as the ones you buy in to store. Heck you can even make them into some of huge penda flex folders that we see as well. It really depends on what you use your computer for, and how you want to keep things together.

How To Make A Folder On Desktop

Find an open space on your desktop, and then we want to right click.

<<<< This top menu pops up, and you want to look for ‘NEW’. You will hoover over (don’t click) on NEW for the second menu to appear.

^^^^^ This second menu opens, and you need to look for “FOLDER’. At this point you may click on folder.

If you look at your desktop at this point you should see a computer folder similar to this one pictured.

The blue highlight is waiting for you to NAME the folder. You don’t have to ‘click’ anything. Just start typing the name you want to call this computer folder. Hit your enter key when finished.

I have decided that I want to place my vacation pictures in a folder on my desktop. I will name this folder photos and push my enter key. When I double click on the folder I named, “PHOTOS” it will open to show my contents of this folder. At this point it would empty of course.

Now I have made the decision that I want to make an addition folder INSIDE my photo folder to represent each trip I made.

I can do that VERY easy, by looking at the top, and clicking on FILE.

I will hover over to NEW, and additional options appear.

We will click on our option, “FOLDER”.

The new highlighted spot will again appear just as it did when you made your first computer folder on the desktop. I will name my first folder TEXAS, and hit ENTER. I will then click on an open space within this window, and repeat the process of File, New, Folder, and then name the second computer folder ‘SPRINGFIELD’.

I had two trips – one to Springfield, and one to Texas. I have a folder for each trip inside my PHOTOS folder on the desktop at this point.

Notice the Desktop folder name in red, and the two different trip computer folders that represent the locations. Location one – Springfield. Location two – Texas.

I went two main cities in Texas as part of my trip. I went to Dallas and Fort Worth. I have decided I want to break up my pictures into two additional folders by city name, but IN the Texas Folder itself!

Just as we did above we will double click on the “TEXAS” computer folder. I would follow the same directions that we just did for Springfield and Texas.

Click File, New, Folder, name the folder “Dallas” and hit ‘enter’. Click on a open space within the open folder. Click File, New, Folder, and name the computer folder ‘Fort Worth” – click enter. If you notice at the top once you clicked on Texas? You can confirm you are in right place by looking at the TOP line I pointed to in Red.

When I double click on Fort Worth or Dallas to place my pictures in those folders? That top line would read: Photos – then Texas – then Dallas
or

Photos – Texas – Fort Worth.

This is how I organized my vacation pictures. I have folder on my desktop named “PHOTOS”, and inside I organized them even MORE by location. Then in Texas I again organized the by City – Fort Worth and Dallas. All I have to do at this point is import the photos!

Rename Computer Folder

OPPS! Did you notice that I misspelled ‘PHOTOS”? Its says “PHTOS” instead! Yikes! Lets fix that shall we?

Close out our folders menu completely, but clicking on the red “X” in the top right hand corner. We should be looking at our desktop again at this point.

Find our computer folder on our desktop, and then we will again RIGHT CLICK on the computer folder Icon itself!

A menu will appear once again, and we will move to the ‘RENAME’ section. Then click on “RENAME”

I will then be presented with the highlighted area once again, and I can correct my mistake! Remember just TYPE don’t click on the box to edit.

Now that I have fixed my spelling error – did you notice the appearance of the file folder changed as well? I copied our first screen shot on purpose so you can see the visual of the difference between what it looked like when we started, and what it looks like now.

Our Final product if you look closely? You have your ‘main computer’ (outside folder), and additional folders inside (Springfield and Texas). I think that is NEAT!

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.

Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading out How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner on Computer Folder Shortcuts for Desktops!!

Technorati Tags: make folder on desktop,how to make a folder,how to make a new folder,how to make folders,shortcut to make a new folder,make new folder shortcut,shortcut new folder

What is a Computer Application? Application Software?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:04:23 PDT

In the past I did an article about the differences between Hardware and Software. Then I wrote about what is a computer process.

I have noticed that I come across questions that get a bit more technical in nature. I decided I would try to explain in laymen terms today one of the more technical terms you may have heard about.

Today’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner is: What is a computer application? What is application software?

I think the best way to explain it is to introduced first what we call:

System Software

System software is programs that make you computer run. It would be your operating system for example. The system software is what makes your computer work. It tells you computer to turn on, tells your computer hardware what to do.

I would say most of the time we take our system software for granted, because we don’t do to much literally with it. The system software basically helps operate our computer. It tells the machine – this is the keyboard, this is the monitor, this is the memory, etc. It also shows the computer what to do with those things.

As you may see in our picture today there are other technical system software categories as well.

Here is a brief description with additional pictures to show you system software.

Computer Application or Application Software

A computer application or application software would be a program like for example, Office 2010. Office 2010 is what they call a Suite of programs. It has more than one program you can use. It may include Access, Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.

It laymen terms? Its another word for a computer program or an executable file. You execute the file most of the time by double clicking the programs icon.

Software that allows users to do things like create text documents, play games, listen to music, or surf the web are called Application Software. If we view out picture today we can see programs that we may use to do some of the tasks mentioned. If you deal with pictures (graphics) that would also be an computer application or application software.

Here is an article that goes into more technical terms for the computer application, or application software.

Computer Hope has a webpage called, The complete listing of Computer software. These are all computer applications or application software. Keep in mind new software is coming out all the time, but it sure does look like they nailed most of them!

That is our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner on Computer application, application software, and system software.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns? Please leave you note in the area supplied below.

Also keep in mind that if you enter your email address in the subscription box below future lessons will be sent to your email box.

Technorati Tags: what is a computer application,computer applications,define computer application,computer applications software,what is software,application program,applications software,what is application software,pc suite,what is computer software,what is system software,windows applications,what is an application,what is an application software,what is operating system

How-To Close a Browser Window

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:06:52 PDT

Today’s How-to Guide for the Computer Beginner is going to cover: How-to Close a browser window

If you look at the top right hand side of your web browser? You will see something similar to this:

One way to close a web browser window is clicking on the “x”. Your browser windows should close.

The second way is look to the top, and find the menu bar. You should see ‘file’ (click on it), and as I have pictured you can go all the way to the bottom to ‘exit’. You would click again on EXIT this time. This also would close your browser window.

Those two choices maybe the ones you use the most. Now we will look at different circumstances you may run into as well.

Newer web browsers allow you to open more than one tab in your browser window. In my picture below I have three tabs open. I have one for Google, One for Yahoo, and the third is for Bing.

Now I have decided I’m finished with all these web pages, and wish to exit them. I would click on the X like I did above on the browser window.

In this circumstance I would be receiving a warning.

This message is from Mozilla Foxfire. Its warning me that I’m not only closing the browser window that I’m viewing but closing all the tabs I had opened in this browser window.

I have two choices. I can click ‘close tabs’ or ‘cancel’.

If I click ‘close tabs’ all three: Google, Yahoo, and Bing will close all at once.
If that is what I want to do – GREAT!

What if I forgot that I had three tabs open, and I just wanted to close ‘google’ alone? I would click the cancel option. The browser window would look just like it was before I clicked the X menu option.

Okay, so how to you close just the one tab for google?

If you glance at each tab you have open in your browser window you will notice another X for close. It may not be ‘red’ this time, but it will close the tab. Notice that all the tabs have this X handy for you to use.

If you don’t like these reminders you can remove the X by clicking in the box next to message, “Warn me when I attempt to close multiple tabs’.

This is a similar message that you would receive from Internet Explore (IE).

I can either close the current tab I’m viewing, or close them all.

As you can see in IE you also have the option of just closing one tab like we did in Firefox above.

Another circumstance you may run into is wanting to close browser windows that have been minimized, and are in your taskbar. Closing these Browser windows in Windows 7 is a bit different, and we will show that to you last.

This is scenario I have Mozilla Firefox sites minimized, and I have them pictured below.

When I hover (don’t click) like in our picture you will see that I have three browser windows minimized on my task bar.

If you look closely at my foxfire logo in the task bar you will see a down arrow. If you see this down arrow it means I have MORE than one browser window minimized . If I had just ONE window minimized no arrow would be present.

If we click once on our browser icon in the task bar you will see a preview titles to remind you of what web pages you choose to place there.

Without clicking you can again hover over to get more information, and if you wish to bring the browser window back up on your desktop then you would click on it. This at times is referred to as restore the window.

What if I wanted to get exit the window, because I decided I won’t use it again?

While you are hovering over it – right click once.

You have a ‘restore’ choice which would open up the window on your desktop, or you have the close option. In our case? Click the CLOSE!

Here is a picture of another task bar, and you can see the person has a number of different programs open at once. Restoring those back to the desktop would be a matter of just clicking on one of the rectangles on this task bar. If they wanted to close them? Right click, and hit close just like we did above.

Windows 7 (Seven) changed up the task bar even more, and how to handle the web browser windows.

When you hover over the IE (internet explorer) icon as pictured? You can actually see the page title and a screenshot of the different browser windows you have minimized. Move your mouse over a thumbnail image (again no clicking) to preview the window full screen, and click it to go open the window.

Notice the browser window icon this time. There is no arrow like in the past, but it reminds me separate sheets of paper. If you look real close you will see three sheets, and these represent the three choices.

What if you decide you wish to close the window in the task bar?

We will again hover over (remember that means no clicking yet) the IE (Internet Explorer) icon pictured. Then you need to right click on your mouse. Notice the picture. You have the option to click on ‘close window’. You would click on that choice to close the web browser.

Remember the tabs above?
When you hoover all your windows will show as we mentioned. We want to get rid of bing this time. Move your mouse over the bing window, and a red X will appear. Click that read X, and it will close.

If you haven’t noticed closing programs works much the same way.

If something is not clear on our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner on How to close the browser? Please feel free to leave a comment or question in the spot supplied for you.

Don’t forget to leave your email to subscribe to future lessons. They will be emailed directed to you.

Technorati Tags: how to close a browser window,how to close browser,close all browser windows,close browser windows,close your browser,close browser button,close the browser,how do you close your browser,how to close web browser

What is a web browser? Browser window?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:09:23 PDT

When I speak to my friends about computers I sometime forget they may not know the basic terms, since they are a computer beginner after all.

I get these confused looks and questions like:

What a browser?
What is a web browser?

What is a browser window?

I think to myself, “Oh boy! I guess that would help huh?” Dahhhhh to me!

Today’s How-to Guide for the Computer Beginner is, “What is a browser or Web Browser?” We will also touch on Browser windows.

What is a Browser? What is a web browser?

Browser is a short name for web browser.   YEP! They are the same thing.

A web browser is basically a software application (or program) that allows you to get onto the internet, and view web pages.

I have chosen three popular web browsers, and have shown pictures of their icons.

You may have seen this on your desktop, and this is a web browser called Internet Explorer. It is also called, IE for short.

This is another popular web Brower. Its called Mozilla Foxfire. It also has a nickname, “FoxFire” for short.

Lastly, this is called Google Chrome, or just Chrome for short.

At this point and time these three seem to be the most talked about. There are others.    If you wish to open a browser? You would click on one of icons, and normally you would have one similar to ones I have picture above.

You had to click one of these (IE, Foxfire, Chrome) icons to get to our How-To Guide for the Computer beginner page that you are viewing now.

Normally, the next question I’m asked is which one is better. Honestly? You will get as many opinions as there are web browsers. I think it is more personal preference. Internet Explorer (IE) was my first browser, and now I tend to use Mozilla Foxfire.   I actually have them both on my desktop now.

For whatever reason there are certain websites I can view better in one browser better than the other.

When you hear people speak about browser compatibility? That is one of the aspects they are talking about. There will be some website you come to, and they will tell you right away to view this in IE, Foxfire, or Chrome. They are telling you their website is compatible with that web browser.

Another example, would be say you pick IE and it has a heck of time loading in order to see the words and pictures – or just outright refuses to show anything. I would turn around and open this page in Firefox, and it loads right away.

Keep in mind: When you have never been to a website before? Its normal for the page to take while to load so you can see it.

Other times certain parts of the webpage will never be seen in one web browser, but you can see everything on another. Lets look at an example of what I’m talking about.

These two pictures are an example of two different web browsers viewing the same web page.

As you can tell browser number one is more compatible to view this web page than the second one. The second browser is missing huge chucks of information.

What is a browser window?

When you click one of the icons above? You are launched into a browser window. Matter of fact you are viewing our blog in a browser window.

In beginner terms? A browser window is a tool used to view websites on the internet. It acts as a "window" to the world wide web. (otherwise known as the internet).

So when you open your browser by clicking on one of the icons I mentioned? You will be viewing the internet through a browser window.

Make sense?

I hope you understood my How-To Guide For the Computer beginner today on Web Browser, and Browser windows.

If you have comments or question please feel free to leave a comment in our section provided.

Also don’t forget to leave your email in our subscription to have future lessons sent directly to your email.

Technorati Tags: a browser is,what a browser,browsers,what is a web browser,a web browser is,browser windows,internet browsers,how to open browser,how to open a browser,what is browser window,browser web page,how do i close my browser,web browser windows

How-To change mouse cursor or pointer

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:11:38 PDT

In the last couple of lessons we have spoken about the mouse options. We started with right click, left click, double click, etc.

The last time in our tutorial I spoke about the mouse pointers, or computer pointers.

Today’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner lesson is normally asked one of these ways:

How do you change the mouse cursor?

How to change your computer cursor?

How to change the computer pointer?

As you can see people call it different things. I normally refer to it as a computer pointer.

Today, I will start with the Windows 7 and Vista, and then Windows XP. I have had a hard time finding good documentation on older operating systems for this. I will update later if I found sites for you.

For Windows Vista or Windows 7 you have two ways of doing this.

Find an open space on your desktop, and right click and you will see a menu looking similar to this. You want to move down to ‘personalize’ to open the next menu.

We want to go down the list of options until we find ‘mouse pointers’. Click the blue letters that say ‘mouse pointers’ to open the next menu choice.

Towards the top you will see a tab called ‘pointers’. I have used a green arrow to point to where I’m speaking about.

The Scheme can be chosen from clicking on the drop down list. Please see blue arrow this time. Scroll down the list to pick a theme that you may think you will like.

You can preview what your mouse pointers or mouse cursors will look like before you make your selection. You see the preview in the section I highlighted in yellow.

You can preview as many as you wish, but when you have settled on the one you like? Make sure you click the ‘ok’ button at the bottom that I pointed to with a purple arrow.

If you don’t want to change anything? Click cancel, or the red X at the top to close the menu.

That was easy wasn’t it? You can change your theme as much as you like now!

I consider that the ‘fast way’ to change the mouse cursor or computer pointer.

The second way? Click Start Button, and the move over to click on control panel.

In the top left hand corner of the ‘control panel’ screen make sure you are on the ‘control panel home’, and not the classic view.

You can tell by the dot I circled in the picture. If your dot is next to ‘classic view’ click on ‘control panel home’ white letters to change it. This way the rest of my instructions will make sense to you.

In the control panel look for the follow sections:

Look for the ‘appearance and personalization’ section, and click on the green letters that say ‘appearance and personalization’.

Next look for the section called ‘Personalization’, and click on its green letters ‘personalization’.

You will notice the same ‘blue letter’ mouse pointer section we spoke about above is present.

Just follow the same instructions as we spoke about above after clicking on the blue letters that say, ‘mouse pointers’

Changing the mouse cursors in XP is similar.

We will go to the start button to control panel,

and then ‘printers and other hardware’. We are NOT in the classic view for this lesson.

You will click on MOUSE, and then your mouse properties window will open.

Look for Pointers. You may have noticed this is similar to Windows Vista or Windows 7. You have the scheme drop down list to make your choice, and also your preview section. The Preview you would just scroll down to see. Make your choice, and click OK at the bottom once again. Tech Recipes has additional comments.

At this point I really have not found any reliable information on how to do this with older operating systems. I will update this lesson if I do find them.

That is our How-To Lesson for the Computer Beginner on how do you change the mouse cursor, computer cursor, or computer pointer. YES take your pick as to what you want to call them!

If you have any questions or comments – or if something isn’t clear? Please leave a comment in the section provided for you.

Lastly, don’t forget to subscribe for future lessons to be sent directly to your email box. You can do this by typing in your email in our subscribe section below.

Technorati Tags: how to change your computer cursor,how to change pointer,change mouse pointer,computer pointer icon,how to change your cursor,cursor pointer,mouse cursor,pointer cursors,cursors and pointers,how to change cursor,change cursor pointer,how do you change the mouse cursor

Names for mouse cursors, pointers or arrows

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:14:29 PDT

I’m sure most have noticed some of the images pictured in the oval. These are computer pointers.

I have also heard it referred to as computer arrow, or computer cursor.

Today’s How-to Guide for the Computer Beginner is about

computer pointers.

This is just a standard computer pointer. There are variety of different looks to computer pointers, and you can even download different ones online if you wish. When you see this standard computer pointer everything would seem fine. It normally appears on your desktop once you computer is done loading itself completely. This pointer is what you use to select and execute files, programs, etc.

Note: Make sure you know the dangers of downloading pointers, and how to keep yourself safe before you do!

Question Mark Pointer

You notice the question mark next to the computer pointer? In some screens either in a computer program or if you are searching the internet you will notice some symbols in the upper right hand screen (normally). The question mark below would be similar to what you would see.At times it could be as obvious as a question mark, and normally it would be near the X that means close the screen.

Other times your pointer will change to one with a question mark if the site has additional information, or goes into more detail. Its basically prompting you that they have additional information about the subject at hand if you wish to see it.

Hour Glass Pointer

Next you may have an hourglass next to your computer pointer, at times just an hour glass, or the circle that we have pictured today. This is called a background busy pointer or cursor. It is telling you that the computer is running some task or job at the present time.

You may notice this pointer when you first turn on your computer, and the machine is loading all the programs before you can do anything. I notice I get a similar type of message when I print PDF forms online for grocery rebates. The computer is basically asking you to wait until it done before you do anything else.

At times YES you can do something else, but your computer maybe very slow or the program can crash (stop working).

There are certain times in which you would only see an hour glass, and you will not be able to do anything else on the computer until it has finished its job. You can think of it as, ‘Please wait. We only have resources for this one job right now!”

I-Beam Pointer

or Yes it almost looks like an letter I for ice cream doesn’t it?

You may not have noticed this text pointer, but we use it all the time. This is also called a ‘i-beam’ pointer. Did you ever notice when you are typing a word into a search engine, or typing a web address? You have a blinking text pointer. I don’t notice it all that often, because its small and blinks. It just looks like a line most of the time to me.

You will see it on the blinking in your address bar for this blog if you place your cursor click there.

You will see if you enter your email address in our subscription box to received future lessons by email! (giggles)

The I-beam pointer indicates that text can be highlighted, inserted or changed. To select a word with the I-beam, double-click in the middle of any word and to select an entire line of text or paragraph click the button quickly three times. To select a portion of text, click at the beginning or end of the text and while holding down the mouse button drag left, right, up, or down.

I will tell you some places are more touchy than others. I can use certain sites to fill out the rebate forms online like I spoke of, and it’s a breeze. There are other sites I just have to keep clicking before it moves.

I have no idea why some sites are like that, and others are not. My daughter's laptop I have hard time doing this task completely. That is when I take out a mouse, and stop using her touchpad.

Link Pointer

Other times you may see a hand appear that seems to be pointing at something. This is generally called a link pointer.

You may have noticed on our blog we tend to link old tutorials to the present ones. I have tried to break lessons down by one topic at a time.

That way if I mention icons in a lesson, and you aren’t sure what an icon is? You can click that link to open the lesson. The red word ‘icons’ has a link now. If you hover over it? You will see how your pointer or cursor changes to show you there is a link there with a hand like this one.

Unavailable or Prohibited Pointer

There will be times in which you want to ‘click’ on something, and your mouse gives you a icon looking similar to this the red one I have pictured here. The icon is basically telling you that what you are trying to click is unavailable.

Graphic Pointers

Computer Pointers that tend to be used for graphics, drawings, photo, etc.
The arrow icons are used when you are resizing. The arrows point to the direction strength the image size. You can make it taller, shorter, or increase or decrease the over size.

This is a move pointer. When you click the center, and hold it? You can drag the image where you want it.
this is a precision pointer. You would normally use this to line things up.

These types of computer pointers would be used if you wanted to place pictures up online for lets say Photobucket, or Google’s Picasa. I have included an introduction video about Picasa. Don’t let the features intimidate you, because they do make them user friendly. These programs or sites allow you to customize your photos. The graphic pointers / cursors are something you will see there.

Tells you about a free photo service Picasa that uses graphic pointers

Keep in mind some computer pointers, or computer cursors, computer arrows, or computer icons – whatever someone has labeled them can be similar, but not look perfectly like the ones on your computer. If you have noticed doing a web search for these pointers? You get tons of sites telling you that free ones are available for download. I never felt the need personally, but it can be a fun thing to do for some. I know my children have found some they like.

Here is a quote from a Microsoft administrator when someone asked about free pointers for download:

Some advise:
• Cursor files themselves are not inherently dangerous, so you should be able to download cursors without much fear. As always, make sure you're running a good Anti-Malware/Anti-Virus program, such as the free Microsoft Security Essentials product.
• Cursors themselves should end with either a .ani or .cur file name, and should never require "installation" for a basic cursor. If you're prompted to install something, be wary and proceeded carefully.
• Exception: For more advanced cursor effects, there are installable programs such as CursorFX from a company named StarDock. This company is reputable and has done work with and for Microsoft (example, they developed the Windows Vista DreamScene expansions). CursorFX isn't a free product, however. And of course, you may not want to have extra software installed just to show cursors.

Microsoft used to make themes and cursors, but they stopped doing that for more than 10 years I believe I read.

That is today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner on Mouse pointers, cursors, arrows. I hope we showed you how to identify them.

As always, if you have question or comment to make this lesson better? Or just plain don’t understand something? Please leave a comment in the section provided.

Also, leave your email in the subscription box to receive new lessons by email as they come out.

Technorati Tags: cursor names,name cursors,name pointers,computer pointer,computer pointer icon,computer mouse icon,pointer on the computer screen,computer mouse arrow,different mouse pointers,double mouse pointer,computer pointing devices,computer pointing device,mouse pointer images,pointer tool,pointing mouse,computer mouse pointer,icon pointer,mouse arrow cursor,computer cursor

How-To Use The Computer Mouse

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:16:12 PDT

Today’s How-to Guide for the computer beginner is about the computer mouse.

More Specifically, how you use your computer mouse.

Once upon a time in computer history everything was done by keyboard, and a mouse was unheard of. Today most people use a click of the mouse to get their tasks done quickly, and some use a combination of keyboard shortcuts and the use of the mouse.

Lets talk MOUSE MEASUREMENT!

I have to admit at first when the mouse came out I had to get used to how to MOVE it. I don’t know about anyone else, but when I moved it I overshot my target. Lets say, I wanted to move 3 inches to the left. So I would move my mouse over 3 inches. I would then look at my monitor with curiosity, because the mouse pointer was GONE! The mouse pointer moved WAY more than 3 inches.

This is an image of a computer pointer. Most pointers are pretty similar, and yours may look like this. What I had to figure out is that computer’s use of measurement called, DPI. DPI stands for dots per inch. The mouse DPI means that, the number of points in 1 cm square which are read by mouse sensor. Some pointers are more sensitive than others.

The best way to learn about your mouse? Is practice! I learned very quickly that I didn’t have to move my mouse anywhere NEAR 3 inches on my mouse pad to accomplish 3 inches across on the monitor itself. Yes, then I undershot the target at times. Believe it or not practice is the best way to get used to the measurement. Before you know it this will be come second nature.

Laptops to me are even MORE sensitive in my opinion. The mouse on the laptop is called the touchpad. Today we will be touching on right click, left click. When using a laptop see the picture here for where that is located.

Honestly? My daughter has a laptop that I use from time to time. (Ahem – normally when she wants me to repair something… giggles) I have never really got used the touchpad, and I normally plug in a computer mouse in a port that are normally available for you on the laptop itself. Everyone is different, and some people are not bothered at all by the touchpad. Its personal preference, but for myself? I hate the stupid touchpads. My daughter just thinks I’m strange on that aspect, but WHATEVER as the kids say today!

The next thing that confused me is what happens when I reach the edge of the mouse pad, and I still want to move it more in one direction? The direction doesn’t matter. It could be left, right, top or bottom. What do you do when you run out of mouse pad space? You learn to lift the mouse slightly up, and literally drop it somewhere else on the mouse pad to accommodate your task. You will notice when you lift the mouse off the mouse pad your computer pointer doesn’t move. Once you hit the surface of the mouse pad? The pointer moves again.

The Computer Mouse Button Basics

Right click or left click? One click or Two?

I’m sure you have notice that most of the computer mouse’s have 2 buttons, and a wheel in the center. Click basically refers to the noise the computer mouse makes when you push the button.

Left Click means you push the left button with your index finger normally. This is also called the ‘select button’.

For example, someone asks you to select an icon on your desktop. If you look at my icon for a Chinese Chicken Salad recipe pictured you will notice the icon was highlighted when I selected it by left clicking ONCE on the icon itself.

Notice with computer ‘lingo’ when someone asks you to ‘click’ it means use the left mouse button, and click it once. If you get a request of ‘double click on (insert request)’ it means you will be executing something. For example, if I wanted to VIEW my recipe pictured? I would click twice very quickly on the icon, and the webpage would execute and open. This is referred to as ‘double click’ or ‘double clicking’.

Right Click means you push the right button. The right mouse button is also called the ‘menu’ button.

Lets take for example, I already have that Chinese Chicken recipe. There is no need to keep the icon on my desktop anymore. I want to get rid of it. I would first ‘select’ the icon by left clicking once. I would then right click on the highlighted chicken recipe. A ‘menu’ of options will come up. One of the options would be ‘delete’ as we have pictured. You would move the mouse down (holding the right click down or moving your wheel) to the the words ‘delete’, and your selection will highlight. You notice the word ‘delete’ is highlighted. You will release your right click, and push your left click button once. You will then get a message about if you are sure you want to move to your recycle bin.

Keep in mind MOST files, applications, programs or what have you give you a right click menu option. Some do not.

Note: I honestly can’t think of ONE thing I have ever had to use with double click on the right button. That is NOT to say some applications don’t have special instructions to do so. I just never came across anything asking me to double click with your right button before. When you are asked to double click? Unless you are told otherwise? Use your left button.

Also always assume you will use the left button, unless it is specified. Right clicks are always pointed out in general.

Last but NOT least is your wheel. Some people may call it your special button, or center button. I’m not the only one that calls it wheel, but wanted to be sure you knew the other terminology.

When the computer mouse was brand new it didn’t come with a wheel. You would have to push both buttons down to do specials tasks like moving up and down. If you move your wheel now you will notice that your screen rises up towards the top, or goes down depending on the direction you twirl it.

The computer mouse like most things in regard to computers has come a long way. Some mice have more than two buttons. If have extra buttons? You can generally google the name of your mouse (look on the bottom of it), and the manufacturer of the mouse should have instructions for you online.

Nowadays? The three options – left click, right click, or wheel are the only ones mentioned most of the time.

So lets summarize everything for you!

A Click - Press the Left (or Right) Mouse Button once. Right clicks will be mentioned specially.
A Double Click - Press the Left (or Right) Mouse Button twice, quite fast, on the same spot. Always assume left button unless mentioned to use right button.
Placing the Mouse Pointer over an Icon and then clicking on it highlights that icon only.
Placing the Mouse Pointer over an Icon and then double clicking on it highlights and selects that icon. The second click executes the program, or what is called LAUNCH something.
Clicking the Right Mouse Button, whilst the mouse pointer is over a menu-item or icon, displays a Menu (if the software supports this function).
Wheel is also called center button, special button.

I hope I answered your questions today with today’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner on how to use your computer mouse. (YES at times its referred to as mice as well, but not as often)

If you have questions or comments please feel free to use our comment section below.

Also make sure you enter your email address in the box below to subscribe. The lessons will come to your email automatically.

Technorati Tags: how you use your computer mouse,the computer mouse,computer mouse pointer,a computer mouse,how to use a computer mouse,computer mouse information,mouse for computer,touchpad computer,keyboard mouse,computer mouse control,keyboard with touchpad mouse,mouse for a computer,computer keyboard with touchpad,mouse on computer,information on computer mouse

Internet Explorer Delete Browsing History Menu

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:21:41 PDT

Today’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner we will go into more detail about Internet Explorer’s:

Delete Browsing History Tab.

Keep in mind at times people do shorten the name Internet Explorer.

Most people will refer to this as IE.

It is basically just the initials of

Internet Explorer.

If you come across IE9. It means Internet Explorer Version 9. The number represents the version of IE or Internet Explorer.

So Today’s lesson could also be termed as, “

IE delete browsing history’

tab.

We have touched on the Delete Browsing History tab in a previous article about the computer cache (pronounced CASH).

I wanted to go down the list for each section so you were comfortable knowing what each section of the delete browsing history does.

1. On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.

The Internet Options box should open to the General tab.

The top section is the home page.

The Second - Browsing History section is what we will be dealing with today.

I have been also asked how to:

delete browsing history on exit

Notice in the Browsing History section you have a box you can check mark above. This will delete your internet history automatically. The internet history is basically the url’s that you have visited. Computer Hope as options for older browsers.

Back to the Browsing History section:
If you hit the ‘delete’ button your Delete Browsing History menu will come up.

At the Top of the menu you will notice is its called, Delete Browsing History.

Lets break this menu down by section. If you want to ‘choose’ a section?

Click on the square next to the title in order to make an “check mark” there. See my example below where I checked “Preserve favorites website data” under the delete browsing history menu.

Preserve Favorites Website Data

If you have saved any websites as your favorites? Option one will save the cache and the cookies, etc on those sites.

This cache option allows you to leave those sites alone. It’s a nice feature they have added to Internet Explorer 9.

What is your favorites?

This is the section of your web browser at the top that allows you to save favorite websites – LIKE THIS ONE! (giggles)

Try it! Click on “Favorites”, and then click to “Add to Favorites”.

We will go into the Favorites Section more later.

I will give you an example of a favorite that I go to regularly. I have boards that I go to that have discussions about faith. If I click the preserve favorite website data, because my faith board is under my ‘favorites’ section that I have pictured above? It will load the page faster, and remember my login information.

So:

is to ensure that this data is not deleted, a check mark must be placed next to the Preserve Favorites website data option.

Temporary Internet Files

The second option in this menu deals with Temporary Internet Files. IE9 stores images from the websites and media files of Web pages that you have visited in an effort to reduce load time on your next visit to that page.

Since you have already saved your favorite websites you will delete all the images, etc from other websites that you have visited, and will free up some space by deleting the temporary files.

We all go traveling around the internet, and each page is pretty much saved. You don’t need them all, and this basically throws out the trash.

Cookies

Tech FAQ’s Describes web cookies:

A browser cookie is a small piece of information sent by a web server to a web browser to be stored for future use. The data in the browser cookie will be sent back to the web server whenever the browser reconnects to the web site.
Cookies are commonly used to store user preference information, such as web site options. Cookies are also used to store shopping cart contents. The most security-relevant use of browser cookies is when they are used to store authentication data, such as user names and passwords.

I normally check this one myself

History

The fourth section of the Delete Browsing History menu deals with History. IE9 records and stores a list of all websites that you visit.

The others sections dealt with data, cookies, images, files, etc. This basically deals with the URL addresses stored.

Download History

Any time you download a file through your browser, IE9 keeps a record of it including its filename as well as the date and time which it was downloaded.

Keep in mind this does NOT delete the download itself. Just the list. Some people prefer to keep this, and others don’t.

Form Data

The sixth option deals with Form data. Any time you enter information into a form on a website, IE9 stores some of that data.

Pictured here I was going to comment on a blog or website. The first field asked me for my name. I typed in H, and the form data that was saved in Internet Explorer Browser came up with Hannah Thomas. It retrieved this from a comment box I had filled out on another site.

Although this can be very convenient, it can also become an obvious privacy issue.

Passwords

The seventh option deals with Passwords. When entering a password on a Web page for something such as your email login, IE9 will usually ask if you would like for the password to be remembered.

If you choose for the password to be remembered, it will be stored by the browser and then prepopulated the next time you visit that Web page. It basically fills in the blanks next time you visit the website.

I will admit some sites I will allow this, and others I won’t. My example again is a faith board I go to often. I will save the password in the browser. If I’m paying a bill online? I don’t want that type of information in the browser.

I personally don’t checkmark this section for deletion, but it can be useful for others. If you wish all your saved passwords to be deleted you would check this section.

ActiveX Filtering and Tracking Protection Data

The eighth and final option deals with InPrivate Filtering data. This data is stored as a result of the InPrivate Filtering feature, which detects where websites may be automatically sharing details about your visit.

An example of this would be code that could tell a site owner about other sites that you have recently visited.

Online Tech Tips has a good article on InPrivate Filtering data worth checking out. It goes into more detail.

When you have made your selections you will click the delete button at the very bottom of the Delete Browsing History menu. If you want to get out of this menu? Click cancel.

With older versions of Internet Explorer:

From the Tools menu in the upper right, select Internet Options.

Under "Browsing history", click Delete... .
To delete your cache, click Delete files... . To delete your cookies, click Delete cookies... .
To delete your history, click Delete history... .
Click Close, and then click OK to exit.

I hope today’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner on the Delete Browsing History Menu was helpful.

If you have any questions please feel free to leave a comment.

Don’t forget to subscribe by leaving your email address in the section provided so you don’t miss out on future lessons!

Technorati Tags: how to delete browsing history,delete browsing history on exit,how do i delete my browsing history,deleting browsing history,enable delete browsing history,does deleting browsing history work,how do you delete history,how to delete search history on computer,delete browsing history permanently,completely delete browsing history,how to delete browsing history from computer

How-To Restore a Deleted Recycle Bin

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:23:26 PDT

My Recycle bin is GONE!

My Recycle Bin is GONE!

I accidentally deleted recycle bin!

Where is the recycle bin? Its not on my DESKTOP!

My windows recycle bin is GONE!

I have done that myself, and don’t worry we will get it back!

Today’s How-To Guide for the Computer beginner is: how to restore recycle bin, because you might have deleted the recycle bin by accident!

Dumb Delete Option for Recycle Bin

Delete Recycle Bin

If you look at the picture you can see that right clicking on the recycle bin gives you an option to delete.

Don’t ask me why they came up with this bright idea, but they did.

The first time I deleted the recycle bin I never even caught the ‘delete’ option that is pictured. AFTER I was finished freaking out I had to learn How to recover the recycling bin. How frustrating!

How-To Recover the Windows Recycle Bin

First thing we want to do is RIGHTclick on some available space on your desktop. Then we need to click on ‘personalize’.

The control panel will open on the personalization settings. In the upper left hand corner you should see, ‘change desktop icons’ in the blue section.

Once you click Change Desktop Icons you are almost done! You will see the option to restore that recycle bin very quickly.

As you can see there are a couple of different options for you right on TOP! You can click to make an X in the box next to the word ‘recycle bin’.

The X should be missing next to the recycle bin now, and placing the X in the box restores the recycle bin. If you look towards the bottom of the desktop icon settings scene make sure your ‘allow themes to change desktop icons’ is checked if available.

Look to the bottom of this screen, and then click the button ‘apply’ button. At times you do need to push ‘ok’ as well, and other times you don’t.

I notice at times screens may flicker for a minute, but look to see if your deleted recycle bin is back! Flickering doesn’t always happen when we restore the recycle bin, but I wanted to mention it in case it did happened.

Now you don’t have to be like I was and freaking out, ‘Where is my recycle bin? MY WINDOWS RECYCLE IS GONE!”

I hope our How-To Restore our Recycle bin lesson as helpful!

If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave me a comment here.

Don’t forget to place your email address in the subscribe box so you can have more lessons sent your email when they come out!

Hope you come back for another How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner lesson!

Technorati Tags: accidentally deleted recycle bin,where is the recycle bin,windows recycle bin,how to restore recycle bin,i deleted the recycle bin,how to recover recycling bin

del.icio.us Tags: accidentally deleted recycle bin,where is the recycle bin,windows recycle bin,how to restore recycle bin,i deleted the recycle bin,how to recover recycling bin

What is a USB Flash Drive?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:25:00 PDT

Picture of a common USB Flash Drive

Today’s lesson for the computer beginner is my attempt to explain the USB Flash drive.

What is a USB Flash Drive? Its is a Data storage device that you can take with you!

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus.

When I was in college all we had to save our work on was a 5 1/4 inch floppy disk. In time we had used a 3.5 inch floppy disk which were nicer. Next came the CD Rom, and now we have the USB Flash Drive.

With each generation of storage devices that we have had they got more durable, had more storage space, and are easier to everyone to use. USB Flash drives can come in all colors, spaces, and even sizes.

When you create a file on your computer? It could be a letter, presentation, picture, etc you can save that on your hard drive. The hard drive, disk drive or in most cases is also called your C drive. YES they can all mean the same thing.

How often do we hear people mention we need to ‘back up’ our files? Today people can use the USB drive for that purpose, and many MANY others!

USB Flash Drives are smaller, faster, have thousands of times more capacity, and are more durable and reliable because of their lack of moving parts.

Nothing moves mechanically in a flash drive; the term drive persists because computers read and write flash-drive data using the same system commands as for a mechanical disk drive (floppy disk, CD rom), with the storage appearing to the computer operating system as just another drive (Floppy or CD).

Plug your USB Flash into USB Port

If you look at the first picture of the USB Flash drive I used something should look familiar!

USB Flash drives you would plug into your USB port on your computer.

What do you use a flash drive or thumb drive for?

There are MANY uses, but I will give you some general ideas today.

The reason people like the USB flash drives or thumb drives is because they transfer your files faster, and have a larger capacity for storage. I have read (have never used the USB flash drive this way) you can save information from game systems such as Xbox and Playstation on these. Soon they say some mobile phones will have this capability.

What is neat about that? Your children have their latest game setting saved on their Xbox, and you announce that you are going to a family event. The kids can save their game settings on the USB flash drive, and bring it with them. Once you get to the families house they plug in their information into the families Xbox, and now they can play with all their cousins!

If you keep your eyes open you tend to see these near almost every checkout in stores today.

Here is a famous example of a USB Flash drive!

A recent familiar use of the flash drive or thumb drive was when they found Bin Laden this year.

When Osama Bin Laden was found and killed the news reports stated they found hundreds of ‘thumb drives’. This is another name for them.

It was reported that he did not have internet access, and yet we hear about him sending emails. How is that possible?

He wrote the emails on his computer, and saved them to his Flash Drive. Someone took those flash drives to a location where internet access was possible. They copied the emails into an email program, and they were sent off. The emails he received from people were copied onto the flash drive (thumb drive), and brought back to him to read on his computer.

All his correspondence, files, plans and contacts were all saved for reference on thumb drives (flash drives). Think about that for a minute! If he knew they were coming to get him? He would just grab his thumb drives when he left. They would find his computer, but all his files were with him. Its easier to take the flash drives compared to carrying around your computer when your are trying to escape!

Bin Laden would NOT keep copies of his files on the computer directly EVER, but used his flash drives instead. If they found his computer? Big deal. All the important stuff is with him. Since they found the important stuff? THAT is why they were excited!

I hope I helped explain to you what a USB flash drive is. Keep in mind this is also called a thumb drive as well. Bye for now from How-to Guide for Computer Beginners!

Technorati Tags: what is a flash drive,a data flash drive,how to use flash drives

What is a URL?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:26:28 PDT

What is a URL? That is a fancy way of saying the website address.

U is for Universal, R is for Resource, and is for Locator.

What is a URL Address

Every page on the internet has its own unique URL address. Today I’m creating a page named, “What is a URL?”

We will go over the basics of ‘what is a URL’ is first, and then I will explain what I mean by each page as its own different address.

Most websites start with: http:// as part of the URL address. This is called the protocol.

‘http’ stands for HyperText Transfer Protocol

You would just pronounce it ‘http’ (just the letters – not my quote marks)

The ‘://” part is pronounced: dot dot backslash backslash

so together they would be pronounced with letters separately, and then use the words:

dot

backslash

Most of the time websites start with this protocol. That is the reason most people do not mention the http:// part when they tell you the website address. The web browser normally types that automatically for you, so you don’t even have to type it either.

If the website HAS a different protocol? That is when they will mention it to you. ‘fttp://” would be an example of that.

WWW

www.

is the next part of the URL address, and it stands for world wide web.

When you hear people say ‘dot’ they are speaking of the period that you see at the end of the ‘www’.

So www. is pronounced:

dot

The next part of the URL is called the:

Domain Name

The first thing to keep in mind with domain names in the URL is they tend not to be case sensitive. In other words, don’t worry about what needs to be capitalized and what is lower case.

URL addresses do not use spaces either. So if someone told you that their website URL is “what is a URL” they assume you realize NOT to use spaces. In other words, ‘ w w w dot whatisaurl dot com’. You notice I used NO spaces!

whatisaurl is the domain name!

.COM

.com is called a top level domain.

its is pronounced:

dot

com

Remember the periods are referred to as ‘dot’. Below are examples of other top level domains you may have heard of.

com - commercial websites or generic

.edu - post secondary educational institutions

.net - network oriented sites or generic

.org - noncommercial community

.mil - United States military

.gov - United States government

Each page on the internet has its own address

Now that I explained, ‘what is a URL’ lets move to what I was talking about when I said each PAGE on the internet has its own address!

I will try to keep this simple, and keep in mind each page’s address may not look JUST like my example. Its will hopefully give you an idea of what I’m trying to get across with the different URL addresses.

For this example lets use a layout of our homes.

Our domain name may be 123 main street (your address).

In the picture of our URL house above we have different rooms we all recognize.

So our main domain name would be pronounced: w w w dot 123mainstreet dot com

Next URL page will have an article called, ‘bedroom’.

Then you decide you wanted to keep to category of ‘bedroom’ and speak about the bedroom lamp. Notice the second URL address difference: bedroom/lamp

My next URL address change is when I moved into the bathroom as my second category. The next article we are staying in the bathroom, but use the URL bathtub to speak about bathtubs.

You can do this for every room in the house, and every item for as long as you wish.

Each time a new page is added to the website – it is given a new URL address. Make sense?

If you have any further questions about ‘what is a URL’ just write me a note, and I will try to help you!

I hope you enjoyed this How-To basic lesson for the computer beginner that covered what is a URL.

Technorati Tags: what is a url,what is the url,what is an url,what a url,what is a url link,what are urls,what is the url of a website,what is url address,what is a url address,what is an url address

Setting Up New Computer–Assembly Your Computer

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:27:27 PDT

Now that we have found our, ‘Location, Location, Location’ for our computer its time to unpack everything. Getting excited yet?

Lets move to the next step of setting up our new computer. Unpacking our new computer!

One thing I have noticed it seems ever since the Tylenol scare is unpacking of anything is nothing less than frustrating! When you first setup your computer? You have tons its seems like to unpack. Take your time and put on your patience hat!

Computers have come a long way from the past, but you still want to be sure that food and drinks are not in places that are going to spill during the setup of the computer.

What I have done in the past is keep all the boxes and packing material for a while, in case something is wrong and needs to be returned. I normally keep the biggest box in tact, and just dump everything else inside of it. All the boxes, bags, packing material.

I normally pick up computers that I purchase, but if you had it shipped? If it was extremely cold outside you may wish to wait until the computer warms up before powering it on for the first time. We don’t want any condensation.

Find an area on the floor to spread everything out while unpacking, and that also helps from dropping items. I have done that myself!

We don’t know how the manufacturers have packed the boxes, so avoid cutting into it. Pealing the tape may take longer, but you are less likely to cut into a cable or scratch part of the computer. Heck that even helps in case something is wrong with the computer once you take it out, and have a good box to return it in.

The CPU and the monitor at times are hard to get out of the boxes. Don’t flip it upside down, and pull the box off. Tip it on the side, and drag it out that way onto your floor.

I normally grab one of those oversized envelopes at this point. You are going to come across a mound of paperwork during the setup of your new computer. I write the computer’s name and model on the outside of the envelope, and place all the paperwork as I come to it inside the envelope.

You should come across your warranty forms as well. I have noticed within the years computer’s give you the option of filling out your warranty online, but if prefer filled it out when you find it. I would do this right away, because it may save you tons of money later on when you need the service. I would keep your receipts, etc in there as well.

In the past software would come separately, but that may not always be the case anymore. Your operating system (for example) today seems to have a label from Microsoft on the side of your CPU or tower.

They call this the OEM software, and the product key is something you may wish to copy down, or take a picture of so you can see the serial number. This is something I also place in the envelope with all the rest of the paperwork.

Nothing is worse if you have to call your computer manufacturer for something, and they ask for your computer’s serial number, or product ID number. Normally on the computer’s rear panel (backside) you will find this label. When my computer is setup the way I like it? The last thing I want to do is figure out HOW to get to the rear panel to read this information to someone over the phone.

I found this picture online. The model number is 9900, but the system number, support ID, serial number you may need as well. I would again either write this information down, or what I have done is also take a picture of it.

Keep these labels in tact on your unit, and make sure if you take pictures you can read those numbers clearly.

If you have found your packing slip yet make sure everyone is in the box that is listed. If not, contact your store or computer manufacturer right away! The cables are normally stored separately. They can be in a box, or bag, at times they place them inside items. It seems to me they normally place cables towards the bottom of the box. They also seem to tape items to the Styrofoam, inside manuals or paperwork. At times you need to be Sherlock Holmes to find it all.

Check the cables and the connectors. One example of connectors is pictured here. Cables should not have cuts in them, and the connectors should have all pins intact. The pins can easily snap off, or bend at times. I would call the manufacturer if you find this to be the case. They may just ask you to straighten it out, but make note of whom you spoke to and when. If it breaks? That would be on them – not you!

Remove all packing from the computer and the parts. Look in every hole, vent, etc. They seem to get carried away with all the packaging, and it needs to be removed.

I realize setting up a new computer at this point can seem like a daunting task, but at this point you are almost HOME! Next time, we will speak about the rear panel of your computer. We will be ‘hooking it up’ as the saying goes. This is the most exciting part of setting up your new computer! At this point you have found your location, and unpacked everything. Hooking it up means you are almost ready to turn your computer on, and have SOME fun!

Technorati Tags: basic computer operation,computer basic for seniors,computer basic free,computer basics course,setting up a computer,unpacking of computer

Setting Up New Computer – Pick a Location

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:28:31 PDT

When my novice friends get a new computer I normally get a phone call to come, and help them set the new computer up.

Setting up computers at first can be very intimating it seems with all the different parts, wires, etc.

I want to go over some important parts, before we rip open that box and get down to business with setting up the computer.

I will try to break this down in a couple of articles of setting up the computer.

The first important step of setting up your new computer?

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!

Yes you guess it! We need to think about WHERE we are going to place our computer.

Don’t invest in a new computer if you are going to place it in a damp room, on a wobbling card table where it very unstable. Damp or dusty rooms can lower the life expectancy of your computer.   Placing it on unstable furniture you take the risk of the table collapsing, or the computer falling off.

Location for your computer setup is also important when you think about HOW you are going to use the computer, and when. Its suppose to be fun, so don’t sit it in the corner of the basement to get it out of the way.    If you have children or grandchildren I recommend placing it in a living area so you can supervise what they are doing on it.

Magnetic fields are NOT a computer’s friend! Microwaves, magnets themselves and some appliances do have a magnetic field. It can damage your data on your computer.

You need to be sure you have grounded outlet source for electricity. Don’t use the same one your energy hog major appliances use. Power fluctuations can also damage your computer, and destroy your files.

Another portion of your initial set up of your computer is to find out where your connection for the internet is coming into. If you are going to use dial up you will need to use a phone jack. Most people actually have a phone jack under the computer, and they install it separately. If you have a internet provider? They will normally connect the cable connection, and you will need to ask them to place it near your computer’s location.

Keep in mind some monitors may have some glare issues if your monitor is directly facing the light source. That could be a window, or something else. Glare will make it very difficult for you to see your screen.

As I’m sure you noticed your computer has fans in the rear computer panel. It also may have vents as well. YES, your computer will need to breath so it doesn’t overheat.

Basically, you are looking for a clean, dry, cool, and out of direct sunlight place for your setup of the new computer.

The last portion of this lesson on setting up your new computer to invest in a decent surge suppressor. It is also referred to a surge protector.

I normally use this surge protector for monitors, printers, and scanner, etc as well. As you can see from the picture it has more than one outlet.

Most computer manufacturers will not cover damage to your computer if you don’t use one.

Decent surge suppressors also offer a warranty that covers damage to your computer and the surge protector as well. Most of them now days also have a phone jack, or Ethernet slot.

With the new televisions and entertainment equipment? I have a surge protector for all of it.

So, step one is setting up our computer HAS to be location! Next, lets unpack those boxes!

Technorati Tags: basic computer operation,computer basic for seniors,computer basic free,computer basics course,setting up a computer

Setting Up New Computer–Ports, Wires, Cables OH MY!

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:21:04 PDT

Welcome Back to setting up a new computer!

So far we have spoke about the location of our new computer, and unpacking of our new computer.

The picture is what is called the rear computer panel. Keep in mind not all rear computer panels look the same, but generally they will all have similar parts that will be referred to as connectors, ports.

Some computers may have all the ports and connectors on the rear panel of their computer as pictured, and some not have as many ports and connectors. That’s fine!

When we are done YOU will be able to impress all your friends with your computer rear panel knowledge! How does that sound?

For Safety reasons, I do need to stress its ALWAYS a good idea to completely shut off your computer, and unplug it from its electrical source. We don’t want to get electric shocks or worse! You also will take the chance of damaging your computer as well, but personally? I think you are more important.

Keep in mind that connectors have male and female counterparts. The male has the pins while the female has the holes.

At this point we have NOTHING plugged in to the electrical outlet! It comes last! If you have anything plugged in? Unplug it!

As I’m sure you have guessed already the tower can be called, CPU, tower, system unit. This is the brains of the computer.

Peripheral Devices

Peripheral Devices are items we will plug into the CPU, Tower or system unit. Some examples of peripheral devices is the keyboard and mouse. Your monitor is almost like a TV screen, and you are reading these directions through a monitor. The speakers add sound, and of course our printer.

Scanners, joysticks, cameras, modem, etc are all peripheral devices.

Static Buildup

In our last lesson I mentioned that magnetics fields are NOT a computer’s friend. Today I wanted to mention neither is Static Buildup.

Do you remember as kids you dragged your feet along the carpet, and then touched your sibling to shock them? That can kill sensitive components of a computer. Most recommend placing the unit on a anti-static pad to prevent this.

I have to admit I’m bad at this. Normally, before handling anything? I touch something besides the computer parts. That releases the shock, and I move on. Carpeted areas are the worse for the shock and static. Others use anti static wrist pads, etc.

Setting up your new computer: Plug in those connections!

Note: Today’s technology tends to use what they call ‘wireless’ connection. It is exactly what it sounds like. There is no wires to plug into the CPU at all. Its amazing to watch once you turn on your computer that these Peripheral Devices connect automatically. Depending on your operating system peripheral software may or may not be needed. Normally, they will include it just in case. Your first clue will be if it NOT working after you boot up the computer, or the computer asks for the software. The newer computers normally will search out, and install the software on its own. These Peripheral Devices normally work on batteries: keyboard or mouse. Check your batteries to make sure they work if your computer isn’t responding.

Second Note: USB ports seem to be more popular to use for keyboards and mice. I will cover USB ports as well, but wanted to note this in case your computer isn’t using the traditional PS/2 port for those peripheral devices. (Don’t worry you will know what USB and PS/2 are soon!)

What is nice about computer’s today is that the manufacturers got smart, and started put pictures next to the connections. In the picture below you can see the green area that shows a mouse.

PS/2 Port

Pictured above is a PS/2 port on the back of your computer. This is the female connector that has holes. Notice the outside shape isn't a true circle, but has almost notch looking curves. PS/2 Ports are normally used for the keyboard or mouse.

At times you will have check to see if you lined up the outside shape I mentioned above when you push them into the back of your computer. Green cord goes into the green connector, as does the purple goes in the purple. The cords would be the male connection!

These should slide in easily. Don’t force them, because you can break it.

USB Port

The UBS port that looks rather flat, and has that solid white portion on top. The cable you use is flat has well, and UBS normally just snap right in.

The USB ports don’t normally have anything labeled like they do above. You just grab a USB port that is available.

It seems to me technology is moving towards using more USB ports. You may have these on the front panel of the computer, rear panel of the computer, or both.

UBS ports are normally connected to items like: mouse, keyboard, speakers, printers, joysticks, headphones, etc.

I normally place mouse, keyboard, speakers, printers plugged into the back of my computer. On the front of my computer? I have our headphones and camera. We don’t use those all the time, and when we do use them we plug them in. Its an easier access to the ports for me. If they aren’t using them? They are in the drawer.

Ethernet

The Ethernet reminds me of an oversized phone cord plug. You know how you plug your phone cord into the jack?

If you have dial up you may not use this.

This normally is a connection that is used for high speed internet like DSL or cable.

One end would plug into the rear panel of the computer where pictured.

The other end of the cord would plug into your router or modem that your internet provider gave you – or had you buy.

The cords with the oversized phone connector plug (ethernet) is normally pretty thick and normally colored blue.

If you are using dial up internet connection? Please see two websites for insight. Dialup Modem one, Dialup Modem Two

Serial Ports – These it seems are being phrased out.

These are serial ports. As you can see you will have to have a cord that is a female version. You also have to screws on the edge. Its for a more secure fit.

Serial ports and Parallel Ports are similar, and to be honest seems to me are being phased out. They are being replaced by USB, or PS/2 ports

This is a Parallel computer or what some call a printer port. This would be a good example of a male port.

Some printer ports have a connectors may look this for this.

These ports are normally your very LONG ones!

This is the VGA port or video port, and is normally used for your monitor.

Audio Jacks

The above is all the jacks we have dealt with so far, but the ones on the bottom called audio jacks. As you can see these are normally colored coded to make it easy. These jacks directly connect to your computer's sound card or sound processor.

These can be used for your speakers, microphone or headset, or music players for example. We use them for the headset, because our family computer is in the living room. We don’t need to hear youtube, or games playing while watching television!

Most desktop computers have at least one line-in jack to connect a music player or other audio device and one line-out jack to connect speakers. These jacks typically appear on the back of a desktop computer. Many desktop computers also have a microphone jack, which is often on the front of the computer.

Power Port or Power Plug

This is the main electrical source plug from the back of your computer into your surge protector.

All the ports and connections aren’t that hard. Just need to find the spot that basically look like they go together pretty much. I know my children took scraps of paper, and wrote ‘printer’ or ‘monitor’ or what have you on each plug or cable and taped them on the cords or cables as they figured them out.

Remember to plug all your electrical plugs into your surge suppressor, and then plug that into your grounded outlet. Remind those from lesson 2?

According to most manufacturers that I have seen they ask you to turn on the monitor first, printer, speakers, etc – last but NOT least turn on your CPU or tower. During this portion of your computer setup it may take a while for it to bootup as they call it.

You may also get some startup questions and instructions. If some screens rush through before you can read them? Don’t worry to much about it. If they needed your input they would stop until you answered the question.

Well until next time this part of our step three of setting up your computer or setting your PC is complete.

Technorati Tags: setting up a new pc,how to set up computer,how to set up new computer,how to set up a computer

How to recover recycle bin on my computer

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:30:39 PDT

I'm going to start with the easiest of fixes for this. At times our recycle bin on the computer has moved off the screen, and we just can't see it anymore.

If this fix doesn't work? You don't have to undo anything, but we will move on to 2 other choices.

Left click on an open space on your desktop. Then Right Click, and a menu will appear. You are looking for the option to 'sort' or 'arrange' depending on your operating system. SORT BY is what my Vista computer states. This will rearrange your icons on the desktop, and if your recycle bin was just off the screen? It should be placed in order at this point. It basically 'rearranges' everything. Check if the recycle bin is present.

If you have an older operating system like Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, or even Windows XP? If you need to recovery the recycle bin Annoyances.org has an article for you, and also software that you will need.

Windows XP can also try the options below first if you wish. Vista and Windows 7 can use the below to recovery their recycle bin.

When I had got my Vista computer one of the FIRST things I did by accident was 'delete' the recycle bin on my computer. Can I say I was a bit freaked out by that?

I deleted by RECYCLE BIN!

Some of my friends when they received their computer found their recycle bin on computer wasn't present on their desktop at all.

Where can I find my recycle bin on my computer?
Where is the recycle bin?

And for those of us that have deleted the recycle bin on our computer we knew we had to find a way to recover the recycle bin.

How to recover recycle bin?

Most found the following helpful to retrieve the recycle bin on the computer no matter what happened to it.

I was relieved that it was actually pretty easy. YEAH!

The first thing you want to do is left click on an open spot on your desktop.

You then are going to right click right after that.

At this point a menu comes up with choices.

As you can see you want to select 'personalize'.

A menu will come up next, and you want to look for Change Desktop Icons - See Red Arrow

Once you click on Change Desktop Icons yet another menu will come up.

You want to be sure your 'recycle bin' is marked as above.

If it is? Delete it - then RE select it! (then skip next line - *)

*If it isn't go ahead and select it. You want to be sure that check mark is present. Some computers may use an 'x'.

After you have CHECKED the recycle bin on your computer look to the bottom of this menu you will see the 'apply' button. We want to click to 'apply' for this change (recovering the recycle bin on your computer). Then click 'okay'.

At this point you can get rid of the rest of the menus that we used if they are still present. Look to the top right hand corner, and click the "X" to exit out of them.

You should see the recycle bin on your computer desktop at this point. If you don't see it try one more thing before I show you a work around.

Left Click an open spot on your desktop like we at the beginning. Right Click again as we did as well. We will NOT select the 'personalize' option, but the refresh option this time. Here is our picture again, and you notice the third option down says REFRESH.

At times our desktop just needs a bit of refresh in order to show changes.

If all else fails, and you STILL don't have a recycle bin on your computer? Microsoft recommends this 'work around'. If you are using Windows XP you may wish to go to the annoyances.org for your work around.

1. Click Start, and then click My Computer.

2. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.

3. Click the View tab, and then click to clear the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) check box.

4. Click Yes when you receive the warning message, and then click OK to close the Folder Options dialog box.

   5. Click Folders on the toolbar.

      Note If Folders is not visible on the toolbar, point to Toolbars on the View menu, and then click Standard Buttons.
   6. In the left navigation pane, under Folders, locate the Recycle Bin folder, and then drag the Recycle Bin folder to the desktop.
   7. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
   8. Click the View tab, and then click to select the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) check box. Click OK.

Note This procedure does not re-create the original icon. However, this procedure restores most of the features of the Recycle Bin. This includes the following:

    * Delete a file by dragging it to the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop.
    * Retrieve a file that you deleted by double-clicking the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop, right-clicking the file that you want to retrieve, and then clicking Restore.
    * Empty the Recycle Bin by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop, and then clicking Empty Recycle Bin.

Note When you use these step to work around this problem, you cannot right-click the Recycle Bin shortcut to access the Recycle Bin Properties. To set properties for the Recycle Bin, follow these steps:

   1. Double-click the Recycle Bin shortcut on the Desktop. The Recycle Bin folder opens.
   2. In the upper-left corner of the Recycle Bin folder, right-click the Recycle Bin icon, and then click Properties.

If this procedure did not fix the problem, you can contact support (http://support.microsoft.com/contactus) .

-----------------------------------------

I hope this helps you recover your recycle bin!

Don't forget to submit your email below to have future lessons sent to you! Don't worry I don't spam, and if you can stop them at any time!

Question? See the comment button below!

Computer Recycle Bin: How do you delete files, folders, and icons?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:12:51 PDT

All windows computers come with what we call a ‘recycle bin’. Some of the pictures of the icon almost remind me of a trash can. When I got Vista it was different this time. It almost reminds me of a glass doesn't it?

Think of the recycle bin on your computer LIKE a trash can, because we use it to get rid of icons, files or folders that have outlived their use for us. It will be a basic computer operation for you in time!

Just like a trash can there are times in which you will empty the recycle bin on your computer, but that will be the next lesson.

Today I'm was looking at a recipe that I placed on my desktop for a Crunchy Chinese Chicken. It was basically an shortcut I had placed on the computer desktop to remind me to make it one night for dinner.

Now I have decided I really don't need that shortcut on the computer anymore, and I want to get rid of it. I'm going to show you a couple of different ways I can get my file, folder or icon into the Recycle Bin on my computer.

Keep in mind you can't remove programs doing this. You need to go remove programs section under your control panel for that. YES you can delete the program icon, but the program will still be on the computer itself.

The first portion for any of the steps below starts with selecting the item to be sent to the recycle bin on my computer. You do this by using your left click button on top of what you wish to send to the recycle bin on your computer.

As you can see from my picture my Crunchy Chinese Chicken recipe is highlighted.

At this point you have a couple of different options you can use to send it to the recycle bin.

1) When I click to highlight the icon pictured I DON'T let go! I click once to highlight and HOLDING down that click I then DRAG the icon over the icon picture of the recycle bin on the desktop. Once you are OVER the icon picture of the recycle bin you let GO! It should be gone!

2) The second way is again highlight the item you wish to send to the recycle bin. Then RIGHT click. You then are given a couple of options like the picture I have supplied. You want to click the word 'delete' in this case.

As you can see you have a couple of different choices in this picture.

You can use your left click button again to click on 'delete'.

3) The last option I find is the easiest. You highlight the icon as I mentioned before, and then you look on your keyboard to find the 'delete' button.

Once you find that delete button you PUSH IT!

Like to so many other things we do on the computer you may get a message when attempting to send your item to the recycle bin. It is basically asking us ARE YOU SURE you want to send it to the recycle bin?

If you notice the right below the question it mentions the recipe I was trying to get rid of by 'FILE name'.

Its a nice double check for ourselves. I tend to go rather fast when I delete things, and on occasion I click the WRONG file, folder or icon. I don't notice I picked the wrong item until this prompt comes up with the question, and of course the NAME of the file I'm getting rid of shows up. I can say NO at that point if I made the mistake, but in this case I have chosen the correct item.

I tell the computer YES I want to send this file to the recycle bin on my computer.

This is a picture of a computer FILE folder. I use these at times to keep organized. For example, in this file folder I keep shortcuts to websites I read on a regular basis.

You may have seen this type of icon, and it will hold videos, photos, and documents for some examples.

You can delete these files just like you have seen above for files and icons. Just keep in mind that EVERYTHING inside that file will also deleted. Its always a good idea to double click on the folder to make sure everything in the folder is something you want to get rid of. You would then CLOSE the folder, and follow either step 1, 2 or 3 above.

I find at times a visual is better at explaining things. I made a video showing the above examples regarding the computer recycle bin.

If you can't see the video Click HERE.

I hope this helps others, and you are now more comfortable with deleting files, icons, and folders with your computer recycle bin.

Don't forget to subscribe to future lessons below by typing in your email address. Keep in mind its easy to stop the lessons in the future. There is an unsubscribe link on each one you are receive.

What is a computer Process?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 13:58:05 PDT

Computer Process Tab

A computer process is an instance of a computer program that is being executed.

When you sat down, turned on your computer today? The operating system (windows) executed a process so you could use the computer. In simplistic terms it turned on the windows program.

At times you notice you get a message from your virus protection program stating it is updating definitions. That is another computer process, because the program executed a task to update your virus protection.

When you hit your browser button to go onto the internet? You once again executed a computer process. Again in simplistic terms you told the computer, "GO on the internet!"

The computer may have programs running in the background that you never see or understand. Those are all computer processes. If you look at the picture above? When you hit the 'control' button, the 'alt' button, and the 'delete' button together it brings up the task manager. The task manager shows you all the computer processes that are running on your computer currently.

In laymen's terms a computer process is any task your computer is doing, or task you asked it to do.

Ed Asked: How do you Know which processes can be deleted and which ones to save?

I found a site online that seems to have a HUGE list of computer processes. They are listed in Alpha Order, and tell what they are - and if you can get rid of them.

TASK LIST PROGRAMS (including Windows 7/Vista/2008/XP/2003/2000 Services)

Awesome Question ED! Thank you for help me help others!

What is a CD Rom? What is a CD Rom used For?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:32:58 PDT

What is a CD Rom? CD is short for compact disc!

Unlike the Floppy disk or the hard drive that are magnetic storage CD Roms are optic storage. They are read by a very fine laser beam. My children love to think of Star Wars when I say that! Floppy disk's lifespan can be very short, and to be honest can be very fragile! Keep in mind some floppy disks are better than others, but overall its scarey to depend on them. Magnetics can wear out quickly where as the CD rom? Its can take a licking and keep on ticking as the commerical says! Please don't take that to mean you need to abuse them. You don't want to do that either! CD Roms can wear out as well, but most of the time if you take care of them its measured in spans of 10 years or more!

Besides the durable nature of the CD rom lets look at storage space compared to Floppy disk. You can place an entire encylopedia on a CD rom. If you were to place that on Floppy disks? It would be more than 400 disks to have the same information. CD roms are cheap, durable, and hold LOADS of information!

I have a friend of mine that is intimidated by loading a CD rom into her computer. I remember asking her if she ever loaded a compact disk into her CD player, or a DVD into her DVD player? She gave me the 'your kidding me right' look as she rolled her eyes stare. (YEP I was being sarcastic at the time) I told her then you have ALL the technical expertise required to load discs into your computer CD or DVD Drive!

Be sure to handle the disc only by its edges so that you don't scratch the surface or get any dirt or finger prints on it.

If your drive has a open slot on the front of your computer for the CD rom slide the shiny side down (label on top) into the slot.

If your drive as a drive tray: Press the load/eject button on the front of the drive to open it. Then lay the disc down in the tray (shiny down, label up), and press the load/eject button again.

This would be an example of the label. You see the title or the name of the CD rom.

CD Rom label side UP placed in the CD ROm drive!

If you ever have an issue with playing a CD or DVD it may be a little dirty. To clean the CD Rom get a small lint-free cloth. Wipe the CD Rom from the center of the disc to the outside of the disk. Don't clean in a circular motion of the CD Rom. Make sure you wipe the shiny side, and not the side with the label (it has the writing on it). The computer reads the shinny side. If you get something sticky on it? Dampen your cloth with a little distilled water, and wipe as I mentioned above. Wait until your CD rom is completely DRY before inserting it to try to use it again.

What is the CD rom? What is a CD rom used for? The CD rom is used for storage basically, and most programs now days are CD roms. There are different types of CD roms as well, and we will go over that in another lesson.

Don't forget to enter your email below in the box so you don't miss out on future lessons! It will be emailed to you as they are written! Don't forget to suggest lessons or leave a question or comment if you wish!

what is a CD rom, What is a CD rom used for, what is a CD rom drive,

Where is CD Drive?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 19:32:58 PDT

In previous lessons I was trying to explain the different types of disk drives. The last type of disk drive is called the CD Drive that you place CD Roms in. Let me show you a picture of the drive with a CD Rom in it.

For my computer the E drive is my CD rom drive. How did I figure that out?

You can either go to 'my computer' on your desktop, OR

Vista has renamed "My computer" to just 'Computer'.

Most of the time Windows Vista and XP don't have their version of 'my computer' on the desktop. If you have it on your desktop it could look similar to this:

If you see 'my computer' or 'computer' like pictured above on your desktop double click it at this point.

If you don't have one of those icons above (or similar) Hit your start button, and then go to computer (newer systems like Vista) or 'my computer' for other versions of windows. You should see a bunch of disk drives with letters. We are only concerned with those at this point. We will go over the other items you see later (if you have any).

Keep in mind your 'my computer' or 'computer' screen may be a little different then pictured, but the principle is the same.

You may see pictures of drives and letters. C Drive is normally your Hard Disk Drive. In some of the newer systems you will actually SEE a picture of a CD rom like above, and at times your drives will be named for you (windows, floppy, CDrom, DVD, etc). My CD rom drive says, "DVD RW DRIVE". At times some computers DON'T make it that easy for you to identify things! That will be in a future lesson about device manager.

We will look at the device manager in a future lesson, and you will see how your computer identifies your CD Rom among other things! Where is the CD Drive? For now check under your 'my computer' or 'computer' section on your computer.

Don't forget to subscribe to have future lessons sent to you automatically to your email box below!

where is the cd drive, what is a cd rom drive,