How-to Guide For The Computer Beginner

How-To Find Control Panel (Or Settings) in Windows 10

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 19:05:00 -0500

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going attempt answer the question, ‘How-To find the control panel in Windows 10?”

Today I will briefly explain:

Where is Control Panel in Windows 10?

How-To Move Control Panel to Taskbar or Start Menu

What is Settings?

Where is Control Panel in Windows 10?

In past versions we got so used to using control panel, but its not to easy to find anymore. They have expanded this tool and call it SETTINGS today. Let's find Control Panel first before we look at that!

Yellow is your start menu, and next to it is the search tool. In the area where I drew the green line (search)? Type in, 'control panel' - you might have to click in that white space before typing. Notice on the top where I put the purple line it came up with an app named, 'control panel'. If you click on that your control panel will come up.

How-To Move Control Panel to Taskbar or Start Menu

If you want to keep your control in a place where you won't forget how to search for it? Let's place it on your START MENU or TASK BAR

We are going to follow the same steps we did above, and yet look to the right hand side of the screen where I placed a red check mark. It says PIN to either the START MENU or TASKBAR. Click on either one of those according to what you prefer.

What is Settings?

Settings is what I call an expanded version of YESTERDAY's Control Panel Settings was introduced in Windows 8.

We may need to navigate to the Control Panel to access some settings Yet most if not all of the Settings can be found under the Settings app. In fact, many of the newly added settings and options are available only in the Settings app.

Using our steps above? Search for SETTINGS and click on it. It should be the first option on your list.

For myself? I tend to use settings only, and I did pin it to my Taskbar for reference.

Below is a current picture of the SETTINGS app. Although, keep in mind Microsoft does change the appearance of apps (or programs, applications) from time to time.

I hope our How-To lesson on the Control Panel or Settings for Windows 10 helped you!

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 “How-To find the CONTROL PANEL or SETTINGS in Windows 10”

How-To Find the Taskbar in Windows 10

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 18:39:00 -0500

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going attempt answer the question, ‘What is the Taskbar and Where is it in Windows 10?"

Today I will briefly explain:

What is the Taskbar?

Where is the Taskbar?

What are the different Sections (parts) of the Taskbar

What is the Taskbar in Windows 10?

The Task bar is something you will use all the time, and believe or not in time it will become second nature.

A taskbar is a visual device on the desktop that typically shows the user which applications (tasks) are currently active and running. Taskbars such as those in Windows operating systems also include icons for commonly-used utilities such as the system clock and antivirus software. In some systems, the user is allowed to modify the contents, location, or appearance of the taskbar.

Where is the Taskbar in Windows 10?

At the very bottom of your screen you will see the Windows 10 Taskbar. I zoomed into another example below so we can see it close up.

Far Left section of the Windows 10 Taskbar

Far Right Section of the Windows 10 Taskbar

What are the Different Parts or Sections to the Windows 10 Taskbar

I'm going to start with the far left section.

Start Menu

The Windows Icon is the Start Menu that I wrote about in more detail before.

I pointed to the Start Menu with the yellow arrow.

SEARCH

The next section is a SEARCH section. You click in that area, and start typing a document name or program (or referred to as app - or application) you want to find. It has the magnifying glass with the white area next to it.

What is nice is if I only remember part of the name? Search will bring up many choices as you type in a list. Windows might even suggest programs or documents that seem close to your title.

In the above picture I typed in CONTROL PANEL (green mark), and at the very top I marked a purple line for the option that I might select. As you can see Windows gave me a list, and I can choose any of them by clicking on it. The document or application will open at that point. In my case above? If I click on control panel? My control panel will open.

CORTANA

I hovered over the CORTANA button, and my taskbar tells me what that icon is. I want to reference as Microsoft article on Cortana that shows you: What is Cortana?

TASK VIEW

Again I hovered over this icon (don't click just hover) so I can see what this icon is. You can do this with most icons. Task View is better explained as a visual, and so I'm going to link to a Youtube Video so you can see what you can do in Task View

QUICK LAUNCH

In the picture above I included the Task View icon for reference, and then you have a new icons section starting with the blue circle which in my case is Microsoft Edge Browser. When I purchased my computer these icons were on my QUICK LAUNCH area, and you can PIN or UNPIN these icons with your choices.

In my circumstance? In the far right you will see the white Wheel looking icon. This is my SETTINGS section on my Windows 10 machine. I tend to check items in the SETTINGS almost daily, and I wanted to PIN it to my Quick Launch for easy reference. If I click on the White Wheel or Gear looking icon? My SETTINGS will launch.

Above we SEARCHED for control panel. If you also look to your right side with the Red checkmark? You see the option to PIN TO TASKBAR. If you click on that section you will see the program placed in your QUICK LAUNCH area. That is how I placed my SETTINGS icon there.

If I wanted to remove it? I would RIGHT CLICK on my Settings Icon

The option as you can see from the picture is there to click on to remove it. They call it UNPIN.

So if you have some program you use alot? You can PIN to this Quick Launch Area if you wish, and if you decide you don't want it there? UNPIN from the taskbar as well. It's your choice!

MAIN TASK BAR

Next to my Quick Launch area that ends with my Settings Icon is your MAIN TASK BAR.

These are the programs or webpages you are current using or have open. If you hover over them the icon will give you a quick view of document, program or website. Notice the blue underlines under these.

In my case above? Settings (from quick launch area), Google Chrome Browser, Avast Virus Protection, Word Document, and Lastly Notepad.

Once you close those programs or documents? They will disappear from your MAIN TASK BAR.

SYSTEM TRAY

Now let's move on to the far right hand side, and you will see an UP arrow like pictured above. The System Tray is part of the Notification area.

When you click on this you will see a partial list of your startup programs. Keep in mind this will NOT list all your startup programs, but it does give you a quick overview of some programs you may or may not wish to have start up automatically.

Some programs, apps or applications once you install them will decide for themselves during installation to START UP when you computer turns on. You may find them in your system tray, and you have an option to turn them off.

You maybe wondering WHAT those icons are, and if you hover over them (don't click) the system tray will tell you.

In the above picture I hovered over the top right hand icon, and its says NVIDIA settings. This is a program for my graphics in my computer. If I click on that icon that program will open, or give me other options.

Now I clicked on the icon to it - CCLEANER. Notice the options I'm given above. I can exit for example on the bottom.

You want to keep your SYSTEM TRAY for important applications only. For example, I have my system programs or maintenance programs here. All the rest I click to remove or exit.

The most important thing you can do with the System Tray is to determine whether all of the applications represented by the icons really need to be starting up and running all the time. Each icon represents a little program that is taking memory to remain active. If your computer is starting up or running slowly, see if you can shut some of these down. Common ones that are not needed are quick launches for Acrobat Reader, music or chat programs, like Yahoo! or MSN Messenger. If you don't use them often, remove them.

Microsoft has an article on how to Customize your icons from the System Tray within the Notification Area.

NOTIFICATION AREA

The System Tray is part of the Notification area, but you will use these parts a little more often. As you can see you have your time, Date, Volume that you might reference each day.

I also have my Wifi, and program to backup my computer to the Cloud.

If you notice that orange dot in the picture...hover over that icon to see a message.

My computer has downloaded some Window Updates, and wants me to restart my computer to install them. These orange dots 'NOTIFY' you.

If you go back to the SEARCH area, and type in NOTIFICATIONS

You have plenty of options if you wish to add or remove icons from the notifications area (or system tray).

I hope our How-To lesson on the Taskbar for Windows 10 helped you!

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 “How-To find the Taskbar in Windows 10”

How-To find the Location of the Start Menu in Windows 10

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 14:14:00 -0600

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going attempt answer the question, ‘How-To find the Start menu in Windows 10?”

Today I will briefly explain:

Where is the location of Start Menu in Windows 10

What are the sections to the Start menu

How-To change Start Menu Tiles

What is a Live Tile

How do you Turn a Live Tile on and Off

What is Pinning or Unpinning

Where is the location of Start Menu in Windows 10?

In the picture above you will a red arrow pointing to the Start Button. Once you click that Start button? You will open up the START MENU.

What are the sections to the Start menu?

On your right hand side you have your applications. Today they might be referred to as 'apps' or in the past? Programs on your computer. They are in order, and in most cases use the program (app) icon.

Yet, if you look above? Under "B" you will see BACKUP AND SYNC FROM GOOGLE. Instead of an icon you see a folder. Notice the down arrow next to title. When you click on this folder it expands.

I have circled in red a closer look at the folder. It resembles a FILE folder. In Yellow? That expands this application (program or app) to show more. The Yellow arrow is pointing up to show the additional aspects to this program, and if you look at the picture above (my list of apps compared to this single one)? The arrow is down and the list isn't expanded.

To close you click on the UP arrow (Yellow circle), and it will look like it did in my first picture.

If you look at the far left? You will see a menu and icons.

#1 Just expands the look of this list of the Start Menu (Click it once to see what I'm referring to, and then click again to minimize back to this view)

#2 is the account name for the computer user (the name you signed into the computer with)

#3 File Explorer

#4 Settings (an expanded version of Control Panel)

#5 Is the Power Settings (Turn computer off, Restart Computer, etc)

My computer also lists Pictures and Documents. I think Windows Changes this from time to time.

These are some of the options you will get with your power button (#5 above) when you click it.

How to Change Start Menu Tiles?

Your tiles are the picture below. Keep in mind your tiles may look different. When you first get your computer they randomly pick items for this section, but you can customize it to put your prefered items in there instead. They call this 'pinning' which is adding an icon or app. Your 'unpinning' if you wish to remove something.

I'm NOT a gamer, and so these games are worthless to me. I'm going to 'unpin' this under the "PLAY" section to remove them.

In the picture above there is a game tile, and I'm going to RIGHT CLICK on that game tile itself. The above menu comes up. As you can see I have a couple of options.

The top one is UNPIN FROM START with my red arrow pointing to it. Now, if I wanted to keep the game, but I didn't want it UNINSTALL (see bottom option) I could click on that option. Since I'm NOT a gamer? I may pick to uninstall the game from my computer completely. I would then click my choice.

Then again you may decide I LOVE this game, but I want the tile bigger! Notice RESIZE opens up another menu with choices. The Checkmark on medium means that is the current size they are using.

The more option also has more choices.

What is a Live Tile?

Windows 10 includes a new 3D animation for live tiles, and then you have static ones that generally have your program (app) logo or icon as the picture.

If we look at my tiles again above? At the very bottom most people have the tile named NEWS. It's next to Facebook in the above picture. As we know NEWS changes, and 3D animation with headlines will change in this tile.

If you look at the top portion with the picture of the game console? Under the PLAY section? (Xbox console) that is a static tile, and it doesn't change. It's the same for the Solitaire Icon.

Now, let's turn on a LIVE TILE. It seems my weather tile isn't showing any weather!

How do you Turn a Live Tile on and Off

Right Click WEATHER, slide down to MORE, and click on TURN LIVE TILE ON

I'm NOT from Washington, but if I was? You can see the weather for that area. Not sure why it randomly picked Washington, but I can go back into the app (program) to change my location later.

It's also to small for my liking, and I'm going to use the RESIZE option to make it bigger!

This live tile changes from the next three days (as seen above) to today's forecast.

If I decide I don't want the weather app to be live? I would do the same progress we just did, but click TURN LIVE TILE OFF.

What is Pinning or Unpinning?

We will go back again to the list of apps (Programs) from our start menu

I have decided I will keep a game they have on my computer, and because BINGO was a childhood favorite? I'm going PIN Bingo to my START MENU. That way when I click my START BUTTON it will be easy for me to find!

I'm going to RIGHT CLICK on Bingo Blitz on my list you see above, and click on PIN TO START.

Now it is there for as long as I want it to be!

Yet, those other games that are listed? I don't need them, and so I can either UNPIN them or UNINSTALL them altogether.

Right click on the Game Icon in the start menu, and click on my top option 'UNPIN FROM START'.

I decided I only wanted to keep my BINGO and SOLITAIRE. I UNPINNED the rest of the games.

You decide what programs (apps) you use and want to keep in this section, because it is entirely UP to you!

The Windows Community also has a short and brief video on customizing the Start Menu that you might find help on Youtube.

I hope our How-To lesson on the Start Menu for Windows 10 helped you!

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 “How-To find the Location of the Start Menu in Windows 10”

How-To do the Windows 10 Update

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Wed, 10 Mar 2021 13:57:00 -0600

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going attempt answer the question, ‘How-To do the Windows Update for Windows 10?”

Today I will briefly explain:

Where is Windows Update?

How do you install the Window’s updates?

What are optional updates?

Turning off Automatic updates

Where is Windows Update in Windows 10?

In Windows 10 your windows update normally runs by itself, and doesn't always need prompting like older operating systems. They call this automatic updates. I will also show you how to do the Windows 10 update manually as well.

You will know something happened with your automatic updates when in your task bar you see the symbols below!

In my taskbar over close to the clock and calendar? You see the symbol above with the orange dot inside of it. If you hover over the symbol? It tells you that Windows 10 Update has taken place, and your computer needs to be restarted in order to install it. Your done! Windows 10 is nice that way.

Now if you STILL want to manually check for Windows 10 Updates? Which I do from time to time anyway, and most people should as well.

Windows updates are in the SETTINGS section of your Windows 10 computer. We can get to the Windows Update directly, or go to SETTINGS and find the Windows Update Section.

Let's go direct first!

Go to your start button (red arrow) , and type in windows update next to the magnifying glass (you may have to click inside the box before starting to type). You will see this option pop up like my picture below!

Notice at the top it says, "Check For Updates". This will automatically take you to the Windows 10 Update Screen when you click on it.

The second way - or indirect way - to go to Windows Update in the SETTINGS Section seen below:

You can go directly to settings in two ways. One is to push the start button (Yellow circle), and click on the 'settings' icon. I moved my settings icon to the task bar at the bottom. Red Arrow (or my attempt at an arrow) points to the settings icon. The settings icon looks like a gear or a strange wheel.

Once you have found settings, and clicked on it? A new window will open that looks similar to the one below. This is SETTINGS. Look at my row on the bottom, and you will see UPDATE & SECURITY That is where your Windows 10 Update is.

How do you install the Window’s updates?

Click on Update & Security. This will bring you to the Windows 10 Update Section!

If you do NOT have any updates the screen will tell you that, but if you see below? I do have update. We will deal with the optional updates as well, but first this is what I do on this screen.

Before I click UPDATE NOW I click on the left hand side of the screen that says WINDOWS UPDATE just to be sure I have the most up to date information.

Sometimes Windows 10 Updates stay the same as the picture below, and other times it add additional updates. It could also install the updates it noted on the screen, and now it shows NO updates at this time.

Now that I have completed the above? I look at my optional updates.

What are optional updates?

Right underneath the UPDATE NOW (see picture above) you will see the OPTIONAL QUALITY UPDATE AVAILABLE section. Underneath that you will see VIEW ALL OPTIONAL UPDATES in the blue letters. It will take you to another Windows Update Screen

Keep in mind at times you will have updates, and other times you may not. It depends on what Microsoft wants to send out.

Since I have some optional updates? Let's move forward!

I will click the WINDOWS UPDATE option as seen above with the check mark. If you click that down arrow (circled in red) next to Windows Updates or Driver Updates it will reveal a list for you to choose from. Again, sometimes you have one or many...or nothing at all.

Let's look at the Drivers Updates:

If I'm having issues with the Display? I might pick the first option under Driver Updates since it says its a Display driver. If you are having problems with sound? Find your sound drivers. If you aren't having any problems? I don't personally fix something that isn't broken.

Let's install my Optional Windows Update!

Above the HOUSE icon at the very top next to the word OPTIONAL UPDATES you should see an arrow with the word SETTINGS, and that will send you back to the previous screen with were on before. Now we are back to the Windows Update section!

You will notice two things above. 1) My screen says I'm up to date for the Windows Update, and 2) The optional update on the last screen is presented to me under the OPTIONAL QUALITY UPDATE AVAILABLE since I selected it.

As I mentioned before sometimes Windows updates without your prompting it too. I did have a Windows Update, but when we went to the Optional Update Section? Windows installed it for me!

I do still want to install the optional update, and if you look at the blue lettering again? It gives you the option of DOWNLOAD AND INSTALL. I click on this option of blue letters.

Also keep in mind depending on your internet speed, file size, number of updates, or a number of other factors this process may go for a while, or be rather quick. It's seems different each time.

BE PATIENT!!

You will notice the message will tell you that windows is downloading the files first, and then they install them.

Most of the time the installations are quick enough for you NOT to notice both steps. Other times you wait for he download and then WAIT again for the installation. Again - each time is different!

In the picture above the files were downloading (See Status), and it will install my optional update when it is complete. Most of the time it doesn't prompt you if you want to install it, but if for some strange reason it does? Click AWAY!

Some Windows 10 Updates will require you to restart your computer, and other times it will not. Always prepare yourself to restart when it is complete. Save your files, and do whatever else you need to do when you shut off your computer.

Keep in mind that your restart and shut down may go a little slower, because the computer is processing these new files, updates, etc. Again, that doesn’t happen all the time! Yet, if the file is large? It will take longer than normal.

Once the computer has started up again you will need to follow the steps we did once again, and install the next set of updates (if needed). You will be doing this until all of them have been completed.

We do need to take care of the important ones to keep your computer running properly.

YEAH! Your done!

Turning off Automatic updates

Most of the time you don't want to do this, but there are times in which you might. I found a video on youtube that explains how to turn these updates off. For Home versions of Windows 10? You can't do this permanently.

Finally, remember windows updates are important for your computer! You need to continue to check for updates from time to times on your own. They claim the automatic updates will tell you when its time, but we have to remember this a machine.

If you haven’t see the reminder in a while? Do your windows update manually once again like I have shown you, and keep it UP TO DATE!

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 “How-To do Windows Update for Windows 10?”

How-To do Windows Update for Windows 7?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 22:26:00 -0500

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going attempt answer the question, ‘How-To do Windows Update for Windows 7?”

Today I will briefly explain:

Where is Windows Update?

How do you install the Window’s updates?

What are optional updates?

Turning on Automatic updates

Dealing with window update errors

Where is Windows Update?

In Windows 7:

Go to your start button, and type in windows update. You will see this option pop up like my picture below!

How-To install the Window’s updates

Click on that option once you see it, and a new window will open, and you will click on ‘Check for Updates’. This will run for a while, and so be patient!

Notice below it states you have 14 important updates, and 37 optional updates. These 2 choices are in the blue lettering on the left.

We are going to install the ‘important updates’ first, and you notice that is in black text right above the ‘install updates’ button I’m pointing at in the picture.

Keep in mind depending on your internet speed, file size, number of updates, or a number of other factors this process may go for a while, or be rather quick.

BE PATIENT!!

You will notice the message will tell you that windows is downloading the files first, and then they install them.

Most of the time the installations aren’t quick enough for you NOT to notice both steps.

In the picture below the files were already downloaded, and it’s installing update 15.

There are times in which one update needs to be downloaded and installed all by itself. Other times you will notice they all install at the same time.

See below that only three updates downloaded and installed. Yet, the computer told us we had 14! This is a perfect example to show you what I was talking about above. Make sure you save any files, or programs you were working on, and then hit the ‘restart’ now button.

Once the computer has started up again you will need to follow the steps we did once again, and install the next set of updates. You will be doing this until all of them have been completed. We will move on to the optional updates later, but we do need to take care of the important ones to keep your computer running properly.

Working with Optional Updates

Once you have the IMPORTANT updates done you move on the optional updates. If you remember we had 37 optional updates!

Instead of just ‘installing updates’ we may need to look at these optional updates. You can do that by clicking on the blue words, ‘37 optional updates are available’. Then a new screen with a list of the updates will be provided.

We want to look at the updates since their OPTIONAL to see if want them or not!

Optional updates could be software updates to some of your hardware like your printer, or as we see below they are offering language packs.

If you speak Japanese? You may want this one, and that is why it is selected by clicking on it. If you don’t want the others? Notice those are left blank. You can pick all of them, or none of them!

At times you may not recognize what the optional update is, and you can either Google (search engine) the title of the update…or in some cases use some discernment with the title (for example Microsoft security fix) and choose to install it.

Again, you want to continue to do the windows update until FINALLY you have completed all of them!

When you have done all your windows updates, and optional updates you will get the below message!

YEAH! Your done!

Turning on Automatic updates

Majority of time people like to turn on automatic update notifications for Windows Update. This way your computer lets you know that updates are available! You would get a similar notification like this at the bottom of your screen – on the left hand side.

(Notice the icon at the bottom!)

To Turn on Automatic Updates yourself, follow these steps:

Click Start, type Windows update in the search box, and then click Windows Update

In the left pane, click Change settings.
Select the option that you want.
Under Recommended updates, select the Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates or Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates check box, and then click OK.

Depending on your comfort level in this area you choose which is better for you. Most go with the recommended option!

How-To Deal With Update Errors

From time to time you may get an update error, and the ‘try again’ option will work.

At times these errors could be that your internet is slow at the moment, or I have found at times a restart of the computer helps the error fix itself…and it finishes!

Notice the Code 66A, and it gives you link for help if all else fails.

If the article it links to makes no sense to you? Google the error. For example, “Windows 7 Update Code 66A”. Check to see if other’s have dealt with this error, and read how they solved it!

If you haven’t see the reminder in a while? Do your windows update manually once again like I have shown you, and keep it UP TO DATE!

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 “How-To do Windows Update for Windows 7?”

How-To do Windows Updates for Windows 8.1

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 20:35:00 -0500

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going attempt answer the question, ‘How-To do Windows Update for Windows 8.1?”

If you have Windows 8 there is an update to Windows 8.1. Please check the Microsoft page to see if you are eligible!

Today I will briefly explain:

Where is Windows Update?

How do you install the Window’s updates?

What are optional updates?

Turning on Automatic updates

Where is Windows Update?

In Windows 8:

You want to click or swipe on the right hand side of your screen to bring your charms bar UP!

At the very top you will see the ‘search’ option, and you need to click on that. Then type “Windows Update” Then select it.

OR You can also search under the ‘settings’ option. Then you start typing, “Windows Update” !

Click on Windows update, and the Windows Update box will open.

Some people choose to go directly to the PC Settings, and then to ‘update and recovery” like the picture below

(I personally just click search, and type in windows update)

Click the ‘check now’ to find the most up to date list available.

This may run for a while, unless you have been updating all long.

(Keep in mind below I will be using some windows 7 pictures for this lesson, because the screens are very similar in Windows 8)

When its complete you will get a similar looking message about the different updates YOUR computer will need! The important section is similar to what we see below:

Notice it says 14 important updates and 37 optional ones. That is the blue letters on the left hand side of my picture above.

With Time majority of the ‘important’ ones are done automatically by windows 8.1 when you enable your computer to do that. We will show you that later on!

How-To install the Window’s updates

Then you have the button on the right that states “install updates”.

Now when you click that button your computer will attempt to download, and then install those updates that Microsoft stated your computer needs.

It will take a while for the updates to first download, and then install. If your files are small? It will be much quicker!

Be patient!

Once the process is complete your computer may ask you to restart the computer to finish the installation.

When you restart you may see something similar to the below picture, because Windows 8 is completing its installation!

Keep in mind some updates need to be done by themselves, and other updates can be grouped together to install properly.

Don’t ask me why, but windows update doesn’t always tell you that. You will sometimes notice the computer telling you it only updated 3 out of the 14 updates. Then asks you to ‘restart computer’. That normally gives me the first clue that they needed to be installed separately.

Go ahead and allow the computer to restart. The computer should restart on its own, but allow time for this. It maybe slower to shut down and restart than your used too.

Once the computer is restarted? Please do the above steps again for windows update, and install the remaining ones that are needed.

Working with Optional Updates

Once you have the IMPORTANT updates done you move on the optional updates. In the below picture you should see ‘Show All Available Updates” in blue letters. You click on that!

Some of the optional updates you may recognize the program (like your printer for example) , and below I’m showing an update for Skype. You make sure the box has the checkmark in it if you want the update, and you click install in the bottom right hand part of the picture below.

I don’t use that program, and I’m sure Dell loaded on my machine when I bought it. I left that ‘optional’ update unchecked. You notice the ‘install’ area is greyed out, because I didn’t select this optional update.

I would say majority of the time you won’t recognize what the updates are for, and you can either google them…or install them. It’s up to you, and that’s why they are called ‘optional’.

Again, you want to continue to do the windows update until FINALLY you have completed all of them!

When you have done all your windows updates, and optional updates you will get the below message!

YEAH! Your done!

Turning on Automatic updates

Majority of time people like to turn on automatic update notifications for Windows Update

Let’s go back to the charm bar! Then click on settings!

Notice at the VERY bottom you will see, “Change PC settings”. Click there.

At the very bottom click update and recovery.

On the right in red letters click: Choose how updates get installed

At the top you have a pull down menu, and two places that you can select WHAT you wish!

Depending on your comfort level in this area you choose which is better for you. Most go with the recommended option!

What is nice about updates compared to past operating systems (in my opinion) is updates are done behind the scenes, and I don’t even know its working. I still do windows updates regularly, and check for optional updates out of habit.

With Windows 8 you may also get a similar as below, but it will state that they already installed your updates. They will ask you to restart the computer.

(Notice the icon at the bottom!)

Keep in mind computers are machines, and if you haven’t see the reminder in a while? Do your windows update manually once again like I have shown you, and keep it UP TO DATE!

You will notice when you go to shut down your computer updates were done behind the scenes, and they ask you WHEN they can install them.

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.

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Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner, and today’s lesson on “How-To do Windows Update for Windows 8.1?”

What is an App?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 10:18:00 -0500

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going attempt answer the question, ‘What is an app?”

Today I will briefly explain:

What is an App?

What is the difference between a Native app and a Web app?

Don’t worry – the difference is easy to remember!

What is an App?

App is short for ‘application’. A computer application is what most have referred to in the past as a computer program. Software program even!

When the word app became popular I remember all the commercials going on and on about ‘We have an APP for that!”

My picture above is what most people see on the face of those fancy phone now days. They are touch screen, and you push on one of the logos – and the program starts up.

Yes, its like doubling clicking on a program to open it up. You use your finger instead, because the screen is meant for fingers – not mouse clicks!

Just last week we had leak in the roof, and the water was coming into one of the teenager’s rooms. I asked my daughter's boyfriend if he wouldn’t mind looking in the attic to see where the water was coming from, and if we needed to cover the area until the roofers got here.

Once he was up there? It dawned me that a flashlight just MAY help him! He told me it wasn’t needed, and he whipped out his Apple Iphone – clicked on an ‘app’ called flashlight…and there was LIGHT! The next thing I know he also clicked on another app to take pictures of where the leak was coming from.

Yep, they have an app for that!

App – to me anyway – is internet slang for computer program. It’s the new and improved LINGO of this generation!

Now keep in mind there are two different types of apps that most people refer to. Yes, I’m sure there will be more in the future! Let’s start with the two basic ones!

You have what you call a Native App, or a Web App. Most of the time people do not use those terms (they just call them an app), but there is a difference. Read on, and you can impress your FRIENDS and FAMILY! (giggles)

Native App

Most of the software programs that come preinstalled on our computers in the past are Native Apps. Yes, that could include your operating system – like Vista, or Windows XP.

One small program I use from time to time is called, ‘Calculator’. Microsoft Word is another one that I use to write letters. The flashlight app I spoke about? That also is a Native app.

All I have to do is turn on the computer, and I can use those programs without the use of the internet. The native app is installed directly into the operating system of the computer.

No internet required!

In other words, I can write a letter in my word process, use the calculator to balance the check book, and click on flashlight – all without having to be ON the internet!

Yes, you may get updates to your programs online. The big difference you need to see today is you don’t NEED to be online to use them!

Web App

With a web app you may have to download some software at the beginning, or small updates from time to time. The big difference here is if you want to use the program?

Internet Required!

For example, Facebook has an app that people use on their fancy phones we see today. If they didn’t have access to the internet (internet is turned on)? They can open the facebook app all they want to, but they can’t ‘use’ it to read the friend’s notes, or post one themselves.

Its much the same principal as clicking on your Internet Explorer Icon on your desktop to go online, and yet if your computer isn’t connected to the internet. The window may open, but you can’t ‘surf the net’ can you?

I hope I explained it well enough for everyone to understand. I tried to keep it pretty simple!

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.

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Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner, and today’s lesson on “What is an App?”

What is the Windows Lock Screen?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 14:38:00 -0500

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner handles the question:

What is the Windows Lock Screen?

In the past if you have a password you had to enter into your computer before it would completely boot up? You saw a screen similar to the one below. I have heard this referred to as the ‘sign on screen’.

As you can see below on a Windows 7 Machine? A gentleman named “Paul” will have to enter his password to get into his account on this computer.

Windows 8 starts with a lock screen similar to the one below. When you tap, double click, or hit a key on the board….

You will get a similar screen to Paul’s sign in screen we pictured first.

As you can tell with Windows 8 lock screen it gives you the most basic of information. The time and the date are regular’s to show up!

Depending your machine widgets, known as lock screen apps, they will allow you to view information – such as new emails, weather, calendar appointments, instant messages or social updates – without even unlocking your PC. If you have laptop? It could show you how much battery life you have left.

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.

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Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner, and today Explanation on What is the Windows Lock Screen.

How-To Run Disk Cleanup in Windows 8

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Sat, 28 Sep 2013 13:19:00 -0500

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner is going to over Disk Cleanup in Windows 8.

When you run this option Disk Cleanup you also are given an option to clear the Cache (Temporary internet files).

How-To Clean up with Disk Cleanup is an older article that explains what Disk Clean up is, and explains other details about this application. The definitions are the same even though it speaks about older operating systems.

First we want to go to the Charms Bar on your start screen, and use the ‘Search’ Charm or option.
Windows have an ‘app’ or program now called, ‘cleanmgr’.

Type in ‘clearnmgr’ (program name for disk cleanup) on the right side side under the search option pictured below.

On the left hand side of the screen under ‘apps’ you will see the program icon come up. You click or tap that icon to open up the program ‘disk cleanup’ for Windows 8.

The disk clean up screen for Windows 8 will open up, and you will have a pull down menu to pick the computer drive you want to ‘clean up’.

Once you have picked the drive you want to clean up, you click OK. The familiar options screen pops up to allow you to make choices as we have done in the past with other operating systems (Windows 7, Vista, XP, etc).

If you click on the options a description box opens up below, and describes what it will delete or clean up. In the above picture I have highlighted ‘Downloaded Program Files”. If you look below that section you will see a description field.

Make sure you click (or tap) which fields you have chosen to clean up, and they will have a check mark in the box. The ones left with NO check mark it will NOT delete or clean up.

Click or Tap “OK” and allow the computer to run the app or program.

That’s IT! Your done!

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.

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Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner on Disk Cleanup for Windows 8.

What is the Windows Key or Button? What are the Windows 8 Hotkeys or Shortcuts?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 12:10:00 -0500

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner is Called, “What is the Windows Key or Button? What are the Windows 8 Hotkeys or Shortcuts?”

I also have a Hotkeys or Shortcut Cheat Sheet at the bottom to print out if you so wish.

What is the Windows Key or Window Button?

I have also heard this key being referred to as:
Windows Button
Windows Logo Key

They are the same thing – just different nicknames!

We will also go over Windows 8 Shortcuts using this button. These shortcuts are also referred to as:

Windows 8 Shortcuts, or Windows 8 Shortcut Keys
Windows 8 Hot keys
Win8 Shortcuts

Again, same thing just a different label!

In Windows 8 in particular you will be using this key to navigate around your computer. You will be using the windows key quite a lot!

Notice is has the logo most people identify for Windows Operating System Products.

Above is a picture of the windows Key, or Windows Button.

When you wish to return to the Start Screen you will push this windows key for example. That would be called a ‘shortcut’. Some refer to it as a keyboard shortcut, but again same thing different label.

What are the Windows 8 Hotkeys or Shortcuts?

Below are some examples of Window Key Shortcuts, but keep in mind most of the time people will reference how to use them. Most people are NOT expecting you to know all of them – all the time!

The Strange looking graphic looks your Windows key pictured above.

The direction below are asking you to do two things. First you want to hold down the Windows logo key that we have been talking about.

Notice is also states +C. This means to also push down the C key at the same time.

Its okay to push the Windows Logo key, and then hold it down to find the second key to push. Just remember BOTH need to be held down at the same time for the result you are looking for.

Windows logo key +C
Open the Charms
Windows logo key +D
Display and hide the desktop
Windows logo key +F
Open the Search charm and search for files
Windows logo key
Display or hide the Start screen

If you would like to see a more complete list of Window Logo Key Shortcuts? Microsoft has a very extensive list for you.

Microsoft Windows 8 Logo Key Shortcut list

If you would like a print sheet of these Windows 8 hotkeys, or Windows 8 Shortcuts I uploaded them here for you to print.
Win8 Shortcuts – Printable Cheat Sheet

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: What is the Windows Key or Button? What are the Windows 8 Hotkeys or Shortcuts?

Where is the Start Menu for Windows 8?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 20:43:00 -0500

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner is about the Start menu for Windows 8.

We will be covering very briefly:

Where is the Start Menu in Windows 8
What is an App
What Is The Charms Bar, and the Charms themselves.
(I have animations at the very bottom on how to get the charms bar to appear using the mouse and touchscreen.)

Where is the start menu for Windows 8?

Here is a picture of a traditional start menu.

Well Microsoft wants to change things UP a bit now.

Microsoft no longer has what we have called in the past a ‘start menu’, but now they have what they called a start screen.

They have basically moved the entire start menu onto what was once the traditional spot for our desktop.

That is NOT to say that Windows no longer has a traditional desktop anymore. THEY DO!
We will get to that later, but lets move on….

Here I have a picture of the start screen, but keep in mind your start screen may look a bit different.

Microsoft states it has expanded the Start menu, turning it into a full-screen launching pad for your programs.

It seems what they are trying to do is combine a tablet type of device with the traditional computer.

Most will say if you are going to get a computer with Windows 8 today a ‘touchscreen’ is a must. That is NOT to say you can’t use a regular mouse as we have in the past. Tablets are touchscreen, and instead of clicking as we normally would – we touch!

What is an APP?

Another NEW term they are using today instead of programs is APPS.

I honestly don’t see the big difference between what they call a ‘app’ and a program myself. Windows 8 does have apps that can only be used on a Windows 8 machine. That seems to be the only difference between the two. If it is only for a Windows 8 machine? They call it an app.

Another important NOTE is if your program runs on Windows 7? It will still run on Windows 8. So you don’t have to go out, and buy all NEW software! That is a GOOD thing yes?!

If you have a fancy phone with ‘apps’ on it? Windows 8 is the same principal. You can go to the Windows 8 store, and buy apps (or programs) for your new computer. In time no doubt there will all kinds of different apps, and YES even for free!

The manufacturer of your computer basically picked the programs, or what they called APPS onto your start screen presently. That doesn’t mean you have to keep them, or you can’t change the appearance of your start screen to programs you would rather use.

What confused my teenagers is that they didn’t know where the rest of their programs – or apps – were.

Since you no longer have a start button, or a option to click for ‘all programs’ like we did in the past? What now?

What is the Charms Bar, and what are Charms?

Move your cursor to the top right side of the screen – or bottom right hand of the screen. If you have a touch screen? Glide your finger to this portion of your screen.

You notice when you do this a Charm Bar comes up. I’m pointing to it below, and placed a red box around it.

Notice you have 5 prominent ones.

Top magnifying glass is the Search Charm.

Second is a Share charm.

Third is the Windows Charm, and brings you back the start screen

Forth is the Device Charm

and Finally the last one is the Settings Charm.

Now if you glide your mouse (or finger) down in the Charms area they turn from almost transparent to a solid form.

Let’s Click on the Search Charm – or tap if you have touch screen.

Now you can type in the white box above to search for the program – or app – you maybe looking for.

We will go into more detail at a later date. I will tell you if you ever want to get back to the start screen again?

Look on your keyboard for the Windows Key, and you click it.

We will also be writing more about the Charms menu at a later date, because it maybe one of the MOST important parts of this new operating system called, “Windows 8”.

Just a reminder! The Start menu is now the Start screen in Windows 8.
Below is a brief video made by Dell Computers, and it gives you a visual on how to do the above if you have touchscreen.

Windows 8 Start Screen for Touch Screen Computers

Here is a animation on how to use the mouse to make the Charms bar Appear.

Here is an animation on how to use your finger and touchscreen to make the Charms Bar Appear.

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.

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Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner lesson today on Where is the Start Menu for Windows 8? Its call the Start Screen Now.

What is a Hashtag?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 11:34:00 -0500

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner We are going to talk about Hashtags!

Topics Covered today are:

What is a Hashtag?
What does Hashtag Mean?
How do you use Hashtags?

What is a hashtag?

In a nutshell it’s the number sign on your keyboard. See my picture? That symbol is used (Shift Key and Hit 3 on your keyboard), and then you add a keyword or acronym afterwards. OH, and just so I don’t forget? NO spaces of any kind…EVER!

Confused yet? I understand….believe me!

Lets see a couple of examples of ‘what is a hashtag’ in hopes it will help you understand. Its one of those types of examples of showing you MAY help more than just TELLING you!

What does Hashtag mean?

As I sit writing to you I have a group of young men screaming at the television while watching the Chicago Blackhawks, and the Boston Bruins playing for the Stanley Cup.

Tonight the hashtags people use are #Blackhawks or #Bruins.   Let me show you a tweet I found when I googled for an example.

ABC 7 in Chicago tweeted this to all their followers on tweeter.

Notice #Blackhawks or #Bruins? Those are hashtags.   They use those for short instead of typing out the entire team name.
So people that are searching for news on either of these teams using those hashtags (#Blackhawk #Bruins)? They will see this tweet, and at the very end of this tweet this company used a link to their website.

This is a good example on how a company would use a hashtag to drive people to their website. They will click on the link to read the rest of the article!

What I did next was clicked on the ABC 7 Chicago (at the very top of message), which is the company that put out this message. If we look at how this company identifies themselves in this case on Twitter its: @abc7Chicago. Notice again no spaces, but you can tell they are channel 7, ABC in Chicago. @ is what they call an ‘at’ sign.   I clicked with my mouse on their company name, and it brought me to their actual news station’s tweeter page.

Here you will see a number of conversations going on with some of their employees. For our example, lets use the top ‘tweet’ as they call it. Tweet is basically one statement he (Ravi for our example) put out.

Notice Ravi’s first line? Tweeter lists his name, and his tweeter screen name. From the looks of it he is a Channel 7 Employee.

Ravi Baichwal ‏(@BaichwalABC7 is his tweeter screen name) Notice the ‘AT” sign – @.

People that are looking to have a conversation about the Blackhawks, and search for this hashtag (#Blackhawks) on twitter? His conversation will come up! They can join in, or find another person to talk with.

Keep in mind that on twitter they are only allowed I believe its 140 characters, and that includes spaces. Tweets are to be SHORT and SWEET!

Now I’m going to click on Ravi’s name to view HIS twitter account, and view the rest of his conversation with his viewers.

When you hit the expand button under his statement you can view the conversation.

@BaichwalABC7 totally #onfire like the playoffs song that I can not get out of my head! #lightemup

Here is his first response from someone reading his message. You notice they used his screen name (@BaichwalABC7) to address him, and they also used two additional keywords or hashtags (#onfire, #lightemup) in their message to him. This individual wants to have a conversation WITH this employee at ABC Chicago, along with others discussing the game. As you tell by the picture the conversation continues with other people as well.

In a nutshell, a hash tag is simply a way for people to search for tweets that have a common topic and to begin a conversation. In the case above? The hockey game everyone is screaming about here tonight! Ravi spoke about the Hockey game, and others joined in to have a conversation online.

A hashtag is a word or acronym used to describe a tweet in order for people to easily follow the conversation. A Tweet is basically very simple message an individual types out and posts on their Twitter account. Remember their statements themselves are called ‘tweets’.

So if you have a sports nut in your home, and they watched the game tonight? They can talk up a storm with their favorite Sports newscaster in this case at Channel 7 news in Chicago, or EVEN the weather man for that matter. Instead of typing out Chicago Blackhawks or Boston Bruins – they use their hashtags for short. They also have their conversation in real time with the individual online.

How do you use hashtags?

Celebrities tweet out about their day, and their fans can tweet them back if they want to. They may talk about about their new movie, or event. They would use a hashtag to basically abbreviate these events to their fans.

Churches or Companies use social media to get the word out about an event, or something special that happened that day.

Another example would be to get a companies attention if you have an issue with them.

I had a friend of mine that was the President of his Townhouse Association, and they were having problems getting answers from the local cable company. They were fighting back and forth about WHERE to lay the cables. The company representatives were being uncooperative (in his view), and he went to twitter to complain about it.

He used the hashtag with the company name (#cablecompany for example) to tell the world they were NOT cooperating or returning his calls.

For example: #cablecompany not returning my calls about problem in our area!

Corporate Headquarters saw his tweet? They contacted him right away, and his issues were taken care of INSTANTLY! They didn’t want negative tweets about their company on twitter! They found him by searching the hashtag and keyword or acronym that they use for their company name – in this case I used #cablecompany for our example here.

Companies, Organizations, or Individuals that want to GET the conversation going make up hashtags, and promote them to start the conversation.

Keep in mind people will announce what hashtag they plan to use. I wanted to throw in a FUNNY example that I read about this week. The Southern Baptist Convention happens every year about this time. They use SBC for short in most of their communication to their members so they don’t have to write out their entire name each time.

Most organizations will make a unique hashtag for each event or campaign. So in this circumstance many people were using #SBC2013. It would make sense right? Their 2013 convention?

The funny part was another organization was already using this hashtag. (giggles) The ‘Sports Bra Convention’ – can you imagine? So they were putting out the word to their members what hashtag they wanted them to use for the convention, and ask them NOT to use SBC2013. (Laughs!)

Here is another example - keeping with my sports theme today I will use a Dr. Pepper commercial that was VERY successful during a SuperBowl Game. People saw the hashtag at the end of the commercial? The next thing you know the social media conversation STARTED! Below I placed an arrow next to their hashtag.

The spot was part of the brand’s ongoing “Always One of a Kind” slogan, and it aimed to get people excited about their originality and unique traits. The accompanying hashtag was simply #ImA. No doubt Dr. Pepper loved the attention, and FREE media buzz!

I’m A (insert your personality trait) commerical

Above is the Commercial you can see on Youtube about the Dr. Pepper’s #Ima campaign, and I would bet even to this day you can buy those red tee shirts announcing it to the world! For example:

“I’m a Gardener!” or
“I’m a Runner!”,
“I’m a Artist!”

You fill in your own unique and wonderful trait! Yep. That whole conversation started by using a hashtag.

I know today I spoke about ‘twitter’ a lot, but you will notice that other social media sites at this point use hashtags as well. I think most people refer to the twitter, because using them became popular on Twitter first from what I remember. It seems you now see hashtags everywhere!

Some hashtags you can figure out what the conversation is about, other times you need to ask – or google the hashtag and see what comes UP!

Just remember! No spaces of any kind EVER when using hashtags. So Yeah at times you have to use your imagination as to WHERE the spaces may be in order to understand what the HECK they are talking about! (been there myself!)

So I hope I helped you figure how your answer to “What is a Hashtag?” today!

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
lesson today on “What is a HashTag?”

What is the Default Printer or Primary Printer?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:00:00 -0500

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner lesson we will talk about the “Default Printer”.

Keep in mind that Default Printer and Primary Printer are the same thing. I have noticed that people use both terms for this. Yes, most of the time they mean the same thing.

The Topics covered today are:

What is the default printer? What is the primary Printer?
How do I identify which printer is my default printer? Or Primary Printer?
How do I change my default printer or primary printer?

What is the Default Printer Or Primary Printer?

The Default Printer is basically the Primary Printer you want to setup to use to print with. Keep in mind we are using a machine, and YES you need to tell the machine WHICH printer you are going to use MOST of the time!

Your computer will DEFAULT to this printer whenever you want to print something. That is NOT to say you can’t change your mind, and use a different one you may have. That’s possible of course, but there will be a default printer. This primary printer the computer will automatically use unless you tell the computer otherwise.
Depending on your circumstance at your computer location one printer should be already set as the ‘default’ printer.
I have noticed that some computers switch the default or primary printer for various reasons, and people think their printer or computer is broken. Checking the default maybe the only thing you need to fix.
One thing I have noticed from time to time is certain software will change your primary printer to something that works better (in their opinion) for their program. In the picture above I was on a friend’s computer, and clicked the start button and searched for ‘printer’.

Here is a close up shot, and keep in mind my friend wants the ‘Kodak’ printer as her primary printer, or default printer. Notice the Bonjour and the Coupon printer on the list? Those are examples of extras that some software programs ADD, because it works better with their program. These are two examples of MANY of course!

So how do you know which printer is the primary printer or the default printer?

What printer is my default printer or primary printer?

Most of the time when you are looking for the primary or default printer is because you are having some sort of printing problem. It could also be that your printer died, and you bought a new one…yet that isn’t printing!
There can be many reasons WHY all of a sudden a printer isn’t working. So check a couple of things first, and then we will make sure your ‘choice’ of printer is set as the default or primary printer.

Are the Cables or Cords loose? Are they connected where they need to be?
Is the power on for the printer?
Is there enough ink, or is there paper in the printer?

Okay. Now that you have checked those LETS move ON!

You need to go to your control panel on your computer. If you don’t know what that is click on the words control panel in the last sentence, and it will bring you to a lesson to show you HOW to find it!
(In Windows XP click Start button, then select Printers and Faxes.
In Windows Vista click Start button, click Control Panel, click Hardware and Sound, click Printers.
In Windows 7 click Start button, click Devices and Printers.)

We need to find the printer section of the control panel, and click on that. Below are two printer sections on the control panel. Printers are considered a piece of hardware on your computer!

Notice above you find the word ‘printer’ under hardware and sound.

If you have a classic view of the control panel your icons above will be in alphabetical order, and you need to find the ‘printer/s’ icon.

Now that you located the printer section in the control panel click on that section to open the next screen.

Keep in mind some screens may look a little different, but you are looking for the ‘names’ of the printers! Your screen could be pictures of the printers, or a list of printers. Don’t worry its basically the same thing – all we need to concern ourselves with is the NAMES of the printers! You notice above I have three listed above. The Kodak, Microsoft XPS, and Snagit 10.

Notice my friend’s Kodak ESP 9 AiO printer in the picture? That is her primary or default printer. I can tell because you notice it as the green checkmark. Your printer may not show a green check mark, but there should be some check – or symbol showing you THIS is the default or primary printer!

Notice that the other printers do NOT have this symbol! You are you basically looking for something that is different – in this case the green check mark – to identify which is the primary printer or what the computer calls the default printer.

How do you change the Primary Printer or the Default Printer?

As I mentioned above the Kodak printer in this picture is the default printer. What if I wanted to change it to the Microsoft XPS document printer instead?

Click on that Microsoft Printer, and it will highlight to show you have selected it. Notice the light blue box around it? In this picture I have also right clicked, and you see the menu options.

You would then move your mouse pointer DOWN to ‘Set as Default Printer’, and click once the ‘set as default printer’ is highlighted.

Please note: Some computer are picky on how far the mouse pointer can go (left or right), and you find the menu disappears if you go over to far. Just try it again, and go slower until you find that soft spot your particular computer likes.

There is a second way to do this within the same menu if you have trouble with the options above.

Notice once again I clicked the Microsoft Printer, and its highlighted. Now look to the top of the menu box, and you see the words, ‘set as default’. Click on that spot. You check mark should change to the printer you have chosen.

See how easy is that?
You change this as often as you want – or need too. Most people don’t change it at all.

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 our Lesson on the Default or Primary Printer!

How-To Arrange Desktop Icons

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Mon, 27 May 2013 17:09:00 -0500

Today we are going to learn How-To arrange Icons on your computer desktop.
Just so we are clear on the instructions here is a picture of a desktop. The computer desktop itself is the picture of the hills and clouds!
The Icons on the desktop in the picture are named: My documents, My Computer, Recycle Bin, and Internet Explorer.
I’m normally asked a couple of questions about arranging desktop icons or organizing the icons on the desktop. So lets go quickly over a couple of different options!
First I will go over some more traditional ways to organize your icons, and they show you a way you can organize they WAY you want THEM!
Topics covered today will be:

How-To Find Arrange Desktop Icons Menu
What is ‘auto arrange’, and how to turn that option off and on.
Sort Icons by options, and What do the different options Mean?
How To Arrange the Desktop Icons where I want them, and how to organize them by using the Grid.
How to Arrange the Desktop Icons how I want them, and NOT use the grid

First lets go to the spot where all the magic happens! We need to find the menu to do ALL the changes NEEDED!

Arrange Desktop Icons

We want to find an open space on your computer desktop, and then right click with your mouse pointer ON the desktop, and NOT on top one of the icons.
For example you notice the mouse pointer in the above picture is NOT on top of any of the desktop icons pictured.
Below I have pictured menus that will come up depending on your operating system.

This would be Right Click on Desktop for Windows XP, and we are hovering over the ‘arrange icons by” option. (notice how its highlighted in DARK blue when you hover over it)

Right Click on Computer Desktop Menu for Windows Vista when you hover OVER the “View” Option. Notice how VIEW looks different in the background color compared to the other options. In this lesson we will be using the ‘view’ area.

Menu for Windows 7 when you hover over the “VIEW” option that we will use today.
Keep in mind you may have to use this step over and over again to make all the changes you want to your computer desktop. When you select just ONE change the menu above will disappear, and you have to do this step all over again to make the next change.

How-To Turn on Auto Arrange Desktop Icons

With any of the above operating systems you need to find an item on the list called, ‘auto arrange icons’. Look at the pictures above to see where you might find that option.
If you want the icons to be automatically arranged, click Auto Arrange. This option is normally done by Default.

If you see the check mark next to auto arrange that means you have selected it, or it maybe already selected for you (ie: by default).

How do you turn OFF Auto Arrange Icons?

Of course absence of the check mark means you have removed the option of the computer desktop being automatically arranged.
So if you want to turn OFF the auto arrange which is normally the ‘default’ setting for computer desktops hover down and CLICK this option to remove the check mark. It should look similar to my picture above when turn OFF this option.
At this point the menu should disappear altogether after you made your choice. If not? Click on the computer desktop again.

Arrange Icons By Options

In the Windows XP menu you will see in the above picture a couple of different options.
What do the arrange Icons By options mean?
Name - Arrange icons in alphabetical order by the icon name.
Size - Arrange icons in order of file size. If the icon is a shortcut to a program, the size refers to the size of the shortcut file.
Type - Arrange icons in order of type. For example, if you have shortcuts to several PowerPoint presentations on your desktop, these will be arranged next to each other.
Modified - Arrange icons in the order that the shortcut was last modified.
Hover over to your option, and click on the option you feel is the best for you. YES you can change that option if you don’t like it to something else! Just start over by right clicking on desktop once again.
You can find these sort by options for Windows Vista and Windows 7 as well.
Remember to right click on that free space on the desktop once again, and then look for the ‘sort by’ option.

You notice the arrow on the right side of this option? If you hover over the SORT by the list of options will appear.

You are able to pick which you would like to use, or change the option once again if you don’t like it.
Just hover down to your option, and CLICK on it when it highlights.
Your menu should disappear once you make your changes, and if you not? Click on computer desktop.

Organize Desktop Icons The Way I Want Them

You can move your desktop Icons anywhere you want them on your computer Desktop.

When you have the Auto Arrange Option Clicked – or is in use by default you can’t move your icons around to places you may want them.
The picture above you will see icons arranged all around his picture of a cool car, and an airplane. You also notice his icons are still lined up, but placed where he decided to put them!
How do you do that?
First, you need to make sure your ‘auto arrange’ option is turned off like we showed you above. Right Click on Desktop, and look for this option to make sure check mark is removed. Hover over and click on the option if it is NOT!

Notice NO check mark? It has been turned off!
Now some people still like to see SOME sense of order as far as the icons being lined up orderly. The computer desktop has what is called a gird.
Once again – right click on computer desktop.
In Windows XP you will find the option for the grid under the Arrange Icons By section.
Notice that the auto arrange doesn’t have a check mark next to it, but the align to Grid does? (list on right side, under NAME)

These are the options you want!

Windows Vista and Windows 7 are similar, but hover over the ‘VIEW’ section. Notice the ‘auto arrange icons’ is NOT checked, but the ‘Align Icons to Grid’ is? That is what you WANT!

Now if the grid is to restrictive for you? You of course do not have to use that option!

Arranging Icons on Your Computer Desktop

I will tell you if you are NEW computer user, or have a new computer at times these menus can be frustrating. They disappear before your able to make the changes you want, or the menu seems to close before you can see anything.
Be patient, and go a bit slower at times to figure out how sensitive your machine can be. Its not usual to have to do this a couple of times, and it happens the best of US!
I will mention at times you may need to refresh you computer desktop to see the changes you have done. When you right click on your computer desktop? Look for the ‘refresh’ option, and hover over to click on it. The screen sometimes flutters a bit, and then you can see your finished product! Most of the time with newer machines this isn’t needed. You see your changes right away!
I hope our lesson on Desktop Icon Arrangement was helpful!
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

What is a Cloud?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Sun, 19 May 2013 18:45:00 -0500

What is the Cloud?

Today we are going to write about the term ‘The Cloud”.

No doubt you have heard the term before either in print, or in the media.

What is the Cloud? Its basically a fancy word for online storage space.

Storing something in the cloud is basically storing something on what they call a computer server at a different location. If you look at the picture those TALL machines (on the right and left) are examples of computer servers.

Confused yet? Let me give you a more basic example!

Where is the Cloud?

Let’s say you have an email account at home with Yahoo, and you sign into your Yahoo account to see if you have any emails (the above picture). The server at Yahoo SENDS those emails to your account so you can read them (From your web browser or internet browser). Those emails were basically being stored on the server, and that technically is in the ‘cloud’. Yahoo’s servers ARE the storage space. They are the ‘cloud’ in this example.

In this case, Where is the Cloud? At Yahoo!

No doubt you have noticed the folders in your email program similar the ones I have pictured here. The inbox, Draft, Sent, Bulk, Trash, and in this case a custom folder the computer user made called ‘purchases’.

Unless you delete the emails in these folders they will forever be stored in the ‘cloud’ at Yahoo. They will be there each and every time you sign into your yahoo email account online. Your emails are stored at Yahoo on their computer servers (their cloud), and can be accessed anywhere you sign into your email account.

Yes, ANYWHERE you sign IN!

Other basic examples of Clouds would be Facebook, Google Doc’s, or Flicker.

The all have their own servers, so those are all different Clouds! People can upload their documents to Google Doc’s, or pictures to Flicker! Depending on the service access to your files, pictures, etc can be limited to you, a group you choice, or open to the public. You need to read the terms for each location.

What do you do in the Cloud?

Lets say for example, you are at Fran’s house on vacation. You are expecting some pictures from your grandchildren’s soccer game, and they were going to email them to you. Fran tells you to use her computer to see if they have emailed them to you yet, because she wants to see them TOO!

You go to the Yahoo website, and you sign into your account – like you do at home! Since your emails are stored on the yahoo cloud – and NOT your home computer – you can access your new emails from Fran’s house. Now you and Fran are enjoying the soccer pictures!

It would be the same principal if you stayed a hotel near Fran’s house, and the lobby of the hotel has a computer with internet connection for their guests to use. Yahoo’s servers (the cloud) will send those emails to you WHERE EVER you are! As long as you don’t delete the email those pictures will stay in cloud for as LONG as you keep them there!

Another example of how to use the cloud would be to upload those soccer pictures to flicker, or some other site you choose to display your photos! This would be a separate cloud, because they have their own servers. Granted, some sites like google have many different aspects to their services. For example, they are connected to youtube. So your Google Docs and Youtube Videos are both on GOOGLE clouds – or their servers.

Most of the time when we speak of computer storage it refers to our computer itself! For example, you are starting to write a article using your Word Program about your trip to Germany for a newsletter. When you are done working on it for the day you ‘save it’ on the computer’s hard drive, disk drive, or maybe even a CD Rom for example. All your work is saved, and you can finish it later!

The cloud has the same principal of storage, but the storage is ONLINE!

What is Cloud Computing?

So you are still at Fran’s house, and she is going to Germany next year. She wants to see what you have written so far about your trip! Unless you have your computer with you, or your disk drive, or CD rom you won’t be able to show her. Right? You would have to be at YOUR computer at home to open it, and then show her the story for the newsletter.

Now if you have stored your article in the Cloud (online storage server), and your friend Fran has a computer with internet connection? You can sign into that storage cloud where your file is – place the computer file in HER word program – and she can read it. In some cases you can even read it online IN the cloud itself (in the computer browser)!

Let me use a more basic example!

So lets pretend that you uploaded your Germany article to Google docs (short for documents). While you are at Fran’s house you can both read the article, and lets say Fran sees you have misspelled a word. You can correct your grammar right there, and once you get home the document will still be corrected. Yes, its similar to how you SAVE your work on your computer as well! You are basically doing it online!

The cloud is a place some people use as a backup for their computer files. That way if their computer broke, or a tragedy happened like your house caught on fire? The computer maybe gone, but your files are still in the CLOUD online. Think of it as ‘off sight’ storage!

Businesses can use the cloud in a similar way as we saw Fran help you with your misspelled word on your article. They can have a group project ‘in the cloud’, and the employees can all work on the project in REAL TIME! For example, Jack wants to add a picture to make the point more clear. Jane feels a graph is also needed. Jack could be in New York, and Jane could be in Texas. Since they are in cloud? They can both add these things, and they the both can see the additions.

I hope these basic examples of What is the Cloud, Where is the Cloud, What do you do in the Cloud, and What is Cloud Computing helps you understand these terms more.

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

How-To Get SIMS 3 to work with Windows 8 Computer

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Fri, 4 Jan 2013 13:55:00 -0600

I'm writing this due to my experience with the kids SIMS 3 program. I had purchased Windows 8 netbooks (The new fancy word for laptops), and they truly enjoyed it. All was well until they tried to install their SIMS 3 program. Yes, we got the same type of errors that everyone else has been getting.

Is the SIMS 3 program Compatible with Windows 8?

I can't tell you that what I do here will do the job for everyone else, but I sure do hope it works for you like it has for us. There was alot of talk about Bit Defender (a program) conflicting with the SIMS 3 software, but we didn't have that program installed. Thus I had to look for other options.

For us? Windows 8 is compatible with SIMS 3. You can’t install the program like you would normally is what I found. If you have YET to install any aspect of the SIMS 3 program on your windows 8 machine? Skip the Revo uninstaller portion, but do start downloading the patch I link to before you do install SIMS 3 ANYTHING on your windows 8 computer!

If you have installed any portion of the SIMS 3 program on your Windows 8 computer – like my kids did – follow our instructions to completely remove all aspects of it off your machine.

Yes, SIMS 3 support does show you how to do this manually. I found it is a pain in the butt, and REVO uninstaller can do it quicker. Heck it may even remove files they aren’t thinking about at EA support.

Below we will speak about completely removing the SIMS 3 off your computer as if it never existed prior. So you will need to find a way to save your game progress, the extras you may have purchased, etc. Once you follow my instructions they will not be on your computer anymore. Save them now before going forward.

I had spoken to EA support line at length a number of days ago, and I followed all their instructions to the tea. I found after all that work I still had the same stupid error while trying to install SIMS 3 on their Windows 8 machine. I gathered my patience for the next day, and decided that I would try this my way using some of the principals they spoke about on the phone.

Before we start make sure all of your windows updates are complete!

The first thing I did was download what EA support called the SIMS 3 Super Patcher.

If you look at the file size it seems large to me – it starts with a TS. I downloaded this to my desktop, and while I waited for it to finish I did the following to get my Windows 8 machine READY to work with our Sims 3 program.

I would make a ‘restore’ point on your computer in case you have any issues later on. That way if you have any problems you can restore your computer to an earlier time. The Revo Uninstaller does this as well, but I make a practice of doing this manually anyway.

Use Revo Uninstaller to remove SIMS 3 from your Windows 8 Computer

I went to download a free program called, Revo UnInstaller. You will notice that they have a free option, and what they called a PRO (or professional) option. I will be purchasing the PRO version at a later date, but to get the ball rolling on the Sims 3 program on their Windows 8 machine? I used the free version of the program.

If you look to the bottom of the screen it will give you a link to download this freeware. I did notice on the windows 8 machine that it started to install itself, and yet sent me to some webpage asking me if I wanted to also download some other program. I didn’t use the second program they wanted to advertise, but finished installing Revo Uninstaller completely.

Once I launched the Revo Uninstaller on windows 8 computer it will scan your system for all installed programs. This can take some time if you have plenty of programs already on the Windows 8 machine.

Once the scan is completed - you have some options along the top of the menu. Select the uninstall option. (see 1)

Look below and FIND your program icon that you are going to remove – see 2 (it will remove everything - not just icon).

By the way, in my picture below I didn’t use a SIMS 3 icon as an example.

Right click on program icon
Select Uninstall (see 2)

It will prompt you asking you if you are want to uninstall program - click yes.
Next Screen is 'Select an Uninstall Mode" I picked 'advanced' on bottom – then click next

Next Screen is 'Performing the initial analysis and uninstall' screen.

At this point you will see the a list of 4 jobs it will be doing, and in the meantime your normal SIMS uninstall wizard will run. If you have time to read the 4 steps listed in the Revo uninstaller program? Step four on the REVO screen it tells you this will happen.

(Keep in mind the REVO uninstaller will launch the SIMS Installshield wizard automatically for you - you don't have to do that part.)

Leave the REVO program alone for now, and run the SIMS uninstall wizard until its completed. No doubt you will get this message in the picture below, and Click YES this is what we are trying to accomplish!

Do all the steps that the InstallShield Wizard for the SIMS 3 program is asking you to do.

Once you hit the FINISH button on the wizard – the wizard will close automatically.

Your Revo Uninstaller Screen should be the only thing present, and you want to hit the ‘next’ button at that point on the Revo Program.

‘Scanning for leftover information’ screen will be running. Allow it to finish. then Click NEXT

Found Leftover files and Folder or Registry screen will be next.

Click 'select all', and then click "delete'.

You will then get a message, 'are you are you want to send the selected files to the recycle bin?" Click Yes.

Scan will happen and when its done - click next.

You may get additional screens afterwards with different names, but we will do the same actions that we did above. Just select all, delete, YES I want to send to recycle bin– and next!

Do this until the program is DONE! and then click finish.

I did the same to remove SIMS 3, all extension packs, and origin using this program.

Once SIMS program, all the extensions, and Origin have been removed - remember to empty your recycle bin.

Sims 3 Super Patcher for the Windows 8 Computer

This is just me, but once I do all this work? I normally restart the computer as well. It may not be needed, but that's just me as I said.

I was told to install the SIMS 3 super patcher prior to the SIMS 3 program (ea support line), but it would not allow it due to no SIMS program on system at all at this point. THIS was a great sign for me! The program is completely GONE!

I reinstalled Origin. Signed in - went to 'my games' and only installed the SIMS 3 program. I will not run this program, because I want to do install the super patcher program first (per EA support). So in others words DON'T hit play when its done!

I then went to my super patcher for SIMS 3 download (first item we downloaded above), and executed the program. Hopefully, by this time your download we started at the beginning is finished. It took a while to run, and I left the computer completely alone to let it do its thing.

Once the patch was completely installed? I was getting excited, and I crossed my fingers and did a little prayer while I launched the SIMS 3 base program. I almost fainted when it actually did what it was suppose to.

I told my daughter to let the SIMS 3 program load completely, and don't download any extensions until the program is done loading EVERYTHING!

Sims 3 is Compatible with Windows 8 computers

I instructed her to download one extension at a time - let it load all the junk it needs to - add her purchases, extras, update files etc. on each expansion pack ONE AT A TIME!

Once she was SURE everything was working on that pack? Move to the next one. Do the same thing.

I told her if ONE expansion pack screws up? STOP, and we will look for the next solution. At that point you know it’s the expansion pack, and NOT the SIMS 3 program if another error occurs.

So Far so good...we will see, and I hope my journey helped others! Her SIMS 3 program is actually working on our Windows 8 computer. Yes, it was an annoying adventure but at least its done for now.

Get In and Get Out of Safe Mode

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 23:08:00 -0600

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going Start Safe mode, and learn how to get OUT of safe mode!

In a past article we spoke about what is safe mode. Now we will learn how to get to safe mode, and we will then learn about the different safe mode options.

For now… Here are a list of questions we will cover today:
What is Booting to safe mode?
How to start windows in safe mode?
How to get safe mode?
How do i get to safe mode?
How to start in safe mode?
What is Restart in Safe Mode?
How-To get out of safe mode?
We will touch on all of these questions today!

How-To get out of Safe Mode?

I’m going to start backwards today, because its happens to be the easiest answer first! With most Operating Systems you get out of safe mode by restarting your computer. You don’t need to do anything else. With older operating systems:

Restart your computer
During start up as soon as you see the Starting Windows logo press the F8 key on your keyboard.
Select 'Normal' from the option and press Enter. Your computer should now boot up in the normal mode.

What is Booting to safe mode?

The easiest way I can explain ‘booting’? It basically turning your computer in safe mode, instead of your normal desktop view. You want to turn on your computer IN safe mode! They are basically asking you to restart your computer in safe mode. We cover that below!

How-To Get To Safe Mode?

We will be shutting off your computer briefly. If you can save your documents, close your programs, etc. All the things you normally do when shutting down your computer.
Also before you restart your computer in Safe Mode make sure you remove any discs, DVD, or CD Roms from their drive.
Next, If you look at the top of your keyboard you will find buttons that have “F” and a number. What are all those buttons on my keyboard? seems to be one of the more popular articles on this blog.

For the safe mode we are going to use our F8 button.
Make sure you locate that button first before you continue. Keep in mind all keyboards are a bit different, and your F8 button may look similar to the one pictured.
Now that you know where your F8 button is restart your computer.
Once the computer has turned off completely, and has started up again I immediately hold down the F8 button. Some people start to tap the F8 button. Either way the F8 button must be recognized before your normal startup screens or logos are present. If you tapped or pushed the F8 button to late? No problem restart the computer, and try it again!
The Advanced Boot Options screen will come up next. You will need to use your arrow keys to move up and down the list pictured to select your option.
Once you have made your choice use your enter key to select it. The Top option is normally the most popular.
The Computer will now start or reboot in safe mode.
Notice compared to our normal desktop with all the colors this menu is pretty plain jane in comparison. Colors are muted, and ‘safe mode’ is almost watermarked on the screen. YOU MADE IT! You did the ‘reboot to safe mode’!

Safe Mode By Operating System

I have also made a page on how to start or boot to safe mode by operating systems. I start with Windows 7 and finish with Windows 95.
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 how to get get in and get out of the safe mode!

What Is Safe Mode?

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:32:00 -0600

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going to touch on what is Safe Mode?
Our Next Article will cover booting or starting your computer in Safe Mode.
Our First question is:

What is Safe Mode?

Microsoft’s Definition of Safe Mode is:

Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer in a limited state. Only the basic files and drivers necessary to run Windows are started. The words "Safe Mode" appear in the corners of the display to identify which Windows mode you are using. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes.

To me safe mode is a trouble shooting mode when your computer is having problems.
Examples of when you may see safe mode is:

Virus attack
Installed new software, and either computer didn’t install correctly or outright rejects it.
Drivers was installed (printer, scanner, etc for example), and again for some reason the computer is rejecting it.
Your computer hates the software you just installed.

My list certainly IS NOT complete, but I hope I gave you the idea that Safe Mode is used basically when there is a problem. You will use safe mode to try to fix the issues that the computer is rejecting.
Most of the time if you install new software or a driver, and you computer rejects it – the computer will crash or locks up. You restart your computer, and it starts up in safe mode.

What does Safe Mode Look Like?

Your computer desktop will look the same, but the words ‘safe mode’ will almost look watermarked on your screen. In my experience the desktop icons are normally LARGER than normal as well. The colors aren’t as pretty, but look washed out.
You may not be able to use your scanner or printer, because only the basic resources are being used.
As Microsoft advanced their software? In my opinion safe mode became more easy to use, and to understand. YEP! Especially for beginners!

What do I do with Safe Mode?

There will be times in which you can restart your computer once again, and the problem will ‘self correct’ itself. Other times it may not. Try restarting it first, because it’s the easiest if it fixes the problem!
So what should you do if your computer boots to Safe Mode again?
First, try to determine what has changed on your system that could have caused Windows to fail to boot properly. If you have added any kind of hardware go to the Control Panel and remove it and uninstall the software driver for that device. Then attempt to reboot your computer.
If Windows boots properly, you can be reasonably certain that there was some type of conflict with the device (or software) and try to resolve it.
Use this same method if you have loaded a new game or application sometime recently. Go to the Control Panel, click on Add/Remove Programs and remove the software. Reboot your computer and hopefully it will start as it should.
The last time I used safe mode was when the children’s computer had an extra nasty virus. It stopped almost all operation of the computer itself, and I used safe mode to run the anti virus program.
Our following article is about booting in safe mode, or starting safe mode. It will also show you how to get OUT of safe mode.
Next we will tackle booting or rebooting in safe mode by operating systems.
Finally, we will cover the different aspects of the safe mode.
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 The Safe Mode!!

Safe Mode By Operating System

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 23:23:00 -0600

Our First Article is What is Safe Mode?

Our Second Article is getting in and getting out of Safe Mode.

Below are safe mode articles by operating system. Click on your computer’s operating system below.

Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP

Windows 2000

Windows 98 and Windows ME

Windows 95

Safe Mode Windows Vista XP Seven 7

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 23:17:00 -0600

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going to touch on Safe Mode for Windows 7, XP and Vista

This is one in a series of articles on safe mode, and we cover other operating systems as well.

Our first was What is Safe Mode, and then we covered getting in and out of safe mode in a general manner.

How to start a Windows Vista / Windows 7 / Windows XP operating system in safe mode

We will be restarting your computer so make sure you prepare your computer for that by removing disks, saving documents, and closing programs.
Click on Start button and then click the arrow next to the Lock button and then click restart. Allow the computer to completely shut down first. Then…

Start tapping the F8 key. The Windows Advanced Options Menu (Pictured above) will then appear. If you begin tapping the F8 key too soon, some computers display a "keyboard error" message. To resolve this, restart the computer and try again. (If you have more than one operating system use the arrow keys to highlight the operating system you would like to boot in safe mode)
Ensure that the Safe mode option is selected by using your down arrow key to highlight the words ‘safe mode’. If you miss it? Use your up arrow key to go back.
Press Enter once you are on the highlighted ‘safe mode’. The computer then begins to start in Safe mode.

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 Safe Mode in Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7!

Safe Mode Windows 2000

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 23:16:00 -0600

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going to touch on Safe Mode for Windows 2000.

This is one in a series of articles on safe mode, and we cover other operating systems as well.

Our first was What is Safe Mode, and then we covered getting in and out of safe mode in a general manner.

How to start a Windows 2000 operating system in safe mode

Windows 2000 doesn't have the system configuration utility and can only be started in safe mode by using the F8 key during system startup.

Restart your computer
During start up as soon as you see the Starting Windows logo press the F8 key on your keyboard.
From the Windows 2000 Advanced startup menu select safe mode by using the arrow keys and press ENTER when complete.
I will mention there is an option called, Last Known Good Configuration. This feature enables a user to load the last working version of Microsoft Windows. Its something like system restore in more current versions of Windows Operating Systems.

As you can see it looks similar to the menu above, and you will use your arrow keys and enter key in the same way.

Once you are finished with your fixes you can restart your computer once again to get OUT of safe mode!

Here is a Microsoft Article on safe mode that goes into more detail if you need it.

On Safe Mode for Windows 2000.

Safe Mode Windows 98 Windows ME

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 23:14:00 -0600

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going to touch on Safe Mode for Windows 98 or Windows ME.

This is one in a series of articles on safe mode, and we cover other operating systems as well.

Our first was What is Safe Mode, and then we covered getting in and out of safe mode in a general manner.

How to start a windows 98/ME operating system in safe mode

Method 1(Most commonly used):

Restart your computer
During start up press the CTRL key on your keyboard.
From the start up menu select safe mode by using your arrow keys and press ENTER when complete.

Method 2:

Click on Start --> Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools --> System Information
From the Tools menu click on System Configuration Utility
Click on Advanced and the select the Enable Startup menu checkbox

Restart the computer and during start up select Safe Mode

Method 3:

Restart your computer in MS-DOS mode
On the command prompt type "win /d:m" without the quotes

Microsoft Article on Windows 98 Safe Mode

Microsoft Article on Windows ME safe Mode

Problems booting into Safe Mode

Safe Mode Windows 95

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 23:12:00 -0600

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going to touch on Safe Mode for Windows 95.

This is one in a series of articles on safe mode, and we cover other operating systems as well.

Our first was What is Safe Mode, and then we covered getting in and out of safe mode in a general manner.

How to start a Windows 95 operating system in safe mode

Windows 95 AGAIN doesn't have the system configuration utility and can only be started in safe mode by using the F8 key during system startup.

Restart your computer
Start tapping the <F5> key during the Starting Windows 95 message.
OR During start up as soon as you see the Starting Windows 95 logo press the F8 key on your keyboard.
From the start up menu select safe mode using your arrow keys and press ENTER

FileMaker Article on Safe Mode Win 95

How-to Do a manual Windows Update

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:13:00 -0500

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!!

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

noreply@blogger.com (Hannah) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:05:00 -0500

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!!

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