Any Key ?

Q.
I wanted to boot my computer from the CD Rom but I get a message telling me to press “ANY’ key to boot from CD. Where on the keyboard is this ‘ANY’ key ?

A.
OH BROTHER ! This one is a classic. Just hit the space bar, Its the big wide one at the bottom.

Old dirty underware

Q: What's the difference between Upgrade and Clean install with XP ?

A: When you upgrade, all the old settings, programs, files, etc are saved and used with the new XP installation. In a clean install, you have the option of reformatting the partition where XP will be installed. Unless circumstances absolutely prohibit a clean install, I never recommend the upgrade install. It is just like taking a shower, laying out clean clothes, but then putting on old dirty underware. Always do a clean install. Back-up all your files & photos as they will be lost with a clean install.

I can't find my pictures

Q.
I downloaded my pictures from my camera and now I cant find them on my computer. Where are they ?


A.
Go to: http://www.picasa.com/content/download.php? and install Picasa. After you run this program it will display your photos and show you where they are on your hard drive.

Copied from the Picasa Web Page:

You might want to check out the Picasa software from Google. This digital photo organizer is an easy way to enjoy your digital pictures without clunky folders and file names. Just install the free download and watch it go to work! Picasa finds and sorts all the pictures on your computer into albums – in seconds. Plus, you can email, print and share images on one quick click. Give it a try!

Now I can't find them

Q.
I downloaded several files but now I can't find them on my computer. Can you help?

A.
If you are using XP for your OS go to this page to get your answer:
http://www.cyberwalker.net/columns/aug03/find-file.html

Small text is making me unhappy

Q.
I just bought a new computer and my old eyes just aren't as good as they used to be, the small text is making me very unhappy. The screens are full size but the letters and icons are sure not. Is there a solution?

A.

1. 'Right Click' anywhere on the desktop (not on an Icon)

2. 'Left Click' 'Properties'

3. 'Left Click' 'Settings' (top right)

4. Look under 'Screen resolution' and you will see a slide bar, under that there is a number like 1024 by 768

5. Move the 'Slide Bar' to the Left till it reads '800 by 600'

6. 'Left Click' 'Apply' You may get a Warning, Read the Warning and do what you think is OK (like restart or not)

7. Click OK if it is there, this should shut down this properties box.

8. Fixed............

You Gotta' Have It

Norton Antivirus http://www.symantec.com/nav/nav_9xnt/
comes with most new computers but it is only a demo or trial version. This means you will not get the updates after three months or so. I would certinly recamend that you pay the money for a full year of updates. Most people just won’t do this for some unknown reason. Most will not download and install a program either, why ? Just don’t know how.

My advise to you is simple, get someone to help or learn how yourself. If you are too frugle to buy Norton’s, then download and install one of these free programs.

Grisoft's AVG
http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5

AntiVir Personal Edition
http://www.free-av.com/

An anti-virus program is a must. You are not only putting your own data at risk, you could and probably will be infecting others and mine as well.

Photo Scanner

Is Santa bringing you a new scanner for your computer this Christmas ? If you need to know how to get the best scans, here is the place to look:
http://www.scantips.com/basics01.html
By the way, I have a nice used one with photo editing software for your Christmas stocking.

Have you seen Versailles Web Cam ?

Get a Dell ....... Dude

I had to smile after talking to a friend this morning. He stopped me coming out of the bank to tell me his nightmare story. He told me over the weekend he had turned on his computer and nothing happened, it did not boot or even light up. He called Dell and after two and one half hours later taking to places like the Philippines, Malaysia, and India he has a new motherboard on the way. I told him it sounded like the power supply had failed. This is a very common problem with Dell computers as they put the smallest ones in that they can. (Smaller is cheaper) At any rate he ask me if he could install it himself like the Dell people told him. I said I wouldn’t try it if I were you. Let me know when you receive the motherboard and I would take a look at it. I think the power supply is bad, so this is what I will check first. If this is the problem it is very simple to replace it.
He told me when the new parts came in he would call me. As he walked away he was muttering, “I had to get a Dell”……...dude.

The above little story is one that I hear over and over. Take my advice, shop local, you will not only get a better computer, you will get an English speaking person on the phone if you have a problem.
Have you seen Versailles Web Cam ?