Announcements

PDF Update -

Tom, one of our readers, mentioned that my Q&A about PDF files the other day failed to point out what "PDF" stood for. In case you were wondering, it's short for "Portable Document Format".

Sorry about that.

More Updates -

Rose has been busy updating the online software store this weekend. We have new stuff in both the Bargain Bin and the regular store. Christmas is only 2 weeks from tomorrow - now's the time to finish that shopping (or if you're like me, it's a good time to get started :-).

Remember, we are extending our normal 30 day return policy until Jan 31, 2002. That should give your gift recipients plenty of time to check out any software you buy for them from us.

Here's the link to the store:

http://www.worldstart.com/store/

And here's the Bargain Bin (all titles $3.97-$7.97 in this section):

http://www.worldstart.com/store/bargainbin.htm

Computers 101

Q:
My Icons are randomly scattered all over my Desktop. How can I organize them?

A:
Right-click the Desktop and select Arrange Icons. You'll be presented with a sub-menu that's chock full of icon arrangement options. I personally use the "By Type" option, since I have all sorts of different icon species residing on my desktop.

Tip of the Day

Take a Shorter Shortcut!

Web Link - http://www.worldstart.com/tips/shortshortcut.htm

Did you know that you can assign a shortcut key to your shortcuts? Well, you can!

First, why would you want to? Well, if you usually work with your programs maximized (i.e. you can't see the desktop), it's easier to press a shortcut key combination than to minimize the current application and click a desktop shortcut.

For example, I have shortcuts on my desktop to several of my most frequently used web sites. I've assigned them each a shortcut key.

Now, if I'm working in MS Word and need to hop over to one of these sites, I simply press it's shortcut key. A browser window opens and I'm at the site. Much easier than minimizing Word, opening up Explorer, hunting through my favorites, clicking the link and having the page load. With shortcut keys, I'm only a keystroke (or two) away!

OK, here's how to set up shortcut keys:

1. Right click the shortcut you wish to have a shortcut key for and select Properties.

Note that this seems to work best when the icon in question lives on your desktop. I've tried it time after time for icons on the Quick Launch tool bar (next to the Start button) and it just doesn't seem to work for me.

2. You'll see a box for the shortcut key. Click it.

3. You won't be able to delete the "none" label that's currently sitting there, so don't try (OK I guess you can try if you really feel the need). Instead, just press the key that you would like to use for your shortcut. You can use either letters, numbers, or (my favorite) function keys.

If you decide to use letters or numbers, you'll have to use CTRL+ALT+yourkey to activate the shortcut. Function keys are a single keystroke affair (just be sure to pick ones that you don't use in your favorite programs or you may be launching apps when you're trying to do a function).

Cool Site of the Day

Digital Blasphemy

A site full of beautiful digital imaging. Free screensavers, start up images, and wallpapers. Truly gorgeous images, some with a Christmas style just in time for the holidays. Beautiful art for any time of the year or mood. Check it out. Steve and I thought it was really cool.

http://www.digitalblasphemy.com/

Do you have a cool site that you want to share? Send it to Amanda! Here's her address:

amanda@worldstart.com

Oh, and we're looking for non-commercial sites. We generally don't run sites that are strictly for shopping.