Just the Music
Do you play music CDs in your computer? If so, don’t you hate it when you’re trying to listen to your CD and the computer is “beeping” in on top of it (you know, for error messages and such)? Here’s how to fix the problem:
1. Right-click the little yellow speaker in your system tray (the system tray is located opposite your start button). Select Open Volume… Continue reading
Q:
I have old disks laying around with important stuff on them but the software that created them is no longer around. Am I out of luck?
A:
In many cases, the info on the disk(s) seems like it’s inaccessible with newer machines. Maybe the software that created it is no longer in existence, or it’s just an odd ball format.… Continue reading
I’ve read about the FDA testing the effect of caffeine on laboratory mice, but that won’t help us here. Adjusting the speed of your mouse pointer and buttons can help liven up your mouse.
If you’re using XP, open Mouse in the Control Panel (click Start>Control Panel>Printers and Other Hardware>Mouse) If you’re using Vista or Windows 7, just type mouse into
Q:
Is there a way for a left-hander like me to make my mouse easier to use?
A:
Since Windows 98, a feature was included for changing the buttons on your mouse, allowing you to replicate the feel of the right-handed mouse (like having the primary mouse click be your pointer finger).
To switch buttons on your mouse to a left-handed configuration… Continue reading
Do you have a web site you visit often? Wouldn’t it be cool to have a shortcut on your desktop for it? Here’s a quick way to do it:
First, head to the web page with either Explorer or Firefox.
Internet Explorer:
You’ll see next to the site’s URL (address) a small icon with a blue “e” on it. Drag that… Continue reading
Q:
When I’m writing a long email, is there a way to save it as I go?
A:
I know people who write things up in MS Word or some other Word Processor first, and save along the way, so they can copy and past into an e-mail. There is, however, another way built into Outlook , Thunderbird, and even web-based email like Gmail.… Continue reading
Keep It Clean
When it comes to our computers, all we tend to think about is the stuff we see on the screen — the software. Most of us tend to neglect the computer itself.
What can you do with your computer to make it run longer? As I just mentioned above, keep it clean.
I can’t tell you the number of computers I’ve opened that have… Continue reading
Q:
Help! My computer just started making a strange sound when I turn it on. It sounds like rapid ticking or rattling (not hard drive sounds either) and goes away after a few minutes. Any ideas?
A:
Sounds like a problem with one of your fans (no, not the people who love you, the ones that blow air).
Your computer probably has two internal fans – one that… Continue reading
Updating Windows
If you’re running a newer version of Windows, you’ve probably noticed the Windows Update item when you press your Start button. What is that all about?
Windows update is actually a really cool little feature. You know how Windows tends to have a few bugs? Well, these updates take care of bugs, security holes, and lots of other problematic stuff. Who knows, if you’re having problems, this may… Continue reading
Michael from California Asks:
How do I “Copy and Paste”?
A:
First off, you’ll be glad to learn copying and pasting is easy. You can copy and paste just about anything your little heart desires: text, web pages, files, pictures, you name it. The idea behind the process is to take information from one place and deposit it into another.
For… Continue reading
