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Computer Tips www.worldstart.com

Worldstart Computer Tips 8-25-2010

Quick Tips

Windows 7 Problem Steps Recorder

Say you're having a problem with your PC and no matter what you do you can't seem to get the point across to tech support as to what exactly is happening. Wouldn't it be nice if there was an all-encompassing screen capture/problem recorder you could use?

Wait. There is! It’s called the Problem Steps Recorder and it comes with Windows 7!

The Problem Steps Recorder was originally designed as a diagnostic tool to help with the beta test phase of Windows 7, and what it does is combine screen captures and annotations to allow you to make an html slideshow you can email to your tech guy!

Here’s how it works:

First click on Start, and in the Search Box type: psr.exe. Either hit Enter or click on the psr icon that appears in the search results.

The Problem Steps Recorder console will open up. You'll notice that it has a pretty simplistic interface.



Now press the Start Record button and try to replicate the problem you are receiving. If you need to make note of a certain area of the screen, press the Add Comment button. This will allow you to highlight a portion of the screen and type in an annotation to further describe your problem.



When you are done, simply press the Stop Record button. A box will come up and ask you where you want to save your file. Choose a location you can find easily and hit Save. You can also hit the little arrow all the way to the right in the Problem Step Recorder interface, choose Settings and pick a default save location for your files.

Now, email the file to your tech guy and see what he has to say about it. Sure beats trying to describe your problem over the phone, doesn't it?

~Andrew


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Correction Alert!! - Hey there everyone. We've gotten a ton of feedback on yesterdays Q and A tip about the bars on forwarded emails. It looks like we missed the all important point to the question, so here's a fix.

Bernie asked yesterday about the vertical bars in emails. These bars don't have a specific name, but most people would know them as "vertical forward bars" or "blockqoute bars".

Either way, these bars can still be eliminated by using "the cleaner" that we mentioned yesterday. Just copy the email into the cleaner and *poof*, the bars are gone.

Additionally, some email clients do have settings to remove these bars when viewing emails, but most do not. They have become the standard look of a forwarded email and are built into most web based clients.

~Gary


Announcements

Uh-oh!! Looks Like Today's Gonna Be Your Last Chance!!

Run To The Site & Grab Your Freebie - Before They're GONE!

Say Goodbye To That Dull Pencil!

Check Out These Stylish Mechanical Pencils!

Ultra Comfortable Rubber Grip! Super Secure Clip!

Wanna Know The BEST Part?

You Get 2 Absolutely FREE With Every Shipped Order*

Don't Pay $12.99!! Get 'Em FREE From WorldStart!

I don't know about you, but when I'm jotting down lists, ideas, plans etc. a pen is so not practical...because let's face it, I'm not perfect. I make mistakes, I mean who doesn't - right? Well, whenever I use a pen my paper always ends up looking like a toddler scribbled on it. I'm always crossing out and re-writing and crossing out again.

I always have a mechanical pencil at my disposal...they're the most perfect writing tool ever!! You never have to sharpen them, and when you make a writing error, you simply erase it an re-write it.

Have you ever walked down your local "Office Supply Discount Store" aisle and seen some of the crazy prices that mechanical pencils go for? Yikes! Heck, I saw these very same Integra Mechanical Pencils at one online store retailing for $12.99 - no joke!

When I ran across these incredibly comfortable and oh-so stylish Integra Mechanical Pencils - I knew I had to have 'em, despite their cost! Heck, I like these ultra-sleek Intregra Mechanical pencils so much that I simply couldn't resist sharing them with you!

Even if you're not as fond of mechanical pencils as I am...if you're a regular pencil guy or gal or even one of those who favor pens, I'm sure you know someone who's headed back to school and could use a couple of designer mechanical pencils for FREE!

That's why we're giving 2 Integra Mechanical Pencils away with EVERY shipped order* - until they're gone...which looks like today's gonna be the last day!

So, here's the deal - it looks like our supply is running low and that we're going to give them all away today, but there's no telling by what time...so you'll want to get to the store ASAP!!

Trust me, you're not gonna wanna miss out! Heck, you're gettin' a $12.99 VALUE absolutely FREE!! If someone offered you $12.99 - you'd be crazier than an outhouse rat not to take it!! So whatcha waitin fer?!?!

Get 2 Integra Mechanical Pencils absolutely FREE with every shipped order* - WHILE SUPPLIES LAST!!

I know you'll find something that you just can't live without below! Be sure to check out all of our categories!!

On Sale - New Products - Featured Products

Cool Gadgets
Adapters - Automotive - Calculators - Cameras and Imaging - Clocks - Flashlights - Home - Lamps and Lights - Magnifier - Miscellaneous - Power Inverter - Sound and Audio - Surge Protectors - Tools

Software
Business and Office - Children - Computer Security - Computer Utilities - Cooking - Educational - Envelopes and Labels - Family Tree - Fitness - Games - Graphics and Imaging - Home and Garden - Maps - Miscellaneous - Music - Reference Software - Religion - Screensaver - Voice Recognition

PC Hardware
Cables - Cameras and Imaging - Drives and Enclosures - DVD & Floppy Drives - Flash Drives - Keyboards - Memory Card Readers - Memory Cards - Mice - Miscellaneous - Networking - Notebook Accessories - Sound and Audio - USB Hubs - Wireless Networking

Music and DVDs
Audio CDs - DVDs

Console Games
Nintendo DS
Nintendo Wii
Playstation 3
Xbox 360

So, what the heck are you waiting for? Head on over to the store now - cuz this sale ends as soon as we run out of our stash!


** SPEED + FREEDOM = AWESOMENESS **

Discover Amazing D-Link RangeBooster Technology!

Quit Knocking That LAN Adapter Out Of The USB Port!

Set It Conveniently On Your Desk Or Plug The Adapter Into Your USB Port!

Don't Get Hustled (Ripped Off) With Knock-Offs.

Check It Out Fast, This One Is Flying Off The Shelves!

Everyone Needs This (But Just Didn't Know It Until Now)

Tired of your notebook's slow Wi-Fi connection? Upgrade to this D-Link RangeBooster Wireless Adapter and get ready to enhance your wireless connection range and speed!!

Built with RangeBooster G Technology, this Wireless Adapter delivers faster wireless signal rates and better reception than your average "g" adapter.

If you have a G Wireless Router and want to get a higher speed connection and boost your range without spending the BIG bucks on a wireless N router, then this baby is the perfect solution for YOU!

G Technology is all you need because you most likely already have a G compatible router. Confused Yet? Don't be. The bottom line is that this wireless "g" adapter delivers speeds of 108 megabits per second (mbps) (when compared to the average 54mbps)...and that is pure awesomeness.

Security features such as WEP and WPA encryption safeguard your data and privacy so you can be assured of total network protection. With its enhanced wireless performance and total network security, this D-Link (It's D-Link Folks, They Always Make Good Stuff) RangeBooster G adapter is the perfect choice for adding high speed wireless connectivity to your notebook or desktop computer!

If you have a wireless network you want to jump onto at home, at a friend's house, at a hotel, or at a favorite restaurant, this makes getting connected almost too easy! Oh, and if you're on the road and long for an easy to use wireless solution, this is a no-brainer. Look at these features:

Receives power from the USB port — no additional power plug or cable required
Compatible with USB 2.0 and USB 1.1 hardware
Backwards compatible with 802.11b equipment
Delivers robust 802.11g wireless networking
Supports data rates of up to 108Mbps
Automatic fallback increases data security and reliability

Just remember that this is pure awesomeness and you NEED ONE (trust us)... it's Compact and Portable and above all it will increase your range & speed on any wireless g network.

This is seriously the awesomest USB Wireless LAN Adapter I've ever seen!! Not only can you use it as your typical plug LAN adapter to plug into any USB port, but it EVEN comes with a desktop stand so you can set it on your desktop! So why is that so cool?

Let me get this right - you want wireless Internet without that huge adapter sticking out from one of your USB ports. Am I right? No matter if your using a wireless LAN adapter on your laptop or desktop computer - the LAN adapter always seems to keep getting knocked out of the USB port. Even worse is when you plug in your LAN adapter and it covers up other USB ports! What a pain!!

*Order RIGHT NOW and we'll include a FREE USB extension cable - giving you the freedom to choose where you want to place the Adapter (for example on your desk)...

* You have 60 days to test this product for free. If you don't notice a significant improvement in your current wireless connection speeds, if you're currently using a g wireless router, or not THRILLED with the new-found wireless freedom you may now have with this device then send it back for an immediate, full refund.

* Never Pay For Shipping. That's right, you do not have to pay for shipping and handling fees... we take care of that and save YOU the money!

Click on the safe and secure link below to order for only $22.97, while supplies last! You also get 2 super stylish Integra mechanical pencils when you order your wireless adapter today, while supplies last!

http://store.worldstart.com/product/6312

P. S. Important UPDATE: Due to the overwhelming response to this offer, we are on track to sell out before lunch time. Don’t delay! To get your D-Link RangeBooster Wireless Adapter Click on the link above NOW. Remember, you have a full 60-day, money back guarantee with no questions asked! The price is scheduled to go up to $28.97 at 11:59pm, CST tonight...but it looks like we're gonna sell out before the price even heads up!

P.P.S. Gotta question? No problem! This product comes with FREE technical support... to help you out (if needed) every-step-of-the-way...

Remember - with any shipped order* you get 2 FREE Integra Mechanical Pencils, while supplies last!!


FINALLY!!!

Someone Made A Car Charger For YOU!!

Car Charger / Power Source For ANY USB Powered Device!

It's Mini Size Makes It Perfect For Practically Any Vehicle!

Charge Your GPS, MP3 Players, iPods, Cell Phone, Camera -

Anything That Charges With A USB Cable!

I'm so excited! The second I saw these I knew I had to have one!!

You know how it is - seems like pretty much EVERY device we buy anymore charges via your computer's USB port. Sure, it's a great idea, but what if you're on the road and need to charge? 

This Mini USB Cigarette Lighter Charger is the smartest and most simple solution EVER!!!

Think about it - GPS's, MP3 players, iPods, Cell Phones, and even some cameras charge using your computer's USB ports.

I'm sure you can imagine what a huge hassle it is when you have to charge any of these devices on the road.  Heck, even if you had a laptop with you, you'd still have to break it out just to charge your stuff! That's nuts if you ask me!

Just plug this adapter into your car's cigarette lighter and plug your device into the USB port - and safely charge away!Couldn't be easier, ya know? Some of the best ideas really are the simplest!

Plug-In Saver DC Charger to USB Adapter Plug-In Saver DC Charger to USB Adapter

And I almost forgot to mention it's mini pint-size design makes this USB Cigarette Lighter Charger a perfect fit for practically any vehicle!

Other similar USB chargers are big and bulky and can block other cigarette ligther sockets, get in the way of your shift handle, or simply won't fit because of how your center console is set up.

This sleek little mini USB charger is the answer to charging all of your USB devices on the road, and you're not gonna want to leave home without it!

Wait till you check out the price incredible too! Sure, if you found something like this in a regular store, you'd expect to pay upwards of $25 (Heck - can you imagine how much your local cell phone store would charge for this? Or an airport? Or car rental place?).

Well, we got a deal for ya! Just $12.97 and US shipping is FREE! For that kind of money, you just can't go wrong!Plus, you get 2 super stylish Integra mechanical pencils for FREE when you order yours today, while supplies last!

Hey - even if you don't need one right now, I can promise you will down the road! Charging via a USB cord is the way things are going - and you can do it CHEAP today! Check it out:

http://store.worldstart.com/product/6039

PS - Be sure to get yours today, before the price heads up to $16.97 tonight at 11:59pm, CST! 

Remember - with any shipped order* you get 2 FREE Integra Mechanical Pencils, while supplies last!

http://imgsrv.worldstart.com/ct-images/sick-of-ads.jpg



Computers 101

Thomas J. says: 

Sometimes when I'm browsing the internet, I like to do it in full screen mode. That’s great, but is there some way to get rid of the taskbar so that it can be completely full screen? 

Answer: Yes! and here is how to do it: (applies to Windows XP)

Right-click an empty space in the middle of the taskbar and a menu will pop up. Left-click on Properties (In the example below I have highlighted Properties in yellow). 

Your browser may not support display of this image.  
 

A (dialog) box will pop up (across the top it says Taskbar and Start Menu Properties). There are two tabs. Click the tab that says Taskbar.

In the dialog box you will see five options. The third option is Keep the taskbar on top of windows. Uncheck that and click Apply. Then click on OK. 
 

Your browser may not support display of this image. 
 

And there you go! Now the taskbar will only be visible when you are on your desktop. When you have your browser open or you’re writing a letter, you will not be able to see the taskbar.  

Thanks for writing!  

--Lori Cline 

Click here to rate this tip | Printer friendly version


MS Office

MS Office 2010: Customizing the Ribbon?

Yep, you read that correctly… after all the pain of Office 2007 “Ribbon shock” and our inability to customize even the smallest amount of the Ribbon we’ve finally caught a break!

Microsoft has included in the 2010 Office Suite the ability to do some (and I emphasize “some”) customization of the Ribbon.

Now, I don’t even have to ask this time – I know that you’ve got to be interested in seeing this one so we’re going right to work.

There are a couple of ways to get there, one way is to right-click on the Ribbon and choose Customize the Ribbon.

right click to customize ribbon

You can also reach the same place using the File tab, Options choice then choose the Customize Ribbon category on the far left.

Either way, you should now be looking at this:


Click here to read the rest




Tip of the Day


We like to do a lot of our shopping on the Internet, but did you ever suspect someone going into your browsing history to sneak a peek at the sites you've gone to? What a way to ruin a surprise, right?

Here's what you can do to thwart these sneaky spies of holiday gift giving.

In Internet Explorer 8:

image


Click here to read the rest

Today's Feature


Malware: Beyond its boundaries.

So we talk a lot about malware here at WS. In most cases it's a warning about new types of attacks or how to remove a specific type of bug or maybe a new program that helps to remove these nasty little pieces of software.

In any case, the worst situation that one could face when it comes to malware is getting their computer destroyed or having their identity stolen.

Well, not anymore...

Click here to read the rest

For stories, jokes, quotes and cartoons every day, sign up for our Just for Grins newsletter.

Amanda's Coolsite
Eat the Seasons

I love to cook with seasonal food. I always look forward to summer because then I get to cook a ton of zucchini and summer squash, with fresh berries for my desserts. This site is devoted to helping you know what is currently in season to cook with!

I recommend checking out the About section from the menu at the top of the page. It not only explains how the site works, but also talks about why they created this site to begin with.

The Food Seasons section allows you to explore by food rather than season. You can click on the food and see when it is in season. Clicking on the foods will also allow you to learn all about them, what their history is, and get some great tips on picking them out and serving them.

On the main page (if you've navigated away from the main page just click the logo at top of the page "What’s good to eat this week?" and you’ll be whisked back to the main page) you’ll get a listing of foods in season now. There are two different lists depending on your region. You can select your region at the top of the page. You’ll either pick US/Canada or UK/Ireland. I checked out the UK/Ireland list and was wowed by how many more things were on the list for there! I think that’s fantastic.

Are you ready to eat the seasons? I know I am! Fresh, seasonal food is always a joy to cook and eat!

http://www.eattheseasons.com/

Click here to rate this tip | Printer friendly version

Do you have a cool, non-commercial site that you want to share?
Send it to Amanda at
amanda@worldstart.com

Monthly Wallpaper

We're gonna sell out of these today - so you'll want to head on over to the site and grab yours ASAP! It doesn't look like we're gonna be able to get these ever again!!

"This Is The Most Handy & Clever Idea EVER!!"

Make Sure You Never Miss Another Great Picture Again!!

Digital Camera Fits On Your Keychain To Take Wherever You Go!!

Also Doubles As A Web Cam & Video Recorder!!

Holds Up To 81 Photos!!!

Just Wait Till You See The Price!!

LIMITED QUANTITY!!!

How many times have you uttered the phrase, "Man, I wish I had my camera!"? It always seems that the best picture perfect moments happen when you don't have your camera on you. Just like last summer when I took the family to Walt Disney World. We're in Magic Kingdom, my wife had the kids AND the camera all the way across the park, and you'll never believe what happened...right there in plain site...Mickey Mouse was CHOKING Donald Duck!!Talk about a picture perfect moment! Heck, a short video would have been EVEN better!

With this Magnavox Mini Camera,
you'll never have to say, "Man, I wish I had my camera!!" - EVER AGAIN!! You're gonna absolutely love the convenience of having this camera with you wherever you go! It's sleek design looks great on any keychain. Don't want to put it on your key chain?

It's super-compact size lets you put it your pocket - without that uncomfortable pocket bulge!

You'd think with such a tini-tiny camera that the memory would only hold just a few pictures, am I right?

This bad boy can store up to 81 photos AND there is NO MEMORY CARD REQUIRED!!!  

Oh! And It Gets Even Better...

PLUS - This little guy can also be used as a Web Cam for chatting!

Just simply connect the USB cord, that's included, to your computer and camera and you're ready to go!! Quick and easy set-up is always sweet!!!

And it just keeps getting better....

Your Mini Camera EVEN comes with the battery!!

Seriously, I don't think you could ask for any more! This Mini Camera comes with all you need to get started taking pictures at a moments notice!

Who ever thought that a camera the size of a credit card could do so much?!?!

SNAP to it (yes, that pun was intended) and get yours today for only $12.97! US Shipping is FREE!! Not only do you get a killer price, but don't forget that you're also getting 2 super-stylish Integra mechanical pencils when you order your Magnavox Keychain Camera today, while supplies last!!

http://store.worldstart.com/product/6024

PS - The price is headed up to $16.97 at 11:59pm, CST tonight - if there are any left - so be sure to grab yours NOW!

Remember - with any shipped order* you get 2 FREE Integra Mechanical Pencils, while supplies last!!

*Freebies only apply to all shipped orders. Shipped orders do not include digital purchases, ie. Premium Membership purchase, digital downloads, etc. Freebies can only be included with products that are mailed, if no product is physically shipped, you will not get a freebie.



Monthly Wallpaper

August Wallpaper

Here's this month's free calendar wallpaper! As always, it's 100% free, so head on over and grab one!



One Last Glimpse

Elk Bugle

Sol Duc Falls

It's all free, so enjoy!

All can be found here:

http://www.worldstart.com/wallpaper/index.php

Enjoy!

 
 

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Copyright, Disclaimer, and Removal

ISSN: 1529-336X
Copyright 2009, WorldStart. All unauthorized reproduction strictly prohibited.

You are welcome to reproduce this newsletter (i.e. print it, store it) for your own personal use. You are also welcome to forward it, in its entirety, to friends and family.

If you would like to reproduce this publication, or any part of it, in any other publication, be it web based or otherwise, you must contact us for permission. Any unauthorized re-distribution will be considered a copyright infringement and grounds for a lawsuit.

Finally, you agree to try any advice contained or suggested in this newsletter at your own risk.

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation (duh!)


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