Computer Help

Some general tips, hints, and info.  Also links to all the programs I use to help with my pc.  If I have worked on your computer, then I most likely have installed some of the programs already.  Just let me know if you have more questions. 

General Help & Tips     |     Computer Security & Maintenance
Browser & Surfing Tips     |     Email Help & Tips     |     Links

* General Help & Tips

Don't be afraid of your computer.  It's only a box full of parts.  It only does what someone tells it to.  You are the boss, you are in control!

First a few terms you need to know.

• Browser - this is the program you use to actually access the different websites.  Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Netscape are the most popular. 
   
• URL - stands for Uniform Resource Locator.  Also called a link or web address.  Usually starts with "www" and ends with ".com", ".net", etc. Most people pronounce this just as the letters U-R-L, some people say "earl" (I don't know why)
   
• ISP - stands for Internet Service Provider.  This is the company you pay a fee to each month to be able to access the internet.  You have to have this to be able to go online.  Dial-up access is slow, get a high-speed connection like DSL through the phone company or cable access through your cable company.
   
• Operating System - this is the program that makes your computer work.  Most likely you have one of the Windows operating systems such as Windows XP or Vista.

How To Copy & Paste
Instead of re-typing things you want to save or send to other people, you can use the copy & paste (or cut & paste) functions to save a lot of time.  It's easy to do.  There are actually different ways to do this, I'm just going to give you one of the most common methods for right now.

1. Highlight the text you wish to copy by holding down your left mouse button and then dragging your cursor over the text. You should see a colored bar over the text you are copying.  After everything you want is highlighted release the mouse button.
    
2. Press the Control Key (CTRL) and the letter "C" key at the same time.  This copies what you have highlighted.
    
3. To paste the copied text (into an email, notepad, document, etc.) place your cursor where you want the text and press the Control Key (CTRL) and the letter "V" key at the same time. 
    
4. Viola!  You have now copied and pasted!
    

Windows Explorer - A Very Useful Place!
I'm not talking about Internet Explorer - that's something different.  This is Windows Explorer.  You can find it normally by going to your Start Button, then All Programs, then Accessories, then Windows Explorer.  It is an index basically of everything on your computer.  The screen will be divided into 2 sides.  On the left is the main index, whenever you click on an item, the contents of that item folder will be displayed on the right side of the screen.  Look around, see how things are organized, and see what is there! 

Uninstalling And Deleting
Since I just told you where Windows Explorer is, you might be tempted to just start deleting files and folders that you see listed there - DON'T!  Programs need to be UNinstalled, not just have files deleted.  The easiest way to uninstall programs is by going to your Start Button, then Control Panel, then Add or Remove Programs.  This will bring up a list of most of the programs installed, just follow the instructions to uninstall or remove the program from your computer.  If you aren't sure if you need the program or not, look up the name online to see what it's used for.  Some files are leftovers that can just be deleted, but again, don't just start deleting if you don't know what it is.  Your computer needs a lot of things to make it work properly, if you delete the wrong thing it can cause all sorts of problems.  You don't have to be afraid of removing things, but you do need to know what exactly you are removing.  Research first, delete/uninstall second!

Programs Loading at Startup
When you turn on or restart your computer there are several programs that will automatically start running.  Some of these are necessary, but some are definitely not needed.  To see what is loading at start up click the Start Button, then select Run.  A small box will popup, type in msconfig then click on the Startup tab.  Anything with a checkmark is a program that is loading every time you start your computer.  Check on this site to see what those programs are, the site will also tell you whether it is something you need or not at startup.  If you find something that is not needed or wanted, uncheck the item and click OK.  Restart your computer - when you do you will get a warning about selective startup, you can check the box to make it not appear in the future.  It's just telling you that something has changed.  When you install new programs many will ask you along the way if you want it to automatically load when Windows starts.  In most cases you do not want the programs to do this.  Exceptions would be anti-virus or other types of security programs.  Automatic update checkers for programs like to load at startup many times also, just say no!  The fewer startup items you have the quicker your computer will be ready to use when you turn it on or restart it. 

Selecting Multiple Items
If you are using Windows Explorer (this works with some other programs also) you can select multiple items at one time.  If the items you want to select are all in a row, click the first item, then press and hold your shift key and click the last item.  All the items in between will also be selected now.  If the items are not all in a row, hold down your Control key while you click on each item you want.  This will allow you to select multiple things but not included everything in between each item.

Renaming Groups of Items
This tip is especially helpful with digital photos I think.  When you upload your digital pics to your computer they are probably all named by a bunch of letters and numbers in a sequence.  Not very handy in telling you what they are.  Let's say you have a bunch of pictures from a birthday party.  First, use the tip above on selecting multiple items.  Once the pictures you want are selected, right click on one of them (the first one is what I use) and select Rename from the list.  Now type the name you want to give these pictures and make sure to include the same file format.  Example: Moms Birthday 2006.jpg.  Hit Enter.  Now all those photos will be renamed Moms Birthday 2006.jpg (1), (2), (3), etc.  Much easier to organize photos this way!

What Version Do I Have?
Need to know what version of a program you are using?  This will work for almost all programs.  While the program is open, click the Help button (usually the last text link along the very top of the screen), then look for About (program name) and select it.  A box will pop up with the name of the program, the version you are running and sometimes other information.  Try it right now on your browser (that's the program you are using to read this page).

* Computer Security & Maintenance

I can't stress enough how important it is to take steps to secure your computer these days.  While the majority of things online are good, there are a lot of bad things also.  Viruses, worms, adware, spyware, dialers, malware, and more are all out there waiting to strike.  You lock up your cars and homes for security, you have to put some types of locks on your computer for security also.  The biggest things are anti-virus software, firewall, and updates.

Anti-Virus Software
You must have this on your computer and you must keep it updated!  Most new computers come with a trial version on them already for you even.  Regardless of what program you decide on, you have to keep the program up to date.  The bad guys are out there creating new viruses and worms everyday.  When the companies that make anti-virus programs learn about them they create new parts of the program to keep it off your computer.  In order for you to get these new parts you have to do an update.  Most companies charge a fee for yearly updates - pay the money for it!  You will most likely find a setting for automatic updates on your anti-virus program which is great to use.  That way it checks for and installs updates automatically for you.  You can also manually check for updates usually by clicking on a simple button in your anti-virus program.  Whatever way you go with, make sure to check weekly at a minimum for updates.  If you decide you want to use a different program than what was pre-installed on your computer or whatever is on it now, you must completely UNINSTALL the old anti-virus program before installing a new one!  If you want a free anti-virus program I recommend AVG Free.

Firewall
A firewall helps hide your computer from hackers.  Windows XP comes with a firewall, although it's not the best on out there.  It is included though so if you don't want to spend extra money at least keep that one turned on.  I use Zone Alarm myself.  They offer various versions, including a free one. 

Updates
Chances are you have a Windows based computer.  This means that a version of Windows is your operating system.  If your computer is newer, it's probably Windows XP.  Microsoft continually releases updates for it's operating systems and other software programs.  Check their site for updates.  You can have it scan your system and it will tell you what updates are available and install them all for you.  Microsoft's site will also give you instructions on how to set up your system for automatic updates.  For non-Microsoft software you are using, check the company websites for their own updates. 

Other Security Programs
There are several other programs that can help keep your computer safe.  It's hard to find one single program that will do everything for you, that's why I use several different things together.  A lot of the information overlaps, but it generally isn't a problem to run multiples of these types of programs.

• CCleaner (Crap Cleaner)
  Excellent for getting rid of junk that takes up space and slows you down.  Fairly easy to use. Free.
• Ad-Aware
  This program is another tool to help you keep malicious trackers off your computer.  They offer several versions of the program depending on your needs, including a free version.  I use the free version and make sure to check for updates and run a full scan at least once every 2 weeks.
• Hijack This
  Fantastic free tool to help see and remove spyware, malware and other nasties that may have invaded your computer.  This program is a little more technical than the others.  Luckily there are plenty of message boards available where they will tell you how to post the results of your Hijack This scan so they can help you along.
• Spybot Search & Destroy
  This is another free program to protect you from the bad stuff.  It will prevent some things from getting onto your computer, and it removes other types of problems for you.  Stick with the basic set-up until you learn more.
• SpywareBlaster
  This free program will help prevent the installation of ActiveX-based spyware, adware, browser hijackers, dialers and other potentially unwanted pests.  It works with Internet Explorer and Mozilla/Firefox browsers. 
• Rouge/Suspect Anti-Spyware Programs and Websites
  This site lists programs that try to look like they would help you by blocking or removing spyware, but they are fakes that can cause harm.  Check here before downloading and installing other programs that I don't have listed above to check them out first.

* Browser & Surfing Tips
 

Searching the Internet
One of the most important things you need to learn about using the internet is how to search for things.  I recommend using the Google search engine.  I know a lot of you are probably using Yahoo, but that's not a true search engine.  You will get much better results with Google.

Do not type in a url or web address in a search engine.  If you have the url, you don't need to search for it.  Instead put it in your browser's address bar and hit enter.  It will take you right to that site.  Example - you know my url is www.robynwright.com, there is no need to go to Google first and search for www.robynwright.com, just type it in the address bar on your browser and it will always bring you right to my site

Are you searching for a phrase?  Use quotation marks around your phrase.  Example - if you are searching for a name like Robyn Wright, instead type in "Robyn Wright" including the quotation marks.

Eliminating certain words from searches can be done as well.  After the words or terms you DO want to find, then put a comma and then a minus sign or dash - and the word. Example you don't want to find tomato in your search for beef stew.  In your search box enter:  "beef stew", -tomato

User Names & Passwords
If you are online you already have at least one user name and password for your ISP service.  Many websites also ask you to register for various reasons.  You do not want to use the same user name and password as your ISP service.  Most sites will let you select your own username or they will ask you to use your email address.  Almost all will let you pick your own password.  Trust me that you will not remember all of the different combinations of user names and passwords for all the different sites.  Write them down as soon as you register.  I personally have a Rolodex file on my desk and every time I register somewhere new I create a new file card and put the url/name of the site at the top, then my user name and password.  I file this all alphabetically by the name of the site.  You could also just keep a little notepad of real paper or a notepad file on your computer with this information as well.

Creating Passwords
There are some sites you are going to register for that you definitely want a more secure password at, such as online banking, shopping, investment sites, etc.  Please do not use a common word as your password.  You need a combination of letters and numbers.  Passwords should be at least 7 characters long and have at least 5 different characters in them. They should contain a combination of upper and lower case letters and numbers. Your passwords should not be all numeric and look like dates, zip codes or phone numbers. They also should not be words in the dictionary and common names including your name, pets names, kids names, street name, day of the week, etc. Bad password example: peppermint Good password example: gt6Av79xRJ See the difference? This is also why I already mentioned you need to write your passwords down.

Don't Search From the Address Bar
Internet Explorer Tip
The default setting for Internet Explorer is for it to search from your address bar if you don't type in a working URL. This confuses many people, let's turn off that function since you now know to go to a search engine like Google when you are looking for something. In Internet Explorer click on Tools at the top of the screen, then select Internet Options. Now select the Advanced Tab. Scroll down to the section "Search from the Address Bar". Select "Don not search from the Address bar". Click the OK button. Now close all your Internet Explorer windows for the change to take place.

Toolbars & Shopping Programs
These are programs that different sites may offer you for free that they say will somehow improve your internet experience, save you money, etc.  For the most part, don't install these programs.  Why?  Many contain spyware, malware, or adware.  They also take revenue away from other sites in a not so nice way, in my opinion. 

Internet Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts
These are some of my favorite and useful keyboard shortcuts to use with Internet Explorer.

• CTRL+ENTER
  adds "www." and ".com" to any text typed in the address bar. Example if I just type robynwright into he bar, then click CNTRL+ENTER it changes it to www.robynwright.com and goes there
   
• CTRL+D
  adds the current page to your favorites
   
• CTRL+W
  Close the current tab or window (depending on your settings)
   
• F4
  Display a list of addresses you've typed
   
• F1
  Displays Internet Explorer Help
   
• CTRL+F
  Find on this page
   
• ALT+HOME
  Go to your home page
   
• HOME
  Move to the beginning of a document/page
   
• END
  Move to the end of a document/page
   
• CTRL+N
  Open a new browser window
   
• CTRL+I
  Open the favorites bar
   
• CTRL+H
  Open the history bar
   
• CTRL+B
  Open the organize favorites dialog box
   
• CTRL+E
  Open the search bar
   
• CTRL+P
  Print the current page or active frame
   
• F5
  Refresh the current page
   
• CTRL+A
  Select all items on the current page
   
• ALT+D
  Select the text in the address bar
   

* Email Help & Tips

Some general guidelines to follow with email:

• Do not forward all the jokes, warnings, and junk you get to everyone you know.  If you find a really funny joke that you just must share with someone then cut and paste just the actual joke into a new email and send it to that person.  The warnings about stuff are probably a hoax to start with, research it first.  No one is stealing kidney's, a little boy doesn't want a bunch of email or greeting cards, and Neiman Marcus doesn't sell their cookie recipe for a huge sum of money.  Visit Hoaxbusters and Snopes.com to see more untrue things.  Please visit NetManners for wonderful information about what not to do and why you shouldn't do it!
   
• Use multiple email accounts.  You need at least 2 email accounts.  Keep the main one that comes with your ISP account for close friends and family and important emails from companies you trust.  Set up a free email account with a place like Google or Yahoo for when you need to provide an email address to a site you aren't as sure about or if you are going to post to a bulletin or message board.  Sometimes it's hard to tell who is going to sell your email address to spammers, using that free email address is something you will be happy about, trust me!  You are going to get spam, it's just a fact of life online.
   
• Do not open attachments unless you scan them with your antivirus program first!  Even if it's from someone you know - scan it first!
   
• Creating Signatures in Email
  Lots of info on how to create a signature file for your emails.
   
• Include Original Message In Replies
  If you are replying to a message, include at least part of the original message someone has sent you.  Some people (like me) get a LOT of email and it's hard to remember what the heck I said to everyone.  If you include the original message it makes things so much easier!  Most email programs have a setting to "include original text when replying".  This is also helpful if you are replying to a message more than a couple of days old for the same reasons.

* Links

These links are for sites that provide help, hints, and tips on using your computer and the internet.  These are all sites that I use regularly or that I think are good sources for folks who are new to all this stuff.  Links last personally checked on 2/06/07.

• What Is?
  If you have a type of file and you don't know what program it's used with this site will tell you.  Remember that before you open any attachments you should check them with your AntiVirus program.
   
• Start-Up Applications
  A listing of what the heck all those programs running in the background and when you start up your computer are.
   
• WinGuides
  Support for all Windows operating systems
   
• WinXP Newsletter Archives
  This is a great newsletter for those using Windows XP on their computer.  This link takes you to their archives, but I recommend subscribing to the newsletter so you have it delivered to you via email. 
   
• The Unofficial Cookie FAQ
  Ever wonder what a cookie is and what it does?  This site will answer all those questions for you.
   
• How to make back-ups
  You probably have heard many people talking about how important it is to back-up the data on your computer, this article will show you how to do it.
   
• Tweak XP
  Tweaks, hacks, tips and more for Windows XP users.
   
• Getting Started with Digital Photography
  Most of you have seen that I only use digital cameras now.  I haven't bought film in years and haven't paid for film developing in years.  This page will give you tons of tips on using your digital camera, editing images, saving photos and printing them.
   
• Microsoft Movie Maker
  Start making movies and editing with your computer