Winter Clean Up

As the days are cold and we are inside a bit more it is a good time to clean up and clean out your computer. Files downloaded from the internet, duplicate files in My Documents, old emails, all take up valuable space on your computer. Here are a couple of easy steps you can take today to clear our the clutter.

For Windows computers:

Delete Cookies and Temporary Files

1. Open Internet Explorer

2. Go to Tools, Options

3. Second “section” down choose Delete Cookies button, OK, then Delete Temporary files button, OK.

Defrag and Disk Clean Up

1. From Start menu choose Programs, System Accessories

2. Choose Defrag and then Analyse. If it says you don’t need to defrag just close. Otherwise, defrag. This takes some time so do it when you DON’T need your computer.

3. Next choose Disk Clean Up, from Programs, System Accessories and run.

Buyer Beware! Another Installment

Don’t be fooled by the glitzy advertising and new buzzwords, like Notebook for a computer. I recommend when you are talking to a computer sales rep you clearly state what you want to use your computer for now and perhaps in the future.

Understand there are three “parts” to a computer.

1. Hardware, what you see and touch like the keyboard and monitor.

2. Operating System – like the language your computer uses to translate between the keyboard, the monitor and the software. Microsoft is currently using Vista Operating System.

3. Software, the programs that actually DO different things. Like Outlook is an email program, WORD is for letters and reports, Internet Explorer is for surfing the web.

Be sure you get what you need. I am always happy to help sort through the computer language with you or review a prospective choice for you.

Tuition Two-fer

Do you have a project you want to do on the computer? Need a little extra know how? Why not buddy up with a mate and have a twofer. I am happy to provide tuition in small groups (no more than 3) on using

MS Office, Photos, MYOB

Internet “Uploading to the web” Back Ups

Email, Facebook, Twitter

I will come along to your place, with my projector so we can all see the “screen”. All you need do is gather a friend or two, decide on what you want to learn and call me to book a time. Per hour tuition is $75 that you can share among your mates!

Joke: Computer Terminology

State-of-the-art - Any computer you can't afford.
Obsolete - Any computer you own.
Microsecond - The time it takes for your state-of-the-art computer to become obsolete.
Syntax Error - Walking into a computer store and saying, "Hi, I want to buy a computer and money is no object."
Hard Drive - The sales technique employed by computer salesmen, esp. after a Syntax Error.
Keyboard - The standard way to generate computer errors.
Mouse - An advanced input device to make computer errors easier to generate..
System Update - A quick method of trashing ALL of your software.

(courtesy of http://www.grownups.co.nz/read/lifestyle/entertainment/joke-computer-terminology)

Back Up or Lose Out!

It’s one of those messages that you hear so often you stop listening, I know. BUT, ask anyone whose lost all their data on their computer and you will become a convert. Use a USB memory stick or key, or CD-Rom or even an external hard drive. These cost from $150 - $300 and are a sure way keep your valuable data safe and back up on a regular schedule. Why not take a moment now and STOP and back up your computer/