Fusion Computers Tips and Tricks
Hello all,
Welcome to the first edition of the Fusion Newsletter. This months newsletter will cover some of the more perplexing issues users have with their desktop.
To most users what they see on the monitor is what they would call the “screen” or just “windows”, but what you are looking at in computer lingo is called the “desktop”. This is where you store shortcuts, program icons, and sometimes documents and pictures.
The first issue addressed will be the magically moving taskbar.
It’s not so funny when your beloved taskbar goes from the bottom of the screen to the top or side in one crazy movement.
Ever click on your start button and see that the program you have used for 100 years is now magically disappeared from your start menu. Well…..
The second issue we will cover is adding and deleting objects from the start menu.
This very simple process is a life saver and can turn a disaster into a small inconvenience when the proper steps are addressed.
Here is one that is so simple anyone can do it.
Have you ever started your computer and all of your icons have disappeared?
There is a simple way to see if it’s just a small problem or something that might require the help of a professional.
With two very powerful mouse clicks you could be back up and running in no time.
So you sit down to check the email and see if you got that picture of your beautiful grandchild. Low and behold you can’t connect to the internet or your email. You call tech support at your internet provider and somebody starts talking about ISP, router, modems, blah blah blah… It’s enough to confuse Einstein himself.
Here we have a listing of the most commonly used computer terminology when dealing with your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
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Modem (Cable): This is the box that the round cable plugs into. Usually has 3-5 lights that blink on and off and it came from your cable/ISP company.
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Ethernet Cable:
This cable plugs into your computer from the modem. Usual colors are blue, yellow, and gray. It has a fatter connection head than your phone cable. -
Router:
This box splits your internet so it can be used by multiple computers. It looks almost the same as a modem but has 2-4 openings (ports) that your Ethernet cables plug into. -
Ports:
This is the hole that you plug the Ethernet cable into. Your modem, router and computer have ports.
So when you call your ISP and the person on the other end asks if your Ethernet cable is plugged into the port on your modem. You will be able to say with confidence:
“As far as I can see, yes it is, but the connectivity is spotty at best. Any chance you could ping my modem?”
Ping will be in the next issue.
An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind.
M.K. Gandhi
First things first.
When you look at your computer screen what you are looking at is commonly called your, “Desktop”. The bar that is at the bottom of the Desktop is called a “Taskbar”. Your taskbar holds a minimized version of your program windows. The taskbar also displays quick start icons, icons of programs running in the background and the time display.
The terms, Desktop and Taskbar are used by most IT (Information Technology) professionals and should be part of your computer lexicon.
OK the professional stuff is out of the way no on to the meat and potatoes.
To move your taskbar to anyplace on the desktop you have to first:
1. Right mouse click your taskbar.
2. Left mouse click the properties option at the bottom of the menu list.
3. Left mouse click to remove the checkmark from the Lock Taskbar option. (it may not be marked)
4. Left mouse click anywhere clear on the desktop. (not on an icon)
5. Place the arrow (cursor) on any clear spot on the taskbar and hold down the Left mouse button.
6. Drag the taskbar to the desired location.
7. Right click the taskbar and choose the properties option and Left mouse click to checkmark the Lock the taskbar option.
And you’re done.
Terms used:
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Desktop = Computer Screen/workplace
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Taskbar = Where programs are stored
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Right Mouse Click = Pressing the right mouse button on a mouse
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Left Mouse Click = Pressing the left mouse button on a mouse
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Icon = Small picture of a program
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Cursor = The pointing arrow
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Drag = Moving an object from one place to another by holding down a mouse button
Microsoft Office 2007
You can use a 90 day trial of Microsoft Office 2007 by visiting: www.office.microsoft.com
Included: Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, Power Point and Outlook. The cost after trial ~ 189.99 to 799.99
Open Office 3.2
A free alternative to Microsoft Office is Open Office created by Sun Microsystems creators of Java.
Cost: Free.
Visit:
www.openoffice.org
“The Future ain’t what it used to be.”
Yogi Berra
One of the most important aspects of a computer is the speed at which it operates. When a computer hard drive is fragmented it can greatly decrease the speed of even the beefiest computers. In this article I will cover defragmenting your hard drive.
A fragmented hard drive simply means that files are not contiguously stacked on the local disks. OK now in English. A fragmented drive means that the stuff that makes your files work is scattered all over the hard drive and by doing a defrag you put them back together so you computer can find it without looking all over for them.
How to do it:
1. Open My Computer from the desktop icon or from the start menu.
2. Right mouse click main drive (Usually the C:\ Drive) left click on properties.
3. Click on the Tools Tab and click on Defragment Now. Then click on the Defragment button.
This is one of many ways to defragment your hard drive. You can also buy third party software that will do a much thorough job. It is not necessary for the home user though. Microsoft provided a good enough tool for the job.
It’s best to do this at a time when you will not have to be on the computer for 4-8 hrs. Depending on the hard drive and how bad it is defragmented it will take that long to repair. This process can be automated to run at a given time, but should be done at least once a month manually.
I hope you enjoyed Fusion Newsletter. I put a lot of time and thought into this. I have a deep passion for computer technology and for customer service.
The things I talk about in my newsletter are simple issues that will only help you the customer. Yes it will take money out of my pocket, but I don’t really care. I believe in giving more than taking and you know what? Money doesn’t make me happy; Helping people does, and if I get paid in the process then I will have something to pay my bills with along with my happiness.
When I first ventured out into the consulting field I would accept a dozen of home baked chocolate chip cookies for the work I did instead of cash. Sometimes I still do. That makes me feel happy in life.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you. I hope that the work I have done for you made your life easier put a smile on your face and created happiness in your world.
I wish you and your family the best in life and I hope you become wealthy in whatever path you have taken.
Sincerely ~
Jason Scouten
See you again next issue!!!
Also read Defragging the Frontline