Input Devices

Welcome to winter. Seems we didn’t dodge the cold and snow this year. Hope you are staying warm and safe.

INPUT DEVICES. What do I mean by that? Simple. Mouse and keyboard. These are typical input devices. They take your input (pointing and clicking, keystrokes) and send that information to your computer. But I want to introduce you to some non-typical input devices and how they could be helpful to you.

Hope you gain some useful knowledge!

The Touchpad

If you have a laptop, you have a touchpad. You may have an external mouse for use with your laptop as well. Some people prefer using the mouse because they are just used to it, coming from using a desktop computer. Which one is better? That’s totally up to you. What do you feel most comfortable with? I’ve always found the mouse to be more precise. Did you know that you can change certain settings on your touchpad? Like the sensitivity? Do you ever find your mouse cursor moving all over the place while you type and even causing your text to jumble up on the page? There is a fix for this. Ask me about it at our next lesson.

Dragon Naturally Speaking

This is a big one! Do you have trouble typing? Does it take you a long time because you hunt & peck? Did you know that you can dictate into your computer and have it type what you want on the screen? There is a program called Dragon Naturally Speaking. One of my clients introduced me to it years ago. Here is her testimonial for the program:

“The freedom it allows me is a godsend! I can send lengthy emails! I can use a forum, and best of all, I can talk to my nieces any time I want to with the ease of having a conversation or making a telephone call! In fact, my telephone bills have dropped substantially! Dragon also allows me to navigate the computer orally, and I think it would be especially terrific for anyone with dexterity problems, like me.” — AC

Large Print Keyboard

This is great! Several of my clients use this keyboard and they find it super helpful. The letters on the keyboard are large and the contrast between the yellow keys and the dark blue/black lettering makes it so easy to see. There are other colors available too!

Making Things Easier

Hope you had a wonderful holiday and are ready to jump into the new year! There are a few things I wanted to mention in this month’s post. I titled it “Making Things Easier” and you will see why. Enjoy!

To charge or not to charge…

We all know, hopefully, what’s been going on lately with security and websites, as well as stores, being hacked. There is great concern regarding whether or not to put your credit card information onto a website in order to make a purchase.” Will a hacker gain access to my info?”, “Will I become a victim of identity theft?”. These are realities we’ve come to face in this digital age of online shopping (sometimes the only way to purchase an item is online; certain things are just not available in stores).

So I’m frequently asked my opinion of making such purchases online and I’ve decided for myself (and so this is my answer to you), that you have to ask yourself this question: Do I want to make my life easier by being able to make purchases online or am I ok with the fact that I may not be able to experience everything this digital age can offer me? What am I comfortable doing?

We can talk more about this at our next meeting, if it is a concern for you.

The single best way to learn (the computer)

We’ve all heard that practice makes perfect. Well, it’s true, especially when it comes to learning and the computer. The only way to retain the information we discuss in our lessons together, is to repeat and repeat and repeat. A lot of my lessons involve repetition, which is very helpful. Practicing step-by-step between our sessions makes a tremendous difference. Taking that time to do this is important. It’s like riding a bike!

Don’t wonder, look it up!

Ever get a phone call from an unfamiliar number? My phone has been flooded with calls lately, from Unknown callers, Private callers, and unfamiliar area codes. I often wonder the location of these calls. I found a website that tells me just that. It’s a great resource. Choose the area code first, then type in the 3-digit telephone prefix and click Submit. This will give you the location and include whether it’s a wireless number or not! Give it a try sometime! http://www.thedirectory.org/pref/

Until next time!

Summer 2014

Hope all is well and you’re ready for some useful tech info! Take a look at some of these interesting articles related to Apple & Microsoft. If these generate any questions in your mind, feel to free to let me know! 😊

Apple

It’s officially summer! What does that mean for Apple users? Well, some goodies are in the near future. Near as in the end of this summer! Before we look at new devices, take a look at what Apple has in store for iOS8! (Perhaps some improvements to iOS7 ?)
http://www.apple.com/ios/ios8/

iPhone & iPad app

I came across a cute app the other day. The Emoji Keyboard 2. Want to send animated faces and cute moving emoticons? This app is for you! http://itunes.apple.com/app/id738989604

Windows 8.2? 9?

For those of you working (or trying to work) with Windows 8/8.1, how has it been going for you? Well, maybe Microsoft will give us more of what we want (more of the past) in the next version? Check it out: http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/windows-8-2-release-date-news-and-rumors-1191563

All Good Things Must Come To An End

I want to use this post to focus on a couple pressing issues…

You may (or may not) be aware of the fact that Microsoft has ended their support for the Windows XP operating system. Many of my XP clients have asked me what this means and how it will affect them. Well, if you have RIP Windows XP 2001 – 2014Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, or a Mac, you don’t have to worry. If, however, you are still using Windows XP (you can easily tell by the fact that the Start button on the bottom left of your screen actually says “Start”), your computer will no longer receive Microsoft Security Updates making you vulnerable to security risks and viruses.
Here is a link explaining some of these issues: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/help/what-does-end-of-support-mean

If you’re one of the faithful users of Windows XP, please call me so we can discuss your options for staying safe online! 862-368-4893

The other topic that I want to discuss is so huge and involved but I want to take a moment to highlight some of the important facts.

Online (and Offline) Security Breaches

I’ve had (more than) several clients contact me over the past few months, stating “my computer is slow” and “all these things keep popping up”. There are unwanted, accidentally installed, programs which may be running on your computer called Malware, Spyware, Viruses, etc. These issues will cause slowness, popups, changes to your internet homepage, and several other “security risks”. If you’re experiencing anything “strange” with your computer, call me.

Scams

There is a scam going around in which a person (usually with a thick Indian accent) calls and states he is from “Windows” and that they have been alerted that your computer has viruses and that he needs to remotely access your computer to show you how many viruses you have and to clean your computer for you. THIS IS A SCAM! First of all, “Windows” is not a company. “Microsoft” is a company. The purpose of this phone call is to gain access to your computer and personal files AND sell you (credit card required) a virus cleaning utility. Once you give this scammer persmission to enter your computer from afar, you’re security has been compromised.

I’ve spoken to Microsoft about this scam and they are fully aware and working towards identifying these scammers.

My intention with this post is not to scare you nor cause you any more anxiety, but rather to keep you informed of the security issues that are rampant in this day and age.

You know I will help to calm your anxieties. Always 😊

New Year, New Tips

Happy New Year!!

I hope you had a joyous holiday season and great start to the new year! Last month’s post never happened as the days became shorter and busier with all of the festivities. Plus, I figured I’d take a holiday break!
Now that another year is upon us, I’d like to continue to share “cool goodies” that I come across when teaching computers and tricks that make you go “WOW!” Remember, not all tips will apply to your particular computer system (PC vs. Mac, Windows 7 vs. 8, iPhone vs. iPad). So I will start with 2 goodies that will change your life (well, sort-of)!!

ON A MAC?

Want to take a snapshot of a section of your screen and save it to a file to be emailed or printed?
On the keyboard, hold down the Command key, then hold down the Shift key and then hold down the number 4 key.
When you let go of all keys, you will notice that your mouse arrow has turned into a symbol that looks like a cross with a circle around it.

Move this symbol (your mouse) to the top left of the part of the screen you want to take a snapshot of and click and drag your mouse to draw a box around the area. When done selecting the area, let go of your mouse button.
The area you’ve just selected becomes a “snapshot” file on your desktop. Now you can open that file, print it, email it, etc.
(Next month, I will show you something similar on the iPhone.)

A PC CLICK-TRICK!

In November’s newsletter, I introduced the “Triple-Click”. (Message me if you’d like to be reminded of that useful trick.) I also mentioned that I would show you how you can customize your computer so that you never have to “Double-Click”. This can be very useful if you sometimes have a little trouble getting your “Double-Click” to work the way you want it to.
So here’s how to make the change…

In Windows 7 – Click on the Start button, then click Documents on the left of the menu that pops up. On the top menu of the windows that opens, click Organize. Click Folder and Search Options. Look for “Click items as follows” in the center of the General tab that opens. Click on “Single-click to open an item (point to select). Click OK button at bottom. Now test it out! Try it on your Desktop. Just click once on any icon to open it. Never double-click again!

In Windows 8 – Press Windows key + x on the keyboard at once. Select Control Panel, then select Folder Options. Under the General tab, in “Click items as follows”, click on “Single-click to open an item”. Then click OK button at bottom to save your changes.

I’m keeping it light for the first post of the year. Looking forward to sharing again next month!

Quick CLICK Tips

The wait is over! I have some new goodies for you. Let’s get started!

TIP #1: Single-Click or Double-Click?

The number one question I get from my clients is “How do I know when to single-click or double-click?” This is definitely confusing because there is very little rhyme or reason to it. Here are some rules to go by:
RULE 1: Don’t double-click when you’re on the Internet (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Google Chrome). Links, buttons, tabs, toolbar icons, and everything else you’re likely to encounter on the Internet require one click and one click only.
RULE 2: Do double-click program icons on your desktop (when you want to open those programs) and files/folders you want to open.
NEAT TRICK: Disable double-clicking altogether and eliminate the need to ever double-click again! (Ask me how if you’re interested!)

TIP #2: Triple-Click

Yes, there is such a thing as a triple-click. Don’t worry, you probably will not use it much at all. But I wanted to mention it because it can be useful in certain situations. Triple-click (quickly) anywhere within a line or paragraph of text to select an entire sentence or string of words. Try it right now with this sentence to see what happens. Also, try it in the address bar of your web browser. Triple-click the text inside the address bar and the entire string of text will become highlighted/selected. Now you can type a new address right over it.

TIP #3: Print Preview

Want to know what your printed pages will look like before you print (and wind up with unnecessary blank pages)? Choose Print Preview instead of Print when you go to print your document. You will see exactly what you’re printout will look like and how many pages it will be. Then you can decide which pages to print, as well as other options…ask me how at our next lesson!

That’s all for now! Keep your eyes open for new tips next month! And if you have any questions regarding these or previous tips, ask me at our next session!

FALL Back in Love with your Computer

Learning new tips for using your computer or mobile device can spark your interest in “getting to know” your techie tools. So in keeping with the “back-to-school” theme, here are 3 new tips for your learning pleasure!

Tip #1: Why type when you can speak?

Did you know that if you use Google Chrome as your internet browser, you can speak your search terms into the Google search bar, instead of typing? (Your computer must be equipped with and internal or external microphone).

TIP #2: ALT + F4 (Windows PC users), COMMAND + W (Mac users)

Here’s another keyboard shortcut that I left out of last month’s newsletter. ALT + F4. What does it do? If you hold down the ALT key on your keyboard and press the F4 key (located on the uppermost row of keys on your keyboard), you will essentially be closing the program that is currently open. Basically, it works the same as clicking the X at the top right of your open window. Why is this useful? If an open window does not have an X in the upper right hand corner, use ALT + F4. WORKS WONDERS FOR WINDOWS 8 USERS in those programs that have no menu bar!
MAC users: Hold down the Command key and press W.

TIP #3: iPhone & iPad – Quickly scroll to the top

Do you have hundreds of contacts in your iPhone or iPad address book? Then you know how long it can take to scroll through your list. For an easy way to scroll to the top of your list of contacts, tap the clock at the top of the screen. It’ll automatically send you to the beginning. This trick works for email, websites, texts, and songs in your music app as well!

That’s all for now! Keep your eyes open for new tips next month! And if you have any questions regarding these or previous tips, ask me at our next session!

Mid-Summer Computer Tips

Ready for more computer tips? Here we go…Let’s look at some keyboard shortcuts!

Tip #1: F11

What is F11? F11 is a key on your keyboard all the way up on the top. Why should you know this? The F11 key will allow you to view the internet in full-screen mode and pressing it again, will take you out of full-screen mode. Try it. Go onto the internet and press the F11 key on your keyboard. What do you notice? More screen space? Don’t panic! Just press the F11 key again to get out of full-screen!
(When you go into full-screen mode, the menu items at the top of your screen will disappear.)

Tip #2: CTRL + and CTRL –

That’s ‘Control plus’ and ‘Control minus’. The Control key on your keyboard is designated by the letters CTRL. Having trouble reading the small text on a website? Pressing and holding the CTRL key and then pressing the + (plus) sign on your keyboard will zoom in on a webpage. Makes it easier to read, right? You can continue to press CTRL + to zoom in even more! But if you’d like to zoom out (and make the text smaller again), press and hold CTRL and press the – (minus) sign.

Tip #3: iPad

Pull the onscreen keyboard to the sides of the iPad with your thumbs to split the keys for easier typing! Works with iPad Mini too. Try it! Pull the split keyboard back to the center to go back to ‘normal’.

 

CompuTara News: FYI, I am expanding a bit. Starting in the Fall, I will be available for computer lesson appointments in Midtown Manhattan! If you know of anyone who may be interested, please pass my name!

That’s all for now! Keep your eyes open for new tips next month!

Useful Computer Tips & Tricks

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been posting some useful technology tips on my social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn). If you are not a member of these sites, don’t worry! You won’t miss out. I’ll be sending these helpful tricks right to your email and they will also be available on this blog. Most of these tips are actually questions I’ve received from my clients and I’d like to share them with you!

Tip #1:

(This first tip is a general one, but very important to remember!)

Don’t forget to look at the entire screen when trying to find what you want. It’s easy to lose focus of the ‘bigger picture’. Learn to train your eyes to take hold of ALL options!

Tip #2 (Internet):

Have you ever been looking for a specific word or group of words on a webpage, but can’t find it amidst the paragraphs of text that fill up your browser’s screen? Press and hold the CTRL key (or Command if you’re on a Mac) and press the letter F. This will bring up a search box where you can type a particular word to find. The word will show up highlighted within the text on the page. This also works within other programs as well!

Tip #3 (iPhone/iPad):

When typing a website or email address (within Safari or the Mail app), if you want to enter a domain name ending other than “.com”, hold your finger down on the “.com” and select the domain name ending you want instead.

 

Inspirational Tip: Don’t be frustrated with making mistakes on the computer. It’s the best way to learn!