The ultimate resource for "how to" for computers

I originally saw this in PCWorld:  a web site where children can send their parents tutorials on using a computer, especially the Windows operating systems and Google.  There's a little bit of humor- children are supposed to be computer literate, while their parents are, well, not. 

The children help their parents by checking off topics related to questions their parents have asked or haven't asked because they don't know enough to ask the question.  After checking boxes for tutorials, they send the link to their parents.  The parents receive a personalized list of tutorials covering what their children think their parents need to know.  Neat!  BUT you can use the site and watch the tutorials yourself; you don't need to have your children send you the list. 

So here's a tutorial on the tutorial site:  http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xh6c79_tekzilla-daily-teach-your-parents-how-to-use-the-computer_tech.  It is really good. 

In Windows: How to set the default browser, email, etc

Problem

Scenario 1:

You are in a PDF reader and want to send the PDF file to someone else using the reader’s email function. (This function is usually found under the Files entry on the Menubar:
)

Scenario 2

You have a key on your keyboard that you can push to bring up your favorite email program.

Solution

Windows Vista and 7

Click the “Start Orb” and then, on the right side of the menu, select “Default Programs:”

Click “Default Programs”

Pick the program you want for email.

Click “Set this program as default.” Click OK. (If Windows responds with a request to assign file types… that’s an advanced topic.)

Windows XP

Click the Start button on the desktop. Click “Control Panel” on the right side. Click the Programs tab. Select the appropriate defaults from the lists.

In Summary

I’ve been especially brief on the XP instructions. That is because there is an excellent tutorial web page for all these techniques, complete with pictures: Free Mail Tutorials.

AT&T Activity... Progress!

I called AT&T and found out that there are new promotional rates being offered for DSL.  I actually got my services upgraded and will save $12/mo over my current lower speed service.  However, we don't have the highest speed Xtreme 6.0 for many of us because of the distance issue.  Hmmm.  So, I got the representative to escalate my complaint about slow service in our neighborhood.  So please send me any information you have on speed- either that it is slower than you are paying for or that you want to take advantage of one of these promotions.

AT&T installing new backbone up the mountain

AT&T is installing a new fiber optic backbone up Raven Road.  This should significantly improve both phone and DSL Quality of Service (QOS) for everyone in the east Glassy and the "top of Glassy" areas.  However, DSL speed is most dependent on the distance between the receiver/switch equipment and your computer.  Elsewhere in this blog I provide some information on this:  link.  Here's the issue.  AT&T is not moving the receiver/switch equipment.  This may or may not be a problem.  The best situation for Glassy is to locate a receiver/switch box at the corner of Raven and Eagle Rock, near the wellness center.  A connect box is going to be placed there, but no switches.

My point is that for those on the East side of the mountain the service remains from the two existing boxes, one at the bottom and one at the top of the mountain.  We need to determine if there is a business case for providing a switch box at the Raven and Eagle Rock.

One important thing you can do is run a speed test to make sure you are getting what you pay for... or to see if you can upgrade to a faster service.  The "tester" AT&T uses is speedtest.net.

For reference, your plan should provide:

Plan	Download Speed (Mbps)… up to	Upload Speed (Kbps)… up to
Xtreme 6.0	6.0	512
Xtreme	3.0	384
Ultra	1.5	256
Lite	.77	128

The "kicker" is the "up to" phrase.  I'd be firm on them providing the speeds listed.  Please let me know if you are not getting the speed you are paying for.  I'll put this together for a business case.

The Security Warning “Do you want to view only the webpage content that was delivered securely?"

Sometimes, while browsing, this message will pop up:

It is even more irritating that you fix the problem and then,with a new security update, the message again appears. (This is because the “fix” to this problem is reset by the security update to the default, which is to show the message.)
To fix the problem:
1. Navigate: Tools.Internet Options
2. Select the ‘Security’ tab
3. Click the ‘Custom Level’ button
4. In the ‘Miscellaneous’ section change “Display mixed content” to Enable



Click OK

Click Yes.

When to Recharge a Battery

{adopted from a Kim Komando article}

If you have a Lithium-ion battery.

Li-ion batteries don't have a memory effect.  It's better if you charge them well before depletion. It will actually extend the battery's lifespan.However, many models have a built-in battery meter. This communicates the battery's charge to whatever gadget it's in.
This battery meter does need to be calibrated occasionally; otherwise it starts reporting less battery power than there actually is. The way to calibrate the meter is to deplete the battery.   Just keep your gadget unplugged for a while. Let the battery run down to empty. Then plug it in as normal.That will re-calibrate the meter. You should only need to do this once a month. Other than that, charge the battery whenever you want.

If you have a Nickel-cadmium battery

These batteries do have a memory effect:  if you charge before depletion, your battery's behavior will be erratic.  Don't recharge Ni-Cad too frequently; this will decrease the battery's efficiency.

A word of caution: don't let the battery get totally empty. Plug it in before it gets to zero percent or the gadget turns off. Over-draining the battery can cause damage and shorten the battery's lifespan. Also, under no circumstances short the battery. That's when you use wire to bridge the battery connectors. It causes a very quick power discharge.

Some people do this for NiCad batteries to reverse the memory effect. With Li-ion, you can seriously damage the battery and shorten its lifespan. It could even start a fire.

Your Personal Information is Everywhere on the Internet!

As a genealogist I have access to sites like genealogy.com in order to do research.  What I have found is that I can find telephone numbers and addresses of just about anyone and, for a minimal cost, I can find out court information, financial information, etc.  This week Kim Komando had an article about how to "opt out" of some of these sites.  Link to article.  You should opt out of at least some of these sites, an do a search of your name, as well as your "aliases" through google and a couple of other search engines.