Problem
Internet Explorer cannot display webpage.... Everything on your computer looks like you are connected to the internet but you can't browse.
Solution
This is a common ailment with high speed connections using a router. First, unplug both the router and the device you receive your internet connection through (ie: satellite modem, fixed wireless canopy, adsl modem...), wait about 30 seconds or so then plug the internet device in first and allow it to boot up fully. You can now plug in your router, let it boot up fully. If the connection does not come back in right away, restart your computer. This is called 'power cycling'.
Problem
My computer is running great!
Solution
OK, this isn't a problem, this is a good thing and we want to keep this good thing going. What we want to do here is save this good thing...
Set a System Restore point. You want this in case your computer does get into an unrecoverable problem. You can find this option under Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Restore. Click the radio button beside 'Create a restore point'. That way if your computer's operating system acts up, you can restore back to the day everything was running great.
This technique works for the operating system, generally not hardware issues. If you still have problems - PLEASE CALL US! We'll fix you up.
Problem
I'm having trouble setting up my email...
Solution
Have no fear - help is here... Choose your email program below and follow the step-by-step guide.
MacMail Microsoft Outlook Outlook Express Windows Mail
Problem
My computer is running kind of slow...
Solution
A lot of factors can cause this: the age of the computer, the amount of RAM, size of the processor, how full the hard drive is, what kind of anti-virus you're running. The average life-span of a computer is about 4 years, at this point you will start to see a decrease in performance if you have not done any upgrades to the system.
The first couple of things you should look for is upgrading the RAM (a stick of memory chips that the processor uses to transfer data). Manufacturers will only supply a minimal amount with a new system, upgrading is your responsibility. You should also look at cleaning out your hard drive of any unused programs or games, and maybe look at the anti-virus you are using. Norton and Mcafee are very large and thorough programs that tend to slow a computer down because they check everything. After you have checked all the above, run Disk Defragmenter every couple of weeks or so. You can find this option under Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Defragmenter.
If your system is still slow after all that, PLEASE CALL US! We'll fix you up.
Did You Know...?
YouTube is a great resource.
One can update a lot of talents with a keen search on nearly any topic. There is instructional videos aplenty... Go ahead, broaden your skills!
There truly is money to be made.
Get a published byline as a writer or sell your photos. Many websites need up-to-date content written for their sites and they pay to get them. A certificate isn't always required either, just a good work ethic and some good research skills. Got photos? Check out sites like iStockphoto and snap away, shutterbug!
A list of keyboard shortcuts:
| Press Windos logo key + | To: |
|---|---|
| BREAK | Display the System Properties dialog box |
| SPACEBAR | Bring all gadgets to the front and select Windows Sidebar (Vista) |
| TAB | Cycle through programs on the taskbar |
| CTRL+TAB | Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar |
| D | Display the desktop |
| E | Open Computer |
| F | Search for a file or folder |
| CTRL+F | Search for computers (if you are on a network) |
| G | Cycle through Sidebar gadgets (Vista) |
| L | Lock your computer (if you are connected to a network domain), or switch users (if connected to a network domain) |
| M | Minimize all windows |
| SHIFT+M | Restore minimized window to the desktop |
| R | Open the Run dialog box |
| T | Cycle through programs on the taskbar |
| U | Open Utility Manager (XP), open Ease of Access Center (Vista) |
| X | Open Windows Mobility Center (Vista) |
Still undecided about Windows Vista?
Check out this article from Sympatico...
Top ten dumb computer error messages...
Another useful article from Sympatico...