How To...A series of brief articles explaining simple computer tasks |
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| Updated: July 24 , 2008 | |
Click on any of the links below to read "How To" articles describing how you can do something on your computer. This section is constantly changing. I try to add at least one new article per week. Let me know via email if there is a subject you would like to see covered here. I welcome your comments and suggestions. My goal with this site is to make it a useful source of information about the personal computer.
I'm having a problem with my computer, and
I may be able to assist you with a specific problem.
IrfanView*
(pronounced "EarfanView")
I really like the free graphics program "IrfanView". I find myself using it for all sorts of things and am constantly learning new uses. I have done several pages and some slide shows showing how to use some of the features that I find most useful. I expect to write more about this over the summer. Some of the features:
Resize an image file
Use IrfanView to scan images
Make a photo slide show with background music
Combine multiple images into one single image
Use IrfanView to view a wide variety of image and audio types
* Irfan Skiljan is the IrfanView program author. He is from Jajce, Bosnia and is a graduate of Vienna University of Technology.
If you don't find what you're looking for, try the built in
Or Email me and I'll try to help you.
These page discuss the general procedures used to down load a file or program, save it on your computer, and then how to open or run it.
How to use the copy/paste function of your computer.
The copy/paste function is one of the most useful things your computer can do for you. These pages shows how to do this.
Restore the "Open Attachment" Warning Dialog Box
If you "uncheck" the "Always ask before opening this type of file" option, you won't see this warning when opening .doc file attachments in the future. This article explains how to restore this dialog box.
Copy/Paste in a DOS Prompt window
This page also shows how to print Selected sections of a page.
Use the Windows 98 System File Check utility to restore damaged or lost system files.
New Item
How to download and install XIF Viewer (free)
This program will run .xif file types.
You can print this out and keep it by your computer for quick access. I suggest you right click on the link and select "Open in new window". This is a large graphic file and will take several minutes to open.
Files that are downloaded from the Internet often are compressed in order to make it easier to transfer them. WinZip is a Utility that uncompresses files so they can be run.
Need Help With Your Computer?
If you live in Anchorage, or the surrounding area, I can give you personal, in your home, computer assistance.
Or I can assist you using a remote connection via the Internet.
Need a ride in Anchorage?
Try the Alaska Shuttle
Clean comfortable vans in Anchorage and the surrounding area.
(907) 338-8888
(907) 694-8888
Fax: (907) 332-1744
How to download and use WinZip to extract compressed files
This page explain how to use the WinZip program to unzip and zip files and folders.
How to download/install Irfan View
This is an excellent (free) Graphics viewer program.
How to Download and install the free
Adobe Reader is used to view .pdf (portable document format) a frequent Internet type file format. Every computer should have this program.
Explains how to open email attachments using Outlook Express.
Useful for posting on sites like "AnswerPool"
Download Microsoft Office Converters and Viewers
Converters enable you to open files created by people using different versions of your Office programs. Find the appropriate converter for the version of the Office program on your computer.
Viewers allow people who don't have Office programs see your work. Simply provide them with the appropriate viewer along with your files.
Click Here to see a cute Power Point Presentation
Saving files and then being able to locate them again is the subject of this page. We all "lose" files sometimes, so this also covers how to use the "Find" tool.
How to download and install an Audio Driver from Hewlett-Packard
This is the second page devoted to how to download and install programs. This talks about downloading a driver in order to update the system. This particular download is from Hewlett-Packard, and is used as an example.
Shows how to install a new font in Windows.
How to disable background applications in both Win95 and Win 98
When you start your computer, there are usually several applications (programs) running in the background. Sometimes these programs are not necessary to be running all the time and this article explains how to disable the automatic startup.
How to block porno and other unwanted email messages in Outlook Express
We all get email from unwanted sources containing objectionable content. This page shows how to set up email filters to block these messages.
How to organize your Start Menu - Win 98
It is much easier to find the program you want to run when your Start Menu is organized. This page shows how you can do this. The Favorites menu can be organized in much the same way.
How to create a Multi-Column Start Menu in Windows 98 or higher
This is an advanced item, involving changes to the Registry.
How to change file associations
The file extension, the characters that follow the period in a file name, tell Windows what program to use to view the file. Sometimes, these associations are changed when a new program is installed. This is how the association can be changed to your preferred program.
If you need a Realtor here in Anchorage, I would like to recommend you to Mr. Rod Stone at:
(907) 727-9379
or use his toll free number at:
1-888-564-3030
Email: rod@rodstone.com
Are you a Home Buyer?
Or a Home Seller?
New Information Added
This "Prt Scrn" key, usually located to the right of the F12 key on your keyboard, copies an image to your clipboard. This page explains how to use this very useful function.
Now, information is provided about a great free program called:
A password can be set in your *BIOS making the correct password entry required before the computer operating system is booted.
* Acronym for basic input/output system Read more about this...
Change your windows XP Start Menu
How to clean out junk files from your computer. Clean9X
Note Windows 98 only
Can you suggest a topic that you would like to see here?
Click on my Email link and tell me what you subject want to see here!
How to send a picture using Outlook Express
Insert a picture into your email message.
New Item
Even easier: use the Send To menu
How to Record an Internet radio program using Real Player
Use the Real Player Plus program to record a radio program for later play back.
Fred Langa's twice weekly newsletter is filled with interesting tips and information. To sign up, click on the image above.
Create a "signature" file or "stationery" for your email.
Can you think of any "tutorials" or "How to's" that you would like to see? Please, let me know by emailing me!
Tom Hanks saying, "You've got mail" from the movie of the same name. Left click the link to play it |
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1. To "save" the file, right click on the link above and select "Save Target As".
2. Save it to: C:\Windows\Media 3. Then go to "Control Panel" - "Sounds" (or Multi-Media/Sounds) 4. Change the "New Mail" notification alert (in "Events") to "thmail.wav". |
Printing Tip
If you want to print out one of the pages, you may wish to select the text you want to print and not print the images. You can do this by selecting the text you want, then click the "File" drop down menu and clicking on "Print" (or by right clicking on the selected text and clicking the "Print" option). When the Print Window opens, click the "Selection" option which you will find in the left center of the Window. When is is selected, click the "OK" Button.
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Dwight R. Blackburn 5642 Chilkoot Ct. E102 Anchorage, AK 99504 (907) 344-4764 |
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Page last modified: July 24, 2008