Dave Bytes

Dave "Bytes"

Please remember to use your thinker, before you tinker!

February 13, 2005

A Periodic Newsletter for the Members of the Sarasota PC User Group and the World!!

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Hiding Files & Folders

To pause, click the video once. Click again to play

1.Select the folder or file you want hide.
2.Right Click the folder or file and select Properties from the menu.
3.Select the Hidden "check" box and hit OK.
4.Pull down the View menu from any open window and select Folder Options.
5.In the View tab check "Do Not Show Hidden or System Files."

BITS

BYTES

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at
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am 930

Clicking on Dave will take you to the

"Bits & Bytes"

site where you can listen to the most recent broadcast

Using The Windows Control Panel

Part 2

Many of us know how to perform simple maintenance on our cars - changing oil, tires, or windshield washing fluid. But looking under the hood of Windows leaves the majority of people perplexed. In this feature we'll take a look at the engine room of Windows: the Control Panel.

You will learn how to tweak Windows to make it look and feel the way you want it to, diagnose faults, tell technical support engineers exactly what's wrong with the PC and even fix simple problems yourself. (YES!! I MEAN YOU !!)

The more you learn about the role of the Control Panel in Windows, the better you will understand how your computer works. Although we'll be working with the most recent version, Windows XP, you will find that much of the advice can be applied to the Control Panels in earlier versions of Windows, such as Windows 98 and Windows Me.

XP users may also find that some of the buttons are not quite the same in their particular version, or perhaps are not there at all depending on whether you've downloaded Windows Service Pack 2. Not to worry, though, all the important stuff here is relevant to everyone.

Adding hardware
Windows XP is very good at detecting when you have plugged something in or installed a piece of hardware. It can often install the required drivers itself, or it will prompt you to insert the disk that came with the device. If, however, you install or plug in a piece of hardware for the first time, and it is not recognized by Windows, open up the Add Hardware control panel.

It is actually a wizard, which will take you through the step-by-step process of figuring out what you have plugged in. Click on Next once it opens, and it will search for the device, and prompt you to install the drivers if it finds the device.

If it can't find the device, it will ask whether or not the hardware is plugged in. If it is, it will then allow you to choose the device's name from a list. If the device in question is not in the list, scroll down to the bottom and select the entry marked 'Add a new hardware device', and click on Next. You can then once again ask Windows to search for it or select it yourself from a list.

Since Windows has already tried and failed to locate the device, it's probably best to find it yourself. Click on 'Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced)' and click on Next. It will give you a list of hardware types. Choose the most appropriate and click on Next, then try to find your device's manufacturer and model number from the list that appears. If you have a driver disk, press Have Disk and follow the prompts.

Add or Remove Programs
Normally, to install a piece of software, you simply insert the CD on which the program is supplied, and wait for the installation process to automatically begin. If it does not, you could try using the Add or Remove Programs control panel.

Open it up, and click on the button in the left-hand panel marked Add New Programs, then click on 'CD or Floppy' and follow the instructions. You can also use this screen to update Windows, by going to the Windows Update website.

The Add or Remove Programs control panel is more useful when it comes to removing programs from the computer. You may be able to do this by finding the program's folder in the Start menu and looking for an entry marked Uninstall or Remove.

Clicking on this will bring up a dialogue box that will take you through the process. Some programs don't offer this feature, so to remove such a program you will have to use this feature of the Control Panel.

On the first Add or Remove Programs screen, marked Change or Remove Programs, you will see a list of all the software that has been installed on your computer (except Windows itself, which we will come to later).

Windows XP also shows how much space the program is taking up on the hard disk and, if you click on an entry, how often it is used, and when it was last used. Clicking on an entry also displays either one or two buttons, marked Change/Remove or, separately, Change and Remove.

Clicking on either one will bring up a dialogue box explaining the process of either changing or removing entirely the application in question. Note that some core programs and updates to Windows, called Hotfixes, are listed, and removing them will make your computer less stable or unsafe.

In addition, some programs (and many games) will remove saved data and settings that have been created when they are uninstalled, such as favorite websites in a web browser, so make a backup of everything you might want to keep.

You can't remove Windows itself using this control panel, but you can make changes to the extras and utilities that come with it. Open up the Add or Remove Programs control panel and click on the third button in the left-hand pane, marked Add/Remove Windows Components.

This will display the Windows Component Wizard, which contains a list of extras and utilities to choose from. The ones that are ticked are already installed. Unticking these boxes will remove them, and ticking others will install those. Some have extra options; click on the Details button if it is active and you will see another box with more options.

Some of these programs, such as Internet Explorer and Networking Services, are core parts of Windows and should not be uninstalled, while others, such as Windows Media Player or Outlook Express, can be removed if you don't use them. Make the changes you require, click on Next and follow the prompts to make the changes you selected.

User accounts
User accounts manage the way that multiple users of a PC, such as family members, use it. Each user account is saved with information about how the user like to work, such as their chosen Desktop picture, documents folder, Desktop icons, favorite websites and password.

The Administrator account is the ruling authority for the PC. Even if you are the sole user of the PC you should set your own password, as this makes the computer more secure online. You can also add new accounts from here for other users.

Make sure they know that the Administrator account can be used to access their documents and list of visited websites, and set the security level for when they use Internet Explorer (we'll get to that soon). This is handy if you're a parent keeping tabs on the sites your children visit.

You will see that a Guest account is listed, which will usually be turned off. Turning this on means you can allow someone to use the computer, but they will not have access to any password-protected folders nor will they be able to change settings. It is usually best, for security reasons, to leave this account off.

Make a date
Using the Date and Time control, you can change the date or time from the first tab of this control panel, using the drop-down boxes and switches. In the second tab, you can change your time zone, so that programs can accurately calculate dates and times with respect to other users around the world.

Select your time zone from the drop-down box. For the UK and Ireland, the appropriate entry is marked '(GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London'. Ticking the box at the bottom makes the computer correct the time when the clocks go forwards or backwards.

You can also, in the third tab, ask the computer to synchronise with an internet-based clock. In theory this is a good idea, but in practice it doesn't seem terribly accurate. If you want to experiment with it, tick the box, choose a server from the drop-down menu (it doesn't matter which one) and click on Update Now.

Next Week: Part III

Who Sent the First Valentine?
The answer is below, but did you know…

v Many Europeans during the Middle Ages thought February 14th should be a day for romance because they believed it was the beginning of bird mating season. Some people believed that if a woman saw a robin flying overhead on Valentine's Day, it meant she would marry a sailor. If she saw a sparrow, she would marry a poor man but be very happy. If she saw a goldfinch, she would marry a millionaire.

v In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who their valentines would be. They would wear these names on their sleeves for one week, coining the contemporary term, "to wear your heart on your sleeve."

v The oldest known valentine still in existence is a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

Special Drawing At March SPCUG General Meeting

The Lexmark X5150 All-In-One is a high performance, printing solution offering high-
resolution color scanning, photo-quality color printing and PC-free color copying to
complete most business printing needs.

Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi Photo Quality Resolution

Print Fast! Up to 19 ppm black and up to 14 ppm color

Scan: Up to 600 x 2400 dpi resolution (up to 19,200 dpi enhanced); 48 bit color scan

Copy: PC-free copies up to 16 ppm black and up to 11 ppm color

One-touch color photo copies

Scan-to-PC Fax with BVRP Fax software

Top print technology

The Lexmark X5150 boasts the inkjet technology that has catapulted Lexmark to the forefront of the home imaging market. Capable of 4800 x 1200 dots per inch (dpi) in black and color on photo paper, inkjet paper transparencies, and on plain
paper, the Lexmark X5150 will impress home and home office users with its photo-realistic output and precise text.

In addition, variable color drop size technology – three picoliters (pL) for textured areas and 10 pL for solid areas – allows for smooth color transitions and beautifully rich detail.

Standalone black and color photocopying at the touch of a button

The X5150 All-In-One Print Center lets users copy any document – including text documents, color graphics and even color photographs – at the touch of a button, without having to turn on the computer. There is also the option of reducing or enlarging images 25 to 400 percent. In draft mode, the Lexmark X5150 can generate up to 16 copies per minute (cpm) in black, and up to 11 cpm in color.

Dynamic flatbed scanner With industry-leading CCD flatbed scanning technology, the Lexmark X5150 can handle photographs and books of varied thickness, and offers an effective scan area of 8.5” x 11.7”. This high-resolution scanner captures the finest detail, with 600 x 2400-dpi optical resolution and 48-bit true color/12-bit grayscale.

Added capabilities - Software

Included in the box! Bundled software further enhances the Lexmark X5150’s functionality to improve the efficiency of home-office users: ---

BVRP Fax Software – users can edit, store, send and receive documents via fax through their computers’ fax modems. Users select “Scan-to-Fax,” which launches the fax software and scans the file, and then simply input the fax number to send.

ABBYY FineReader Sprint Optical Character Recognition –

FineReader converts scanned paper documents into editable computer files.

Integrated Photo-Editing Software The photo software performs image editing, such as cropping and resizing, ‘red-eye’ removal and color manipulation – without any additional software Photo Sizing Photo sizing capability automatically adjusts images to print in popular picture sizes: wallet, 3” x 5”, 4” x 6”, 5” x 7” and 8” x 10”.

Tickets Available at Dr Herb Goldstein's Table

$1 each or 6 for $5

Here's A Windows Tip

Making Windows Start Programs Automatically

Many people sit down at a computer, turn it on, and go through the same mechanical process of loading their oft-used programs. Believe it or not, Windows XP can automate this computerized task.

The solution is the StartUp folder, found lurking in the Start button's All Programs area.
When Windows XP wakes up, it peeks inside that StartUp folder. If it finds a shortcut lurking inside, it grabs that shortcut's program and tosses it onto the screen

Here's how to determine which programs wake up along with Windows and which ones get to sleep in a little:

Right-click on the Start button and choose the Open option.
The My Computer program comes to the screen, displaying a Programs folder.

Double-click the folder named Programs.
You see shortcuts and folders for most of the programs currently listed in your Start button's All Programs area.

Double-click the folder named StartUp to open it onto your screen.

Using your right mouse button, drag and drop any programs or files you want to start automatically into the StartUp window.

If Windows asks, tell it to turn those programs or files into shortcuts. Then, whenever you start Windows XP from scratch, those programs or files load up right along with it.
The items in the StartUp area load themselves only when you log onto Windows after logging off. If you've clicked the Switch Users button instead of the Log Off button, Windows considers you still at work. It launches the StartUp items only after you've logged off and Windows has saved your settings.

The "Bytes" Beg, Bargain & Barter Basement

Got something "computer related" to sell? Looking for that rare peripheral? If it's computer related you can submit a short classified ad for exposure in Dave "Bytes". Be sure to include your name and e-mail address in the ad. You can also include a picture of the item. Now some would suggest that there be a charge for this feature but alas, since my bookkeeping skills leave much to be desired I've determined that this will be a free service to all SPCUG members in good standing. "Bytes" is currently sent to almost 1500 homes in the area. Ad requests will be included as soon as possible. I assume absolutely no responsibility as to the accuracy or completeness of supplied info. All transactions are between consulting adults which leaves me entirely off the hook. Please let me know by clicking HERE when your merchandise is sold so that I can remove it from the listing. I will try to run each ad for a month.

Click Here To Submit Your Ad

Here's A Windows Tip

Leaving Scraps on the Desktop

The Clipboard is a handy way to copy information from one place to another, but it has a major limitation: Every time you copy something new to the Clipboard, it replaces what was copied there before. What if you want to copy a bunch of things from a document?

If you are cutting and pasting over a real desktop, you can leave little scraps lying everywhere, ready for later use. The same scraps concept works with Windows: You can move information from window to window, using the desktop as a temporary storage area for your scraps of information.

Suppose that you have some paragraphs in a WordPad or Microsoft Office document that you want to copy to some other places. Highlight the first paragraph, drag it out of the WordPad window, and drop it onto the desktop. Poof! A small Scrap icon appears on your desktop. See another interesting paragraph? Drag it onto the desktop as well: Another Scrap icon appears.

Eventually, you'll have copies of your report's best paragraphs sitting in little scraps on your desktop. To move any of the scraps into another document, just drag them into that other document's window and let go.

Any remaining, unused scraps can be dumped into the Recycle Bin or simply left on the desktop, adding a nice, comfortable layer of clutter.

And Now

Dave's Cool Downloads

HammerSnipe PowerTool is a specialized eBay and online auction browser and bid sniping tool that can place last-minute snipe bids for you even when you are away from your computer and not online. Use it to browse your favorite auction site. When you see something you like, a single click allows you to set up a last-minute snipe bid through a secure, fast, online web-based bidding service. PowerTool is a fast, full-featured dual-paned web browser that includes direct access to the HammerSnipe service and special features for serious auction users, such as favorites lists of the sellers and bidders whose auctions you like to peruse.

Don't Touch My Computer Episode 2

If you're tired of people messing with your PC whenever you step away, it's time to send them the right message. Don't Touch My Computer Episode 2 is the fun filled sequel to the author's initial Don't Touch My Computer screen saver. In addition to a stream of fun animations that play out, the lovable dog does a whole mess of tricks to occupy his time. When folks sit down at that computer and touch your mouse, watch out, it's time for that cute pup to go to work.

Karen's Directory Printer

No more fumbling with My Computer or Windows Explorer, wishing you could print information about all your files. Karen's Directory Printer can print the name of every file on a drive, along with the file's size, date and time of last modification, and attributes (Read-Only, Hidden, System and Archive)! And now, the list of files can be sorted by name, size, date created, date last modified, or date of last access.

Who Says There's No Humor In Computing?

with thanks to George Whitesell

Helpdesk: What kind of computer do you have?
Female customer: A white one...

Helpdesk: Click on the 'my computer' icon on to the left of the screen.
Customer: Your left or my left?

Hi good afternoon, this is Martha, I can't print. Every time I try it says 'Can't find printer'. I've even lifted the printer and placed it in front of the monitor, but the computer still says he can't find it...

Helpdesk: What's on your monitor now ma'am?
Customer: A teddy bear my boyfriend bought for me in the supermarket.

A customer couldn't get on the internet.
Helpdesk: Are you sure you used the right password?
Customer: Yes I'm sure. I saw my colleague do it.
Helpdesk: Can you tell me what the password was?
Customer: Five stars.

Customer: I have a huge problem. A friend has placed a screensaver on my computer, but every time I move the mouse, it disappears!

Helpdesk: How may I help you?
Customer: I'm writing my first e-mail.
Helpdesk: OK, and, what seems to be the problem?
Customer: Well, I have the letter a, but how do I get the circle around it?

Here's A Hardware Tip

Power Up Your USB Hub

USB makes connecting peripherals, from printers and scanners to CD-RWs and digital storage media, to your computer easy. In addition to being easy to connect, the USB specification allows for up to 127 devices to be connected at once. Since most computers have 4 USB ports, you will have to use USB hubs in order to connect more devices.

There is a catch, though. Many USB devices get their power from the USB port instead of having a separate power supply. This usually works fine when the device is connected directly to the computer but be careful when using USB hubs. There are many inexpensive USB hubs that are passive - meaning they don't have power of their own and will draw power from the USB port that they are connected to. This works OK for mice and keyboards but a passive hub cannot supply enough power for more power thirsty devices such as scanners and CD-RW drives.

Save time and frustration by always choosing powered USB hubs !

Why not give the gift that keeps on giving all year round? I'm referring to a subscription to either Smart Computing, PC Today, CE Tips or CPU Magazines. If you are a current subscriber and order a gift subscription, the folks at Smart Computing will add 2 additional issues to your current subscription at no charge. And remember that even gift subscriptions will be credited to the SPCUG account so that we can accumulate free subscriptions to give away to our membership. If you aren't a subscriber you should be. These publications are geared towards the very same thing that caused you to join a PC User Group which is easy to read and understand computer information for folks at any level. If you already subscribe, be sure to use the appropriate SPCUG code when you renew !!!

To order call 1-800-733-3809 and be sure to give the following Code Numbers so that SPCUG gets proper credit.
Smart Computing (11607) CPU Magazine (272)

PC Today (146) CE Tips (219)

Free Tech Support

Many people view “free” as one of the nicest words in the English language. “Tech Support,” however, may not be such a positive term to computer users, especially if it evokes memories of the hours they’ve spent on the phone trying to get help for various computer problems.
The thing is, there’s a lot of troubleshooting we can do ourselves without relying on tech support reps, but we just need a little nudge in the right direction. Well, that’s what SmartComputing.com’s Tech Support Center tries to do: help people fix their own problems.

On SmartComputing.com’s Search Options page, combining a phrase and a category search can produce more targeted results.

For instance, if you keep seeing an error message appear on-screen that doesn’t make sense, you can take advantage of the Tech Support Center’s alphabetized, searchable list of error messages to get both a translation of the error and a possible resolution.

The Security & Privacy area and the daily Weblog keep you current on the latest malware (software created for malicious purposes) news. The Preventative & Regular Maintenance section should be required reading for all computer owners, and the Driver Education area helps you find device drivers online. But don’t go anywhere yet; the Tech Support Center offers much more. Need a list of file extensions? Trying to find info about eliminating viruses? Want to know more about stopping spam? Tech Support Center addresses all of these questions and more.
Plus, it’s not just a resource for solving problems; you can use it on an ongoing basis to learn more about preventing computing problems.
Spend 10 minutes a day at the center for a few months, and you won’t have to call your brother for help again; heck, he may even start calling you.

Ready for the best news? If you’ve exhausted all of the site’s resources, including the Q&A Board (see the next section), you can call the Web Services staff at (800) 368-8304, and someone will try to help you with your problem. And it’s still—there’s that nice word again—free.

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While Wandering The Web

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The End of the Internet

Online Acronyms

An idea that has evolved to streamline communication is using acronyms. Because typing takes longer than speaking, savvy netizens like to reduce common phrases to a few simple letters. If you encounter an acronym you haven't seen yet, politely ask what it means and you'll have a great acronym vocabulary before you know it.

Here are some examples of commonly used acronyms:

ASAP (As soon as possible)

BBL (Be back later)

BRB (Be right back)

LOL (Laughing out loud)

ROTFL (Rolling on the floor laughing)

BTW (By the way)

OIC (Oh, I see)

CUL (See you later)

OTOH (On the other hand)

GMTA (Great minds think alike)

IMHO (In my humble opinion)

RUOK (Are you OK?)

TIA (Thanks in advance)

J/K (Just kidding)

TTFN (Ta-ta for now)