|
BITS |
 |
BYTES |
Clicking on Dave will take you to the
"Bits & Bytes"
site where you can listen to the most recent
broadcast
There was
once a young man who, in his youth, professed his desire to become a great
writer.When asked to
define "great" he said,
"I want to write stuff that the whole world
will read, stuff that people will react to on a truly emotional level,
stuff that will make them scream, cry, howl in pain and anger!"
He now works for Microsoft,
writing error messages.
|
The
BIG Keyboard Shortcut List
What
is the allure of keyboard shortcuts? Do they really save
time? Why bother since my mouse is permanently attached
to my hand?
I like to use
keyboard shortcuts, especially if someone is watching
me, because they make me look like a pro. With just a
few key strokes I can leave a mouser spinning his wheel!
Whatever your motivation, here's a big list of keyboard
shortcuts:
GENERAL SHORTCUTS
ALT- F4 - Quit a
program / Shut down
ALT-TAB - Hold down the
ALT key and hit tab to cycle through open windows.
CTL-ESCAPE - Display
the Start menu
SHIFT - TAB - tab
backwards through a form
CTRL - X - Cut
CTRL - C - Copy
CTRL - V - Paste
F1 - Help menu
CTRL - Z - Undo
SHIFT & Restart - To
restart just windows and not your whole computer, hold
down the shift key when you click the OK button on the
shutdown screen. Saves lots of time. (not for XP)
CRTL-TAB - Navigate
tabs on a tabbed screen
FILE &
DESKTOP SHORTCUTS
Hold SHIFT while inserting a CD
- Prevents the CD from "autorunning"
If an item is selected:
CTRL while dragging a
file - Copies the file
CTRL - SHIFT while
dragging a file - Creates a shortcut to the file
SHIFT - DELETE -
Deletes an item without sending it to the recycle bin.
ALT-ENTER - Display a
file's properties.
F2 - To rename the file
In Windows Explorer:
LEFT ARROW - Collapse
the current selection if it is expanded
NUM LOCK-MINUS SIGN (-)
- Collapse the selected folder
RIGHT ARROW - Expand
the current selection if it is collapsed -Or- Select the
first subfolder
NUM LOCK- * Expand all
folders below the current selection
NUM LOCK- PLUS SIGN (+)
- Expand the selected folder
F6 - Switch between
left and right panes
In My Computer:
BACKSPACE - View the
folder one level up
ALT- RIGHT ARROW - Move
forward to a previous view
ALT- LEFT ARROW -Move
backward to a previous view
INTERNET
BROWSER SHORTCUTS
For
Internet Explorer 6 and Netscape 7 (may work in
older versions)
|
Open History Window |
Ctrl+H |
| Reload |
Ctrl+R |
| Back
(Previous Page) |
Alt+Left
Arrow or Alt+Backspace |
| Forward
(Next Page) |
Alt+RIght
Arrow |
| Stop |
Esc |
| Home |
Alt+Home |
| Go to Bottom
of Page |
End |
| Go to Top of
Page |
Home |
| New Window |
Ctrl+N |
| Close WIndow |
Ctrl+W |
| Go Up one
Line |
Up Arrow |
| Go Down One
Line |
Down Arrow |
| Full Screen
(toggle) |
F11 |
| Find on Page |
Ctrl+F |
| Add Current
Page to Favorites |
Ctrl+D |
Print
Current Page
or Active Frame |
Ctrl+P |
Organize
Favorites (IE)/
Manage Bookmarks (NS) |
Ctrl+B |
| Maximize a
Window |
Alt+Space+x |
| Minimize a
window |
Alt+Space+N |
| Scroll page
up |
Alt+Up Arrow |
| Scroll page
down |
Alt+Down
Arrow |
Internet
Explorer ONLY
|
Open Favorites Bar |
Ctrl+I |
| Select text
in address bar |
Alt+D |
| Force Reload
(not from cache) |
Ctrl+F5 |
Netscape
ONLY
| Open / Close
Sidebar Panel (toggle) |
F9 |
| Select text
in Location Bar |
Ctrl+L |
| Force Reload
(not from Cache) |
Ctrl+Shift+R |
| Zoom Text
Smaller |
Ctrl+-
(minus) |
| Zoom text
larger |
Ctrl+= (plus
sign) |
WINDOWS KEY
SHORTCUTS
The
Windows key can be used in conjunction with other keys
to act as a keyboard shortcut for faster access to menu
commands. Now, while the Alt key tends to open program
menus (ex: Alt+F opens the File menu
and Alt+E opens the Edit menu) and the
Ctrl key performs actual operations (ex: Ctrl+C
will copy and Ctrl+V will paste), the
Windows key will open various Windows tools...
Win key + R
will open the Start menu's Run box
Win key + F
will open the Start menu's Find window
Win key + E
will quickly launch Explorer
Win key + Pause/Break
will open the System Properties window
Win key + M
will Minimize all windows
Win key + Shift + M
will undo Minimize all windows
Win key + D
will switch between minimizing all open programs
and showing them all
Win key + Tab
will cycle through items on the taskbar
Win key by
itself will open the Start menu
You
can also open programs or folders on your desktop by
pressing the Windows key +
the first letter of the program/folder/shortcut + Enter.
Sounds kinda tedious, but if you're in a bind with your
mouse, it can come in quite handy. |
"Error Messages And What They Mean"
Some common
Windows error messages are less intimidating
when you
have an idea of what the often cryptic message
is referring to. Error messages are rarely if
ever displayed because of a mistake you made. So
the best thing to do is read the following tips,
maintain your composure, and take control of the
computer! Let's deal with four of the most
common messages right now.
1. Invalid
Page Fault.
This occurs when the operating system (Windows)
fails to actually access information (data) that
was requested by one of your programs. It's as
if the butler simply went to sleep on the job.
Remedy: Close the offending application that
caused the error. Fire the butler. But only
temporarily.
2. Fatal
Exception Error.
This happens when a program or the system itself
tries to work with sickly data, such as a
corrupt file. Files get corrupted if all the
ducks aren't lined up just so. Everything has to
be absolutely precise, or wham! Fatal Exception.
Nobody was hurt, were they? I hope not! Remedy:
Close the offending application. Sometimes it's
Windows. So you have to reboot.
3. General
Protection Fault (GPF).
Your computer has to have enough resources to
support everything going on inside. If it runs
low, or resources leak into space, you may see a
GPF. This may also happen if two applications
try to use the same memory location, like two
cars attempting the same parking stall. Fault!
Remedy: Restart your computer. The memory is
cleared. And you continue on down the road.
4. Runtime
Error.
These occur while applications are running. The
only way to cure them is to restart the
application.
|
Here's An Outlook Express Tip
Separate Lives, Separate E-Mail
Splitting a check is one thing; splitting an in-box is something
else entirely. Fortunately, Outlook Express makes it easy for two
or more users on the same PC to
keep their mail separate. All you need to do is create identities.
Go into the File menu, scroll down to Identities, and click on Add
New Identity.
Enter a name for each person—and a password, if you need a little
technology to supplement your trust. Keep in mind that while each
identity gets its own address book, contacts can also be copied to
a shared address book. And you don't need multiple users to have
multiple identities; if you have work and personal email accounts,
identities are a handy way to keep them separate.
Note that sometimes Outlook Express fails to launch when you try
to switch identities. If that happens, bring up the Task Manager
and kill the Msimn .exe
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
Happily Addicted to the Web
(to the tune of “Winter Wonderland”)
“Doorbell rings, I’m not list’nin,
From my mouth, drool is glist’nin,
I’m happy—although
My boss let me go—
Happily addicted to the Web.
All night long, I sit clicking,
Unaware time is ticking,
There’s beard on my cheek,
Same clothes for a week,
Happily addicted to the Web.
I don’t phone, don’t send faxes,
Don’t go out, don’t pay taxes
Who cares if someday
They drag me away?
I’m happily addicted to the web!
Here's A Digital Imaging Tip
|
Save As You Go
Have you ever been working on
an image and had the computer crash? Sucks, doesn't it? All that
hard work, down the proverbial tubes.
I remember a few years back
working on an image in Photoshop. It was a restoration of an old
photo I was doing for a family member (I was "volunteered" since I
"knew about those darn computers").
So, I scanned it in, then
carefully retouched and repaired all the damaged areas. I'd been at
it for nearly 2
 hours
and it was really coming along great. Then the program crashed.
All was lost.
So, I decided to be fanatical
about saving. Every time I did something to an image, I saved it.
Seems like a good idea, but turns out it's not. Experience is a
brutal teacher.
See, I was working on another
image and did something to it that I believed was an
improvement. I thought it looked fantastic, so I saved it. As I
continued to work on it, I realized that I really shouldn't have
done what I did a few steps ago after all. However, I couldn't go
back, since the image was already saved with the mistake. After a
few choice words, I decided the image was lost.
So, here's my current method.
When I open an image, the very first thing I do is a "Save As"
and add a "-1" to the name of the image. So, if I had a photo
called "waterfall"
I would save as "waterfall-1"
(saved in TIF format so I don't lose any quality).
Now I do some work to the
waterfall-1 image. Rather than just doing a save, I do another "Save
As". This time I call it "waterfall-2"
(again, saving as a TIF).
This process continues on as
I work. Sometimes I'll end up with 10 "stages" of an image. The nice
thing is if the program crashes, or I change my mind, I don't have
to start completely over. I Just jump back to a previous image and
restart from there. Once I'm 100% satisfied with the image, I save
the last one with a regular name and delete the rest.
Also, note that I generally
don't go this crazy over every image I work on. Most of the time I
only need a couple very minor adjustments and things are set to go.
However, if I'm in a project that is going to take some time, this
trick can be a real lifesaver. |
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.
Please Sign The Dave "Bytes" Guestbook
Click Image to Sign
While Wandering The Web
 |
|
Craftster
My daughter is utterly
in love with this site, and if you do crafts, you will be
too. There are two sections to this site "The Forum" and
"The Blog". Let's start off in the blog—this is where you
can find random bits of craftiness. Like dye subbing,
making your own erasers, and much, much more. (Warning:
you may find links to stores here—you do not have to buy
anything. It's just the blog owner sharing her fabulous
finds.) This section is new and you can find archives for
a couple of days in August and get in at the beginning.
Let's move on to
the Forum. I saved this section for last because it is so
cool. Here you can find craft projects that will challenge
your imagination and take your crafting to new levels. On
the side you'll see some pictures under the title
"Featured Projects". Click on the pictures to go to the
craft projects, while I was there they had prayer boxes,
make your own sketchbook, pillowcase skirts, and a lot
more. Most of them come with tutorials of how to create
them. You can also scroll down the page and check things
out by topic.
If you register,
(it's free), you can post your own one of a kind ideas,
and tutorials. This is a fabulous crafting community—my
daughter can't wait to get logged in and start finding my
crafts to give out at Christmas.
Let me tell you
craft aficionados, this one is a keeper. You'll get drawn
by all the lovely crafts you can try out. There are so
many. Like lampshades, and pillows, and skirts, and wine
glass charms. So many to try out and enjoy, you've got to
check it out!
http://www.craftster.org/ |
|
Pause
For Thought
 |
"People
become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do
things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of
success." ------------- Norman Vincent Peale
|
Want to Join SPCUG or Renew Your Membership?
|
Click the SPCUG Logo for an online
Membership Application that you can
type into and print |
Click here
for the Dave "Bytes" Archives
P.S. Don't forget to say "Hi" at the meeting!!
Sarasota Personal Computer User Group, Inc
Phone: 877-SPCUG-HI
Sign the "Bytes" Book
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Mentioned In
The LangaList Newsletter |
As Seen In |
Website:
http://www.spcug.org
© 2005. All Rights Reserved
Last Updated
04/13/2007 06:41 AM
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