Google Chrome is a way to browse the Internet similar to Internet Explorer.
Donna Dalton
Conquering the mystifying world of computers
Archive for ‘Windows Tips & Tricks’
What is a Wiki?
A “Wiki” is basically a web page that can be viewed and modified by anyone with a Web browser and access to the Internet. It is typically used for collaborative efforts within a group. Students can use one to work on a group project. Company employees can use one to create meeting agendas, notes and comments. Homeowner Associations can use a Wiki to collaborate on common area projects. I’m planning to create and use a Wiki in my computer business as a dynamic knowledge base for everything from company policies to troubleshooting techniques and more. Anyone who collaborates or shares knowledge can benefit from a Wiki.
The downside is that modifications may have to be monitored for content, and that means someone has to take on that job. Also, the content comes from people in the group, true or not, opinion or fact. So, as time changes, opinions and facts may change, and therefore the content may become obsolete with time. Therefore, one should be careful in assuming that Wikis are reliable sources of information.
The upside is that Wikis offer a powerful and flexible way for people to collaborate. Emailing and replying with attachments become a way of the past. Wikis are immediate and accessible to everyone in the group as soon as someone hits the Save button.
To create your own Wiki, all you need is some Wiki software, like Twiki, and a place to host it. You can host it on a website, or even a shared location on your server or computer.
“To Do” Software to Help You Get Things Done
If you’re a fan of David Allen’s, “Getting Things Done” book, then you’ll like the EasyTask Manager software by OrionBelt.com for Windows or Mac OS X. The software lets you organize your tasks by project, context or category. If you are like me, on an average day, I like to organize my tasks by where I can get things done. For example, I have calls to make, emails to send, and errands to run in my car. A context helps you separate your tasks according to the tools/places needed to complete the task. I also like to see the projects that I’m working on, like writing an e-book or preparing for a class that I’m teaching.
The main reason I decided to use the EasyTask Manager software is that I can sync my tasks with my iPhone. It was easy – I just installed the app and followed the simple instructions to sync. Now I can see everything I have to do and add tasks while I’m away from my computer. No more little pieces of paper floating around!
What to Use for Online Meetings
An easy-to-use website called Mikogo.com allows people to have online meetings. Mikogo is helpful for people who are looking for a simple way to collaborate over the Internet. It is also useful for people who want to show someone, or multiple people, something on their computer.
As an example, imagine that you have a graphics designer working on a brochure. Instead of emailing it, marking it up, emailing it back, you can simply have an online meeting where you both look at the brochure at the same time. If you want another opinion, that person can also join the meeting and see the brochure as well. Anyone can make comments. In fact, it’s easy to change the person either controlling the mouse, or even change presenters.
ByteMarks uses it often when a client has a problem that is easier to show than explain. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. It saves time, money and frustration. The technicians at ByteMarks can answer their client’s question or fix their problem right then. And, Mikogo works with both PCs and Macs! Try it, you’ll like it. Click here to go to Mikogo. Click here to go to ByteMarks if you need remote assistance.
How to Unload the Email Overload
If you’re like many people, your inbox can get overwhelming. Some people have dozens of folders into which they neatly organize their emails. Others delete virtually everything. (I envy them!) If you’re the type of person who just keeps everything, you might find Merlin Mann’s “Inbox Zero” worthwhile. Merlin gives his famous lecture periodically, and I was lucky to see him once myself. He gives simple advice on how to keep your inbox down to zero. Although the link below is a video from a few years ago, his recommendations are relevant today. Even if you don’t take his advice, you’ll enjoy the show!
How to Check Windows Updates were Successful
Does the yellow shield in the system tray go away? Do you even know what I’m talking about? I’ll make it easy. On Wednesday, look in the bottom right corner of your computer desktop window and look to see if there is a picture of a little yellow shield. If not, jump to the next paragraph. If so, hover your mouse pointer over it. You may see a window that says that you have updates to install. Click on it. Install them. Go ahead – it’s OK. In fact, it’s a good thing.
When you think the updates are installed, click on Start, then Programs, then Windows Updates. When your browser opens up and the Windows Update page completes loading, click on the link on the left that allow you to review your update history. Were all your updates installed successfully? Scroll down the page and look back a while. If they were installed successfully, great. If they weren’t, then you should find out why.
Microsoft offers free support for Windows Updates. My experience with Microsoft Updates support has been pretty good. Of course usually I have a couple tricks up my sleeve for getting updates to install successfully. Unfortunately, my tricks include things I wouldn’t have the average user try.
I recommend that you check your updates because I see clients’ computers often where the little yellow shield shows up every day. My clients think that Microsoft puts out a lot of updates, but what they don’t know is that the updates have been failing so that little yellow shield keeps coming back.
Microsoft Patches Plug IE Hole
The next set of Microsoft Windows updates will fix vulnerabilities in Internet Explorer. They will be released on Tuesday, aka “Patch Tuesday.” Be sure to check that your updates were installed successfully. For more information, see the brief article below:
New Version of Free AVG 9.0 Anti-Virus Software
A new version of Grisoft’s free version of AVG anti-virus software came out this week. If you’re using AVG 8.5, you should upgrade as soon as possible so that your computer stays protected. AVG should prompt you to upgrade, but if it doesn’t be sure to go to download.com to get it. Remember, the best defense against viruses is a smart user!
Remotely Control Your Computer with Logmein
If you want to be able to connect to your home computer when you’re away from home, try Logmein. I use it to connect to my parents’ computers when they need help. It’s easy. First install Logmein on your home computer. You may have to setup a password to connect remotely. Then, when you’re ready to connect remotely, go to logmein.com and login to your account. You’ll see your available computer there. As long as the remote computer is on and logmein is running in the background, you can connect. You control the computer just like you are sitting in front of it. It’s easy and it’s free. Try it at logmein.com.
There’s also different versions for IT Support people.
What is a TinyURL?
Have you been noticing short links that begin with tinyurl? TinyURL.com is a website that will take a long url, such as a link that you want to email someone, and create a short, or tiny, url that is much easier to use. No more cutting and pasting. The new url will not break in email posting. And, it never expires. TinyURL was created as a free service to make posting long URLs easier.
Of course, quoting directly from their website, “using it for spamming or illegal purposes is forbidden and any such use will result in the TinyURL being disabled and you may be reported to all ISPs involved and to the proper governmental agencies.”
Try it yourself… http://TinyURL.com