Good Boot

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Al Winchell, president of the Southwest Florida PC Users Group, writes a weekly "Good Boot" column for the News-Press.  Look for his column on Monday in the Business Section.

 
Click to read Al's Blog

Find recent articles by date: 08/30   08/23  08/16  08/09  08/02  7/26  7/05 6/28 6/21 6/14  6/07  5/31 05/24 05/17       

His past columns have been put in categories.  Just pick a topic and scan the article titles. Click a title to read.

 

Index of topics

1.  Backing Up
2.  Basics
3.  Bulletin Board

4.  Digital Photography
5. 
E-mail
6.  Hardware
7.  Housekeeping
8.  Internet
9.  Software
10. Technicians
11. Tutorials & Seminars
12. Upgrading
13. User Group
14. Virus, Hoaxes, Spyware & Firewalls 

15.
Vista
16.
Windows 7
17.
XP
18. None of the Above...

Backing Up

  1. Backup Your Backup With a Backup! 
  2. I Need some backup.? Try Express Assist 2000
  3. Second Copy second to none in backup
  4. Windows 98/ME lets you back up files easily
  5. Back up your "stuff" regularly
  6. Backup files not foolproof 
  7. Outlook good option for backup
  8. Inexpensive programs back up mail
  9. Have the right stuff to save 'Stuff'
  10. Here's summary on saving stuff
  11. Microsoft now has excellent e-mail backup
  12. Back up irreplaceable data
  13. Back up your ‘stuff,’ then back up the backup
  14. Just to be safe, backup your 'stuff' on a regular basis
  15. Microsoft's CD burner comes up short
  16. Data-storage devices should be explored
  17. CD-Rs good for weekly backup
  18. CD-RWs versatile but misunderstood media
  19. Organizing hard drive makes backing up simple task
  20. Create central homes for your 'irreplaceables'
  21. Burning onto a CD keeps your important stuff safe
  22. How to perform permanent file backup
  23. 'Simple,' 'exact' copies of files two different things
  24. Soul mate better back up his backup
  25. Backing up still causes loads of confusion
  26. Solve Second Copy 7 backup problems
  27. Tips help manage two key programs
  28. Simple steps help you back up My Documents
  29. Be paranoid about backing up files
  30. Protect favorite Web sites with shortcuts, backups
  31. Secure personal documents ahead hurricane season
  32. Put your back-up files on the Web for a modest fee
  33. Make sure to backup computer files
  34. Here's how to move forward with backup
  35. Don't let Windows steal your words
  36. Backing up keeps you moving forward
  37. Microsoft offers Outlook backup utility
  38. Several devices exist for backing up data
  39. Consider both Simple Copy, Exact Copy backup
  40. Second Copy quality backup software
  41. Google your way to PC safeguards
  42. Windows System Restore not a cure-all
  43. Disk imaging the ultimate backup
  44. Back up your registry as well as your data
  45. Subfolders first step in backing up
  46. Learn how to create subfolders
  47. Unique ways to relocate data files
  48. Free programs help with backup
  49. What to consider before you execute a backup
  50. Use these instructions for backing up your XP
  51. Part six: Backing-up tutorial for users of Windows Vista
  52. Make sure back up data free of viruses, malware
  53. You must make a habit of backing up your files
  54. Getting into Windows Registry can be tricky
  55. Backing up hard drive essential
  56. Carbonite online backup program a security blanket
  57. Utilizing an external hard drive for media
  58. Second external hard drive helps protect important files

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Basics

  1. Buying your first computer
  2. How to master the beast on your desktop
  3. Learn what computer tells you during boot
  4. Windows can be mastered with patience
  5. Computer common sense? Shut it down
  6. A well-placed 'left click' tells you what you want to know
  7. Headaches prevented by learning basic Windows
  8. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help
  9. Windows doesn't discriminate against lefties
  10. Seminars offer insight into Internet world
  11. Snowbirds need fireside reading
  12. Some errors are beyond your control
  13. Ignore Windows' intimidating requests
  14. Learn Basics Before You Sign On
  15. Novice computer users hope to conquer Beast
  16. Let the computer buyer beware
  17. Take care of your CDs to keep data from being corrupted
  18. XP's System Restore does what it says
  19. Follow Laws of Safe Computing to prevent expensive problems
  20. Rerouting can help back up your files
  21. The desktop concept is pure Windows genius
  22. Help is simply a right click away
  23. Get acquainted with Start Menu, Taskbar options
  24. Perseverance key to overcoming fears
  25. Becoming a ‘switch clicker’ easy way to get information
  26. My Documents
  27. Read-only files aren’t written in stone
  28. Different CDs should be used for different jobs
  29. Try this universal method of saving e-mail
  30. Right-click your way to a new adventure
  31. Make New Year's resolutions to ensure Good Boot
  32. Mastering tasks lets you tame Desktop Beast
  33. Never underestimate power of right-clicking
  34. What all those disc storage letters stand for
  35. Take care when accessing system file folders on PC
  36. Don't be too quick to clean out your recycle bin
  37. Take the time to learn the basic operations in XP
  38. Readers ask for info on renaming files
  39. Use a Warm Boot after updates installed
  40. Dedicate some time to basic XP features
  41. Spend summer tinkering with your computer
  42. Questions common for novices
  43. How to cut out problems when pasting text elsewhere
  44. Reset button should only be used when nothing else works
  45. Altering registry can lead to fatal crash
  46. Always obey the 'First Law of Windows'
  47. Avert disaster - be sure to select the safest option (Moving files can be dangerous)
  48. Add shortcuts to Quick Launch
  49. Handy desktop shortcuts are easy to build, embellish

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Bulletin Board

  1. Bulletin Board a source of help
  2. For help, get on board our bulletin board
  3. Those experts can help keep you posted
  4. Computer problems? Bulletin boards help
  5. Computer aid there for the asking
  6. Bulletin board can provide computing help
  7. Bulletin board has answers

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Digital Photography

  1. Let's begin exploring digital photography features
  2. Make sure correct program chosen when editing photos
  3. XP'S Wizard sizes photos, attaches to e-mail
  4. Come to a class on digital cameras
  5. Organizing digital photos is a snap
  6. Picasa good photo cataloging program
  7. Photo editing programs free, take time
  8. Corel, Adobe perfect for photophiles
  9. Scan old photos in small lots
  10. Here's an easy way to sort your photographs in XP
  11. Windows Vista helpful in removing personal info
  12. Keep three things in mind when organizing photos
  13. Organizing photos isn't always a choice
  14. Download trial versions to decide on photo software

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E-Mail

  1. More ways to save important e-mails, your Address Book
  2. Windows XP makes posting photo a snap
  3. Address Book on Outlook Express user-friendly
  4. Sending holiday photos a snap with Outlook Express
  5. Take advantage of security features in Outlook Express
  6. Check that spam mail before getting rid of it
  7. Earthlink e-mail becoming Embarqmail
  8. Outlook, Outlook Express good for e-mail
  9. The advantages of Outlook Express
  10. Take address book with you on flash drive
  11. E-mail lesson No. 2 for computer novice
  12. Third-party program backs up mail
  13. MessageSave great add-on for Outlook

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Hardware

  1. Don't blame self for faulty modem
  2. CD-RW drive best toy to add to computer
  3. CD-RW, Part II
  4. Zip and Jaz drives troubles by Click of Death
  5. Tuck away hardware information in a safe place
  6. Buy all the computer power you can afford
  7. Hewlett Packard offers best in scanners
  8. Look for essentials when installing computer
  9. Phone line to modem needs surge protection
  10. No reason why his-and-her PCs shouldn't talk
  11. Credit cards can offer help to solve PC quality issues
  12. Good advice can save you from poor tech buys
  13. Invest in a cheap insurance policy: Surge protector
  14. National brand way to go with computers
  15. To preserve priceless memories, learn how to become a 'burner'
  16. Save your data before your hard drive dies
  17. Home networking easy, cheap
  18. Surge protector can save your computer
  19. Latest gadgetry, gizmos hinder recommendations
  20. Digital photography can be reasonable
  21. The need to tinker morphs into a need to create
  22. Quest to build perfect machine too much
  23. Color printing costs can really add up
  24. 'Budget' PCs enough for some users
  25. Local manufacturer may be good option
  26. You Need surge protector with battery backup
  27. Linking desktop PC to laptop worthwhile
  28. Flash drives give you more options
  29. Ensure you have no driver troubles
  30. Surge protector good for computer health
     

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Housekeeping

  1. Windows is a poor housekeeper 
  2. Clear out unwanted fonts
  3. Never Delete what you did not create
  4. Startup features might not really be necessary
  5. PowerDesk an excellent file manager
  6. Font housekeeping key to computer users
  7. Easy clicks can ease program worries
  8. Use 'safe mode' to solve system problems
  9. 'Cleaning' your hard drive can be dangerous
  10. Regaining Computer Oomph Part 1
  11. Regaining Computer Oomph Part 2
  12. Regaining Computer Oomph Part 3
  13. Regaining Computer Oomph Part 4
  14. Fonts can clog your computer
  15. When in doubt about deleting, don't delete
  16. Purge temp files to gain needed hard drive space
  17. Msconfig for experienced user only
  18. Set computer to update automatically
  19. Nagging reminder to get Critical Updates
  20. Make a New Year's resolution to get organized
  21. How to give away a computer without personal data
  22. Picasa2 manages digital imaging free
  23. Programs going in background can sap resources
  24. Don't put your valuables in harms way
  25. Security reason to leave registry alone
  26. Safeguard combo can be last chance to save system
  27. Don't let your computer 'Stuff' guard down; protect it
  28. Holiday visits call for computer alert
  29. Don't be too quick to clean out your recycle bin
  30. Take care when returning to your computers
  31. Novices should know how to add, remove programs
  32. Here's how to get rid of "Stuff"
  33. Hard-drive defrag meant for friendly donation
  34. Excess start-up programs slow computers
  35. Losing startups speeds up computer performance
  36. How to move data between computers
  37. Like real cookies, computer kind can be good and bad
  38. Recycle bin not another bottomless pit
  39. Reward your computer with reformatting
  40. Too many programs cause restore woes
  41. Use caution with registry cleaners
  42. Picture program lesson draws comments
  43. Monthly housekeeping a good idea
  44. Software sweeps up crumbs left after uninstall
  45. Can't do without this free utility
  46. Be careful when choosing, disabling startup programs
  47. Beware of scans claiming to help fix computer
  48. Toolbar Notification area can be configured
  49. External hard drives better for data backup

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Internet

  1. Don't let the Internet be a disappointment 
  2. What no chocolate chips?
  3. Check out library for access to Internet
  4. Companies develop programs to detect Spyware
  5. Storage files handy tool for Web surfers
  6. MapQuest.com will help get you there
  7. Web surfing speed can be improved
  8. Internet e-mail good backup plan
  9. Consider addition of Google
  10. Monitoring best answer to control Net smut
  11. AOL big on ads, but ignores product
  12. Anticipated baud boost accomplished without hitch
  13. Don't be the first on block to install AOL 8 upgrade
  14. Give your useless junk mail the 'Spam Salute' it deserves
  15. Be careful when shopping online
  16. $15 small price to pay to get rid of spyware
  17. Cable high-speed Internet best bet
  18. Keep big brother out of libraries
  19. Anyone can become a master surfer in 90 minutes or less
  20. Most ISP upstarts fail to deliver on promises
  21. Internet a safe place to make credit card purchases
  22. Make sure you control your spam settings
  23. Good tech support calls for recognition
  24. Pointers help clarify column on e-mail
  25. Be sure not to lose any of your Internet favorites
  26. Don't mess with temporary Internet files
  27. Concerned about privacy? Toss your cookies
  28. Cookies can serve useful purposes while browsing
  29. There are options available to control Internet cookies
  30. Customize your Web-site printing
  31. Best defense against identity theft is common sense
  32. Phone Phishing latest technique to get your info.
  33. Make safe Web holiday purchase
  34. Tips should provide solution for printing of Web pages
  35. Explore your Internet history
  36. Getting to the root of possible Web woes through Comcast
  37. Pick your program: It's free on Web through Microsoft
  38. Impress friends with your home in cyberspace
  39. Here's help for Internet Explorer 7
  40. Help older adults get Internet access
  41. Your calendar soon will live on the Web
  42. When selecting Google or Microsoft browser, try both
  43. In Private Browsing not quite so private

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Software

  1. Utility programs are to be avoided 
  2. Windows update made much easier
  3. Speech recognition still working out kinks
  4. Get e-mail attachments outside AOL
  5. Resource kit for Windows is lifesaver
  6. Software for new computer won't require second mortgage
  7. You may be testing software and not know it
  8. Keeping software updated is easy, free
  9. Take time to read program's fine print
  10. Adobe's approach to suites appreciated
  11. Adviser can solve digital photography conundrums
  12. Converter Web site let you view attachments
  13. JPEGs help you get a peg up when sending photos
  14. Outlook good option for backup
  15. OmniPage is worth price tag
  16. Serif's software won't put drain on wallet 
  17. Speech recognition programs can work 
  18. Adobe PDF now standard
  19. OmniPage an intuitive scanner
  20. Microsoft Works not cheap, but it's hard to beat
  21. Quality downloads available
  22. Microsoft Outlook best e-mail handler
  23. Resist urge to try free anti-spam software
  24. Do your research before downloading any software
  25. SnagIt program has lots of advantages, uses
  26. AKVIS offers clone tool without $600 price tag
  27. Many utility programs largely unneeded
  28. Encarta Reference Library makes great gift
  29. Three handy, free downloads for loyal Good Booters
  30. Microsoft earns praise for offerings
  31. 'Free' software usually means 'Free to Download'
  32. Here, in detail, are steps you need to download adventure
  33. Be wary of beta downloads
  34. Transfer tutorial CDs to your hard drive
  35. Some Microsoft applications are more user friendly
  36. Instead of reading text on screen, listen to it
  37. Here’s advice for all that new software
  38. My blog needs your software suggestions
  39. Blog offers access to free, cheap software programs
  40. Having both XP, Vista may make life easier
  41. Photo Story does nice slide shows, is user-friendly
  42. Utility can help keep hard drive running
  43. Free software that serves a purpose
  44. Free anti-virus program AVG works
  45. State-of-the-art photo editing software available for free
  46. Freeware suggestions prove popular
  47. Tool designed to help secure computer
  48. Snap Files site first stop for freeware
  49. Cyberfish make inactivity fun - especially for cat
  50. AVG 8 may slow down computer
  51. CD/DVD inventory can pay off big time
  52. My rules suggesting free software
  53. Use Dragon 10 for speech recognition
  54. Free software provides all you need for laptop
  55. Be careful with software
  56. Get best document-scanning, speech-recognition program
  57. Can't do without this free utility
  58. Uninstall application can delete any trace of unwanted programs
  59. Aero burns too much power
  60. Utility extracts photos, sound from PowerPoint
  61. Good Boot: XP, Vista users may want to install free AquaSnap
  62. Programs worthy of investigation
  63. Different software available to save Web pages as PDFs
  64. Folder Lock a good option to secure computer

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Technicians

  1. Tuneups will help computers last
  2. Use a professional to install a computer
  3. Let pro assemble computer good idea
  4. Business computers need annual checkup
  5. Underworked techs happy to do checkup
  6. A good PC technician pushes right buttons
  7. Computer serious new business
  8. Be choosy when getting tech support
  9. Good tech can work wonders
  10. Get expert help before buying new computer
  11. Before your first boot, get the right kind of help
  12. Pros know what your computer needs
  13. Professional installation prevents problems
  14. A Good Booter’s warranty manifesto! 
  15. Always consult a qualified tech
  16. At home computer repair help
  17. Readers concerned with tech support
  18. Qualified technician should set up new computer
  19. Annual tune-up can keep computer humming along
  20. It's always wise to have a technician near
  21. Get more out of computer with good technician
  22. Seek qualified technician to set up computer
  23. Remote repairs are a wondrous thing
  24. Remote repair not necessarily better
  25. Don't forget a tuneup by a good techie
  26. Get second opinion when upgrading computer

 

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Tutorials & Seminars

  1. Hotmail  tutorial  (a PDF file that needs Adobe Acrobat Reader which is available from our Journal page)
  2. Seminars will teach you ins, outs of high-tech
  3. User group seminars well worth admission
  4. To preserve priceless memories, learn how to become a 'burner'
  5. Photographers don't have to spend big bucks on toys
  6. Seminar may save your computer's life
  7. Digital seminars cover everything a novice photographer has to know
  8. Shoot for attending digital photography seminars
  9. Relieve doldrums by mastering XP
  10. Bring along a sense of humor to summer Win XP seminars
  11. Use e-mail for fast computer advice.  Security seminar scheduled.
  12. Additional summer seminars on Windows XP are planned.
  13. New to computers?  We have training for you
  14. Seminars help computer users see through Windows
  15. Snowbirds can keep getting a Good Boot
  16. Seminar will discuss computer protection
  17. Digital photos subject of seminar
  18. Thumbs file helps digital enthusiasts
  19. Seminar will be a big help to business people
  20. You asked for them - summer seminars
  21. Seminar to cover housekeeping tips
  22. Sooner better for posting of user training dates
  23. User groups can help increase knowledge
  24. Seminar will help with selling on eBay
  25. Seminars to tackle computing

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Upgrading

  1. Windows ME doesn't offer performance upgrades
  2. 'If it ain't broke...' philosophy applies to upgrades
  3. Don't be first user to install upgrades
  4. Show discretion about upgrades
  5. Computer upgrades not always necessary
  6. Windows news not end of the world
  7. Defer, refer if you have any doubts about updates
  8. Check before upgrading to Vista
  9. Custom-built computer may be best choice
  10. Windows 7 release set for holiday season
  11. Vista users, you must upgrade to Windows 7
  12. Upgrading Windows like going to new home

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User Group

  1. Novices need computer club 
  2. Group helps PC users find solutions
  3. Journal designed for novices
  4. Now is time to check out computer clubs
  5. Computing an exercise in frustration for new user
  6. SW Florida PC users don't sign off while snowbirds are away
  7. Computer support big hit with column readers
  8. Don't let snowbirds beat you out of PC clubs
  9. Computer Journal reveals valuable information
  10. Computer club can be salvation for newcomer
  11. Computer driving you nuts? Find a meeting
  12. Backing up files requires knowledge, time
  13. Slide show documents 'Rumble in Seattle'
  14. Snowbirds can still come here for help
  15. If you've got time, we've got the club
  16. Computer club makes point to cater to novice user
  17. Computer club has two new homes
  18. Computing Journal has the answers
  19. Journal devoted to newbie needs
  20. Novice with that new PC needs guidance 
  21. Computer study opens wide world of new projects for the persistent 
  22. Now is right time to start attending user groups
  23. September meetings set to help solve your needs
  24. Don't let frustration kill interest
  25. Computer club not little, entirely free
  26. PC User Group offers a variety of opportunities
  27. New chapter schedules, presentations ready to go
  28. Good Booters offer suggestions
  29. Computing Journal well worth some of your time
  30. Computing Journal now available on Web site
  31. Downloading Computing Journal troubling for some

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Virus, Hoaxes, Spyware & Firewalls

  1. Virus can be annoying or disastrous 
  2. Virus Siren
  3. Grinches eager to deliver computer viruses
  4. Don't take chance with protection
  5. Don't let bad guys dim your enthusiasm
  6. Keep anti-virus program current
  7. Slow connection speed not excuse to be unprotected
  8. Computer infections need to be cured quickly
  9. Spyware exploits loophole in software agreement
  10. Spyware topic of next user group meeting
  11. There’s no magic bullet to stop spyware
  12. Think about a firewall if you use Internet
  13. Don't take the bait offered by phishers
  14. Readers respond over Internet files, cookies
  15. Firewall purpose can be explained in simple terms
  16. Anti-virus software offers no protection from Trojan horses
  17. Novices: Don't disable your security features
  18. Buster Bluster gets lesson on security
  19. Malware can set up user for real trouble
  20. Disable Defender to install MSE

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Vista

  1. Check before upgrading to Vista
  2. No reason to hold off computer purchase for Vista
  3. Don't jump into Vista with your eyes closed
  4. Vista pointers available on blog
  5. Go for it; Vista 'ready for prime time'
  6. Take time to familiarize yourself with Vista
  7. Point, click your way through Vista
  8. XP, Vista have many similar features
  9. Carefully buy Vista - if you need it
  10. Tips on how to get into Vista's cookie jar
  11. Vista can help you sort out those holiday photos
  12. Vista gives way to sort photos
  13. This Vista tweak requires editing Vista's Registry
  14. Installing x64 can cause more problems than it solves
  15. Vista can add external hard drive files to Start Menu

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  Windows 7

  1.  You may not need a new computer to use Windows 7
  2.   Windows 7 a must for Vista user
  3. Prepare if you're upgrading to Windows 7
  4. Windows 7 upgrade questions answered
  5. Upgrade shouldn't affect XP software programs
  6. Even experienced folks need some reminders
  7. Windows 7 turns back time with ease in XP Mode
  8. Novice computer users need not apply
  9. Start Menu fully customizable in Windows 7
  10. Take time to explore some new Windows 7 features
  11. Easy to modify create 'Libraries' in Windows 7
  12. It's easy to become Windows 7-literate
  13. Windows 7 puts to rest System Restore worries
  14. Search Windows 7 with ease
  15. System File Checker valuable Windows 7 tool

    

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XP

  1. Slide show documents 'Rumble in Seattle'  
  2. Install full Windows XP, don't upgrade
  3. Installing Windows XP tricky, you see
  4. XP up grade worthwhile, but be sure to have help
  5. Be patient before you buy new XP
  6. Installing XP on 2nd hard drive is best bet
  7. Don't rush to be first to have XP installed
  8. Don't blow off critical updates
  9. Don't miss an update beat
  10. Where there's a will, there's a way to learn XP
  11. Regulate user rights to ensure Windows XP security
  12. Service Pack 2 helps protect PC, improves privacy
  13. XP has big variety of imaging facets
  14. Make sure XP Service Pack 2 installed, secure
  15. System restore doesn't cure all, but it's better than nothing
  16. Frugal users benefit from XP expertise
  17. Tutorials have useful information on XP files, folders
  18. It's beneficial to know three presentations
  19. If Windows Explorer crashes, so will Start Menu
  20. XP's Accessories folder houses useful features
  21. XP, Vista have many similar features
  22. Novices should stick with Windows XP
  23. Windows tweaks solve file frustration
  24. Upgrade optional for XP users

 

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None of the Above...

  1. Good boot column celebrates three years
  2. Typical Good Booter is curious, polite
  3. Don't ever be afraid to ask 'Good Boot'
  4. Here's some good stocking stuffers
  5. Prepare your computer for holiday guests
  6. Computer, help advice are only an e-mail away
  7. Home movies on DVD likely to last long time
  8. DVD, list subscription full of nice surprises
  9. Buy smart - be sure to protect purchase
  10. More helpful information geared toward novices
  11. Google site full of fantastic free features
  12. Microsoft Publisher can build Newsletter
  13. No reason to hold off computer purchase for Vista
  14. Patience is a virtue, impatience can be catastrophic
  15. New computing blog to debut 
  16. Protect your computer
  17. Manage finances on bank site
  18. Online banking protects you from identity theft
  19. Magnify desktop icons, but keep old settings too
  20. 4-letter, 3-letter extensions can clash
  21. Lee schools' IT facility impressive
  22. Microsoft did a nice security job with IE7 - and Vista
  23. It's not difficult to change folder icons
  24. Novices need places to learn computers
  25. Access Google calendar anywhere
  26. Seminars easy for novices to digest
  27. Once a month, all you have to do is ask
  28. Windows must recognize extensions
  29. Novices, beware, if file isn't recognized
  30. How to mentor a novice: Lesson 1
  31. Novices must learn word processing fast
  32. Seniors have a place to go for quality computer instruction
  33. Personal blogs found on news-press.com
  34. Scanning the globe for good computer products
  35. Easy way to protect files from holiday guests
  36. Dunbar first with Microsoft certification
  37. Mac presentation focus of next meeting
  38. Free application helps keep icons in their place
  39. Archiving leads to look back at earlier computing
  40. See the pointer's power
  41. If computer is slow, it's most likely something you've done
  42. Windows System Restore great utility, up to a point
  43. Windows offers choices for starting program
  44. Way to update Windows depends on your expertise

 

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