Explore your Internet history (2/27/06)

Are you aware that during any surfing session you can return to previous sites you visited by simply clicking the little "v" next to Internet Explorer's Back button? Or that because IE's "History" feature records every page you visit, you can revisit sites you accessed days or weeks ago?

If you're not, you're overlooking an extraordinary feature.

To return to a Web page you visited during a current surfing session click the:

• Back button on the IE toolbar

• Forward button to return to pages you visited before you clicked the back button.

• Little black down "v" to the right of the Back button to see the last nine pages you visited during a surfing session. Then click the page you want from that list.

IE also automatically records a link to every Web page you visit. It organizes the links alphabetically in Folders on the History bar. Each Folder contains the links to the Web pages you visited on any given day or during any given week.

To find all the Web pages you've surfed during the previous days and weeks:

1. On the IE toolbar click the History button. IE opens the History bar on the left side of your screen.

2. On the History bar, click the time period you want to search.

3. Click the Web site folder to open a list of links to the Web pages you visited.

4. Click the link to the Web page to display it.

To select the way you want to sort your Web page links (by date, site, most visited and order visited "today") click the tiny black arrow next to the View button.

If you should experience "I know I visited that site but I cannot remember when," but do remember a distinctive word from the Web address or from the Web page itself, you can search for that word or address. Click History's Search button and type in the term or phrase you're looking for and click "Search Now." IE displays a list of all Web pages that include your term or phrase in their address or on the Web page itself.

To change the number of days that visited pages are tracked:

1. On IE's menu bar click Tools > Internet Options.

2. On the General tab under History, change the number of days (+ or -) you want your History list pages to track.

3. Click OK.

Many Muck-It-Up-Macs advise purging your History files because they reveal your surfing adventures. Balderdash! Like your Temporary Internet Files, if you've nothing to hide, leave them alone!

Here's wishing you a Good Boot.   [index]

Computing Journal now available on Web site  (3/6/06

For the past 10 years I've edited the Computing Journal, a monthly 56-page illustrated magazine dedicated to articles and tutorials for Beleaguered Novices.

Other than being displayed in the magazine section of Lee County libraries, it was only available as a fringe benefit to members of the Southwest Florida PC User Group.

Unfortunately this past year the cost of printing and bulk mailing the journal became so expensive we could not continue subsidizing it without asking for an unreasonable increase in membership dues.

That's the bad news.

The good news is as editor, I've always wanted to make the journal available to all the Beleaguered Novices of Southwest Florida whether or not they were members of the Southwest Florida PC User Group. And now I have a reason to do so and a vehicle to do it.

Beginning this month and the first of every month thereafter, my Computing Journal will be available as a "free, no obligation" download from our Web site at swfpcug.org.

It's my hope the journal will continue our organization's mission of providing quality computer education to the Beleaguered Novices of Southwest Florida and be of value to those who are sincerely interested in becoming involved in a meaningful computing adventure.

Perhaps there are Good Booters who may be considering a download offer from their Web site and would be interested in how simple a process it can be.

All it takes is a third-party program such as Adobe Acrobat that'll convert files to a PDF format and an accomplished Webmaster.

Case in point. After completing my March Computing Journal in Pagemaker, I converted Pagemaker's (PMD) format to an Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. This reduced the Pagemaker file from 95 megabytes to 6.5 megabytes.

Then to insure a dial-up download from our Web site would be as expeditious as possible without adversely affecting the quality of the presentation, I used Adobe Acrobat's "Reduce the PDF file size" feature and compressed the PDF file from 6.5 to 2.1 megabytes.

When I was satisfied the PDF file would provide a quality presentation, I e-mailed the PDF file to our User Group Webmasters Larry Mennitt and Helene Okerstrom to post on our Web site.

If you decide to download the Computing Journal, once it's downloaded all you'll need to do is click on the PDF file. Adobe Acrobat Reader will open it.

By the way, Adobe Acrobat Reader is a free download from Adobe.com.

Once opened, the presentation can be adjusted to read on-screen or if you would prefer, individual journal articles, tutorials or the entire journal can be printed in black and white or color.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot.   [index]

Downloading Computing Journal troubling for some (3/13/06)

Larry Mennitt, our Webmaster, informed me that last Monday 644 Good Booters accessed our www.swfpcug.org Computing Journal download page. And by last Wednesday afternoon, just under 1,000.

But like any first-time downloading adventure, some novices experienced problems. The most common problems:

1. I couldn't find (or see) the "Free Current Computing Journal" button or for that matter, any buttons. This is probably because you haven't downloaded and installed Java. Go to: java.sun.com and click on "Download Java software for your computer." It's free.

2. My Adobe Acrobat Reader wouldn't open the journal PDF file. Make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Reader. It's free at www.adobe.com.

3. My download was blocked by my Internet security program. If you have Zone Alarm, you may have to adjust it to allow the download. If you have Norton Internet Security, you may have to disable it during the download.

Please keep in mind these problems are not unique to downloading my Computing Journal. Without the latest version of Acrobat Reader (7) and Java or not preventing an intercept by your security software, you probably will experience similar problems with any significant download.

For those dial-up Good Booters who e-mailed me they were frustrated by the time it took to download the Computing Journal, all I can offer is sympathy. But believe me I know how you feel.

Recently I relocated to Laguna Lakes, only to discover neither my beloved Comcast or Roadrunner (both offer state-of-the-art high-speed digital Internet cable) were available. Instead I was offered a prehistoric version of low-speed Internet cable. And until I was jury-rigged to keep my Comcast address, I had to use dial-up. A truly humbling experience.

Unfortunately, to illustrate articles and tutorials in my Computing Journal, I must use color graphics because they're the best way of presenting what the student will actually see on their monitor.

Be assured, however, I squished the PDF file as much as I could without sacrificing a quality presentation. Please, be patient.

For those who e-mailed me they would appreciate an Acrobat version of the Computing Journal formatted for users with disabilities such as low vision and mobility impairment, please know I've downloaded Adobe's "how to" guide.

It'll take a bit of time to digest all the steps it takes to format a PDF file to be accessed by screen magnifiers or read aloud by Acrobat Reader 7, but I'll try to get it done as soon as possible.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot.   [index]

Take advantage of security features in Outlook Express (03/20/06)

XP Service Pack 2 has added significant new Outlook Express security features that can help you prevent viruses and worms as well as reduce the amount of junk mail you receive.

I suggest you take the time to explore these security features just to be sure they're actively protecting you.

On the Outlook Express menu bar click Tools > Options > Security.

I recommend your default setting should be:

• Under "Select the Internet Explorer security zone to use" select "Restricted sites zones"

• "Warn me when other applications try to send mail to me." This will help keep viruses and other Internet intruders from accessing your programs and sending others e-mail appearing to come from you.

Note: Although these two settings are not new to SP2 and an upgrade from SP1 will probably not change your previous setting, I recommend you check them out anyway!

• "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus." This box is checked by default to help protect you from viruses and worms that may be spread by e-mail. You may have turned this setting off in previous versions of XP because you discovered it was blocking "safe" Microsoft Office documents.

Now I suggest you insure it's your default setting as SP2's "Attachment Manager" has addressed this issue by blocking only attachments matching "Known" potentially dangerous file types. And if Outlook Express can't determine the safety of an attachment, you'll be presented with a "do you want to open this file?" message window.

Important: Although Outlook Express can help you avoid viruses, these precautions do not take the place of an up-to-date anti-virus program.

Another SP2 enhancement to Outlook Express will help you prevent spam by limiting malicious users from capturing your e-mail address.

You may have noticed some junk e-mail contains graphics. These graphics have the potential of relaying a message to the sender that your e-mail address is a valid address. Almost a guarantee you'll become a prime target for future junk e-mail and spam.

By default, Outlook Express now blocks external graphics from loading until you grant permission.

However, Outlook Express does not prevent you from viewing graphics you receive from a trusted source.

When you open an e-mail and discover Outlook Express has blocked a graphic, you'll see a message advising — "Some pictures have been blocked to help prevent the sender from identifying your computer. Click here to download pictures." Do what you're told and the graphics will load for viewing.

The new Outlook Express security features are an example of why all Xpers should install SP2.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot.  [index]

Take care when returning to your computers (03/27/06)

With April almost upon us and snowbirds packing to return north, I believe it's an appropriate time for my semiannual snowbird relocation nag.

Whether your summer computing adventures will be on your resident up-north computer or on your snowbird computer idle during an extended trip to your summer residence, please keep in mind that before you access your e-mail, surf the 'net or in fact participate in any computing activity, you consider the following Good Boot advice:

1. Be in attendance during the first Boot to your desktop, alert and ready to write down in detail the content of any Windows warning message.

Although I've always suggested this should be your first computer activity of the day, it's particularly important if your computer has been idle for any length of time.

Keep in mind you can inadvertently corrupt Windows during a computing session and not suffer the consequences until the next time you boot your computer.

If you've not used your computer for a while, you may not recall what you were doing during your last computing session that might have corrupted Windows. However, no matter how cryptic it may seem to you, your detailed transcript of a Windows warning message will provide a qualified technician with the information required to begin a healing process.

By the way, should your summer residence be so remote there are no qualified technicians available, e-mail me your detailed Windows warning message and I'll expeditiously forward it to one of our consulting technicians.

2. As soon as you arrive at your desktop and before you open your e-mail handler or access the Internet, click the antivirus shortcut in your Taskbar Notification Area and manually perform a live update. Do not rely on your antivirus program to immediately do a live update of their virus definitions.

This is particularly important if you've changed your e-mail provider. And do not assume because your e-mail provider claims to pre-scan your e-mail for viruses before they're sent to you that you're safe from viruses.

There's absolutely no substitute for an installed state-of-the-art antivirus program with updated virus definitions.

3. You should also manually update your anti spyware/malware program.

4. And just to be safe, make sure your firewall is active. If you have Windows Service Pack 2, it probably will be. But better safe than sorry!

To all Good Boot snowbirds — have a safe trip north and a super summer. Please remember to get your Good Boots at www.news-press.com and keep in touch at fmbigal@embarqmail.com.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot.  [index]

Google site full of fantastic free features  (04/03/06)

Recently I mentioned to "she who must be obeyed" that I was planning on purchasing a rather expensive update to one of my favorite software programs. She suggested that the money would be more well spent upgrading the drapes and curtains in our new home.

Forty years of marriage has taught me that Lida's "suggestions" should be considered faits accomplis. So to ease the pain of disappointment, I retired to my computer sanctuary, sulked and Googled.

While Googling I decided to visit Google's Web site and see what's new and, most important, "free." And may I say that all Good Booters should do the same. The site is a treasure-trove of free, extraordinarily useful utilities.

I'm sure that most Good Booters have discovered the convenience of a Google Tool Bar Search Box attached to their Internet Explorer browser. But I suggest you also consider Google's:

• Desktop: An extraordinary way to search your computer for your e-mails, files and Web history.

• Sidebar: A vertical bar on your desktop that can be customized to provide convenient, at-a-glance access to all sorts of personalized information to include e-mail, news, weather, photos, stocks, a scratch pad, a to-do list and system monitor features.

Google's Web site also provides a smorgasbord of specific interest sidebar plug-ins.

• Earth (free version): A broadband, 3D application. You can type in a street address and zoom from space to street level and view your estate or find businesses, parks and schools. Note: Before downloading, check the system requirements for this feature.

These are only a few of Google's many free features I recommend.

Well, almost free.

Google does collect personal information and other data. But their Privacy Policy is up-front, available, explicit and reasonable. And know even the Feds were thwarted by the courts from gaining access to the personal information they collect.

It seems that there's a growing interest by Good Booters in the most recent Internet phenomenon — blogging. Perhaps it's because of the upcoming election season. But whatever the reason, I've received many e-mails requesting information on how to participate in and how to create a personal Internet blog site.

I've asked Dwayne Alton, a bonafide blogger, to provide a free, no-obligation seminar on blogging at our April User Group meeting. And if you bring your laptop to the meeting, Dwayne will show you how to create and post a personal blog site (wireless Internet access is available).

For more information, go to www.swfpcug.org and download my complimentary April Computing Journal.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot  [index]

Tutorials have useful information on XP files, folders (04/10/06)

If you downloaded my March and April Computing Journal (www.swfpcug.org), you're probably aware they include at least one Good Boot XP tutorial and a column of Good Boot XP tips and techniques.

The reason I include "Good Boot" in the subject headings is because the tutorials and the tips are specific to the e-mail questions I've received from Good Booters.

For example, my April Computing Journal includes a tutorial on XP files and folders.

Many novices are unaware that without a basic understanding of how to identify, configure and manipulate their files and folders, they'll find it difficult to take advantage of much of what XP has to offer.

In fact, in my opinion, without a basic understanding of files and folders a beleaguered novice will never become a knowledgeable novice.

Unfortunately for the novice, because Microsoft by default hides many file and folder attributes, they may be unaware that what they see is not always what's available to ensure a productive computing adventure.

This is not a conspiracy on Microsoft's part. It's an effort to enforce Keller's First Law of Windows — "Never delete, rename or move any file you didn't: put on the hard drive yourself with a program's "Save" or "Save As" command, copy from a digital camera or receive as e-mail. (If you violate this law, Windows will not work properly or may stop working altogether!)"

However, there comes a time when although a novice must adhere to Keller's First Law of Windows, particularly when it applies to their Windows and program files and folders, to become a knowledgeable novice they must become aware of file and folder attributes. Particularly those files and folders that reside in their "My Documents" folder.

Although I cannot address all the attributes of files and folders in this article as I did in my April Computing Journal, I suggest if you consider yourself ready to become a knowledgeable novice you open your Control Panel (Classic View), click Files and Folders > View and:

• Click on the Hidden Files and Folders — Show hidden files and folders check box.

• Uncheck the Hide extensions for known file types check box.

And if you promise to obey Keller's First Law, uncheck the Hide protected operating system files check box. You'll be given a chance to change your mind if you wish to do so.

Now I suggest you download my April Computing Journal and discover all the other file and folder options that are available to you.

Next week I'll begin a series on how to discover the many XP configurations and opportunities provided by your control panel.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot. [index]

Novices should know how to add, remove programs  (04/17/06)

As promised, over the next few weeks I'm going to provide a Beleaguered Novice Control Panel "walk-about."

And perhaps the Control Panel feature to discuss first is Add or Remove programs because it's an absolute need-to-know feature for all novices.

And it's one that provides an opportunity for me to explain why it's so important to use XP's utility features rather than third-party utility programs.

I always suggest creating a "just in case" System Restore Point before a program is installed, but it's an inappropriate uninstall of a program rather than an install that has the greatest potential for producing all sorts of error messages and even the Blue Screen of Death.

During the installation of a program a subfolder of C:\ Program Files is created to locate most of a program's files. But the files necessary for Windows to recognize and execute the program are placed in the Windows Folder. And most important, the information necessary to integrate the program into the Windows system is placed in the Windows Registry.

If you promise not to tamper with your Registry, click Start > Run and type in Regedit. Click on a few of the [+'s] and take note of the literally thousands of entries.

And there's more. Some programs integrate with other programs. Let's say you install Scansoft's PDF Converter. It will apply a "Hook" to Microsoft Word that provides a PDF Converter Word menu item.

Only the most qualified technician would be able to locate and delete every file associated with a particular program and expunge from a Registry every reference and "Hook" to it.

The bottom line is that no novice can expect to perform a manual uninstall of a program.

But not to worry, Your Control Panel Add or Remove utility will do it for you.

During the installation of a program Windows makes note of where every installed file is located and where every Registry entry is made. All things being equal, it will be able to find and uninstall every file and Registry notation.

Of course I know you'll create a System Restore Point before an uninstall — "just in case."

The Remove utility, however, uninstalls only the files and Registry entries made during an installation.

This is why all the files you create using a program's Save As or Save should be located in your My Documents. And need I suggest — backed up.

By doing so you're the one who decides if you want to delete them or keep them should you ever need or wish to reinstall their parent program.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot. [index]

It's Beneficial to know three presentations (04/24/06)

Today's Control Panel walkabout highlights System Properties.

Novices should become familiar with General, System Restore and Automatic Update presentations.

GENERAL

This presentation provides general information about your System version of XP, if Service Pack 2 has been installed on your computer.

But I've discovered one entry that's caused many novices who have visited this panel potential grief. They assumed the group of OEM numbers is their XP product key (serial number). It's not! It's short for Original Equipment Manufacturer.

If interested, you can discover the definition of OEM at www.webopedia.com.

Believing they can refer to System Properties for their product key, many novices do not keep their product key (either the label that came with their XP CD or a transcription of it) in a safe place.

And I suggest that even if it was their product key, how do they access it if Windows crashes?

I recommend to the forgetful to go to www.belarc.com and download the most current version of this extraordinary free utility.

Not only will it provide your XP product key, it will provide a wealth of valuable knowledge about your Windows system and all your hardware and software.

Install it, run it and print the information. And rerun it every time you add software or hardware.

You should also keep a copy of Belarc in a safe place. Your technician will appreciate the information it provides.

SYSTEM RESTORE

This panel indicates if System Restore is, in fact, monitoring your hard drive(s). I suggest you have it monitor only your C: drive.

It's also a useful place to visit if you discover your System Restore utility isn't functioning properly.

Click the "Turn off System Restore" on all hard drives' check box > Apply. Reboot your computer. Return to your Control Panel and uncheck "Turn off System Restore" > highlight your C: drive. Click Settings and make sure the Turn Off check box is unchecked.

Now attempt a System Restore point. You may discover it's functioning as it should.

AUTOMATIC UPDATES

Automatic Critical Updates are an absolute must. I suggest you select "Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them."

This setting authorizes Microsoft to nag you until you do install them. But it also provides you with an opportunity to do so at your convenience, perhaps after you've completed your computing activities and are ready to reboot your computer after the install.

We'll finish our System Properties walkabout next week.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot. [index]

Microsoft Publisher can build newsletter (05/01/06)

After announcing my Personal Computing Journals would be available as free downloads, I received an extraordinary number of e-mails asking me what software I use to compose the journal and who to contact for instruction on how to edit a newsletter.

Although there were many who wanted information on beginning a serious multipage newsletter with all the bells and whistles, I was surprised at the number of Good Booters who were only interested in editing a two- or three-page family newsletter they could mail or e-mail to friends and family.

But these Good Booters wanted it to be more than just a simple word processing document.

I use Adobe Pagemaker to compose the journal, but I suggest that because of its significant learning curve and cost ($500), if you're interested in beginning a newsletter adventure you consider Microsoft Publisher.

Publisher is both pocketbook friendly (the standalone version is about $100) and user friendly. Even the most beleaguered novice using Publisher's wizards can compose a significant newsletter on their first attempt.

To convert a Publisher newsletter to a PDF format you'll need a third-party software program, but if you use Outlook or Outlook Express (version 5.0 or later) as your default e-mail program, you can use Publisher to send just a page of the publication as an e-mail message or the entire publication as an attachment.

You can even select pre-designed Publisher publications specifically sized for e-mail messages that allow placement of digital photos.

For those novices who may still doubt that Publisher is user-friendly enough to be worth investing $100, I've edited a special Publisher illustrated tutorial in my May Computing Journal to help you decide.

Normally I shy away from editing a significant complete tutorial in one journal, preferring to serialize it in more than one journal. But because there was so much interest, I decided to provide those Good Booters enthusiastic about beginning a newsletter adventure with a complete tutorial specific to creating a family newsletter designed for print and/or distribution via e-mail.

My May Computing Journal should be posted for download today or Tuesday at www.swfpcug.org. When you download it (dial-up users please be patient) and save it to your My Documents, "Download" subfolder, click on the PDF file.

The journal will open in Acrobat Reader.

The most current version (7) of Acrobat Reader is available as a free download from www.adobe.com.

When the journal opens you can either read my Publisher tutorial or preferably print it in color by clicking File > Print and the (o) before "Print Pages From" and enter the "From" "To" page numbers of the tutorial.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot. [index]

You Need surge protector with Battery backup (05/08/06)

If you've not done so by now, I suggest it's time to ensure all your electronics are protected by a quality surge protector from the inevitable power surges associated with Southwest Florida's annual "tropical experience."

But a quality surge protector alone is not necessarily enough protection for your desktop or laptop computer.

A surge protector will probably protect your computer's hardware from the ravages of a power surge, but it'll not protect your data. To ensure against data loss you need a surge protector with a battery backup.

I'm sure you've noticed that before Windows closes down, it displays a message that it's saving your settings. And if you've got an active program running with unsaved data or a program running in the background, it'll delay the close down until you've saved your data or until the program has had a chance to save its setting.

Keep in mind every program you open or program that for whatever reason is running in the background (Windows included) has been drawn-up from your hard drive and placed in memory. And it stays in memory until you close it.

A program and the data it creates are made up of literally thousands of tiny segments. If these segments are not returned from memory to your hard drive, a program may be corrupted and/or the data it created lost.

When a computer experiences a power outage, the spinning hard drive instantly stops preventing Windows from performing an orderly return of your data, your programs and even its own segments from memory to your hard drive.

And because of the processing speed of your computer, even a brownout so quick it's imperceptible to the human eye can be disastrous.

This is why a battery backup is so important. It'll beep to warn you it's in battery mode and at the same time keep your computer running until you can perform a normal shutdown. When your power returns it'll recharge.

Of course turning off your computer when an electrical storm is eminent is the best course of action. But what if you're preoccupied napping?

I recommend you consider a combination surge protector and battery backup for your desktop and/or laptop. They're relatively inexpensive and can protect your computer from a crash for 40 minutes or more.

I also suggest you replace a surge protector every two years if it doesn't have a surged-out warning light or beep. And do so even if your home has surge protection.

Rule of thumb — quality surge protectors cost about $40 to $45 before any discount.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot.[index]

Solve Second Copy 7 backup Problems (05/15/06)

Try these suggestion for solving Second Copy 7 and Quicken backup problems.

Q: I took your advice and purchased Second Copy 7 to back up My Documents. Although the program is without a doubt the most user-friendly backup program I've tried, I'm constantly receiving error messages that it didn't back up all my files.

A: More than likely the file names it couldn't back up either exceeded 255 characters (the maximum number of characters Window supports) or had extraordinarily long file names located in a My Documents sub folder of a sub folder.

When you receive an error message from Second Copy, click view > log.

The file or files it didn't copy will be in red with an explanation of why they weren't copied. If it's because of a long file name or long path to that file, you can edit the file name and/or reduce the path (sub directories) to it.

Long file names are often caused by allowing a program such as Word or WordPerfect to "Save As" a file rather than naming the file yourself. They'll save the file using the first sentence or a portion of the first sentence of your document.

Although the file name itself may not exceed 255 characters, if it's long enough and buried deep in sub folders, it may cause a backup error.

Example: If I allowed WordPerfect to save this Good Boot article it would save a portion of the first sentence: "Try these suggestions for solving Second Copy 7 and Quicken backup.wpd."

And if I saved it in a sub folder "My May Good Boots" of a sub folder of "All My Good Boots" which in turn was a sub folder of My Documents, Second Copy would have a problem copying: C:\My Documents\All My Good Boots\My May Good Boots.

Try these suggestions for solving Second Copy 7 and Quicken backup.wpd.


Q: As you suggested I purchased an external hard drive (or Jump Drive) to back up my files and folders to include Quicken, but Quicken's backup feature is refusing to copy the files to my external hard drive.

A: Let's assume your external hard drive or jump drive is "E:." Open your external hard drive or jump drive and create a folder called "Quicken Backup." Now open Quicken and click Browse under "On My Computer" and browse down to and click on E:\Quicken Backup.

The command line to back up Quicken should now be: E:\Quicken Backup.

You should only have to do this once as E:\Quicken Backup will become your default backup folder and will accept your Quicken backup files.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot. [index]

Readers ask for info on renaming files (05/22/06)

I was surprised at the number of e-mails I received from Good Booters concerned about Microsoft's announcement that on "July 11, 2006 because Windows 98, 98 SE and ME were outdated and could expose customers to security risks, they would be discontinuing their support for them."

And as you might expect, Microsoft suggested Windows 98 and ME users consider upgrading to XP.

With or without Microsoft's support, be assured that on July 11 when you boot your computer you'll not receive a blue screen of death message — "Goodbye, Farewell, Amen."

If you've taken good care of your system and it's doing all you want it to do, 98 and ME will continue to serve you well.

Furthermore, if your system is running well you deserve congratulations as you have obviously taken excellent care of it.

If you're planning to continue using 98 or ME, you might be interested in my Beleaguered Novice 98 and ME e-book tutorials before they become coffee table coasters.

If you are interested — e-mail me for information.

For those who requested information on how to rename multiple files, know that many digital editing programs have this feature. Or you can download an excellent freeware file renaming program at www.snapfiles.com/get/denrenamer.html.

But if you're in a hurry, XP has a very basic file renaming feature.

However, I suggest if you're a novice, you copy the files you want to rename into an exclusive subfolder and experiment renaming them. Don't arbitrarily attempt to rename files in an existing folder.

To select consecutive files, click the first file, press and hold down "shift" and then click the last file. To select nonconsecutive files, press and hold down "control" and click each file you want to select.

To specify the starting number for renaming, right click on the first file of the highlighted files or a file anywhere in the highlighted group you want to be the first file in the sequence.

Being careful not to delete or change the file's association letters (example .doc), type in a new name and a starting number in parenthesis after the new file name. Now left click anywhere in the folder other than on the file you changed. The files will be renamed sequentially beginning with whatever number you gave the first file.

Example: If you right click on the first file of a highlighted list of Good Boot (.doc) articles with various individual names, that file will highlight. Type in "Good Boot" without changing or deleting (.doc) followed by (1). The files following the file you changed will be sequentially numbered Good Boot (2), (3) and so on.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot [index]

Tips help manage two key programs (05/29/06)

By now my complementary June Computing Journal download should be posted to www.swfpcug.org.

This month I've dedicated it to Outlook Express and Internet Explorer. It's 56 pages illustrated with over 100 graphics.

The following are excerpts from my tutorials.

How to back up Outlook Express

First create three Outlook Express My Documents subfolders:

"Accounts," "Address Book" and "Mail Folders."

To back up your Accounts:

1. Click Tools > Accounts.

2. Highlight your e-mail account. Click Export.

3. Open your OE "Accounts" subfolder and save the exported (.iaf) file.

4. Repeat these steps for multiple e-mail accounts.

To restore your Accounts:

1. Click Tools > Accounts.

2. Click the "Import" button. Browse to and highlight your previously saved .iaf file.

3. Click Open.

To back up your Address Book:

1. Click > Addresses > File > Export > Address Book (.wab).

2. Browse to your OE "Address Book" subfolder. Type a name for your exported file and save it.

To restore your Address Book:

2. Browse to and click on your previously saved Address Book (.wab) file.

To back up your Mail Folders:

1. Click Tools > Options > Maintenance > Store Folders.

2. On the Maintenance tab, click the "Store Folders" button.

3. Press your Tab key until the complete address is highlighted. Right click on the highlighted area. Copy it and click OK.

4. Close OE.

5. Click Start > Run.

6. Right click and Paste into the window the "stored in folder" path you copied. Click OK.

7. Click Edit > Select All to highlight all the .dbx files.

8. Right click on and Copy the highlighted .dbx files.

9. Paste them into your OE subfolder "Mail Folders."

To restore your Mail Folders:

1. Open OE and click File > Import > Messages.

2. Select "Microsoft Outlook Express 6." Click Next.

3. Select "Import mail from an OE6 store directory." Click OK.

4. Browse to and highlight your "Mail Folders" folder. Click Next.

5. Select Folder > All Folders > Next.

6. Click Finish.

How to back up your Internet Explorer "Favorites"

1. Make a My Documents "My Favorites" subfolder.

2. Open Internet Explorer.

3. Click File > "Import and Export."

4. Using the Wizard, select "Export Favorites." Your Favorites folder will be highlighted. Click Next.

5. You'll be asked where to export. Browse to your "My Favorites" subfolder.

6. Open it. Click Save.

To restore Internet Explorer "Favorites."

1. Open Internet Explorer.

3. Click File > "Import and Export."

4. Following the Wizard, select "Import from a File or Address."

5. Browse to and click on your previously saved "Bookmarks.htm" file.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot [index]

Simple steps help you back up My Documents (06/05/06)

Apparently many Good Booters have taken my advice and purchased an external hard or jump drive and Second Copy 7 to back up their My Documents.

In my opinion Second Copy 7 is arguably the most cost-effective, novice-friendly backup program available. ($29.95 at www.centered.com).

Because of this interest, I thought it appropriate to present a solution with a mini tutorial to the two most often asked concerns I've received.

Q: My purpose is to maintain an exact duplicate of my My Documents, but whenever I make a name change to a file or folder they're simply added to my backed up My Documents. The old files and folders remain in my backed up My Documents.

A: To maintain an exact copy of your My Documents you must back it up as an "Exact Copy."

Q: When I perform an Exact Copy of My Documents I'd like to know what files and folders have been deleted before they go to the Recycle Bin.

A: Provide an exclusive folder for second copy to deposit the purged files and folders.

Let's assume you've just attached your external hard/jump drive and installed Second Copy.

1. Open Windows Explorer, highlight your My Documents and copy it to your external hard/jump drive. A one-time procedure.

2. Create a new folder, "My Temp Folder" on your external hard\jump drive.

Also a one-time procedure.

2. Open Second Copy.

3. Click File > New Profile

4. Click "Custom Setup" > Next

5. Browse to and click on your My Documents. Make sure "Include Subfolders" is checked. Click Next.

6. Browse to and click on your external/jump drive My Documents. Click next.

7. Set the "Frequency" at "Manual."

8. Click on "Exact Copy" and set "Keep Last version(s) of deleted files" to 1.

9. When the "Move Deleted Files to Archive Folder" opens, browse to and click on your external hard/jump drive's "My Temp Folder." Click Next

10. Name your profile "My Documents Exact."

When you execute your new profile Second Copy will create an "Exact Copy" of your My Documents on your external hard/jump drive and move all the deleted files and folders to your "My Temp Folder" for you to review before deleting them.

I also suggest if there's enough room on your external hard drive you copy your My Documents a second time to your external hard drive and rename it My Documents Archive. Then select "Express Setup" (a simple copy) profile to the My Documents Archive Folder on your external hard drive.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot. [index]

Be paranoid about backing up files (06/12/06)

Many Good Booters asked me why after dedicating last week's Good Boot to explaining how to do an Exact Copy of My Documents to an external hard drive, I also suggested doing a Simple Copy of My Documents to the same external hard drive.

The reason? I'm the poster boy for paranoid computer users. The multiple backups I have on multiple external hard drives attached to my computer bear witness to my paranoia.

It all began many years ago when my 56-page Computing Journal file vanished into cyberspace the Friday before the Monday it had to be at the printers.

An event that provided three of my "Absolute Laws of Computing":

• The file you desperately need is the one you just "emptied" from your Recycle Bin.

• If your computer crashes count on it being before a deadline or the arrival of an important e-mail.

• Windows determines when to present its Blue Screen of Death based on the amount of non-backed up, irreplaceable information on a hard drive.

In fact, my paranoia is the reason I suggested if you had the room on your external hard drive you include both an Exact Copy and a Simple Copy of your My Documents.

Maintaining a recent exact copy of your current My Documents should always be a priority. But consider this.

By creating a Simple Copy of your My Documents, over a period of time you'll accumulate an archive of all your renamed and edited files and folders. A My Documents archive that will provide a last resort file and folder recovery opportunity. One that if necessary can be culled at you convenience.

Example: If I discovered I was missing a file from the exact copy of My Documents, I would:

• Right click on the Simple Copy of My Documents on my external hard drive and "Search."

• Select one of the following options from the menu: "Pictures, music or videos", "Documents," "All files and folders" or "Computers or people."

• Enter "All or part of the file name" or "A word of phrase in the file" or both.

• Click the "Look in" little down triangle and browse to the Simple Copy of My Documents on my external hard drive.

• Click "Search"

If there's any chance for me to recover a file of folder it'll probably be because it's archived somewhere in my Simple Copy of My Documents.

I also recommend Google's "Desktop." This free "run in the background" program will continually index all the files on your computer to include e-mail and if you wish, your external hard drive. And make them available as "Results stored on your computer" when you initiate any Google search.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot. [index]

Make sure correct program chosen when editing photos (06/19/06)

A common complaint among novice digital photo editing enthusiasts is that as they add photo editing, viewing and organizing software programs, the program that becomes their default photo viewing program changes and isn't necessarily the one they want.

If you're one of those who have experienced this annoyance I must regrettably inform you, it's probably your fault.

A photo is a file like any other file. It has a name and an extension. But unlike files that are associated with a particular software program as .doc is associated with Word, a photo file with a .jpg or .bmp extension can be associated with any photo editing program.

Furthermore, the photo editing program that by default is currently opening your photos is probably doing so because when you installed it and it presented a list of files asking if you wanted them associated with the program, you clicked "yes." More than likely you were clicking "yes" to everything in your haste to install the program and get it up-and-running.

Changing the program you want to be the default program that opens your photo files is a simple matter. But before I demonstrate how — if you're a novice here's a suggestion.

As you become more enthusiastic about photo editing and all the adventures associated with it, you're probably going to add photo editing, viewing and organizing programs. My suggestion is until you're sure which program you want as your default photo viewing program, keep XP's Windows Picture and Fax Viewer as your default viewing program.

It's an excellent photo viewing and very basic editing program that'll open all graphic files. It also integrates perfectly with all the other XP "Picture Tasks" menu items. And in no way will it interfere with any other photo editing program.

If you'd like to redesignate Windows Picture and Fax Viewer as your default photo viewer:

1. Click Start > Control Panel > Folder Options or Start > My Documents > Tools > Folder Options.

2. Click File Types

3. Scroll down and select .jpg.

4. Click "Change" and highlight Windows Picture and Fax Viewer.

5. Click OK.

You can repeat these steps for .bmp files.

Although Windows Pictures and Fax Viewer is now your default photo viewing program, you can always do the following to open a particular photo in a particular photo editing program.

• Click on the photo file and select the photo editing program to open it.

• Right click on a photo file and select "Open with" and then the program.

If the program you want to open it with is not listed, try clicking on "Choose program" at the bottom of the menu.

Here's wishing you a Good Boot. [index]

Use a Warm Boot after updates installed (06-26-06)

The most recent frequently asked questions I’ve received from Good Booters.

Q  What’s the difference between a Cold and Warm Boot?

Cold Boot is the Boot that takes place when a computer is turned on. A Warm Boot is a Boot usually initiated by a user from their Desktop (Start > Turn Off Computer > Restart.) Note: A Warm Boot is most often suggested after you install a program or receive an XP Critical Update or Virus Update. The purpose is to activate the new or changed information the installed program or update has placed in your registry. 

Q How can I add decorative or more meaningful icons to my Desktop and Windows Explorer folders?

Right click on any non system Desktop or Windows Explorer folder and click “Properties”. Click on “Customize’’ and “Change Icon’’ or on “Shortcut’’ and “Change Icon’’. If the selection of icons offered isn’t to your satisfaction, click “Browse’’. Use the little down triangle to scroll to your C: Drive and then to your Windows folder. Open your Windows folder and scroll to your System32 sub folder. Open it and scroll to your Shell32.dll file. Click on the Shell32.dll file. When it opens select an icon by clicking on it.

Notes:

• Follow this procedure to add decorative or more meaningful icons to your Internet Shortcuts.

• When adding icons to Windows Explorer folders, when you click on “Change Icon’’ you may be taken directly to C:\Windows\system32\shell32.dll.

• There are many free icons (.ico) available on the Internet. If you find icons you want to add to your folders and shortcuts, download them into an exclusive icon subfolder of your My Pictures, My Documents folder. Then rather than scrolling to your Windows folder, scroll to your icon sub folder and click on a desired icon.

 Q Why did XP do away with Clipboard. With 98 and Me I could store often used snippets and recall them when I needed them for multiple pasting. 

XP didn’t do away with Clipboard (clipbrd.exe) but it sure did a good job hiding the program. Open your Window folder and scroll to your System32 folder. Find Clipbrd.exe and right click on it and send a >Shortcut= to your Desktop. 

Note: The first place to look for XP programs that may have vanished from your All Programs Folder is in your C:\Windows\system32 folder. Programs such as Hearts, Freecell, MSPaint, etc..  

However, if you’re a novice, I suggest if you want to make any of the programs in your system32 folder available, you do so only by right clicking on their .exe file and selecting Send To Desktop (Shortcut).

 Here’s wishing you a Good Boot.  [index]

  09/11/2007