Quick Launch Bar (Windows Vista)

Rvers Computer Help Newsletter 2-01-08

To make sure you continue to receive the newsletter in your Inbox (so they're not sent to a junk folder or bulk mail folder), please add newsletter@rverscomputerhelp.com to your address book or safe sender list.

(Please read the WARNING at the bottom of the Newsletter)

Windows Vista and Windows XP Keyboard Tip

(Windows Vista)Have you ever been typing along on your keyboard and accidentally hit the caps lock key? If you have, here is a way to have your computer beep a sound when this happens. Click the start key, then the control panel, then ease of access. Now under ease of access center click change how your keyboard works. Next to turn on toggle keys put a check mark. Now if you hit the Caps Lock, the Number Lock or the Scroll Lock the computer will sound a tone .
To do this in (Windows XP), follow these instructions

Click Start
Select Control Panel
Select Accessibility Options
Put a check mark next to ToggleKeys
Click OK

Quick Launch Bar (Windows Vista)
Last week I told you what quick launch was and how to activate it and use it. Last weeks tip worked for both XP and Vista, this week it is just for Vista. This week I'm going to show you how to use hotkey shortcuts for the items that are listed under the quick launch. You're allowed 10 items that you can use with hotkeys, you can access these by pushing down on the windows key, that's the key with the flag on it and then hitting one through ten. The first 10 items that you have listed on quick launch are assigned a number from one to ten, any over that will not work with hotkeys. You can use them by using the regular mouse. You can add as many icons to the Quick Launch as you would like, just by dragging and dropping them in the lower left of your screen, on the task bar next to the Start button. You can also arrange the icons in any order you would like by dragging them to a different place in order. To try out the hotkeys, just hold down the windows key on your keyboard, then press the number 1 key and it should open the first program that you have listed in the icon row. Now try it with number 2, 3, 4 etc.

A Computer Cleaning DON'T
Some screwdrivers have magnetic tips that keep you from dropping a screw before it's in place. Never use a magnetized tool with a PC or work on a PC that's plugged in. Magnets and static electricity are the two biggest hazards when working on PCs. You should also avoid getting any hardware wet.

Word Viewer 2003
I receive many emails from people that have received emails from friends and relatives that contain attachments that they can't open. Many of these attachments have extensions such as doc, wpd, wps, xml. In order to open these attachments, you would need Microsoft Office Suite, such as Office 2000, 2003, or 2007. If you have no desire to purchase one of these products, Microsoft has provided a free viewer so you can open and view these type attachments. There is also available free a program called Open Office that you could use, but I know many of you have no desire or need for any Office Suite, you would just like to be able to view the attachments that arrive in your emails with these type of extensions. Here is where you can get the free viewer download, Word Viewer 2003

Run older Programs in Windows Vista
If you have installed an older program in Windows Vista and it is not working properly, you might be able to fix it so it well run properly, by using the Compatibilty Wizard in Windows Vista. To do this, click the Start Button, then All Programs, find the icon that belongs to the program and right click on it and click Properties. Select the Compatibility tab and put a check mark next to Run this program in Compatibility mode for:, from the drop down menu select what operating system that you used to run the program with and click OK. Now test the program and see if it is running the way it is supposed to.

My Opinion of Windows Vista
After now having Windows Vista for a while, I have some what changed my opinion of it. After fighting with it to run faster and quit stalling, it seems to be coming around. I was told that it learns to adapt to the way you use your computer and I am becoming convinced that it does. I have found that it also has many helpful features that were not in XP or older Windows versions. In the next few weeks, I will be pointing out some of these features. There are still some things that I am not completely happy with, but I suppose in time I will adapt.

Funny Pictures and Jokes
More chuckles, Thanks to those that have sent in funny cartoons and pictures, I will publish them as soon as I can. If you have any funny pictures or cartoons you would like to send to use in the newsletter, please send them. Take a look, www.rverscomputerhelp.com/funnystuff54.html

Rver's Computer Help Store
Don't forget about our store, there are lots of good bargains there. We have taken steps to make this online shopping safe and secure. Bobbi and I have used the store and were pleased with the whole procedure. Rver's Computer Help Store

Why join the Good Sam Club?
The Good Sam Club is offering a special membership price. Go here to check out some of the benefits they offer as well. You can save money by staying at some of the Good Sam Club parks. www.rverscomputerhelp.com/gsclub.html

Carrot Ink, Discount Ink Cartridges
Check out these quality ink cartridges from Carrot Ink. www.rverscomputerhelp.com/carrotink.html
If you have any questions you can E-Mail us by clicking here newsletter@rverscomputerhelp.com If you are no longer interested in receiving this newsletter, just send us a blank email with REMOVE written on the SUBJECT line. To change your email address, Click Here, be sure and include the old and new address.

WARNING, the tips, tutorials and suggestions given in this newsletter are offered in good faith to assist with computer problems and help you enjoy the use of your computer. If the directions are not followed correctly, some of the tips or tutorials could cause problems with your computer.
Use them at your own risk.