When doing a search you can use an asterisk (*) in place of letters or numbers. This is called a "wild card" and it really comes in handy. Let's say you're looking for a file that starts with "ran" but aren't sure what the rest of the name is. Just type in... ran* All files … Continue reading Wild Cards
Quicker File Access
When most of us go to open a file, we click the File menu, Open (OK, some of us use the little toolbar button), then we scroll along hunting for the file so we can double-click it. Well, if you have a ton of documents in a folder, this can get time consuming. If you … Continue reading Quicker File Access
XP and Vista Clock Trick
If you are running Windows XP or Vista, you'll never have to worry about manually setting your computer's clock again! Of course, you have to be online for this little trick to work, so keep that in mind. For Windows XP: Just double-click the little clock in the System Tray and it will bring up … Continue reading XP and Vista Clock Trick
A Quick Way to the C:
OK, I know there are several ways to view the contents of your hard drive (normally drive C), but here's another one that I thought was kinda cool. First, hit your Windows Key and the letter R (Win+R). (The Windows key is located between the Alt & Ctrl keys). You should now have the Run … Continue reading A Quick Way to the C:
XP Disaster Recovery
XP Disaster Recovery Microsoft says “XP” stands for eXPerience. I recently discovered it stands for eXPlode. Here's what happened: I installed some new software on my XP machine. It told me to re-boot the computer, so, like I good little geek I yelled “Affirmative!” and promptly re-booted. At which point, XP would try to boot, … Continue reading XP Disaster Recovery
Insert Key
Q: The other day, I was typing and went back and change a thing or two. I needed to put a space between a couple words and instead of moving the text to the right to accommodate the space, the text was overwritten! It did this no matter what letter I typed. I ended up … Continue reading Insert Key
Text Highlighting Tips
I’m having a hard time with my word processor. When I go to highlight a large section of text with my mouse (more than what’s currently shown on the screen), I zip right past the point where I want to stop. So, I keep my mouse button down and go back up – only to … Continue reading Text Highlighting Tips
Dealing with Drop Down Menus
Don't you get tired of scrolling through long drop down box lists? I know that I do. I'm gonna show you an easy way to get through them today. I'll illustrate how to do it with an example. Let's say you're filling out an online registration form that asks for your country. If you live … Continue reading Dealing with Drop Down Menus
Instant Properties
Here's a quickie way to view the properties of a file or program. If you need to get the properties for something (like an icon, for instance), just hold down your ALT key and double-click it . Instant properties! Try it with "My Computer" or one of your regular desktop icons. And yes, I know … Continue reading Instant Properties
Which Icon belongs to Which Program?
I always have too many programs open at the same time and I can't remember which icon belongs to which program on my toolbar. Is there an easy way to tell which button is which? By hovering over an item, a balloon should come up telling you what the program is. One easy way to … Continue reading Which Icon belongs to Which Program?