25 Tips and Tricks to Make Your Computer Life Easier
EMAIL
1. Use Outlook from the Desktop
The most powerful version of Microsoft Outlook email allows users to
organize, view and delete email.
2. Organize Your Email
Use Outlook to filter out some spam.EClick on Organize from your inbox.
3. Organize Email in Personal Folders
From your inbox, go to File > Folder > New Folder
Create folders and drag messages from the inbox to the folders.
4. Dont Respond to Spam
Replying to spammers only encourages them. It wont get you off their
list.
5. Read Email Once and Use Archive
Read a message and do something with it. If you must keep it, place it in
a personal folder or archive it. Using the Archive feature of Outlook allows
you to save email without impacting your email limit. Didnt know you had
a limit?
10,000K Naughty, naughty message
12,000K Cant send email
14,000K Cant receive email
6. Keep Your Mailbox Spartan
Fewer messages means less time trying to find things. Learn to check the
size of your Inbox, Sent items and Deleted items.
7. Create an Internet Email Account
There are times when you have to give some organization or Web site
your email. To keep from being added to yet another spammers list,
create an Internet email account that you only look at when Haleys
Comet comes around.
8. Use Outlook Express from Home
Outlook Express is the easiest way to access Bethel mail (and personal
mail) from home. The set up is easy and the features are similar to
Outlook from the desktop.
Here are the steps to setting up Outlook Express on your home computer:
A. Run Outlook Express.
B. Go to the Tools menu and drag down to Accounts.
C. Click on ADD and select Mail...
D. Enter your name as you want it to appear on emails (e.g., Bill Smith).
F. Click Next and enter your Pop3 server: 163.41.75.17
G. Enter your SMTP server. This is provided by your Internet Service Provider. If
you don't know what it is, you'll need to check your ISP's Web site, call them, or
read any documentation you might have received. Usually it is something like
H. Click Next and enter your email account name (e.g., bsmith) and password
and check the box to remember your password if you want that option.
I. Click Finish.
You should now be able to run Outlook Express and be prompted to either work
offline or dial up to receive your email. You can, of course, dial in as you normally
do and then run Outlook Express.
INTERNET
9. Fewer is Better. . .Install Only Programs You Need
A PC works better with fewer programs. Cute programs, clever screen
savers can not only cause problems but also let people watch what you
are doing because they often install spyware or cookies.
10. Learn to Control and Delete Cookies
Visiting certain Web sites can add small programs to your computer
without you knowing about it. From Internet Explorer, go to Tools >
Internet Options. Download Ad-Aware to check for problems:
11. Update virus definitions
All Bethel computers have Anti Virus software installed. Be sure to update
the definitions when notified.
12. Updates Windows
Occasionally youll be asked to update Windows on your PC. Follow the
prompts to add the newest fixes for the newest problems. You can also go
to Tools > Windows Update from Internet Explorer to requests updates.
PROTECTING DATA
13. Back up to the Network Server
Back up essential data somewhere; but your personal folder on the
network is the safest and easiest. Dont rely on floppy disks.
Copying Data Files to Your Network Folder
1. Double click on Network Neighborhood (Windows 98/2000) or My Network
Places (Windows XP).
2. For Windows XP, click on Entire Network on left-hand menu.
3. Double click on Microsoft Networking.
4. Double click on Bethel 52.
5. Double click on District 3.
6. Double click on "Staff Flders".
7. Find your folder and right click on it (dont open it) and select Create
Shortcut.
8. Youll be told you cant create a short cut on the network but cant on the
desktop. Agree.
Now close off all those annoying windows. Youll see a shortcut to your
network folder on your desktop (with a small black arrow). Thats the short cut
to your personal folder. Only when you are logged in as you on this computer
can you use the shortcut. So you can leave it there and not worry about
someone else getting into it.
Now drag your data files to your shortcut and they will be copied to the
network. Id recommend keeping a copy on your computer of each file and
use the network as only a back up storage.
Finally, once your new computer is in place, follow the steps above to create
the shortcut on your new computer, open the shortcut and drag your files from
the network folder to My Documents on your desktop.
14. Save in My Documents
To make backups easy, save to the My Documents folder. Now, when you
go to backup your data, it is easy to find your data. Be sure you are not
just copying youre My Documents shortcut.
15. Organize Your Favorites
Saving a favorite Web page makes it easy to return to the page at another
time. If you have more the 10-15 favorites, try going to Favorites >
Organize Favorites and create subfolders.
COMPUTER DESKTOP
16. Use Desktop Shortcuts
Shortcuts are folders or icons that jump you directly to some other
location on your computer, the network or the Internet. You can create a
shortcut to your personal folder on the network. Other shortcuts can point
to programs or folders on your computer.
17. Keyboard shortcuts
Speed up your computer usage by avoiding the mouse whenever possible.
The Control Key + another key can copy (Ctrl + C), cut (Ctrl + X) or paste
(Ctrl + V). You can also use the keyboard to print (Ctrl + P), select all
(Ctrl + A), close windows (Ctrl + WEsometimesEor Alt + F4) and shut
down the computer (Alt + F4).
18. Use the Right Mouse Button
The right mouse button brings up menus that provide more options. Try
right clicking on the desktop background and selecting properties. Or right
click on the Start Menu.
19. Clean up your desktop
Save to My Documents, not on your desktop. Throw away unwanted files
and shortcuts.
20. Modify Your Desktop
Right mouse click the desktop picture and select Properties. Click on the
tab to change screen resolution, background images, Windows style and
more.
21. Use Windows Explore to Find and Organize
One of the most unsung heroes of Windows, Explore gives you a full view
of everything on your computer. Take time to explore Explore!
22. Use Desktop Quick launch
Unclutter your desktop by using Quick Launch. Right click on the Taskbar
at the bottom of the screen and select Toolbars > Quick Launch. Now you
can drag and drop application and folder short cuts to the Taskbar.
23. Learn to Use and Modify Window Views
Open any Windows window (which is in the department of redundancy
department) and go to the View menu. Try different choices to see which one
works best for you.
WORD PROCESSING
24. Use Word Processing Templates
Save time by create templates for repetitive documents. AppleWorks and
MS Word allow you to Save As and then select Template. Templates
contain all the common elements of a document that you might user over
and over such as a parent letter, lesson plan or letter of resignation!
25. Learn Trouble shooting Strategies
Under Help! On the Bethel Home Page follow the prompts to
troubleshooting and maintenance tips.
25A. Take time to stretch!
If you sit at a computer for more than 30 minutes at a time, get up and
stretch your arms and legs and loosen up your neck. Shake your hands
and walk around. Be good to yourself by setting up your computer work
area so that it is ergonomically sound.
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