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Welcome to this week's edition of the Computer Kindergarten Newsletter.
Today is Sunday, March 28, 2004
Thursday is April Fools day -- Don't get fooled!
In this Issue:
Special Feature: Windows Updates
Tips & Tricks: Keyboard Shortcut – Change to Double Spacing in Microsoft Word
Tips & Tricks: AOL 9.0 Mail Quick View
This Week's Topic: Identity Theft – Protect Yourself
Question: Outlook: Setup Mail Auto Check Time
Question: Print Folder Contents
Websites of Interest: April Fools Day; For the Kids – An Online Coloring Book; Federal Citizen Information Center; Aurora Borealis
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Using Links
A Link is a reference to a website. In this newsletter you will see links to
many worthwhile, informative and fun websites. Here are the instructions on
how to use links:
A link will be used one of two ways, depending on your email program.
If you see the link in blue, underlined text, all you have to do is click on
it and a window with the Website in it will automatically appear on your
screen.
If you see the link in plain text, you can copy and paste it into the address
bar on your browser. Highlight the link with your mouse, click Edit up on
the menu bar, and then click Copy from the menu that you just opened up. Open
your browser (click the Start Button, point to Programs, click on Internet
Explorer); click on the address bar. Click Edit up on the menu bar, and then
click Paste from the menu that you just opened up. Press the Enter key on the
keyboard and this will take you to the Website.
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Special Feature: Windows Updates
Question: I recently got a new computer with Windows XP on it. Every time I turn it on, it asks me to download the Windows updates. When I click to download them, there are always quite a few listed. How do I know which ones I need? It takes forever to download them. Do I need all of them? Thanks for this great newsletter. It has been a lifesaver at times.
Answer:
If they are critical updates, you really do need to download them. If they are not, then it is up to you to decide. For example, if you read the description of the update and it refers to Microsoft Outlook, and you do not use Outlook, then you do not have to download it.
If downloading them is a problem because of a slow Internet connection, Microsoft has these updates on CDs, which you can order free of charge.
You can order your own update CD at:
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/cd/order.asp
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Please tell your neighbors, friends and family about our classes and our
email newsletter.
If you would like us to send this newsletter to a friend, please send your
name and their email address to info@computerkindergarten.com with the words
Subscribe to Newsletter in the subject line of the email.
If you think a friend or family member would like to attend our classes,
we'll send them a printed list of upcoming classes. Send a stamped,
self-addressed envelope to: STSI - Class Schedule, 50 Lee Avenue, Babylon NY 11702.
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Tips & Tricks: Keyboard Shortcut – Change to Double Spacing in Microsoft Word
To quickly change the line spacing in Word from single to double, highlight the text you want to change and then press Ctrl 2 for double space or Ctrl 1 for single space.
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If you are reading this newsletter because someone forwarded it to you, there are directions for subscribing at the end of this newsletter. Or you can go to our website at http://stsico.com/html/newsletter.html where you can subscribe and view our newsletter archives.
http://stsico.com/html/newsletter.html
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Tips & Tricks: AOL 9.0 Mail Quick View
You can take a quick look at what is in your e-mail by pointing your mouse over the mailbox icon on the top left hand side of the AOL Window.
When you do that, you will see the Mail Quick View window. This window lists the sender and subject of the 10 most recent e-mail messages in your box. If you move the pointer over one of the entries, the box shows more of the subject line, plus the time or day that the message arrived.
Click one of the entries in the Quick View window to open the email in its own Read Mail window.
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Manual: Computer Cleanup and Safety
One of the worst innovations in recent years is the invention of the pop-up window – unwanted advertising windows that appear on your screen when you visit some Web sites.
Learn how to stop pop up windows, cookies, spy ware, viruses and much more in our manual, Computer Cleanup and Safety.
To order a copy of this manual, send a check or money order in the amount of $9.95 made payable to Sharper Training Solutions, Inc., to Book Orders, 50 Lee Avenue, Babylon NY 11702. Please include your name, address and a phone number (for any questions about your order).
To view the complete contents of this manual, visit our website:
http://stsico.com/html/cleanupcontents.html
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Today's Topic: Identity Theft – Protect Yourself
In 2003 alone, almost 10 million Americans were victims of identity theft.
Identity theft occurs when someone uses a persons personal information like name, address, date of birth, Social Security number and mothers maiden name, without that persons knowledge or permission, to intentionally gain access to their financial accounts. Thieves have used this information to buy cars and other expensive items, apply for loans, rent apartments and many other things.
Most identity theft involves the U.S. Mail. Here are some tips from the U.S. Postal Service to help you protect yourself from identity theft:
- Never leave mail in your mailbox overnight or on weekends.
- Deposit mail in U.S. Postal Service collection boxes. Do not leave it in your mailbox for the mail carrier to pick up.
- Shred and destroy unwanted documents that contain personal information.
- Review your credit reports annually.
The Internet provides a very convenient way to shop and can be used safely if you know what to look for. Never give your credit card number or any other personal information at a website unless it offers a secure transaction.
A secure transaction, also known as an encrypted transaction, will have these two features:
1. A picture of a closed padlock appears on the status bar of the browser window. That’s the grey bar that runs across the bottom of the Internet Explorer Window, or, if you are using AOL, the bottom of the window that has your shopping site in it. If you are using Internet Explorer and do not see the status bar, click View on the menu and then click Status bar.
2. The address of the website begins with https instead of http.
If you see these two things, you know that the website will encrypt and protect your personal information.
For more information on identity theft and tips on how to protect yourself, visit these websites:
Postal Service http://usps.com/postalinspectors/idtheftips.htm
Federal Trade Commission http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/
Department of Justice http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/cybercrime/usamarch2001_3.htm
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Do you have friends who aren't as computer literate as you but would like to
be? Tell them to attend our Computer Kindergarten for Grownups class at the
library. To send them our schedule, send a stamp, self-addressed envelope to:
STSI, Class Schedule, 50 Lee Avenue, Babylon NY 11702.
Or, visit our website and print our schedule:
http://stsico.com/html/classes.html
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Question: Outlook: Setup Mail Auto Check Time
I just switched to Optimum Online and am using Outlook for my email. I always have to click on the Send/Receive button to get my email. Can you tell me how to automatically receive messages when I open Outlook?
Answer:
Both Outlook and Outlook Express can periodically check for new email messages. The timing on how often they do that can be set by you. When you first start using either of these programs, the time between checks is usually very long.
Here are the steps to decrease the time between checks:
Microsoft Outlook
On the menu bar, click Tools and then Options.
In the Options dialog box, click the Mail Setup Tab across the top and then the Send/Receive button.
Click the box in front of Schedule an automatic receive every. You will see a checkmark appear in the box. Decrease the number of minutes Outlook waits to check for new email by clicking the small down arrow next to the number in that box.
Click the Close button and then the OK button.
Outlook Express
On the menu bar, click Tools and then Options.
In the Options dialog box, click the General Tab across the top. In the Send/Receive Messages section, make sure there is a checkmark in the box next to Check for new messages every. Decrease the number of minutes OE waits to check for new email by clicking the small down arrow next to the number in that box.
Click the OK button.
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Question: Print Folder Contents
I have many files in the My Documents folder. I would like to print a list of these filenames. How can I do this?
Answer:
Unfortunately, there is no feature in windows that will allow you to do this. You can, however, find programs on the Internet that you can download, for free, that will provide this feature.
Go to your favorite search engine (ex. yahoo.com) and do a search on
Print Directory Contents
You will get many search results – take a look at these to see which one looks good for your needs. Make sure the one you choose is compatible with your version of windows and that the website seems to provide adequate operating instructions.
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If you are enjoying this newsletter and find the information useful, please
feel free to forward it to your friends and family members. If you would like
us to subscribe a friend, please send your name and their email address to
info@computerkindergarten.com with the words Subscribe to Newsletter in the
subject line of the email.
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Websites of Interest:
April Fools Day
Tuesday is April Fools Day. What is April Fools Day and how did it begin? See what this website has to say:
http://www.web-holidays.com/fools/
Want to play an April Fools practical joke on someone but cannot think of a good one? This site may help with the Web's biggest collection of April Fools Day freebies including practical jokes, gags, pranks, free gag software and more.
http://www.thefreesite.com/Seasonal_Freebies/April_Fools/
Send an April Fools e-card to your friends and family, free at:
http://freewebcards.com/cards/aprilfools/
For the Kids – An Online Coloring Book
Pick out a picture to color, choose color or pattern, and click to color.
http://www.coloring.com/pictures/choose.cdc
Federal Citizen Information Center
The FCIC provides a tremendous amount of information about the Federal Government and consumer issues. At this website, you can get information and answers to questions on everything that the FCIC has available.
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/
Aurora Borealis
See the beauty in these amazing photographs. You can click on each photo to enlarge it. To see photos from different days, click on the dates on the right side.
http://www.aurorawebcam.com/photos.php?page=gallery_3_13_2004
If you have a favorite website that you think might be of interest to members
of this newsletter, email the address and a short description to
info@computerkindergarten.com and we'll spotlight it in an upcoming newsletter.
Does your business, club, organization or group have a website that you think
would be interesting or useful to members of this newsletter? If so, email
the address and a short description to info@computerkindergarten.com and we'll
spotlight it in an upcoming newsletter.
Do you know of any holidays or observations coming up that you'd like us to
spotlight in this newsletter? If so, let us know; we'll research them and list
some websites here. Send an email to info@computerkindergarten.com.
Questions? Send an email to info@computerkindergarten.com.
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