Questions and Answers
given by Panel at the General Meeting held on Wednesday 18 November 2009

(Please go to Tips & Tricks icon to see 2008 answers)

Index

1. My new printer has the facility to print labels for CDs & DVDs, could you explain how I do this?

2. Create an association in the control panel.

3. What is "Active X" and what is its purpose?  Is it necessary and OK to activate it?

4. My task bar has moved to one side instead of being at the bottom, how do I change it back and how did it happen?

5. How do I check a flash drive for viruses before opening it?

6. I write articles for newsletters, how can I avoid having some text overflowing or alternatively having a space at the bottom?  I try changing the text size from say 12 to 11, but this often still does not fill the space neatly.

7. My computer started behaving strangely a few days ago and also locks up frequently, is there anything I can do?

8. I am thinking of buying a Wireless Broadband adapter for my notebook.  How does it compare to DialUP or ADSL?

9. I often want to print a web page from the Internet but often it comes out completely different with parts missing. How can I print the full page?

10. In Outlook Express I have lost my address book icon, how can I get it back?

11. I have an older computer with very little free space left.  A friend suggested I Defrag the disk, but when I try, I get the message “ Insufficient space to Defrag”, what can I do?

12. In Outlook Express, I often try to add a new email address to my contacts by right clicking and selecting “

13. My two Spanish grandsons (7 and 11 years), in Denmark with their parents for this year plan to  Skype their Nana sometimes. Please tell me the basics of how this works.

14. I sometimes get the message when starting a program that there is not enough free memory. I know what free memory is, but how do I fix the problem?  This using XP with SR3.

15. Computer Pals recommends AVG as a very good free Anti-virus for Club members. What is the advantage, if any,in paying about $50 per year for a different one?

16. In Outlook Express Inbox some emails are shown in the subject column as {disarmed}. What does this mean?

17. The screen on my notebook dims when I use it on the battery, but it is OK when plugged into the power.

18. My grandchildren say …  “Grandma you should be on Facebook.”  What is Facebook?  Why should I be on Facebook?  How do I get on to Facebook?

19. I can delete an item from desktop, but how do I delete a file from screensaver.  It won’t go away.  

20. Why does the Youtube red slider pause so often until it ‘catches up’ and how can I increase the speed when I have large download limits from my ISP?

21. Can webcam slow my computer down if always plugged in?

22. AVG will not uninstall – it keeps coming back.
     

23. How many reader programs should you have on a computer?

24. How does one move around the Google toolbar?

25. In Excel how can I open multiple windows of different files?  I find one merely replaces the other.

26. Microsoft Word – Printing letters.  Previous letters, i.e. 2006, are dated but when I go to reprint a copy the date changes to the current days date.  I need the 2006 date to remain unchanged.

27. Publisher – Printing Business Cards .Clicked on a template with a coloured design showing, added a clipart and text but when I printed the card, the template pattern did not come up.   How do I keep the template design on the printed card?

28. When printing out an email, the print is very small.  How do I enlarge the print?

29. Sending photos via email XP 2003
    One person receives the email and is able to open it up and view O.K.
    The next person (sent the same as (1)) has the photo, but it is very large.
    How can they reduce the photo for viewing?  They have XP 2007.

Answers to Ask the Panel Questions November 2009         

1. My new printer has the facility to print labels for CDs & DVDs, could you explain how I do this?
   
   A: Presume it is a Canon, Canon utilities > Easy print tool box > Label print > New then fill in the text, add background or picture etc, follow the prompts.  Many more steps but not too difficult.  You will need the special CD holder draw provided with the printer.
   More info: Insert CD or DVD with a printable surface into the appropriate facility. Activate the Software that was provided with your Printer, and create an image to be printed on the CD/DVD face. NEVER ATTACH A PRINTED LABEL TO A CD OR DVD, as they tend to come off when using them in a machine.
    
2. Create an association in the control panel.
   
   A: There are multiple steps needed to set a file association to an application in control panel.  An easier way is to locate the file you want to open in My Documents, right click on the file and Select “Open with” and pick the application you want to use. Or you can choose “Chose program” and then tick the box “Always use this program” if you want to make it the association permanent.
   Another example: Incoming email PDF are opening in something other than Acrobat. Select Folder Options in the Control Panel, then File types, then navigate to the file type .PDF and change to open with Acrobat.
    
3. What is "Active X" and what is its purpose?  Is it necessary and OK to activate it?
   
   A:  ActiveX controls were first made available by Microsoft many years ago to add various user benefits to the Internet Explorer browser. They need to be activated in order to use some features of IE and some other programs.  Unfortunately they have also been used by some Malware for undesirable actions.  Your antivirus and firewall programs should control such undesirable actions.
   Active X is a framework for defining reusable software components (known as controls) that perform a particular function or a set of functions in Microsoft Windows in a way that is independent of the programming language used to implement them. A software application can then be composed from one or more of these components in order to provide its functionality.
    
4. My task bar has moved to one side instead of being at the bottom, how do I change it back and how did it happen?
   
   A: Click and drag it back to the bottom.  It wont move until you reach the bottom.  It is caused by accidentally dragging it in the first place.  It is easy to do if you are not watching carefully, or if the grandkids have been playing. To prevent it happening again, right click in the task bar and from the drop down menu, select Lock Task Bar.
    
5. How do I check a flash drive for viruses before opening it?
   
   A: Insert your flash drive in the USB port, Close the screen that comes up. Open My Computer. Right click your flash drive, and click scan. Usually mentions your Norton, McAphee, AVG or whatever anti-virus system you use to protect your computer. It will scan the flash drive.
   
    
6. I write articles for newsletters, how can I avoid having some text overflowing or alternatively having a space at the bottom?  I try changing the text size from say 12 to 11, but this often still does not fill the space neatly.
   
   A: You can highlight the text and then alter the font size by typing a fractional size, such as 10.7, rather than selection the full sizes shown on the list.  If it doesn't fit, try another fractional size.  There are other ways such as altering the line spacing by fractions, choosing a different font etc. Best thing: Come and do Advanced Word and Publisher classes for tips.
    
7. My computer started behaving strangely a few days ago and also locks up frequently, is there anything I can do?
   
   A: Could be many causes, but the easiest first step is to “Restore” your computer to an earlier date, prior to that when the problem occurred.
    
   Restore Feature in XP:
   Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click System Restore.
   On the Welcome screen, click Restore my computer to an earlier time, and then click Next.
   On the Select a Restore Point page, select the date from the calendar that shows the point you'd like to restore to, then click Next.
   On the Confirm Restore Point Selection page, verify that the correct restore point is chosen, and then close any open programs.
   Click Next if you are ready to proceed or click Back to change the restore point.
   The computer will shut down automatically and reboot. On reboot, you'll see the Restoration Complete page, and then click OK.
   You can repeat this if not what you needed BUT you will have an additional task to do - Undo my last restoration, on the System Restore Welcome page. Remember that you'll have to reinstall any programs that were installed after the restore point.
   None of your documents will be deleted, nor will any programs installed before the date you choose.
   In Vista: Click Start, Systems & Maintenance, Back Up & Restore Centre.
    
8. I am thinking of buying a Wireless Broadband adapter for my notebook.  How does it compare to DialUP or ADSL?
   
   A:  Wireless broadband is generally available in areas where there is 3G mobile phone access for the supplier of the Wireless broadband purchased. However the speed can  be dramatically effected by immediate surrounds, one recent example,  - in one room of a house the speed was 260 kbps, in a another, 1600 kpps. 
   The maximum theoretical speed is 7,200 kbbs, but more like 3,500Kbbps in general use, compared to 56 for dialup, 256 for ADSL low speed, 15,000 for ADSL+2.  Too Long to answer fully.
    
9. I often want to print a web page from the Internet but often it comes out completely different with parts missing. How can I print the full page?
   
   A: Maximise the window so it fills the screen then capture the screen by pressing the “print screen” key.  Then paste that image to any suitable word document or image program.  I prefer to paste into Irfanview.  Then print to a landscape page.
    
10. In Outlook Express I have lost my address book icon, how can I get it back?
    
    A: Select View > Layout > Customise tool bar > in the left hand box find “Addresses” then click the “add” button, > OK > OK.
     
11. I have an older computer with very little free space left.  A friend suggested I Defrag the disk, but when I try, I get the message “ Insufficient space to Defrag”, what can I do?
    
    A: Defrag is not intended to free up disk space although it can sometimes free up a very small amount.  However it requires at least 15% free space to work and you obviously do not have it.   You can remove some waste by using the Windows “Disk cleanup” by opening My Computer, right clicking on the hard disk > properties > Disk cleanup. However this it better to install and use Glary utilities or CCleaner which remove many more redundant files than the Windows tool.  In any case it is time for you to manually remove any old files you no longer need.
     
12. In Outlook Express, I often try to add a new email address to my contacts by right clicking and selecting “Add contact to my address book”, but later when I try to find them, they are not there?
    
    A: Many email addresses are nothing like the person's name, if you don't identify them immediately, you can “lose” them. As soon as you have added the address, note the first few characters, then go to your address book and find it. Right click on it > Properties > Name >  type in the the person's full name in the “Display” box and OK to save it.
     
13. My two Spanish grandsons (7 and 11 years), in Denmark with their parents for this year plan to Skype their Nana sometimes. Please tell me the basics of how this works.
    
    A: Skype is a free program which allows you to call other Skype users for no cost in most cases.  It enables you to use a special telephone type handset connected to your computer, to talk via the Internet.  It can be downloaded for free.  Skype calls to normal wired phones require you to open a small account, from which very low cost calls are deducted. The Skype website has a very good tutorial.  Each person must Create a Skype name. Activate the Skype button. Skype must be left on if the other party is to contact you. Or you could arrange with those you are contacting to be available at a specific time.
     
14. I sometimes get the message when starting a program that there is not enough free memory. I know what free memory is, but how do I fix the problem?  This using XP with SR3.
    
    A:  Virtual Memory (Paging file) A Paging file is an area on the hard disc that Windows uses as if it were RAM
    If your computer is partitioned, put virtual memory on a drive that has lots of disc space and increase the paging size
    How: Control Panel Systems > Advanced tab > Performance settings > Advanced tab > Virtual memory >  Change
    If the computer has free slots add additional RAM ( memory)
     
15. Computer Pals recommends AVG as a very good free Anti-virus for Club members. What is the advantage, if any, in paying about $50 per year for a different one?
    
    A: The price is a good reason - it's free. AT times some programs require the Anti-virus protection to be disabled to facilitate program loading.
     
16.  In Outlook Express Inbox some emails are shown in the subject column as {disarmed}. What does this mean?
    
    A: From the example given I think it may be a “spam” warning.
     
17. The screen on my notebook dims when I use it on the battery, but it is OK when plugged into the power.
    
    A: This is normal. It is done to save power and extend battery duration.  You can brighten the screen by clicking the correct keys for you notebook – often Fn + up arrow keys.  It can also be set to default brighter through “Control Panel”  > “Power settings”, but be prepared for reduced battery duration.
     
18. My grandchildren say …  “Grandma you should be on Facebook.”  What is Facebook?  Why should I be on Facebook?  How do I get on to Facebook?
    
    A: Facebook is a social networking site where users can insert messages, pictures etc to share with others. To use you must sign in. Search for Facebook in Google, open it and choose “Sign up for Facebook”, fill in your details and a password, then you can use Facebook.
     
19. I can delete an item from desktop, but how do I delete a file from screensaver.  It won’t go away.  
    
    A: Just change to a different screensaver or “None”.
    To delete a screensaver from your system completely is more complex.  It requires a search using *.SCR, but there can be additional steps required.
     
20. Why does the Youtube red slider pause so often until it ‘catches up’ and how can I increase the speed when I have large download limits from my ISP?
    
    A: Your download speed is too slow and the video stops to catch up. Your download limit has nothing to do with the speed it comes down. The speed depends on the type of service you have, e.g. Dialup, ADSL+2 or Cable. See Question 8 for more on this.
     
21. Can webcam slow my computer down if always plugged in?
    
    A: If it is not in use it should make no difference.
     
22. AVG will not uninstall – it keeps coming back.
    
    A: this can be a problem sometimes.  Do not uninstall via “Add Remove” programs, but use the uninstall under All Programs > AVG > Uninstall.  If that does not works.  Search for “Wiki answers” in Google, find Uninstall AVG and follow the instructions.
     
23. How many reader programs should you have on a computer?
    
    A: I presume you are referring to PDF readers, if so it does not matter if you have more than one, only one will be associated with PDFs at any time. So will open when you double click on a PDF file.  Foxit reader is the quickest to use and is free.
     
24.  
    How does one move around the Google toolbar?
     a)  If I close a tab then I exit Google – why?
     b)  To go to another website can I close the present one or just go to Home?
     c)  What do the various icons mean and do?
     d)  How do I save a page or document?  At present I do a ‘Print Screen’ or
                     highlight and Save As’ but this copies the entire document, which I do not
                     require.  When I reopen the doc it takes me back into Google, which I want
                     to avoid.  Is it possible to save as a PDF file?
    
     A:  Needs detailed answers. Too long to answer today. Join the Internet class.
     
25. In Excel how can I open multiple windows of different files?  I find one merely replaces the other.
    
    A: Simply open separate copies of Excel and then open each data file in each.
     
26. Microsoft Word – Printing letters.  Previous letters, i.e. 2006, are dated but when I go to reprint a copy the date changes to the current days date.  I need the 2006 date to remain unchanged.
    
     A:  Do not use “Insert date” when typing a document, but type in the date manually.
     
27. Publisher – Printing Business Cards .Clicked on a template with a coloured design showing, added a clipart and text but when I printed the card, the template pattern did not come up.   How do I keep the template design on the printed card?
    
     A:   We could not get the following problem to occur, suggest coming to a Publisher class.
     
28. When printing out an email, the print is very small.  How do I enlarge the print?
    
    If You are using Outlook Express, you cannot change the original email.  However if it you click on “Forward”, a copy of the email is opened and you can make alterations and print it.  Then cancel the “Forward” copy.
     
29. Sending photos via email XP 2003.
    One person receives the email and is able to open it up and view O.K.
    The next person (sent the same as (1)) has the photo, but it is very large.
    How can they reduce the photo for viewing?  They have XP 2007.
    
     A:  It can be affected by which email program they use and the settings of the computer screen resolution.  To resize the image they can click on the attachment to open it.  Then they can alter the settings in the imaging program which opens it.