Archive for March, 2009

Make a Shortcut

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

You tired of going into 10 folders to find the one you need? Just make a shortcut on the desktop right to that folder… All you have to do is right click on the folder and select Send To Desktop.

Easy Copy Paste Option

Monday, March 30th, 2009

Instead of using your mouse and selecting copy paste options…. Just hit Control C on your keyboard for copying and Control V for pasting text or pictures. It is a lot faster then you might think.

Password Protect Your Computer

Friday, March 27th, 2009

You can easily add a password to your user account to keep unwanted people out of your computer.

To add a password in Windows XP or Windows Vista do the following:

Click on start then control panel, make sure you are in classic view (upper left corner), then click on user accounts and click on add/change your password.

LCD Cleaning

Thursday, March 26th, 2009

Keeping your LCD screen clean will ensure you are getting the best possible picture from the screen. The best way to clean your screen is to use a shame clothe. If you have some hard to remove spots you may to use a little water but do not use any kind of cleaners as they can be harmful to the screen surface.

Mouse Cleaning

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009

It is a good idea to routinely clean the build-up from the bottom of your mouse. This will help to keep it moving as smoothly as possible. The easiest way to do this is use a fingernail or a flat screwdriver to scrape it off.

Surge Protectors

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

Many computers are damaged from power surges. Surges can come thru your power line as well as thru your phone line. A surge protector is an inexpensive way to protect your computer and other equipment from being damaged from surges. If you have a phone line connected to your pc then it is highly recommended to have a surge protector with phone line protection as well.

Pop-ups

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

Pop-ups can be very annoying but they can also be harmful to your computer. It is best not to click on pop-ups while browsing the internet as they can infect your computer with malware. It is best to have a pop-up blocker enabled or installed. Most browsers like Internet Explorer and Firefox have pop-up blockers built right in.

You can check to see if your pop-up blocker is enabled by opening up Internet Explorer, click on Tools, then click pop-up blocker and make sure it is enabled.

Backing Up Your Data

Friday, March 20th, 2009

The data on your hard drive is the most critical item inside your computer, and the only item which can
not be replaced.

5 Simple Ways To stay protected:

1. USB Flash Drives
2. Burn Data To Disks
3. External Hard Drive
4. Extra Hard Drives in system
5. Online Storage (stop in to Computers On The Run to learn about our Affordable Automated Off-site backup solution)

Cleaning Your PC

Thursday, March 19th, 2009

Many people don’t think of their computer when doing a bit of cleaning around the home, but perhaps
they should. It is recommended to remove the dust from the fans inside your computer monthly to prevent overheating and system failure. Come in to Computers On The Run and buy a can or air for this task. Only use canned air or an air compressor to clean your computer. Never use a vacuum on your computer.

Steps to blowing out your computer:

1. Turn off and unplug all cables from your computer
2. Take your computer outdoors or to another well ventilated area
3. Remove the side panel from the pc which is usually held on by 2 screws or a latch
4. Blow out any fans and other areas you see that have accumulated dust

Wireless Security

Wednesday, March 18th, 2009

Make sure you are protected from others using your internet for free or seeing what is on your home
PC. The easiest way to keep your wireless router protected is by using a WEP key to limit access to your network. The process for setting this up varies depending on the brand of router you own. The best thing to do to set this up is look in your owners manual that came with your router or you can use the CD that came with the router which will help to walk you thru this process. Be sure to make a not of your WEP key in case you ever need to re-enter it.