Presidio Computer's Newsletter

Welcome to Volume 1, Number 7 edition of Presidio Computer's Newsletter.

Announcement: Presidio Computers is proud to announce a new design to its web site. This design was created by Mr. Richad Allen. In addition to design changes, a new feature has been added. You can now access previous issues of the newsletter, from that site.

1. Patches and service packs. A patch is a software program designed to fix a problem [bug] in the original program. A service pack [sp] is a collection of patches. Microsoft recently released service packs for Windows 2000 professional [#3], Internet Explorer 6, and Windows XP.

I have Windows 2000 Professional with SP2. I don't use IE 6, nor Windows XP. I do not recommend SP3 because it includes a feature that automatically notifies the PC user that updates are available from Microsoft's site. I don't want my PC going to a web site, when I'm downloading a file. I want to be in charge of my computer. Fortunately, SP3 can be uninstalled, most of the time.

I do not recommend these products, so I will not comment on their service packs. Scot Finney's recent newsletter has detailed information and opinions on the last 2 items.

Before you install any software, to include patches and service packs, be sure your computer data has been backed up to your satisifaction. Remember, Murphy was an optimist. "If something can go wrong, it will, at the worst possible time." [or something like that].

2. Lessons Learned.

Norton AntiVirus 2003 does not play well with Norton System Works 2002. A customer and I recently learned this the hard way. Another case of "the latest and greatest" not being so great. I still prefer Norton AntiVirus 2001. If your PC runs Windows 95, good luck finding an AntiVirus program that will run on Win 95.

3. Reference Material - there is a wealth of information available, often for free, on the Internet. [The veracity of the information presented is often debatable.]

For example, I think http://howto.lycos.com/lycos/ is an excellent source for computer instruction.

Do you want to dictionary? How about a thesaraus? www.m-w.com has each available, on line, for free.

Ruth Maran has published 5 series of computer instruction books. They are very good guides for beginners and a good reference manual for intermediate users of computer software. See: http://www.maran.com/series/index.html for index of her products. I use the "simplified" series books. See: http://www.maran.com/series/simplified/index.html for a list of publications in that series. Each book costs approximately $30.00.

4. Windows Tips

A. Beginner - "left clicking" vs "right clicking".

Your mouse usually has 2 buttons. It is common for many mice to have a wheel separating these 2 buttons. This information assumes that you use your mouse in your right hand. Position the mouse so that your index finger is to the left of the cord and your long finger is to the right of the cord. If you press the button directly under your index finger, you are "left clicking". If you press the button directly beneath your long finger, you are "right clicking".

1. Left clicking is used to select an item or initiate an action.

2. Right clicking will do 1 of 3 things: display a button entitled "what's this?", a menu, or nothing,

a. if you see "what's this?", left click on that button. An explanation will appear.

b. if a menu appears, left click on one of the items that appears.

B. Intermediate - Explore "right clicking"

Try this. Connect to the Internet. Look for a link. A link usually appears in a color different from the dominant text on a web page, or it is underlined. For example, at www.presidiocomputers.com, on the left column, you will see "About PC". Put your pointer over "About PC". The pointer will turn into a hand, with the index finger extended. Now, right click on "About PC". A menu will appear. Left click "open in new window". Your original [parent] window stays open, and an additional [child] window appears. This can improve your internet browsing [surfing] because you don't have to re-connect to the parent page. If you close out of the "child" page, the "parent" page is still open. This is particularly handy when you are looking through the results presented by your search engine.

C. Advanced - Beginning with Windows 98, you can set your mouse to open a folder or file by single left clicking, instead of double left clicking.

The following web sites have complete information.

http://www.geekgirls.com/windows_clicking.htm

http://howto.lycos.com/lycos/step/1,,9+27163+27169+27196,00.html

Note: Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP house "folder options" in the "control panel.

5. Advanced users. Here's a link to an excellent site. Scot Finney has a newsletter that puts this publication to shame. http://www.scotfinnie.com/

6. Networks

Recently, I've configured wireless networks for residential customers. One customer has computers in 2 levels of the house. The D-Link DI-614 wireless router and D-Link network cards [DWL-650] and [DWL-520] use 2.4 GHZ speed, but the signal penetrates much better than the 5 GHZ systems.

I've also converted my home network from wired to wireless, using D-Link products described above.

If you decide to go wireless, be sure to used 256 bit encryption.

For an overview of wireless networking, for your home or small business, see: http://www.dlink.com/products/DigitalHome/Wireless/WirelessSampleSetup.htm .

7. If you are installing new hardware or software, be sure to read the "system requirements" section. If your system meets the minimum requirments, but not the recommended requirements, consider the following: The minimum requirements to travel from Tucson to Chicago via wheels would be roller skates, or a scooter. The journey would be an adventure, but not necessarily enjoyable.

8. Back in the 1970's when video cassette tape recording became a consumer product, there were 2 competing formats, VHS and Beta. VHS won that battle. Now, there is a similar battle between competing formats for DVD recording; DVD-RAM and DVD+RW. See: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/D/DVD_RW.html for an explanation of terms. These formats are incompatible. Sony has recently introduced a device that will record DVDs using either the RAM format or the RW format. This device will also record CDs. You can read a review at: http://www.zdnet.com/supercenter/stories/overview/0,12069,562202,00.html .

As always, Presidio Computers, is available to assist you with any of the computer issues described above.

If you want your name removed from this mailing list, please let me know. Your name is not kept in an address book. Your name is neither shared with nor sold to anyone. You will not receive any junk mail from Presidio Computers.

The information contained in this newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. No guarantees nor warranties are expressly given nor implicitly implied.

Sincerely,
Ed Sloup
Presidio Computers, LLC
520 731 6446
www.presidiocomputers.com