How Do I Create A Shortcut On My Desktop?

I get asked this question a lot. It is much easier to look for a shortcut on your desktop than to go searching through your files and try to remember where you put something. Or maybe you are looking for a web site that you frequent often and don't want to type in the URL every time.

I will start by explaining how to put a shortcut to My Documents on the desktop.

1. Begin by left clicking the Microsoft start button, the one you use to shut down the computer.
   This brings up a menu screen.
2. Windows 7 users you will see Documents show up on the right side of the menu.
3. Run your pointer up to it and right click on it.
4. When this menu pops up, run your pointer down to Send To.
5. Another menu pops up. This time choose Desktop (create shortcut)
6. When you go back to your desktop, there it is!
7. Use this method to create a shortcut for any file or folder in your documents

For Windows XP users, you already have a shortcut on your desktop for My Documents. Click on the shortcut to open it. Run your pointer to a file or folder you want to show on the desktop and right click it. Then follow steps 4 - 6 above.

My Computer Profile

One of the most invaluable little free programs I have found is called Belarc Advisor. Once you download it to your computer, it creates a complete picture of what is inside. In other words, a complete profile. The operating system you have, the processor, the size of your drives, how much RAM memory is installed and the main circuit board serial number. Why is this necessary you ask? If you have ever taken to upgrading any components, you need to know what works with what. Even if you send your computer out to be upgraded or repaired, it is helpful to hand over a copy of the computer profile.

If you want a peek inside, download here: Belarc Advisor

It is a great way to view what is inside. However if it says you have a problem and you need to correct it, a good rule of thumb is to call in a professional.

How to Clear and Delete Recent Documents List in
Office 2007 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Click on Office button, and then click on Word Options (in Word 2007) or Excel Options (in Excel 2007) or PowerPoint Options (in PowerPoint 2007) in the bottom of Office Menu.
•  Go to the Advanced tab.
•  Scroll down to the Display section
• Set the value for Show this number of Recent Documents: to 0 (zero)

Free Resources To Protect Your Computer

Security and virus issues can bring your system down in a heartbeat. There are free security resources available to keep your system clean and protected from these malicious virus's and malware. Listed below are excellent free resources.

Microsoft Security Essentials
Malwarebytes
Ad-Aware
Spybot-Search & Destroy
Avast

Do You Know The Difference Between a Web Browser and a Search Engine?

A web browser is a software application that resides on your computer and allows people to access, retrieve and view information on the internet. Examples of browsers are Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox for PC’s. Safari for MAC’s.

A search engine is a software application that resides on the Internet and is used to point you in the right direction of a website that relates to the words you type in the search box. Examples of search engines are Google, Bing, Yahoo Search.

Three Reasons Why You Need Virus Protection

A Virus?
Viruses are self-executing, self-replicating programs. They alter the way a computer operates without the knowledge or permission of the user. When activated, viruses may damage files, cause erratic system behavior, or display annoying messages. The ability to self-replicate differentiates viruses from Trojan horses, worms, and other virus-like programs.

A Worm?
A worm is a self-replicating virus that does not alter files but resides in active memory and duplicates itself. Worms use parts of an operating system that are automatic and usually invisible to the user. It is common for worms to be noticed only when their uncontrolled replication consumes system resources, slowing or halting other tasks.

A Trojan Horse?
Trojan horses are malicious programs disguised as something benign. They've been known to pose as games, utilities, and email attachments. Once opened, Trojan horses act much differently than you expect. Some merely annoy, sending emails to everyone in your address book. Others do serious damage, to the point of stealing passwords and data files. Unlike viruses, Trojan horses are not self-replicating.

Active Trojan horses are an advanced type of Trojan horse. They use unprotected ports to open lines of communication with your computer, and they can ultimately give hackers control over your machine. Active Trojan horses are also called Remote Access Trojans

Are you familiar with the terms Desktop? Icons? Wallpaper? Task Bar? Windows?

The desktop is your work surface. It is the screen you see once your computer has finished booting up and you are ready to get started.  The small pictures are shortcuts to programs called icons. Double-click icons to start a program. Clicking the Start button also shows a list of programs and other options on the computer. The blue bar across the bottom of the screen is the Task Bar. Here you can see the clock in the far right, and also what programs are open on your computer. Windows are the number of programs you are actively working in.