[franca]

Q. How can Favorites in Internet Explorer be alphabetized? I've got many lumps of folders scattered among many individual links. I want to have all the folders alphabetized in one section and the links in another.

A. Internet Explorer simply adds new Favorites to the end of the list. Over time, you can easily end up with a mess. However, the mess is easy to clean up in Internet Explorer 5 and 6.


To start, open Internet Explorer. Click Favorites in the main menu (the menu that also includes File, Edit and View). Right-click any Favorite in the list and select "Sort by Name." Internet Explorer will alphabetize the Favorites, listing folders first.

However, Internet Explorer does not automatically sort Favorites inside folders. To alphabetize a list within a folder, first click Favorites from the main menu. Point to a folder until it shows its contents. Then right-click anything in the folder's list. Select "Sort by Name."

You'll have to alphabetize the contents of each folder individually.

This method works only from Internet Explorer's main menu. The Favorites button, which shows your list in a sidebar, does not offer the "Sort by Name" option.

The same trick works on the All Programs list in Windows' Start menu. It's handy if your program list takes up most of the screen as mine does.

By the way, you can switch to the more secure Firefox browser and take all of your Favorites with you. My tip on switching to Firefox gives the steps. In Firefox, Favorites are called Bookmarks. Firefox organizes them much like Internet Explorer and has the "Sort by Name" feature. It also allows you to search your Bookmarks by keyword.

[franca]

the consumer launch of Windows Vista...the next generation of Microsoft's operating system that runs on 95% of the world's computer.

Do you need the upgrade? The short answer is "NO".

Will you have a choice if you buy a new computer? No, unless you choose to buy an Apple computer.

Is the new Windows Vista that much better than Windows XP? No. In fact there are very few new features in Windows Vista. The only feature that has been added that has some value is the Instant Search built in to the operating system. This allows you to search for documents or programs from almost any screen on your computer. Interesting fact, however, is that this is possible now with tools like Google Desktop Search, Yahoo Desktop Search, and Microsoft's own Live Search for Windows XP. Other than that, much of Windows Vista is more aesthetics and visual fluff than actual usability and productivity.

[shebe]

If you want details about the inner workings of your PC or for the novice who doesn't know which Bios or Motherboard is installed this tells all. Not sure if anyone recommend this one yet: I think it's nickname is, "Sandra."
http://www.sisoftware.net/

[Danyo]

The freeware version of Sandra is at this link:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4664

[franca]

Q. Did you notice that you must purchase a codec to play DVDs in Windows Vista Enterprise? I understand there are two Vista versions that include codecs. I thought Enterprise edition is the top-of-the-line version. I don't want to have to buy more software. How can I play DVDs on my computer?

A. First off, Enterprise is not the top-of-the-line version. Ultimate is, well, the ultimate version of Vista. It includes the features found in Enterprise and Home Premium.

Home Basic and Home Premium are geared toward home users. Business and Enterprise are aimed at business users. Ultimate is suitable for both home and business. All include Windows Media Player.

In order to play DVDs using Windows Media Player, you need the correct codec. Codec is short for compressor/decompressor.

Vista Home Premium and Ultimate include a codec. With other Vista versions, you need to find one. People encountered this same problem in earlier versions of Windows.

As you noticed, vendors are happy to sell you a codec. But you’ll have to shell out $15 or $20.

Many manufacturers supply a DVD codec with their DVD drives. But Vista Enterprise requires a clean installation. So anything on the computer, including the codec, would have been erased. You could re-install the codec if you still have the DVD software. The manufacturer also may have the codec on its site. Both assume the codec works on Vista.

Additionally, you may find a free codec on the Internet. But this isn’t the most desirable route. You’ll come across sites that could install malware.

Microsoft advises against installing codecs that aren’t listed on WMPlugins.com. They could cause problems with Windows Media Player.

I recommend downloading a program that has codecs built in. Players that handle DVDs include VLC Media Player and Media Player Classic. Both are free.

If you download one of these programs, you’ll have to use it to watch DVDs. But you might prefer that to spending money on a codec.

[franca]

Auto Reboot Remover (Windows, Mac)

Windows is a little bit of a nag when it comes to restarting your machine after you have applied a security update. I can’t tell you the amount of times I have been in the middle of a game or writing an article when that little box comes up saying the machine will reboot in 5 min unless you click on delay button. Which just means it will pop up again in 10 min.

With Auto Reboot Remover it removes that popup box and doesn’t require you to reboot when IT would like you to. But you still have to reboot every once in a while otherwise those security updates won't protect your machine.

Here

[franca]

Margaret called from Columbus, OH. A few weeks ago, she got a virus on her computer. She got rid of it. Or so she thought.

Now she is getting messages that the virus is still on her computer. She can't figure out what is going on.

Well, Margaret, it sounds like the virus is in your system restore points. Windows takes snapshots of your system at various intervals. If something goes wrong, you can roll Windows back to one of these points. Unfortunately, those snapshots include viruses and other malware.

So you need to erase the restore points. Click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click System. On the System Restore tab, check "Turn off System Restore on all drives." Click Apply>>OK. Reboot your computer. Then, open System Restore and reverse the change you just made. Run your anti-virus software again. The warnings should be gone.

From Kim Komando web-site...

[ferrija1]

Originally Posted by franca

Margaret called from Columbus, OH. A few weeks ago, she got a virus on her computer. She got rid of it. Or so she thought.

Now she is getting messages that the virus is still on her computer. She can't figure out what is going on.

Well, Margaret, it sounds like the virus is in your system restore points. Windows takes snapshots of your system at various intervals. If something goes wrong, you can roll Windows back to one of these points. Unfortunately, those snapshots include viruses and other malware.

So you need to erase the restore points. Click Start>>Control Panel. Double-click System. On the System Restore tab, check "Turn off System Restore on all drives." Click Apply>>OK. Reboot your computer. Then, open System Restore and reverse the change you just made. Run your anti-virus software again. The warnings should be gone.

From Kim Komando web-site...

That's a great thing to do.

[franca]

AVG AntiVirus Upgrade

The calls are starting to ramp up wondering about AVG's messages regarding the discontinuation of their anti-virus. The message is a little alarming, but rest assured that AVG (Grisoft) is NOT going out-of-business and for home users the product will remain free. Although Grisoft is discontinuing support and updates for their current version, they have released a new version of their popular and highly effective program called AVG 7.5. No need to worry, just follow the steps below to continue receiving the best anti-virus protection available today.

Upgrading to AVG 7.5 is not too bad. If you are using a broadband Internet connection , the download will only take a few moments. If you are a dial-up customer, the download will take about one to two hours. Here are the directions for properly upgrading to the newest edition of AVG Antivirus:

1. Download the AVG Free Edition 7.5 setup program (by clicking this link).
2. Save this file on your hard drive (preferably the Desktop)
3. When the download finishes, double-click the file to start the installation.
4. Click "Next" on the AVG "Welcome!" screen
5. Click "Accept" on the "License Agreement on Use of an AVG Free Edition" screen
6. Select "Repair installation" on the "Select Setup Type" screen and click "Next"
7. Select "Restart the computer now" (pre-selected by the program automatically) and click "OK" on the "Installation Complete!" screen to restart your computer and complete the installation
8. Be sure to RIGHT Click the AVG icon by your clock and then Check for Updates as well once the computer restarts

That should do it. Most of your AVG settings (if you changed them) should remain the same, but you can check them by entering the AVG Control Center by double-clicking the AVG icon by your clock.

[ferrija1]

How To Clean a dSLR lens.
http://digital-photography-school.co...my-dslrs-lens/

[franca]

Q. I’ve heard that there is going to be a big problem when we switch to daylight-saving time this year. Since it is happening earlier, computers aren’t going to be able to handle the change. Will this affect computers everywhere? And what about our home computers? I’m worried.

A. This is a bit reminiscent of the Y2K crisis. But don’t start hoarding water and canned goods! Most people have nothing to worry about.


This year, daylight-saving time will begin three weeks earlier on March 11. It will also end a week later. This is enough to confuse most people.

But it has the potential to create troubles with your computer. Computers automatically adjust their clock to daylight-saving time. However, the date that daylight-saving time kicks in is programmed into the software.

Daylight-saving time was changed due to the 2005 Energy Policy Act. So your computer could have the incorrect date to switch.

This is inconvenient. But you could probably work around it. However, Microsoft has already pushed out a patch for Windows XP. So if you have XP, and it’s updated, you’re OK. If you haven’t updated XP lately, now is a good time.

I know I have some listeners who use Windows Vista and Office 2007. The change was built in to both. So you don’t have to worry about it.

Most software uses the Windows clock, so your software should be fine, too. But if you’re uncertain, check with manufacturers for a patch.

The Microsoft patch requires Windows XP Service Pack 2. If you’re still on Service Pack 1, you’re out of luck. You should upgrade to Service Pack 2.

Businesses could be hit hard by the switch. They often have custom systems that will need to be updated. But that is unlikely to have serious impacts on individuals.

Now, there are a couple of things you should consider. For three weeks after March 11, you’ll want to be careful when making appointments via Outlook. Even though your calendar is correct, the other party’s might not be. Call to confirm if in doubt.

Other gadgets around the house may also have problems. You’re probably used to changing the dates manually. But if they update automatically for daylight-saving time, contact the manufacturer. There may be patches to fix them.

You should also pay attention to the calendar on your phone, handheld or smartphone. These will likely need patches. Check your manufacturer’s support site.

To find out if you need to update Windows or your Windows phone, visit Microsoft’s site.

[luongtech]

Open Internet Explorer in kiosk mode. Please explain, is there any useful to it?

thanks,

[luongtech]

Originally Posted by franca

Open Internet Explorer in kiosk mode.

A friend wanted Internet Explorer to open in Kiosk mode. In this view, there is nothing at the top, and nothing at the bottom. No toolbars, no taskbar. Nothing.

Well, you can set that up automatically. You can use the current icon, or create a new one. I recommend the latter, so you're not locked into Kiosk mode.

Start by right-clicking an empty area on the desktop. Select New>>Shortcut. In the box, enter "C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\IEXPLORE.EXE" -k. Name it IE Kiosk.

Of course, there are no navigation buttons. So you have to substitute keystrokes. For instance, there is no Back button. But you can use the Backspace key. There's no Forward button, either. So you use Alt+Right Arrow. And to close the window? Click Ctrl+W.

Click here for Microsoft's list of keyboard shortcuts

http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/keyboard.aspx

From Kim Komando.

what is Open Internet Explorer in kiosk mode. Please elaborate.

Thanks,

[ferrija1]

Originally Posted by luongtech

what is Open Internet Explorer in kiosk mode. Please elaborate.

Thanks,

It says it right in the post.

In this view, there is nothing at the top, and nothing at the bottom. No toolbars, no taskbar. Nothing.

[luongtech]

I guest, what I want to know is what is the advantage of doing that.