·         Latest Computer Recommendations - Click here to see what specifications give you the most bang for your buck with new computers purchases, whether they are desktops or laptops.

·         Memory Keys - Many computer manufacturers now offer memory keys small enough to fit on your keychain.  In the old days of floppy disk, you could transport 1.44 MB of data.  With a memory key, you can transport hundreds of megabytes of data simply by plugging the key into a USB port on any PC!  These are well worth the money and are recommended for data transfer.

·         Email Settings - Click here to see precisely how to configure Outlook Express to work with a domain name purchase.  This configuration will make all your outgoing emails appear to be sent by you@yourdomainname.com.

·         Processors - When buying a new computer you should purchase one that uses an Intel Pentium IV processor or better.  For proper performance some business and MLS applications require the Intel Pentium IV.  And again, we now recommend you purchase Windows XP Professional, not the Home Edition.

·         Windows Update - The online extension of Windows that helps you to keep your computer up-to-date. Use Windows Update (http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com) to choose updates for your computer’s operating system, software, and hardware. New content is added to the site regularly, so you can always get the most recent updates and fixes to protect your computer and keep it running smoothly.  For information on configuring your computer to automatically update (recommended), click here.

• Taskbar - Enhance your taskbar by adding additional toolbars to it.  You can add an Address bar, Links, or your own customized toolbar (choose New Toolbar) which will give you fast easy access to folders and files.  Just right-click on the taskbar and choose Toolbars.

·         Error Reporting - Windows XP has integrated Error Reporting to help software developers avoid program malfunctions.  If a program you are using suddenly crashes, you may be prompted with Error Reporting dialogue and the option to send the information to Microsoft.  The information you are sending isn't personal data on you or your machine, but simply the programming which malfunctioned.  Microsoft analyzes crash data and will apply fixes to common problems to upcoming Windows Updates.

·         Shortcut Keys - Launch your most commonly used applications with keyboard shortcuts!  Right-click on the application icon, choose Properties, Shortcut. Click in the Shortcut key box, hold down the Alt key and press the key you wish to associate with the shortcut.  Click OK.  Press Ctrl-Alt-key to launch your application!

·         Internet Explorer 7 - Microsoft has released its newest version (7.0) of Internet Explorer.  Note that this version uses more RAM (memory).  It is suggested that you have 1 GB RAM before you upgrade to this version.  You can download version 7.0 by going to: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/IE/.

·         System Resource Meter can track system resource use.  When running it resides in your System Tray on the Taskbar.  The more applications you have open and running, the more system resources are used up.  To install the Resource Meter, go to the Control Panel and choose Add/Remove Programs.  Under the Windows Setup tab, go to System tools (Win98).  Check the box by System Resource Meter.  After installed, you will find the Meter under Programs/Accessories/System Tools.

·         Digital Camera Settings - Most cameras let you select from three compression (or 'quality') settings, such as Best, Better, and Good.  Whenever possible, use the highest quality setting.  If you really need to fit more images onto a nearly full card, switch to the second highest setting.  But don't go any lower than that or your pictures will suffer.  Also, use the highest 'resolution' setting.  You can reduce the quality and resolution later when you edit your photos.

·         Restart Windows in a Flash - Do you get tired waiting for Windows to restart?  Sometimes it can take ages to shutdown completely.  Next time, hold down the Shift key as you click OK in the Shut Down Windows dialog (with the "Restart the computer?" radio button selected).  Windows will then restart itself without shutting down the entire computer.

·         Windows Explorer - Using the Details View you can add additional columns by right-clicking on the column heading bar and checking another choice, or choose More... One of the better choices (under More...) is called Accessed. This shows the last date that you touched a file, and whether or not you saved changes to it, which is what the Modified column shows. Sorting files by their Accessed date is a good way to prune files you haven't looked at in years.

• View web pages offline: You can have Internet Explorer automatically save web pages for viewing when offline. When on a page you want to view later offline, click Favorites on the Menu or Tool Bar, then Add to Favorites. Then check the Make available offline box. If you want additional pages that are part of or linked to that page or site, then click the Customize button and work through the Wizard.
• Easy entry of web addresses: As browsers have gotten smarter, they've made it easier to type Web addresses. With updated versions of Internet Explorer you can type just the central part of the URL name (without the periods on either side) and then press Ctrl+Enter to add the "http://www." and ".com".
• Saving an Image from the Web: I always say how valuable right-clicking is. One thing you can do with it is save a graphic image from a Web page to your hard drive. Right-click the image and select Save Picture As. Then choose the folder where you want the image and the filename. For hands-on practice, consider taking an Intermediate Windows class.
• Full Screen View: To see more of a web page (using IE), choose View, Full Screen, or just press F11. The entire screen will show the page. To return to the regular view (full toolbars, etc.), press F11 again or click the Restore button in the upper-right corner.
• Preferred search engine: www.google.com. 
• "Find" a word or phrase on a web page - Using Internet Explorer you can "Find" a word or phrase within a Web page. Press Ctrl+F and you get the Find dialog box.
• Random Access Memory (RAM), or variations of RAM (DDR, SD, RD, etc.), is the item that most likely needs to be upgraded when purchasing a new computer.  The recommended amount of RAM today is 1 GB.  This number is always going up since software programs continue to demand more and more from your computer - so you can never have too much!
• Although Microsoft Internet Explorer is good at remembering passwords and for filling in forms, the best method to keep address and credit card information handy is to use Roboform software, found at www.roboform.com.  Roboform does cost to install, but doesn't install unwanted programs like other form-filling applications such as Gator can.
• Obtain your own unique, permanent web address and e-mail address.  You'll never have to change your advertising or business cards again! For more info on this visit: www.semntechnology.com.
• When sending e-mail to multiple users (who don't know each other really well), use the 'BCC' option (Blind Courtesy Copy).  Address the mail to yourself, and BCC everyone else.  The message will still be delivered to every intended recipient, but their e-mail address won't be shared with everyone else. It is polite to respect people's privacy this way, plus it reduces wasted space with all those names. Attend an e-mail class to get hands-on experience doing this.
• Check out the performance of your internet browser software by going to this site:  http://www.browsertune.com/bt2kfast/ .  Highly automated and safe way to check all aspects of your browser software (e.g., Microsoft Internet Explorer).
• Buying a new computer?  Dell Computer has a discount program for NAR members. Use the toll-free number specifically for NAR members: 1-877-648-3355.
• Receive faxes by e-mail. Simply sign up for a personal eFax number. Then, when people send faxes to your eFax number, you receive them as email attachments.  This is a free service offered at http://www.efax.com.

Copyright © 2007 Southeast Minnesota Technology, LLC