By Debbie Green

Last month, we started a series of articles Learning to Work with Computers 101. We discussed Disk Cleanup, Disk Defragmenter, setting up a file system, saving files and finding a lost file. Basic computer knowledge is essential if you want to work on your computer and not be totally frustrated. I recommend printing each of these articles for future reference.

File Associations:

Are you aware that some of the files on your computer might be associated with the wrong software program, which means your file may be opening or trying to open with the wrong software. A good example might be photographs you download from your camera. Photographs from your camera should be associated with Microsoft Picture and Fax Viewer. Microsoft Picture and Fax Viewer is a generic software that will safely display any jpeg image. Many people install the software that came with their camera and from then on all jpeg's are associated with the camera software and open with the camera software. Photoshop Elements is another software that will try to control and take over all jpgs. To change the file association for jpg images, right click on the Start button > select Explorer > click Tools > Folder Options > File Types > scroll to locate all files with jpe, jpeg, and jpeg extensions. Highlight each type > click Change and select Microsoft Picture and Fax Viewer. Now all jpeg images will open with Microsoft Picture and Fax Viewer.

Compressing Files:

Have you ever tried to email a file folder and wondered why that is not possible? It is possible, however, you must compress the folder by right clicking on a file folder and selecting "Send To" > "Compressed (zipped) Folder." After you have compressed the file folder a new file will be created with the same name as the original only the new folder will include a zipper. All compressed files can be emailed safely. However, as a note of caution only open compressed files from a business or person you know. There are also times when a file is too large to email. Compressing a file removes all white space from a document, thereby reducing the file size considerably. White space refers to spaces between words, line returns, etc. Photograph images do not contain white space; therefore, there is no need to compress photographs.

Would you like to remove an out of date or old version of a software from your computer? It is easy to uninstall software - simply single click on the Start button > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs > scroll to locate the software you would like to uninstall > highlight the software > click Remove. Sometimes uninstalling and reinstalling a software can reset preferences in the software back to their default settings and the original function of the software is restored.

Screen Resolution:

Are you tired of scrolling to see more of your document? A simple change in your screen resolution might be a perfect solution. You won't believe how much easier it is to work on a computer when you are not having to constantly scroll around. I recommend a minimum of a 1024 x 768 screen resolution for anyone, my preference is a 1280 x 1024 for anyone with a 17" or 19" monitor. If you have a wide screen monitor, the second resolution number will differ from the example above. To change the resolution on your monitor right click on your Windows Desktop > click Properties > Settings > move the slider bar to the right (More) to change your resolution. Prices for a 19" monitor are just a little over $200 and a 21" monitor is around $350 so why not purchase a larger monitor and get a better view?

Next month, we will discuss how to bypass pop-up windows, having two programs open side by side, how to display thumbnails instead of text details, how to save a favorite website to your taskbar. If you know someone who could benefit from these computer articles forward this newsletter, or suggest that they sign up to receive their own newsletter.