Saturday, November 28, 2009

What’s the difference between a QWERTY & DVORAK keyboard

It’s all a matter of personal choice

QWERTY keyboard (designed/patented in 1896 by typewriter inventor C.Sholes) is the most common keyboard used today for computers as well as cell phones & other handheld devices. The name QWERTY comes from the first 6 keys on the top left row of keys – On the first typewriters, keys were placed in alphabetical order, but that caused lots of jams on the moving parts of old typewriters; so Sholes rearranged the frequently used keys to spread them out and reduced jams significantly. This design and his patent became known as QWERTY and the US standard 101 keyboard still used today.

DVORAK keyboard became an alternative in 1982. It’s usually referred to as the Simplified Keyboard. Users say it’s easier to type letters because the right hand does more typing of common letters (and most people are right handed) so these keys are on the home row, the least common letters are on the harder to reach bottom row are done by the left hand. Downside: Dvorak keyboards are expensive, but computers today come with free Dvorak software installed and all you need to do is to switch in Control Panel to Dvorak keyboard if you want to try ti….

We know how to use the QWERTY keyboard so why switch - I wouldn't.. But thought is why should the next generation have to use obsolete typing methods because once up on a time there was a typewriter with moving arms in it?

The QWERTY keyboard layout (since 1873):


The Dvorak keyboard layout (since 1932).

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Shopping On-line Ad Resource

Do you like to shop on line - especially this time of year when waiting in line to get both in and out of stores is the norm.. Well you might want to check out this website "Black Friday 2009" mentioned on many of the talk shows this week, designed to help you find who is offering the best sale prices for the largest shopping day of the year, now known as BLACK FRIDAY... so check it out...

www.bfads.net

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone

On behalf of the entire staff at Mohave Community College and myself, we want to extend our best wishes to you and your families for a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday...

We all have so much to be thankful for, so count your blessings and enjoy your day..

Looking for some "trivia" to discuss during Thanksgiving dinner - here are a few interesting "Thanksgiving" websites....

www.wilstar.com/holidays/thankstr.htm

www.thanksgivingnovember.com/thanksgiving-facts.html

www.brownielocks.com/thanksgivingtrivia.html

Monday, November 23, 2009

WHAT IS WI-FI??

WI-FI is a wireless network which uses radio waves, just like our cell phones, televisions and radios do. In fact, communication across a wireless network is a lot like two-way radio communication.

WI-FI networks can either be "OPEN OR UNSECURED", so that anyone can use them (most public libraries, book stores, BurgerKing, McDonalds and other such sites offer free services) OR "CLOSED OR SECURE", in which case a password is needed. An area blanketed in wireless access is often called a wireless hotspot. There are efforts underway to turn entire cities, such as San Francisco, Portland, and Philadelphia, into big wireless hotspots. Many of these plans will offer free, ad-supported service or ad-free service for a small fee. San Francisco recently chose Google to supply it with a wireless network...
To go wireless inside your home you need to have a high-speed connection, Cable or DSL, and of course as we said, you can use wireless internet access at various locations: McDonalds; Burger King; most public libraries throughout the US, most hotels, truck stops and almost all airports offer WiFi..

A Wi-Fi-FreeSpot is a location that offers Free Wi-Fi high speed wireless internet access to their customers and guests and/or the general public. For locations check out:

www.wififreespot.com

Sunday, November 22, 2009

JOIN US FOR ONE LAST CLASS.. WORD & VISTA

I am teaching 2 more classes at Mohave Community College, before I head back to New England for the Christmas Holidays - there are seats open and I hope you will join us - just call Registration 928-855-7812..
If you want to learn more about using Word Clip Art, Word Art & Photos, consider the 4 hr. Word Workshop - it's great fun.. And for those of you who have Windows Vista and are considering upgrading to Windows 7 - join us for the Vista 4 hr. workshop - we'll discuss the Vista & 7 differences and also show you how to save $$$$$ on the upgrade to Windows 7 - don't miss out... As always - if you have any questions just email me

WORD IRON-ON TRANSFER & SANTA LETTERS LSC100—122, Monday November 30th, 8:30am-12N (Classroom 506)
Fun 4 hour workshop using Word for creative projects using text, graphics, photos, word art and more) to create fun iron-on transfer for t-shirts, quilts & other fabric projects OR create letters from Santa Bring photos to class (on camera or flash drive)

WINDOWS VISTA LSC100-221: Tuesday, December 1st, 8:30am-12N (Classroom 507)
Quick 4 hour workshop for those of you using Vista, get to know the basic differences of Windows Vista (vs XP or 98 Operating Systems) Personalize desktop; use new sidebar & gadgets, search & organizing tools to find files & photo’s, system tools for backups, updates and terminology and we will discuss the hows & whys to upgrade to the new Windows 7 Operating System...

Have a great holiday and if we don't see you before the holidays - have a great holiday season and we look forward to working with you again in the new year - 2010!! imagine - we have lots of wonderful classes scheduled January thru April, so see you then..

Saturday, November 21, 2009

USING PUBLIC COMPUTERS - Traveling during the holidays?

You can check your email from any computer in the world, hotel, motel, cruise ship, highway stops, airports, Internet café, libraries, copy and/or coffee shops and of course at homes of friends or family.. But because you are not at home, be more careful when you use a computer that isn't yours, especially when you are typing or working with private information like credit cards, banking, medical and other sensitive information you may not want anyone else to see... A FEW SAFETY TIPS....

DON'T SAVE YOUR LOGIN INFORMATION - Always logout of Web sites by pressing logout on the site (Many programs-especially instant messenger programs and free email, such as hotmail, gmail & others include automatic login features that will save your username and password – so be sure not to check this off to have the computer remember your user name & password, so no one accidentally (or on purpose) logs in as you.

DON'T LEAVE THE COMPUTER UNATTENDED WITH SENSITIVE INFORMATION ON THE SCREEN - If you have to leave the public computer for any amount of time, logout of all programs and close all windows that may include sensitive information.

ERASE YOUR TRACKS - When you're done using a public computer you should delete all the temporary files and your Internet history: Here Is How To Delete Your Temporary Internet Files And Your History:
1. In Internet Explorer, go to Menu Bar, Left Click Tools for Menu List, Then Left Click Internet Options.
2. On the General tab, under Temporary Internet files Left click Delete Files and then click Delete Cookies.
3. Under History, left click Clear History.

WATCH FOR OVER-THE-SHOULDER SNOOPS-Because there's so much news about how hackers digitally sneak into our personal files, we sometimes forget about the old fashioned version of snooping. When you use a public computer, watch for anyone looking over your shoulder or watching as you enter sensitive passwords. If you really want to be safe, avoid typing your credit card numbers, bank account information, or any other financial or otherwise sensitive information into any public computer.

Enjoy your holidays and be safe...

Monday, November 16, 2009

THINKING OF BUYING A DIGITAL CAMERA??

Thinking of getting a DIGITAL CAMERA for yourself or someone else…

Personally, I always recommend buying the least expensive camera that suits our needs, because this technology is changing too rapidly to invest a lot of money - unless you are buying it for WORK...

For those of us over 40, there may be some basic things to look for...

• the larger the LED display panel in the back the better
• you may want to be sure it has a view finder (many don't); those of us who are older are used to using one
• most digital cameras offer digital stabilization, but be sure it does - great feature
• at this point, it should have a minimum of 7 megapixels (7MP or higher)
• zoom - the higher the better and I'm talking about OPTICAL zoom
(don't pay attention to the digital zoom, that's hype-and not relevant)...
• many of us who travel, want the flexibility of using standard batteries, such as AA, in a pinch versus having to recharge built in or non-standard batteries if ours run low

I hope this helps -when you buy your memory card - get at least a 2gb or 4gb and be sure to purchase a memory card reader which will allow you to read your memory card from any computer without downloading the camera software...

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

November Computer Classes at MCC

We hope you'll join us for a class in November, before we take our break for the holidays... as always if you have questions about a particular class just email me..

EMAIL HOW TO’S – ADVANCED LSC071- 222: Thursdays, Nov 12 & 19 1pm-4:50pm,
Two 4 hour classes to enhance your basic email skills – work extensively with attachments of all types – documents, photos, videos, power point – learn to open & save, find & attach. Also learn to work with hyperlinks; learn to copy & paste to & from emails, Internet and word

BLOGGING BASICS LSC080- 121 & 122, Monday & Wednesday, Nov 16 & 18, 8:30am-12N
Two 4 hour classes What is “blogging” & “social networking” “Facebook” “Twittering” etc.. How, why & when to post – comments; Set Up Your Own Blog; Templates; Add Ons: Links, Photos, Slide Shows, Blog Tools & more

DIGITAL PHOTO EDITING W/PICASA LSC100A-123, Monday & Tuesday, Nov 16 & 17, 1pm-4:50pm
Two 4 hour classes where we learn to edit & print photo’s using Picasa (a free Google software); learn to upload photo’s from your camera and/or scanner to the PC & learn to order prints online - Bring photos to class (on camera or flash drive)

CREATE GREAT LOOKING DOCUMENTS LSC068-122 Tuesday & Thursday, Nov 17 & 19, 8:30am-12:20pm
Two 4 hour classes-reviewing the basics to open, create, save documents; highlight; cut-copy-paste, set & change margins; create letters, envelopes, labels & use clip art, word art to enhance documents, create flyers & invitations & lots of printing tips –

WORD IRON-ON TRANSFER & SANTA LETTERS LSC100—122, Monday November 30th, 8:30am-12N
Fun 4 hour workshop using Word for creative projects using text, graphics, photos, word art and more) to create fun iron-on transfer for t-shirts, quilts & other fabric projects OR create letters from Santa Bring photos to class (on camera or flash drive)

Friday, November 6, 2009

POWER POINT SLIDE SHOW TIPS

Many of us receive power point slide shows attached to our emails today.
If you don’t have full Power Point Application Software then you need Power Point Viewer to view these slide shows – a free software on most new computers. If your computer doesn’t have the Power Point Viewer, you can download it FREE from Microsoft – here is the link

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=048DC840-14E1-467D-8DCA-19D2A8FD7485&displaylang=en

Power Point Viewer allows you to view the slide show, save it for future viewings and to be able to email it to someone – but you can’t edit or modify the slide show in anyway or create your own.
If you want to create a Power Point Presentation or change power point presentations you've received and saved, then you must have Power Point Application Software (which quite often is part of the Office bundle)

What do the extensions mean when you receive a power point attachment or see them in a file (such as fantasticslide.show.ppt or fantaticslideshow.pps??)

• PPT is the default file extension for saving presentations in PowerPoint 2003 and earlier versions.
• PPTX is the default file extension for saving presentations in PowerPoint 2007 and later versions.
• PPS is the the show mode extension in PowerPoint 2003 and earlier -- these files run in "play-presentation" mode when double-clicked.
• PPSX does the same thing in PowerPoint 2007 and later -- it runs in "play-presentation" mode when double-clicked.

If friends, family or co-workers send you a Power Point Slide Show and you can't open it - look at the extension - if it reads .pptx or .ppsx at the end - they created it in Power Point 2007 - ask them to re-save it on their computer as a 97-2003 power point, so that older versions of the software can read it and resend it to you...

Remember all computers at Southern Artery classroom have a wonderful file on them (PP Slide Shows or PP Presentations) with many great power point slide shows - so open them up and watch them.. or you can add them to an email when you are in the classroom - when your email is open - send yourself an email and simply add the power point slide show you like as a file attachment...

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Upcoming Classes - Early November

COMPUTERS FOR THE FUN OF IT LSC062-124 Wed & Thurs Nov 3 & 4 8:30am-12:20pm
Two 4 Hour classes reviewing computer hardware, software, printing tips, keyboard shortcut tips, customizing desktop-changing backgrounds, create shortcuts, using quick launch bar, Start Menu, Task Bar, control panel & much more… Bring your questions..

DIGITAL CAMERA BASICS LSC100A-122 Tues & Wed Nov 3 & 4 1pm-4:50pm
Two 4 hour classes-Intro to digital cameras; pixels, camera lingo, basic how to’s, move photo’s to your PC with memory card & memory card reader, organize photos on your PC using Windows Explorer; save photos to portable drives - Bring your digital camera to class

FIND/ORGANIZE WHAT’S ON YOUR PC LSC 062-125 Mon & Tues Nov 9 & 10 8:30am-12:20pm
Two 4 Hours Classes helping you find what you’ve saved on your PC; organize your work, files & photo’s to always find them quickly & easily. Learn to back up your pc, photo & documents with portable flash & hard drives, memory cards and memory card readers..

INTERNET AND IT'S MANY USES LSC 071-221: Mon & Tues Nov 9 & 10 1pm-4:50pm
Two 4 Hour classes with lots of Internet tips & lingo, such as ISP, browser, blogger and more; when & why to use F5 & F11; understanding websites & hyperlinks, basics of email, using “Google & Bing” to search web, images, news; translating to & from different languages; blogging

LAPTOP BASICS LSC100-121: Thursday, Nov. 12, 8:30-12:20pm,
A 4 hr. workshop to learn the Desktop & laptop differences, basic features of using a laptop, accessories needed, maneuvering around, Internet & WiFi Basics, shortcuts, security & more

EMAIL HOW TO’S – ADVANCED LSC071- 222: Thursdays, Nov 12 & 19 1pm-4:50pm,
Two 4 hour classes to enhance your basic email skills – work extensively with attachments of all types – documents, photos, videos, power point – learn to open & save, find & attach. Also learn to work with hyperlinks; learn to copy & paste to & from emails, Internet and word

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Get-Away Lodging Alternatives

Thinking about getting away and considering alternatives to a hotel.. Fellow students tells us they've had great luck renting homes - for a week or tow or even months at a time...
These are some websites referred to us by your fellow students that they have personally had good luck with..

www.vrbo.com #1 site I hear talked about in LHC, AZ-Vacation Rentals by Owners

the other three that I’ve heard that were used with good results..
www.homeaway.com
www.vacationhomerentals.com
www.vacationrentals.com

As always if you have favorite websites - tell us what they are and why we should refer them..

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Upcoming classes for the next few weeks with available seats - so join us & bring a friend...

TO BUY & SELL ONLINE LSC101-121 Tues & Wed Oct 27 & 28 8:30am-12:20pm
Two 4 hour classes-Buy and Sell on Line, find what you want; searching, making travel arrangements, general shopping tips, intro to online sales with sites such as eBay; eBid; craigslist & others: shortcuts, security

MAIL MERGE w/WORD & EXCEL LSC068-221 Tues & Wed Oct 27& 28 1pm-4:50pm
Two 4 hr classes create a data list (BRING YOUR ADDRESS BOOK) using both Excel and or Word software - Learn to enter & sort data various ways; to merge data for multiple “personalized” documents such as mailing labels, other labels, envelopes or form letters..

COMPUTERS FOR THE FUN OF IT LSC062-124 Tues & Wed Nov 3 & 4 8:30am-12:20pm
Two 4 Hour classes reviewing computer hardware, software, printing tips, keyboard shortcut tips, customizing desktop-changing backgrounds, create shortcuts, using quick launch bar, Start Menu, Task Bar, control panel & much more… Bring your questions..

DIGITAL CAMERA BASICS LSC100A-122 Tues & Wed Nov 3 & 4 1pm-4:50pm
Two 4 hour classes-Intro to digital cameras; pixels, camera lingo, basic how to’s, move photo’s to your PC with memory card & memory card reader, organize photos on your PC using Windows Explorer; save photos to portable drives - Bring your digital camera to class

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Websites to find the "least expensive" services

If you have a favorite website - share it with us and tell us why...

Cell phone plans – http://www.rateplan.com/ or http://www.billshrink.com/

Car insurance – http://www.carinsuranceratea.com/ or http://www.carinsurance.org/

Bank fees – www.mybanktracker-com/banks OR http://www.findabetterbank.com/

Airline tickets – http://www.skyscanner.net/ or http://www.efares.com/

Travelling by car – you might want to know where the speed traps are (this is for real) go to http://www.speedtrap.org/

One of our favorites for just about everything we need.. http://www.allmyfaves.com/

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Upcoming Classes

Every few weeks we'll post reminders on the blog for upcoming classes. You can always email me with questions about specific classes if you aren't sure which are right for you... There are still seats open in the following classes so join us...

CREATE GREAT LOOKING DOCUMENTS
LSC068-121 Wed & Thurs Oct 14 & 15 8:30am-12:20pm
Two 4 hour classes-reviewing the basics to open, create, save documents; highlight; cut-copy-paste, set & change margins; create letters, envelopes, labels & use clip art, word art to enhance documents, create flyers & invitations & lots of printing tips

LIST AND DATA MANAGEMENT WITH EXCEL
LSC069-121 Wed & Thurs Oct 14 & 15 1pm-4:50pm

Two 4 hour classes-Learn to work with numbers & text (budget, contact lists for mail merges) Workbook vs. worksheet; cells, columns, rows, auto-formats; margins, grid lines, sorting numbers & data & print basics - Bring an address book or contact list to class

INTERNET AND IT'S MANY USES
LSC071-121 Tues & Wed Oct 20 & 21 8:30am-12:20pm
Two 4 Hour classes with lots of internet tips & lingo, such as ISP, browser, blogger and more; when & why to use F5 & F11; understanding websites & hyperlinks, basics of email, using “Google & Bing” to search web, images, news; translating to & from different languages; blogging

POWER POINT
LSC069D-221 Tues & Wed Oct 20 & 21 1pm-4:50pm
Two 4 hour classes to create basic Slide Show presentation and enhance your presentation with text, photos & clip art, animation, transition & timing features

HOW TO BUY & SELL ONLINE
LSC101-121 Tues & Wed Oct 27 & 28 8:30am-12:20pm

Two 4 hour classes-Buy and Sell on Line, find what you want; searching, making travel arrangements, general shopping tips, intro to online sales with sites such as eBay; eBid; craigslist & others: shortcuts, security

MAIL MERGE USING WORD & EXCEL
LSC068-221 Tues & Wed Oct 27& 28 1pm-4:50pm
Two 4 hr classes create a data list (BRING YOUR ADDRESS BOOK) using both Excel and Word software Learn to enter & sort data various ways; to merge data for multiple “personalized” documents such as mailing labels, other labels, envelopes or form letters..

Friday, October 9, 2009

CAN YOU SEND CELL PHONE TEXT MESSAGE FROM YOUR COMPUTER?

Absolutely – many of us don’t have “text” ability on our cell phones or if we do, we don’t know how to text..

But you can send a text message to anyone who uses “texting” as long as you have their cell phone number. There are several websites – all are free – that offer us the ability to send family and friends text messages to their phones.
Here is how they work...
  • You type in the persons cell phone number
  • Now type in your email address
  • Now type in your message (actually it is a tweet because it has a 140 character limit and counts down as you type so you know what you have left) or they have lots of “quick messages to choose from so you don’t have to type”
  • You're done, so now click on the SEND button..
The message appears as a text on their cell phone and if and when they respond, their message will come back to your email account…
Again these services are free – like email it’s their advertising that allows them to stay free. Most of these services also offer you the ability to set-up a free account, which will then confidentially save the cell phone numbers you send to and save your email address so you don’t have to type them in every time - very much like your address book in email..
So give it a try and start texting/tweeting – it’s all free!!!
www.textem.net
www.txt2day.com
www.text4free.net
www.onlinetextmessage.com

Sunday, October 4, 2009

INTERNET UPDATES

Just a few reminders to help you enjoy using the internet...

When you visit a website you enjoy, be sure to save it to your favorites, so you can access it again easily... How????When the website is on your monitor:

  • Go to the Menu bar, choose Favorites
  • Top of the list that appears choose "add to favorites"
  • Now "choose your folder" or create and name a new folder
  • Now "be sure you are happy with the name" or type your own for the website
  • Now click ADD and it's added to your favorite list

Next time you're on the Internet, go to Favorites, find your folder and websites you've saved will be there without having to remember the web address - just left click on it and another connection to the Internet will open and connect you to the website....

A few other reminders....

  • Use the F5 function key to REFRESH any page on your monitor
  • Use the F11 function key to get a FULL SCREEN (and eliminate all the toolbars) to get them back, just tap the F11 key again...

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Some fun & interesting websites

Looking for an interesting website – we have something for everyone –
enjoy puzzles, check out jigzone!!
great site to find just about anything is allmyfaves;
want to watch what’s happening all over the world then check out camcentral!
for those wanting to relax and see some beautiful photos-check out calsgallery...

Hope you’ll enjoy these websites…. If you have a favorite website – share it with us so we can share it with everyone……

www.jigzone.com
www.allmyfaves.com
www.camcentral.com
www.calsgallery.com

And of course - computer classes begin next week at Mohave Community College, so be sure to check out all the classes I'll be teaching as well as a myriad of other wonderful subjects - remember learning something new everyday is a great way to keep going and thriving... see you soon...

www.mohave.edu

As always - we hope you enjoy your classes and never hesitate to ask questions -that's how we all learn...

Friday, October 2, 2009

HELP YOUR PC LAST LONGER

In response to the question we are asked most often - how to speed up your computer and extend your computer life... these are our tips...

1.) Install spyware and antivirus programs and be sure to keep them updatedWhether you use Norton, McAfee or AVG they are only successful if and when you keep them updated. And be sure you also have a program to eliminate spyware, such as Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware or Microsoft’s Windows Defender that detect & remove spyware from your pc...

2.) Run diagnostics. Most PCs have maintenance tools built into your system and on a schedule. To find them in Windows PCs, go to Start, Accessories and you'll find them in “System Tools”. Its recommended that at least once a month (or better yet once a week) we should:
a. back up
b. run disk defrag, and
c. run the disk cleanup tool
If your diagnostics are scheduled to run during the night and your computer is off, the diagnostics cannot be done, so you must do it the next time you turn your computer on, when it will remind you....

3.) Increase RAM. The quickest way to increase the performance of our computers is to add more memory - RAM (Random-access memory). All of us should have at least 2GB or worse case at least 1GB. This is especially important for those of us running software made in the last year or two.. you can get 1 GB for less than $50; 2 GB for under $100 - a very worthwhile investment..

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Welcome to Your Blog

Welcome to "Your" Blog - A place where we will be sharing ideas about this ever changing technology that we are all attempting to keep up with...

We will share your questions and the answers we find for you, as well as information about the computer classes being offered at the Mohave Community College, which I teach...

So join in the fun - save this BLOG to your favorites and check in often or become a follower so that you will receive notices whenever a new POST is written.. We look forward to sharing this with all of you and the more questions you ask the more information we can all share and learn..

We will be adding various links that we hope you will find helpful about Lake Havasu City, Mohave Community College so that registration for returning students will be easier, and others that are helpful to full time residents and returning or new winter visitors...