Helpful Hints
by Cate Eales
Appeared January 14, 2010 on castanet.net
Setting up a new computer can be big fun. Or, it can be
a migraine-inducing experience that you would rather outsource. Either
way, I can help you! This week I have three tips for improving your
computing experience. If you want more help that than, yes, we make house
calls! See the contact information near the bottom of the column.
Play .pps and .ppt files
One of the things I’m most often asked when I set up a new computer (and
by readers!) is, “How do I play those .ppt attachements I get in my
email?”
These attachments "belong" to Microsoft PowerPoint. If you have a version
of Microsoft Office that includes PowerPoint, you're all set. Windows
should know you have PowerPoint and use that program.
If you don't have PowerPoint, you can download and install a free viewer
from Microsoft.
The link is here.
After you install the Viewer, you should be able to click on the
attachment in your email to play it if you are using Thunderbird, Windows
Mail, or Windows Live Mail, If you are still using Windows XP and Outlook
Express, you won't be able to view the attachments in your email program
--- you'll have to "detach" them first.
Open an email with the attachment, and Save the attachment to your
Desktop, or at least to somewhere you can easily find it.
Open PowerPoint Viewer (or PowerPoint, if you have it)
Start | Programs | Wherever you put it | PowerPoint Viewer (or
PowerPoint)
Then, either drag the file into PowerPoint Viewer/PowerPoint, or from
within the viewer:
File | Open | Navigate to where you saved the file | Open
Your presentation should play!
Minimize the Office 2007 Ribbon to conserve
screen real estate
Most people who’ve made the jump from older versions of Microsoft Office
to Office 2007 take their first look at the new Ribbon interface and ask
how they can get rid of it.
The Ribbon replaces the familiar toolbars from older Office versions, and
once you get used to it, it’s pretty cool. A previous column mentioned a
couple of tips for working with it in an
earlier column.. Another
useful thing to know is that you can hide that ribbon until you need it.
This is really useful if you are working with limited screen real estate,
like a laptop or netbook.
(click to enlarge graphic)
If you always want the ribbon minimized, click on the down arrow at the
top of the Word window to open the Customize Quick Access Toolbar dialog,
and place a check next to “Minimize the Ribbon” That will show just the
tabs. Clicking on the tab you want will expand it temporarily so you can
access the Ribbon commands.
(click to enlarge graphic)
If you want the Ribbon minimized for a short time, just double-click the
active tab. Do the same thing again to restore the Ribbon. The keyboard
shortcut is CTRL + F1. Learn
more about the Ribbon here.
Use a wired connection to configure your wireless
router
Another trap you can fall into when setting up your new computer is trying
to configure your wireless router settings from your wireless computer. I
know it’s counterintuitive, but that won’t work. At some point you’re
going to have to “Save your settings.” What that does is restart the
router, and unless you’re plugged into it, your settings won’t be saved.
Use the cable that comes with the router, and follow the directions in the
package. Set up the router with a wired connection to it, then get your
router set up for wireless while you are still physically connected to it.
Once you save your wireless settings on the router, you can disconnect
from the router and configure your computer to connect wirelessly.
Links
Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer 2007
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=048DC840-14E1-467D-8DCA-19D2A8FD7485&displaylang=en
Help! I Can’t Find Anything In Office 2007!
http://rlis.com/columns/column223.htm
The Office 2007 Ribbon Overview
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/FX102774021033.aspx
Computer Care Kelowna
http://computercarekelowna.com
Getting Along With Your Computer Column Archives
http://rlis.com/column.htm
Get Cate's column by email
http://www.feedblitz.com/f/f.fbz?Sub=20618
RSS Feed:
http://rlis.com/rlis.xml
--
Do you need help with your computer? I'm here to help you and your home or
business computer get along!
Cate Eales runs Computer Care Kelowna, a mobile service helping home users
and businesses get along with their computers. To arrange an appointment
phone her at 250-764-7043. Cate also welcomes your comments and
suggestions. Send email to
help@computercarekelowna.com.
You can read previous
columns here. If you'd like to subscribe to this column by
email, please visit this link It's easy, and free. If you'd prefer the
RSS Feed, click here.
©
Cate Eales 2009 – All Rights Reserved
-30-
