Tips & Tricks for
Managing Your Computer & Home Network

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Welcome to my online training series!

These presentations are 5-12 minutes long and show you how to work with Windows XP using some of the techniques we worked on in class. These lessons are designed to help you get information quickly and remind you of how we did a particular task. Some of the lessons are from our book publisher. Prentice-Hall made "sound bytes" and I have included several of them here.

 In order to view my lessons correctly, your computer must be set up as follows:

  • You will need Windows Media Player.
  • Your screen resolution should be set to 1024 x 768 for best viewing. To change it:
    • Right click on your desktop and choose properties.
    • Select "settings" then adjust your screen size for 1024 x 768.
  • You will need speakers or headphones.

To view the movie in full screen mode press ALT-ENTER after it starts playing. This will make it look good. Also, move the mouse cursor to the far right of your screen so you cannot see it and do not touch it. Then media player will open in full-screen.
 

  • XP Desktop Tips
Desktop Tips Part 1
Desktop Tips Part 2
  • My Computer
Learn about automatic updates, setting up your hardware, remote control, and more.
  • Formatting Diskettes
How to format a floppy disk
  • Managing the taskbar
How to manage the task bar
  • Screen Capture
How to capture screen shots
  • Performance Tips
How to tune up your computer
  • Control Panel
How to set up your mouse
How to set up your keyboard
  • Internet Explorer
How to copy your favorites to another computer
  • Managing Cookies & Temporary Internet files
How to manage cookies
  • Hard Disk Drives
Look inside a hard drive to see how it works
  • File Management
How to organize your files & folders
  • Memory
How to install more RAM
  • CD & DVD Drives
Install a CD-RW drive
How CD & DVD drives work
  • Connecting Stuff to your PC
A look at the typical ports/connectors on the PC
  • Cleanup tips
How to let your PC clean up after itself
  • Networking
Installing a new network
Installing a personal firewall
Securing a wireless network
Protecting your computer
Using Bluetooth technology
IP address & connection information

Updated 04/06/2010