Jim's Computer Tips

Display Size

jimnaz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:56:14 +0000

The display size on Windows Vista can be adjusted to fit user preference. Some prefer small icons and text and some of us like larger sizes. To change the display size find an empty space on the desktop and right-click. Then click Personalize / Display Settings. You can adjust the settings and click Apply to test them.

Some monitors are wide and will look strange with some settings. When you are done click OK. Caution: write down your current settings (pixels) before changing so you can always go back to where you were. You can also click Cancel.

Note: Display settings can also be found in the Control Panel. Vista’s Help and Support button also has information under “Change screen resolution”.

Desktop Icons

jimnaz — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 06:16:02 +0000

I like having an icon on my desktop for “Computer”. If your current Desktop is missing the Computer icon it’s an easy fix.

Windows tip:
1. In Vista right click on your Desktop.
2. Click on Personalize
3. Click on Change Desktop Icons (in the left window pane)
4. Place a check mark for the icons you want on your Desktop
5. Click OK

Note- You can also customize Desktop icons by selecting it and then choosing Change Icon

Browser Zoom

jimnaz — Tue, 26 May 2009 05:37:11 +0000

I don’t know about you, but sometimes my eyes really need a relief on web pages with tiny text. There is a way to zoom in and make everything more readable. On Internet Explorer 8 click on Page (upper right) and scroll down to Zoom. You can choose the zoom you want. Also notice the keyboard shortcuts.

Windows tip:
CTRL+ = zoom in
CTRL- = zoom out
CTRL0 = Return to normal (that’s a zero)

There’s even an easier way with most mice. Hold CTRL and scroll the center roller wheel in or out. Cool huh?

Blog at WordPress

jimnaz — Sun, 24 May 2009 02:19:00 +0000

New to blogging? Don’t know where to start? I’ve found that WordPress.com is the most valuable place to start a blog. It’s free and you will have a blog on the Internet within minutes. Using WordPress to create your blog could not be easier. Go to the site, read about it, try it. It really is free.

ipconfig

jimnaz — Sat, 23 May 2009 04:29:15 +0000

If you are having trouble connecting to your local network or the Internet, use the Windows command ipconfig to check the details. Even if your network is working fine, it’s an interesting place to visit.

See my previous post on command prompts to use the ipconfig command. You can find your network name / DNS, your IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. You can find even more interesting details by typing ipconfig /all

Remember to type exit to close the command prompt window.

Chrome Update

jimnaz — Fri, 22 May 2009 04:36:09 +0000

If you are using the Google Chrome browser, you may want to check if you are using the latest version. To update manually or to see if it’s already updated, open Chrome then click on the Tool button (upper right) and click About Google Chrome. (post updated 11-09-09)

Start Menu

jimnaz — Wed, 20 May 2009 05:33:19 +0000

Have you ever opened a program that covers the entire screen? You can no longer see your Start Menu? There is a keyboard button that will bring up the Start Menu. It’s located at the bottom left of your keyboard, often called the Windows Logo button. Press it and you’ll have your Start Menu. Another way is CTRL+ESC.

Keyboard Shortcuts

jimnaz — Wed, 20 May 2009 01:55:37 +0000

While I usually use my mouse for most everything, there are a few occasions to use the keyboard shortcuts instead. This is especially helpful on a laptop when my external mouse is not connected. Here is a list from Microsoft on keyboard shortcuts.

How Many Windows?

jimnaz — Mon, 18 May 2009 01:17:20 +0000

If you are like me, almost all of my computers have come with Microsoft Windows. Do you know how many Windows there have been? Years ago I converted from Microsoft MS-DOS to Windows/286. Windows/286 was a far cry from what we have today, but it was a start at desktop computing without having to type complicated or repetitive text commands.

Windows 7 is the new upcoming version, rumored to be released this Fall. I now use Windows XP, Windows Vista, and keep another old computer with Windows 98 SE for old programs and defragging floppy disks. Look here for a history of Windows.

(Update: Windows 7 was released in Nov ’09)

Linux Website

jimnaz — Sun, 17 May 2009 06:26:40 +0000

After some thought I’ve decided to separate Windows from Linux on this website. I’ll link each site so that those using Windows but interested in Linux can view updates. The other site is Jim Linux Tips.