VBPS Weekly TechnoTip Archive

Date

Techno-Tip

(so good I left if up a 2nd week :)

            Is it safe to use "Free Public WiFi" to connect wirelessly?               

1)  No

2)  Don't think so!

3)  Unh uh

     People trying to get sensitive data and such from your computer have started setting up networks they name "Free Public WiFi" to lure unsuspecting wireless laptop users looking for a connection.  Once you connect they can install dangerous software and/or steal your information without your even realizing it's happening. They often set up in public places like airports, but I saw the connection pop up inside the district a couple of months ago. 

     Unfortunately, when enough people learn about this danger the "bad guys" will probably change the name they use to something else that sounds free and safe, so always be careful when looking for wireless connections in new places.  Besides this name, a big danger sign is that this is a "computer-to-computer network" rather than a wireless network. Never connect to another computer unless you know exactly who it is.

Here is a trusted page with more details about Free Public WiFi and similar dangers.

How do I know what version of PC software I have?

     Have you ever been stumped when someone asks you, "What version of Word are you using?"  Sometimes it makes a big difference.  It's easy to find out, and it works the same way for most programs.

    You should have a menu across the top of your program window.  The last menu item is usually HELP.  Open the menu.  Usually the bottom/last thing on the menu is "ABOUT ..." then the name of your program.  If you're using Internet Explorer to read this, it will say "About Internet Explorer."  Select that option and a window will appear (like the one at right) telling you what version you have installed.

     One program that works differently is your Windows Operating System.  For that one you Right Click on your My Computer icon and select Properties from the menu that appears (see picture at left.)  Another window will pop up telling what version of Windows you are running, as well as the speed of your computer and the amount of memory you have installed.

Internet Explorer opens in a tiny window.  How can I fix that?

    It's a common problem because Explorer is set up to "learn" your preferences.  At some point you must have made a window smaller and now it can't forget.  We just have to teach it that you like full screen windows with the following steps:

1.      If Internet Explorer is open, close it.  Now open it.  A small window appears.

2.      Move the whole window up to the left top corner of your screen (by clicking on the blue bar at top of the window, then dragging.)

3.      Now click on the bottom right of the Explorer window as indicated in the picture here.  Drag that corner to the bottom right of your screen.  The window resizes as you drag.

4.      Once the window fills the whole screen, let go of your mouse.  Do not make any other changes or click on any links.  Click on the FILE menu and choose CLOSE or EXIT.  Now reopen Internet Explorer.  Your screen should be be resized. 

For a short video demonstrating this method, click here.

Forward this email to everyone you know ….  NOT!

    If someone sends you an email that says “Forward this email to everyone you know”, do not.  If you do, you’re likely to become an unwitting accomplice to spam proliferation. The fact it may come from someone you know means nothing. They probably fell for the scam the same way you almost did.

   Common things to alert you an email may be a hoax/spam:

Ø      It warns of bad events that you can prevent, or offer a touching story in which you can participate, by forwarding the message to as many people as possible

Ø      Any email encouraging you to forward email to as many as possible

Ø      Anything requesting you send money or share private information

Ø      Mixing generally accepted facts in the story to make the fake parts more believable 

If I have any doubt, I Google the topic using a few key phrases from the email.  You can also check some reliable sites devoted to debunking email hoaxes such as www.snopes.com and www.hoax-slayer.com. 

Hoax emails are more than just annoying.  They clog valuable network resources, may contain dangerous malware, and can collect recipient addresses for future spam.

What are those squiggly red lines in my Word file?

    It's Microsoft Word's way of telling you it doesn't recognize what you typed either because it's misspelled, or simply isn't in its dictionary.

Here are 2 samples:     and 

The first word is misspelled.  The second sample is a name that's spelled correctly, but isn't found in Word's dictionary. 

Right click on the word with the squiggly line.  A spelling menu will pop up with spelling suggestions, an option to ignore the spelling, and an option to add the word to Word's dictionary so it will be recognized in the future.  Click on the one that is appropriate for your situation and continue working.

Right clicking has many uses beyond those mentioned here. Click here to download an overview of this powerful tool.

Why am I seeing these ¶ ¶ ¶ symbols all over my Word files?

    The ¶ is a formatting symbol called a paragraph mark.  It indicates the typist hit the Enter key to start a new line.  You're probably seeing other formatting symbols such as spaces, tab arrows, etc.  Formatting symbols stay hidden unless you choose to view them.  To turn them off:

ü       Look on your Word Toolbar for a button with the paragraph symbol on it: Click on it and the marks should disappear.  Click again and they reappear.

ü       Sometimes the toolbar with that button isn't showing.  If you don't see it, click the VIEW menu, select TOOLBARS, then make sure the STANDARD toolbar is checked.  Once that is visible you should see the button.

New ways to use Google:  We're all used to Googling to find information based on key words or phrases, but Google has many other search tools that quite handy.  Here are a few of my favorites: 

ü       Calculator: type an equation in the search box and Google solves it.

ü       Dictionary:  Type define followed by a word and Google defines the word.

ü       Movie Guide: Type movie followed by a zip code .  Google returns links to listings of movies, places, and show times in the requested area code.  You can also click movies to see reviews.  Try your own zip code.

ü       Find people:  The minimum you need to enter is a person’s name and state separated by commas.  Enter more details if you have them.  It will return with phone, address, map to house, etc.  Try it with your own name. 

ü       Find businesses:  Using the same system as above, enter the business name and any address information you have (zip code, city, etc.) Google will return the rest of the address, phone number, web site, and map.  Try it with Belleville High School, 48111.

3/24/08

Do you ever want to print just part of a file or web page? 

There are a number of ways to print just a portion of a web page or file.  After you select PRINT from a menu (note:  this may not work if you just click on the tool bar PRINT symbol) look over the window that pops up.  There should be options that say allow you to print ALL, CURRENT PAGE, SELECTION, or PAGES.   If you want the SELECTION option you'll need to select (drag your mouse across with the left button held down) the text and/or objects you want to print before giving the print command.

—Posted by: Theresa Kassuba, Updated on: December 06, 2007