Training Opportunities

Training for February will be by special request.

         londa.posvistak@smes.org        

Reminder

It's not just a good idea, it's a smart idea to log off and/or reboot your school computer several times a week. There are 3 reasons to do this:

1. Safety: Every time you log on, the computer receives the latest virus protection or patch that helps keep your computer and our network in good working order.  By the way, this does not include logging on when you're unlocking your computers (see last month's tip on locking your computer).

2. More Safety: At the very minimum, logging off prevents unauthorized access to sensitive material that you have permission to access.

3. Financial: Turning your computer off over weekends and during breaks saves money both on utility rates and the well-being of your equipment.

Tech Tips

                                         Easy Shortcut for Fast Program Launches

There are Microsoft programs I use almost every day, like Word and Front Page. To open these programs, I usually click on Start, then All Programs (Windows XP - Programs in Windows 98 or ME) and finally on the program I want to start. I can even create a Desktop shortcut to the program but I still have to find and click on the Icon. There's an even better way to do quickly open a program. You create a keyboard shortcut to the Microsoft programs you use most. It's easy.

Click on Start, and then on programs. Right-click on the program you want to create a keyboard shortcut for and click on Properties. Click on the Shortcut tab. Notice that there is a section called "Keyboard shortcut". The default entry in that location is "None".

Left-click in the keyboard shortcut  section to activate it. You'll see your cursor blinking but "none" is still there. You can't delete it but as soon as you press the key that will represent the new keyboard shortcut for that program, the new shortcut will replace "none".  I use the F3 key for Excel and the F1 key for Word. Click Apply and then click OK. That's it! Just press your new keyboard shortcut key to launch the program.

I can't tell you how convenient this feature is, how much faster the programs open, and how easy it is to do. I hope you try this!

(Note: this seems to work on all Microsoft programs except Outlook. I tested it on Adobe Photoshop and it worked. My advice is to try it on applications you use frequently. If it works, that's great. If not, you're no worse off than you were before!)

Did You Know?:

Q: My homepage has changed and doesn't automatically open to the SMES web page anymore. What can I do?

A: Here is a quick way to set your homepage with Internet Explorer.

First, you'll have to type in the URL address you want to use as your homepage. Next, head to your address bar and drag the little explorer icon next to the address to your Homepage button.

You'll get a message asking you to confirm that you want to switch your homepage. Answering "yes" will set the homepage for you.

So what if you just want to save the page under your Favorites? Same procedure, just drag to your Favorites button.

www.worldstart.com

Announcement

Update to Microsoft's Operating System (OS) Support Article (Dec. 2003)

Microsoft has announced that it will offer prolonged support for its Windows 98, 98SE and ME operating systems until June 30, 2006. During that time, paid over-the-phone support will be available, "critical" security issues will be reviewed, and "appropriate steps" taken. Microsoft made this decision to assist their customers worldwide who are still dependent upon these operating systems.

http://zdnet.com.

Technology Assistance
If you need help with technology, call the helpline at ext. 697 or email help@smes.org .
               Provide as detailed description of the problem as you can, and include the best times for someone to come by.