Something New Bigger and Better.

File and Print Sharing (part 5)

The actual sharing files or folder between two or more computers has never been easier. On the network has been established all that is left putting a check in a check box and click apply.

I know if you have ever struggle with sharing a file or a folder accross a network there could be some sweat or even tears. However Windows Vista has made it simple. As you can see in the two screenshots in this post it is just a matter of choosing the folder you want to share and clicking on the radial box.

I have only shown two of the section for sharing that is available for sharing. Beside public folder, specific drive folder, there is printer and media shares. All of which is done in the same way.

File and Print Sharing (part 4)

The Networking and Sharing Center is where all you internet along with file and printer sharing is controlled.

The Vista computer that has the Network and Sharing Center shown in the below screen shot is not the computer that will be sharing resources. This computer wants to use shared resources. The computer that will be sharing resources will have slightly different setting. That I will cover in tomorrows post.

The Network and Sharing Center is in 3 sections.

• The top section shows your computer, network and internet connection.
• The middle section shows you what type of connection and strength of the connection. As in the graphic. This computer has a wireless connection that is Very Good.
• The bottom third of the window deals with sharing and security around the printers, and files you want to share.
  

File and Print Sharing (part 3)

Last week I start laying the ground work for File and Print Sharing in Windows Vista. Today, I want to take today's post to cover a small portion of the Network and Sharing Center.

The easiest way to open is from the network icon in the lower right of the Task Bar. Right click on the icon, then left click on Network and Sharing Center. Now the Network and Sharing Center will open on your desktop.

While we are at this place I want to have you note that right above the Network and Sharing Center is Diagnose and repair. This is a good first place to go to when you have lost or can not connect to the internet or another place on your network.

File and Print Sharing (part 2)

Well, I have been know to get the proverbal cart be for the horse, or in this case actions before planning. I must admit some people can imagine in their mind how a network should be layed out, however the vast majority of us need to write or even better draw out what we want to be done.

If you are saying, I don't want a network, I just want to share files between two computer." That is what a network is sharing files or printer between two or more computers.

I would really recommend drawing a rough hand sketch to make sure all you network cable are connect to work. There are a six questions you will need to answer before you can get past the planning stage.

1. Is every computer going to have an internet connect?
2. Is there going to be one comptuer that all the other computer go through for the internet connection?
3. Is any of the computer going to share files wirelessly with the other computer?
4. Will each computer have files stored on it that other computer need to access?
5. Can the shared files be on one computer?
6. Will the shared files be Read Only, Copy, or Full Control?

File and Print Sharing (part 1)

The biggest reason for anyone to have a network, whether it is at home or at work is to share files and/or printers. This cannot be done unless when the computer are first setup as being on the same network. The default network name, in Windows XP and Vista, is MSHOME.

I would recommend that you change the network name. It could be something simple as JonesHome or even an encryptic name like N57A. The main point being that every computer you want on the network with the same name. If you don't have all the computers on the network they will not want to talk with each other and the process of sharing files will become a literal pain in the rear.

Oh yes, each computer must be connect either by wires or wireless through a router. I say this because I have gone out on a trouble call, where a client tried to set up their own network. After a few minutes I found only one computer was connected to the internet through a router. The other three were not connect by a network cable, or have a wireless card.

Business Should Not Fear Vista

Windows Vista has been out for public use for a year and a half. It has been hammered refined, and adapted to work with most all business software. Business software vendors have tuned their new versions to Windows Vista.

The small business owner should not fear to upgrade their computer and operating system to Windows Vista. The speed, increased functionality and security are three big reasons to let go of that old slow computer in the office.

Take the average small business person that runs a little business from his back room or garage. Using Windows Vista will give increase security, the a program like Quicken Home Business will take care of his financial monitoring and invoice needs in a nice sweet package.

Did I mention that Windows Vista includes a calendar and a email client. For the independent contractor, salesman or other small business person what more is there to ask for???

Create PDF's and Save Money

Two things any Windows Vista loves is saving money and not having to walk through UAC when using a program. Today's tip will do just that. My old favorite Cute PDF will let you print to a PDF and not cost you more than the time to download and install it.

I have used other free PDF creator/writers. Most of them required to go through UAC every time you wanted to create a PDF. When I found that Cute work smoother than ever in Window Vista I was very happy. Install it and try it for yourself.

Any programs that users a printer can be used to put your finished product into a PDF format. You won't have to worry about giving Adobe money to do the very same thing.

IE7 Rivals Firefox

This 4th of July post is a review of a daily tip that I got from the good folks of Tekzilla. Now there is a group of add-on and extra features for Internet Explorer 7, in one bundle. IE7 Pro put them in all together in a nice little package. I have even heard it said that IE7 PRO almost brings Internet Explorer 7 up to the level of Firefox.

Once you download and install IE7Pro, you will find a books worth of feather and setting that can be accessed from the bottom right side of IE7. I have put a screen shot of the preference menu just to give you an idea as to what all is in IE7Pro.

Don't Delete The Recycle Bin

I was finishing up a data transfer to a new computer for a client. It was a difficult one. It took me over 3 hours to get the data transferred and programs working correctly.

I set the client down in front of the computer to walk him through some of the basics on his new Windows Vista computer. I did not think much when he moved the curser up to the Recycle Bin. Before I could say a word he had deleted the Recycle Bin.

I said, "NO!" He looked up at me as if he had just broke his brand new computer.

I calmly looked down a him and said, "Let me show you how to bring back the Recycle Bin." In disbelief, he nodded his up and down.

"Now left click on a open space on the desktop," was my instruction in a voice assurance. After directioning the client into management of the desktop icon. All he had to do was put a check in the box to reshow the Recycle Bin icon.

That is another reason why I like Windows Vista, is there is help when it comes to fixing mistakes.

Resource Usage - Sidebar

There are lots of programs that will work on your computer, that will do the same basic functions. I am an adventurous person. I am constantly installing and uninstalling programs. Most of the time I hear about a programs that seems to help me work smart. Then I find out that it is either not working for me or it just lugs down work computer.

The easiest way, that I have found if a newly program is slowing down my computer is by using a sidebar gadget. It is labeled the CPU gadget. I keep the CPU gadget running all the time.

If you don't already have this gadget in the sidebar of your Windows Vista computer, just right click on the sidebar, then left click on Add Gadgets. A selection of available gadget will be displayed.

To put the CPU gadget or any other gadgets on the sidebar, just put your cursor over the gadget. Hold down the left mouse button, then drag it over the the sidebar, and lift your index figure off the left mouse button.

I Am Humbled

This morning as I was going through my email and got an email from Microsoft. I have won the MVP for 2008. It was because of this blog and the podcast Vista Is Here To Stay.

The podcast will have to wait until to get produced, until tomorrow. I am to shaken to get past the shock. I have put the announcement below.

Congratulations! We are pleased to present you with the 2008 Microsoft® MVP Award! The MVP Award is our way to say thank you for promoting the spirit of community and improving people’s lives and the industry’s success every day. We appreciate your extraordinary efforts in Windows Desktop Experience technical communities during the past year. Microsoft will soon send your MVP Award gift package. It is our way to say “thank you for making a difference."

I want to think wife, daughter, Biz Advice team, NPM Productions, Leo Laporte, and others that have had an affect on my life.

Don't Blame Vista - Troubleshoot

I hear many complaints about Windows Vista. Vista is the new kid on the block, and has to prove itself. It is easy to blame Vista when it comes to installing a program or a new printer, does not work. It is so easily to forget that people with Windows XP has similar if not more issues.

I can not remember the last time I have had a Vista computer was so infected with malicious software that I had to wipe the hard drive and reinstall the operating system. However, it was just last week that I wiped the hard drive and reinstalled Windows XP on a computer.

Saturday, I was called out to clients home, who had bought a two Vista computer along with two Lexmark printer scanner All-in-One's. This couple was ready to take their computer's back to their old Windows XP computers.

After going though some basic troubleshooting steps, I found that the printer was unplugged from the back of the printer. They was embarrassed that all that was wrong was the printer was unplugged.

Desktop Security - Top 10

Periodically, I talked about keeping your computer secure. Mostly we are so easy forget how easy it is to become a victim of identity. I want to cover what does it take to be secure on your home computer. Security takes work and needs to be conscience effort no matter what electronic device we use, whether it is a Smart phone, laptop, or desktop computer.

1. All applications and drivers that are installed up to date
2. User Account Control is NOT turned off
3. A good antivirus and/or anti-spyware program, with the maleware definition are updated
4. Firewall is on along configured and tested, not letting unauthorized to access the internet.
   
5. Windows Security Center is on and configured properly
6. All needed internet websites are in Favorites - You don't need to be surfing the internet, this is a big way to open yourself to infection.
   
7. All passwords are put in a secure password manager
8. Strong administrative password is in place. Most people don't like to get into their home computer with a password. In Windows Vista have a strong administer password.
   
9. Wi-Fi is turned off and locked unless your home is on a wireless network. If your home is a wireless network, make sure that your on an encrypted signal from the wireless router or transmitter.
10. Only have programs and services running that you need and use. This tip is common sense. Unused programs just extends the about of time it take a computer to do an anti maleware scan.
    

Windows Vista Helps Olympic Fans

In my podcast Vista Is Here To Stay #23, I reported that you will be able to view the Olympics from China via streaming video.

Wavexpress has partnered with NBC to develop and support a free Internet video download service. This will allow Olympic fans with Windows Vista watch the Beijing 2008 Olympics, from August 8 to 24, 2008, in HD.

Before August it would be a good to idea to go to get your computer upgraded to Vista Home Premium, at least. Then start exploring Windows Media Center. That way you will be in shape to watch the Olympics.

Fun Stuff

Who says that your computer's wallpaper and icons should be dull and boring. All of Windows operating systems have had theme and customized icons.

Windows Vista comes with some basic theme and fantastic wallpaper photos. You can go online and find some really great graphics.

My favorite for icons and theme packages is Star Docks. There came out with the first task bar that resembles the Apples operating system task bar. Object Dock works great on Windows Vista. I am very impressed. I have download it and use it on my work computer.

Renaming files

There is nothing better to save time on processes you perform repeatedly than using a keyboard shortcut. If you are renaming documents or pictures, like I find myself doing frequently.

This keyboard shortcut is easy. Left click on the icon of the file or picture you want to rename. Then press the F2 key on your keyboard. The icon you have highlighted. Use the backspace key to delete the file label. All that is left is type the new file name you want.

Side note: You can even change the file format by typing the file name, a period and the desired file format code. Like .jpg, .pdf, or .doc

Balloon Pop Ups - Disable

Today's tip comes through JesusGeek.ifo and then The How To Geek. Yes this is a very geeky tip. If you are not comfortable when it comes to disable the pop balloon, then get your local computer geek to help you.

When balloon pop ups first were used in Windows XP everyone was looking to disable the annoying pop up. The pop up balloon is there as reminders that some portion of the computer maintenance needs your attention.

However, if you find the popup notifications annoying, you might be interested to know that you can completely disable them. You can even do this across the board with any balloon pop up.

Starting from the start Orb in Windows Vista you will need to left click in the Search box. Then type in regedit.exe. This will open the registry editing window. Then all you have to do is go down to the following location.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

Right-click on the right-hand pane, and create a new 32-bit DWORD with the following values:

• Name: EnableBalloonTips
• Value: 0

You'll have to logoff and back on in order to see the change… or to be more correct, you won't see any popup balloons anymore.

Secure and Mobile

Last Tuesday, I record the podcast Vista Is Here To Stay. In that podcast I talked about the 10 things that should be done to any laptop before it is taken on the road.

I have put that list below because it is so important to put in place extra protection. This is especially true when you take your laptop outside your home or office.

1. All applications and drivers are installed.
2. User Account Control is in place
3. Good antivirus is install and all virus definition are updated
4. Firewall is configured and tested
5. Windows Security Center is on and configured properly
6. All needed internet websites are in Favorites
   
7. Needed external passwords are put in a secure password manager
8. Strong administrative password is in place
9. All broadband card is tested and working
10. WiFi is turned off and lock
    

Permissions To Edit Or Move

If you’ve ever tried to tinker with something in Vista and received a “you need permission to perform this action” message. I have gotten frustrated because I have to go through extra steps before I could move or delete a file.

After getting the message window that you do not have permission, you will need to go through some extra steps. This is done by;

1. Right-click the file and select Properties.
2. Click on the Security tab.
3. Click Advanced in the lower right.
4. In the Advanced Security Settings window that pops up, click on the Owner tab.
5. Click Edit.
6. Click Other users or groups.
7. Click Advanced in the lower left corner.
8. Click Find Now.
9. Scroll through the results and double-click on your current user account.
10. Click OK to all of the remaining windows except the first Properties window.
11. Select your user account from the list up top and click Edit.
12. Select your user account from the list up top again and then in the pane below, check Full control under Allow, or as much control as you need.
13. You’ll get a security warning, click Yes.
14. On some files that are essential to Windows, you’ll get a “Unable to save permission changes… access is denied” warning and there’s nothing that you can do about it to the best of my knowledge.
15. Reconsider why you’re using Windows.

Firefox 3 - Revisited

I am revisiting Firefox3 on this beautiful Monday morning, because I realized it is not fully released. I am set to get updates early so I can comment on them. Well, I was mistaken that Firefox3 has not been released to the general public yet. In fact it should be so in a manner of a week or two.

I know this blog about Windows Vista, however I find myself using Firefox just as much if not more than Internet Explorer. Now that Firefox3 does not pull down my resources as much I love it all the move.

Over the weekend I found a neat website with a Field Guide for Firefox 3. I wish I had wrote because it is well put together and out lines all of the features and tools. To view this great little guide go to driag.org

Troubleshooting - Slow Vista Computer

The main criticism about Windows Vista is the amount of computer resources need to perform everyday tasks. Even with a high powered computer there are certain things that will slow a computer down regardlesss what you have in your case. Built into Vista is a few tools and utilities that you can you troubleshoot slow boot times/start up along with performance issues.

Slow boot time/start up can be caused for various reasons such as Windows still trying to obtain an internet or network connection. In this case, there is four basic tools that will help you diagnose such problems in Vista:

Performance Self-Tuning and Diagnostics: Provides instrumentation and services that support user-driven and tool-driven diagnoses of performance problems, such as media glitching, slow application startup, slow system startup, and network-related delays.

This tool is built into Vista and can be run from

• Left click on the Start Orb
• Then go to the Control Panel, System Maintenance
• Performance Information, and Tools
• In the left window click on Advanced tools
  

External Hardware Devices

Last year when Windows Vista was first released to the public, there was a lot of complaints about Vista is not compatible to certain hardware especially older hardware. When I first heard these reports, I went out to test and see what older hardware would work or not work. To my surprise I found more printers, scanners, and other external hardware devices that actually worked.

After my big move, I had lost my drawing pad for my computer. So in a desperate search through Boise Idaho, I had found one. It plugged into the USB port of my work computer. I installed the drivers and it was good to go.

The new one was named Bambo. Because it had several new features I had to sit through the tutorial just to use it. I was pleasantly surprise that Windows Vista came with many new feature which allow me to personally sign my Outlook email.

Bambo pad has built in many regular mouse features. I could almost not use my trackball mouse. In the past 24 hours I have begun to enjoy my Windows Vista computer even more.

Saved Search

Did you know in Windows Vista you can save your search results. A list of files that match specific search or filter information is saved in a search folder for future reference.

For example, I searched mp3 in the Documents folder. In the right viewing pane is a folder that has all my past searches in the Document folder.

This is nice when you are constantly looking for certain pictures or songs that you know are saved on the hard drive but cannot remember when you have put those files.

I am constant trying to remember where I have put a neat little utility that I have download and cannot where I put it.

Free Is Good

I really believe that for the average person there is several good free applications. There may be some adjustments along with a small learning curve.

I found a good website that lists the application that I use on my Vista work computer. Check out Freeapps.co.uk .

If you find any other feel free add them to the comments.

Network Setup - After the move

Setting up a network with Windows Vista is easy. The term plug and play is the best way to describe setting up a home network.

As many of you who follow me on Twitter, this past week we moved. Yesterday, I plugged in all the computer, turned on the router. Instantly all but two computer was hooked up the to network and ready to go. Two of the four computers were to be split off from the wired network, by a wireless Linksys router.

To make wireless transfer secure, I chose to use WEP encryption. This meant that I have to go into the setup utility of the router. There I configured for broadcast and WEP encryption.

All I had to the computer on the other end of the wireless network and enter the encryption key. Then all that was left was to check the box to remember the connection.

Networking working for the home with Windows Vista is easy and just a matter some basic planning and going through the steps.

Look for Monday

Taking computers down until Monday. Starting the move, today. Look for and exciting new posts about Windows Vista.

Navigating Through Explorer

When I first got my hands on a beta version of Windows Vista, I felt like an awkward child. The file path window or address at the top of Explorer was not like what I was use to using. In fact it took me a while to figure out the redesign of Window Explorer navigation bar.

Now I look at it and think the navigation bar is simple and quite helpful. All you have to do is left click on the downward arrow. Then a dropdown window appears with folders in that specific folder. All that is left is select the folder you want to look inside.
Navigating Through Explorer

Firefox 3 - Don't just take my word

I know I have gotten side track from Vista to Firefox3. However, I am using Firefox3 on Windows vista to write this blog. I use Window's Internet Explorer for some of my work, but the vast major if my internet stuff is done on Firefox.

In this last post of this seris about Firefox3, I want to give you links about other people who use Firefox3 and what they are saying.

My intention is not to make you leave Internet Explorer and go to Firefox3, but to give you a good alternative that will a benefit to you.

• What Mozilla (Firefox makers) has to say about Firefox3 - read more
• Znet see Firefox3 to be in the Guinness Book of Records - read more
• Ars Technica look at Firefox - their review
• Mac World has their look - read more
  

Firefox 3 - Security Features

The latest of upgrade Firefox has given some nice new features. However, the annoying things, I think are the most important. That is the security aspect of Firefox 3. I welcome the security additions especially in light of the higher gas prices which mean more people will be doing more stuff on the internet.

Left click on the favicon in the address of Firefox3. A box will show up that will give infomaton about the website.

Malware Protection: malware protection warns users when they arrive at sites which are known to install viruses, spyware, and other programs that see to take your personal information unwillingly.

Firefox now automatically checks add-on and plugin versions and will disable older, insecure versions. Secure add-on updates: to improve add-on update security, add-ons that provide updates in an insecure manner will be disabled. Anti-virus integration: Firefox will inform anti-virus software when downloading executables.

Your Questions

I finally finished a couple large project with more to come. I can now spend more time on Vista 366.com and Vista Is Here To Stay.

This Tuesday I will recording Vista Is Here To Stay. If you have any questions or comments about windows Vista leave them here. I will answer them in and podcast and here in this following week.

Firefox 3 - Password Manager

I have always love the password management system in Firefox. Since Firefox 3 the password management has gotten less intrusive.

When you type a log in and password for a particular website, and bar will drop down on to the top of the webpage you are currently visiting. Off to the right is three buttons.

When you left click on the far left button, Firefox remembers your password and log in for that website you are currently visiting. This is great because so many website have forum, buying information that you have to log in to retrieve.

The middle button tells Firefox to Never remember information that you type into this website. I don't about you my banking information is not trusted to a web browser. I have a special encrypted password manager for that kind of information.

The far right button reads, Not Now. This button is for logging in to a website when you are not sure about the log in or the password. You could also use this button if you know you will be changing the password after you log in.

Firefox 3 - Address bar

Yes, Firefox has even expanded the amount of information that is in the address bar. You not only get the url, (Uniform Resource Locator) but the title to the website, along with the favion or mini logo.

This is great if you are like some people who know the website's name but can not remember the its' url.

Like with other web browsers, now days, you do not have to type in http://www. before the name of the website. All you have to do is type in the address bar the first few letter, and Firefox will fill in the rest. If you want to go to EFCussins.com and you have been to the website before, start typing ef.... and Firefox will show you the options. This could also be the different pages visited on the website.

Firefox 3 - Download Window

Firefox has improved on the amount of information that you will get from the download window.

As you can see in the right window you can see my last download was a compressed file. The file name, the files size, and from the website I downloaded it. Off to the far right you see the time I downloaded it. Looking below you will see the previous week days that I downloaded other files.

Some may consider this to much information about a file that has been downloaded. That is okay. As I get older, I would prefer to have available as much information as I can.

Firefox 3 - Intro

There is more people who use Firefox, than Microsoft would like to admit. There is no doubt Firefox is the number one alternative web browser.

Last week, I downloaded Firefox 3 on my Vista work computer. Since then I have been very happy. It does not use as much memory (over a period of time) like previous versions of Firefox. Along with the under the hood changes, Firefox has some neat user interface changes. That is what I will be taking this week to go through. There are a few negatives, but I figure they will fixed in updates, within the next month or two.

One of the reasons why I like using Windows is the customization. I like to have my own themes. I like to have add-ons that make my work easier.

When I installed Firefox 3, I lost my themes It does not give me the option to add. It is not enough for me to quite using Firefox, but it is one of those nice things I like.

For more technical detail about Firefox 3 click here

Extras for Internet Explorer

On last visit to the add-on's for Internet Explorer before we move on to other subjects. Today, I want to share with you Microsoft's recommended add-on's for you web browser.

• Silverlight -Microsoft's lastest release to help you experience media. If you want to know more; click here.
• Surfulator - This add-on allows you to surf the internet and save text, images, and complete webpages. Surfulator can be called an information tool for you web surfers. read more
• RoboForm - I have wrote about this program before. It is by and large on of the most favorite password and personal information program.
  
• Bloglines Browser Plug-In - If you use Bloglines RSS feed reader. Here is a neat little tool for you get the RSS feeds you want. More details
• Me.dium - I wrote about this instant message client. I still have not used it sucessfully. If you like it post you comments. More details
  
• 
  

Computer Users Bill of Rights

Everyone who sits down behind a computer has certain expectations. Some are realized others are met with anger over the results. This has lead to a wide variety of people with a wide variety of experiences and attitudes when it comes to computers.

In my weekly podcast, I talked about the following, "Computer Users Bill of Rights". I hope to hear your comments about these.

• It Turn On and ready to use in 2 minutes.
• My Computer Will Not Crash After Installing A Program or Update from Apple or Microsoft, or Linux.
• My Computer Is Secure from Viruses’, Spyware, or any other malicious attack with normal use.
• My computer should run reasonable fast and responsive.
• There should be an easy efficient means to back up all my files.
• Tech support should be by people who speak my language and have good communication skills.
• When I get an error message it should be relatively to understand.

Passwords and ID Security

We all struggle with remembering password for the shopping, banking, and other websites we visit on a regular basis. Then there are those who would shop online if it was not fear of getting their credit card or other personal information stolen along with their money. Today, I want to share with you a good tool that is secure and easy to use.

I am writing to you about Robo Form. It has been around for years. It start out as free. Today, Robo Form is only $30. A very small price to pay for the peace of mind, and the ease of use.

RoboForm allows the login process of user name and password to be fast and easy. Once you have install RoboForm, it memorizes and securely stores each user name and password from the first time you log into a website. It will automatically supply the approbate fields with required information upon returning.

When you click RoboForm will navigate to a Web site, enter your username and password and click the submit button for you. Even when it comes to filling out those long registration checkout forms is simple. Just left click on your RoboForm Identity and RoboForm fills-in the form for you.

You will no longer need to remember what seems like hundreds of passwords. Just remember the master password, then you have access all the others.

IE7 Add-on - Spell Check

Are you of the many who have gone to what is called "Cloud Computing". Cloud Computer is a term, that has become more common, in the last year. It refers to using Internet Explorer to write and edit blogs, and any other function that would otherwise require a program installed on your computer.

I use my web browser mostly for posting to blogs and and social network website. Because I am not using MS Word, my bad spelling becomes very evident. So when I found that I could add a spell check to Internet Explorer, I became very happy.

ispell is a little add-on for you web browser that will underline in red if it thinks that a word is misspelled. Once you down load the program it is installed and attaches itself to Internet Explorer.

As you can see from the screenshot on the left. The misspelled word is underlined in red. When I right click on the word, I am given several options as to the correct spelling. If I feel that I have spelled the word correctly, I can add that spelling to the computer's dictionary or just leave it alone.

I am always afraid to add a word the dictionary, that I think is spelled correctly, but in reality it misspelled.

Great Add-ons for Internet Explorer 7

It has been a couple of days since I have wrote in this blog. Part of the reason is that I have gotten involved with all the neat add-ons for Internet Explorer 7. So I am devoting this blog some of the top useful add-ons/enhancements.

As a review from the previous blog post, you can access the Add-on Manager from the Tools menu in the upper right the IE7. Another menu will pop out giving you two options. The first is Enable or Disable Add-ons. The second menu item is Find More Add-ons. It is the second menu item will look at in some detail.

Upon left clicking Internet Explorer will go to the Microsoft website that show you the safe add-ons you attach to IE7.

I am going to start by left clicking on the Browser tab. Up pops a list of add-ons you can attach to Internet Explorer 7. Under this tab, I like the following two adds.

• Stumbleupon -This a great way to browser the internet when you are looking for websites, pictures, or movies in a certain range of topics. Stumbleupon will add at toolbar. Before you start left clicking on the stumble button, you will need to sign up for an account. This will let you keep track you website you like.

• IE Snapshot - Have you ever want to print a webpage? But when it comes out of the printer, it is 100 pages only to be a little piece of the webpage. IE Snapshot will take a webpage put into a pdf and then you can print it as you see it.
  

Enhancements for IE7

No matter what web browser you use, at one point in time or the other you will add some plug-in or add-on to enhance you web surfing experience. In Internet Explorer 7 you can manage these add-ons from the Tools menu.

When you get down to the Manage Add-ons menu, you will have two choices. The top one is enabling or disabling the add-ons. The second is finding more add-ons. There is always little enhancement that you can go out on to the internet and get.

The add-ons will from from Shockwave and Flash, which are used watch movies and play game through Internet Explorer. Then there are ones that are toolsbars for quick search, like the Yahoo, Google and Stumbleupon. Even voice over internet services like Skype have their own add-ons.

Once you have them installed on your computer's and associated with Internet Explorer, you have the option to enable or disable. Remember that every time you ad plug-in or add-on to your Internet Explorer, it will pull resources from the computer to run the Internet Explorer with that add-on.

In the screenshot of the enable/disable window, you will see the Disabled add-ons in a separate listings than those that are Enabled.

Internet Explorer 7 - Tools

The place to go for changing setting both security and other features is done in the Tools menu. This is accessed by left clicking on the Tools menu which is at far right side of Internet Explorer.

You will see a drop down list of several item. Several of these item are designed for your security and privacy. Others are for managing the way you interact with Internet Explorer.

The top two options are rarely used from this location, because most people don't release that they are there.

• Delete Browsing History - Does just what is says. It erases all past record of locations you have visited with Internet Explorer.
• Diagnose Connection Problems... - This one of several places you can go to troubleshoot a problem when connecting to the internet.
  

When in doubt as to which option to select, go to Internet Options and left click. Here you will have more options for changing your settings.

We will go to the other items in this list in the following day.

Internet Explorer 7 - Intro

As long as Microsoft has had versions of Windows that connected to the internet, there has been an Internet Explorer. By using Internet Explorer people were given a relatively easy way to connect to the internet.

A short time before Windows Vista was release, Microsoft release through Windows Update, Internet Explorer 7. When Windows Vista was starting to be installed on computers, Internet Explorer 7 was packaged in it. The option of going back to an old an older version of Internet Explorer was not available.

Internet Explorer 7 is part of a drive by Microsoft to make computers and computer users from attacks from hacker who look to steal credit card numbers and personal information. Many of the tools and default setting in Internet Explorer 7 are for security purposes, they are seen as an annoyance by the everyday computer user.

In the next several blog post I will be looking at the setting an feature that are meant for you security. I will also you how to change them to better fit your personal needs along with keeping you secure.

Mother's Project

I know that money is tight. If you are like me you want to do something nice this Sunday for your mother or the mother of your children.

A few old photos scanned into your computer, that is running Windows Vista, can make a very big impression for Mother's Day. Converting a favorite song to MP3 along with a few spoken words in voice over of Window Movie Maker is all you need.

The video you see below took me only 3 hours. It says to mom who imiportant she is. The cost is only the time it takes to do it.

Photo Gallery - Importing

Importing pictures and video from a digital camera is not hard at all. All it requires is taking the SD card out of your digital camera and putting it in the card reader portion of your computer. If you don't have a card reader, just plug in your camera into the USB port of your computer.

Windows Vista will see it as a external data device and ask you what you want to do. Just left click on import into Photo Gallery. Windows will take care of the rest.

After the pictures or video is imported you can edited and/or organize them as you see fit.

Windows Media Player - Plugin Options

Once you have Windows Media Player open left click on Now Playing. Then go down to Plug-ins. Now another menu opens to the side. Left click on Options.


This opens a windows that allow you to customize your Windows Media Player as to how it interacts with other devices to what to do with audio and video files.

Don't get overwhelmed with other the options and setting. Unless you want some special to happen. Most people can leave them at the default setting. However, if you want perform a special function there is always help, read more.