SCREEN SIZE

These web pages have been designed for optimal viewing at 800 x 600 pixels.  Some older operating systems restrict screen size at 640 x 480 pixels; however most operating systems allow screen pixel dimensions to be changed.  The 800 x 600 pixel size is a compromise screen size to make this website useful for the widest range of operating systems.

In a windows environment, changing screen dimensions is done in the control panel.  L-click on the start button (lower left of window's screen), and select the "settings" option from the popup menu, and L-click "control panel", and then double-click on the "display" icon.  In the DISPLAY PROPERTIES window that opens, L-click on the "settings" tab.  In the lower right of this window is "Screen Area" controller.  L-click and drag the slider to the right or left until the screen size is listed as 800 x 600 if screen area is currently set to a different size.  Screen size is stated directly below the slider.  Then L-click either the "apply" button or "OK" button at the bottom of the window.  This will open another special confirmation window that asks if you want to resize the window.  L-click "yes", and the screen will go black for an instant, and come back on with the new screen resolution, and another confirmation window will appear asking if you want to keep this new screen size setting, and again answer "yes".  If you had L-clicked the "apply" button, then it will be necessary to L-click the "OK" button to close this window before L-clicking "yes" again.  Resetting the screen size can be as often as you desire, and whatever screen size you set will remain in effect until you change it again.

You will also notice that there are many other adjustments and changes that can be made in this display window.  You may want to experiment with making other changes in order to become more familiar with these various options.  Whatever changes you make can be changed back at any time.

If your current standard screen size is greater than 800 x 600 pixels, you may be able to achieve comparable full screen visibility by adjusting the screen zoom factor.  In Explorer go to View (menu bar) --> Text Size, and L-click on whatever enlargement factor seems to provide the best view magnification.  Then press F-11 to have this view magnification made full screen.

Browsers are software that enable you to go onto the Internet and view web pages and enjoy the magic of hyperlinks.  The most common browsers are Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.  In addition to a browser, you also need to have an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and some means for connecting online, such as a telephone modem, cable modem, etc., and, of course, a telephone line, cable connection, special Internet line or wireless connection.

Browser software must be loaded onto your computer.  Most computers come with browser software already loaded, and when you sign-up with an Internet Service Provider, you will be provided with microfloppies or a CD-ROM that includes various Internet support software, including browser software.  Browser software can also be purchased as boxed software and loaded onto a computer, or can be downloaded off the Internet for free.  Of course, you will need to have browser software and an Internet connection in order to download anything from the Internet; however once you have even an old version browser and can get online, you can then download a current edition browser.  Browser software can also downloaded from a friend's computer or work computer with online capabilities and then saved onto either microfloppies or burned onto a CD-ROM.  Current edition browsers are large pieces of software, and will either require a series of micro-floppies or will be impossible to store on micro-floppies.  Another option is to download browser software onto a CD-RW; however, some of the older CD readers are not capable of reading CD-RWs and can only read CD-ROMs.  A third possibility is to obtain start-up micro-floppies or CD from an Internet Service Provider to load a browser as part of their start-up package.  For example, there are the ubiquitous AOL CDs, which are everywhere, come in the mail and with newspapers, and are available for free at most computer stores.  AOL also provides some number of hours of free introductory Internet service over a period of a month or 45 days.  AOL provides the Netscape Navigator browser.  NetZero is another national ISP that offers both a free service (with up to 10 hours of online access per month) and a low-cost ($10/month) unlimited use service and comes with the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser.  Telephone NetZero to request a start-up CD at 877.638.9376.

Another possibility is to arrange service with a local ISP (Internet Service Provider).  Many of these local ISPs provide unlimited Internet access for monthly in the $10 to $15 dollar range.  Some of these are exclusively local services, and some are local and also national.  The advantage of a national service is for people who travel a great deal and want to be able to get onto the Internet from other locations without having to pay long distance charges.  For information on local ISPs, L-click here.

To determine which Browser version(s) you have installed, L-click on the browser icon(s) on the desktop, and once each browser has loaded, L-click on the HELP oPtion on the MENU bar for each browser, and the last option on the drop-down help menu is "ABOUT..."  This will identify the currently operating version.

The boxes on the right provide free download access to various browsers and browser updates.  Mozilla FireFox is an extremely good, efficient, durable and FREE browser that can be downloaded off the Internet.  FireFox also avoids many of the friability's of IExplorer and the attracts against IExplorer waged by people who do not like Microsoft.  Internet Service Providers will probably still open a home page in IExplorer or Netscape even if Internet Preferences (in the Control Panel) have Mozilla FireFox set as the home page.  So, after launching onto the Internet, minimize the IExplorer or Netscape home page, and then either dbl-click on the FireFox icon on the desktop, or open FireFox from "Start - Programs".  FireFox does not jam like IExplorer and blocks pop-ups, and several FireFox windows can be open at the same time.

The micro-computer is for the 21st century what the automobile was for the 20th century.  In general, youth are so plugged into computers that computer technology seems like second-nature; however for adults, some effort may be required, and for seniors, that effort may approach being an overwhelming struggle of epic proportions.

In general, a micro-computer will come with an extensive software array that provide more benefits and tools and toys than a person will ever learn how to use or need to use.  It is also possible to add further software, including software that is purchased off the shelf at computer stores, and software that can be obtained inexpensively or for free on the Internet and downloaded.  The future promises to be even more overwhelming.

An important way to take control of your computer is to have a notebook on your computer with a separate page for each major software.  You also need to know the basic operating specs of your computer so that when you add additional software you can be sure that your computer has the operational specs necessary to support the new software and to be certain that the new software and your computer system are compatible.  You will want to know what version of operating system you have and the name and version of each major software.  Other important information include minimum system requirements that the software needs to work and which operating systems the software is compatible with.  This information is provided on the spine of the box that the software is packaged in.  Sometimes the same software will be available in different versions, depending on the operating system of the computer.  Problems of software compatibility is now becoming a serious issue because of incompatibilities among the various operating systems and because there are so many operating systems now in use.

You will also need to know the system specifications of your computer, including what processor chip and version of processor chip your computer has, amount of hard drive capability, amount of RAM, (random access memory), etc.  Go to MY COMPUTER, a standard desktop icon on windows system, and with this window open, L-click on HELP and ABOUT WINDOWS.  This will tell you which version of Windows you are using.  Open any major MS utility software, such as Word, and L-click on HELP and the ABOUT... option.  This will tell you what version you have and also the product id, and there may also be a SYSTEM INFORMATION button.  Otherwise go to the SYSTEM icon in the CONTROL PANEL.  The "General Tab" will tell what the processor is and how much RAM is installed.  The "Performance Tab" will tell what the file system bit size is.  16-bit refers to old computers with DOS or Windows 3.1.  Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000, and XP are 32-bit.  Some newer high end computers may be 64-bit or even 128-bit.  The bit size of new software cannot exceed the computer's specs.

To be part of the 21st century, you will also need an internal (or external) CD reader, probably a CD-burner, a USB connector for connecting to external devices, a telephone or cable modem for Internet access, a printer, and a sound card with speakers  Other optionals might include a zipdrive, web cam, a video card for capturing video and/or inputing digital video, a scanner for inputting graphics, a digital camera, and possibly a graphics tablet.

Some software can be updated, and Microsoft software is regularly providing fixes and ugrades for its software.  Of course, you can keep all of this information about your computer and software memorized in your head, but that will probably not be effective.  Software that you buy will come with a box and possibly with a user's manual; however software that you download, including free software will not.  A notebook can be a very useful tool for knowing what you have, what it will do, what version it is, and when and how to update it.  A notebook can also be more efficient and portable than keeping all of the boxes that purchased software came in.

In addition to a notebook, you will probably also want to have a special folder set on your computer that contains individual folders or files for each of the hardware items and also for each software that you download on the Internet.  The directory for this folder set should include the Internet URL address for each manufacturer (e.g., in a text, RTF or word file, or with the manufacturer's home page saved in the folder for that product or manufacturer) so that you can periodically re-visit these manufacturers to see if they are offering patches, updated drivers or other support materials that you may need.  You will also want URL and telephone numbers for technical support.  When you download software, you need to first download it and then install it.  Download it to the same folder for that software or the manufacturer of that software.  This way if you need to reinstall it or install it on a new computer, you will know where to find it.  Application software is typically poorly coded, and it is easy to forget what an application software icon refers to and where to find it unless you are organized.  You may also want to periodically back-up this technical support directory-folder set.  This is likely to be a large folder set, especially if you store application software here.  Store back-up on an external hard drive, zip disk or CD-ROM.  CD-rewritables are useful but only have a limited storage life (e.g., 2 years).  CD-ROMs are currently the most practical medium, and currently cost around 30 cents when purchased in bulk and have a much longer storage life, and probably the downloaded software will become obsolete before the CD wears-out.

You also need to have a treasure chest to store the CDs and micro-floppies that you loaded your software from.  This could be a special shelf area, or a special cupboard of shelves, or cabinet, or a trunk, or a set of boxes or bins, if you have a lot of software, with each box or container storing a different category of software along with user manuals and other support materials.  The need for a treasure chest or organized cabinet will become apparent the first time you need to find and reinstall an important software.

As you upgrade your software, you might want to consider giving the obsolete software away to a friend rather than discarding it or filing it away into oblivion.  There may be chatroom friends or email friends in other countries who may have less sophisticated computers and who can use your obsolete software and will appreciate having it.

Separating software from user manuals is not a good idea.  When you need to know how to accomplish some task, it will be handy to have that information available with the software.  Most software now comes with indexed 'help' files and tutorials; however, sometimes a book can be a very useful tool.  Some computer books come with cardboard slip-envelops glued inside the back cover.  Another possibility is to buy a package of the slim design CD jewel cases to store installation software.  The jewel case could be glued to the back cover of the instruction manual.  Notice how the jewel case hinges open so that it can still be opened once glued to the book cover.  This may involve glueing the clear front of the jewel case to the book cover, possibly overlapping the spine of the book or by making a fold in the back cover that the jewel case overlaps (note: this strategy allows the backside of the jewel case to be glued to the cover), and then use permanent adhesive stickers to attach important information, labeling and registration codes to the  jewel case.

Software now increasingly comes with registration codes.  Often the CD will be provided in a flimsy paper and cellophane slipcover or cardboard slipcover.  You may find it more convenient to store the CD in a more durable plastic case or possibly in a CD wallet.  If the flimsy slipcover has a registration code, keep this code with the CD.  Write the code into your hardware/software notebook.  Special ink pens that write on nearly any surface and are permanent are available at art stores and can be used to write the registration code on the label side of the CD.  Standard markers are not as effective because they are designed for writing such large letters that some of the code letters or numbers written on a CD can be indecipherable, and water-based markers can be erased if the CD were to get wet.  The CD may be useless without that registration code. 

Micro-computers are still fragile.  They crash.  They can become infected with destructive computer viruses.  They can become overly clogged with cookies and spyware.  Sometimes everything needs to be reinstalled.  Some computer users re-format the computer on an annual basis, just to get rid of the garbage.  Occasionally, you will obtain a new or newer computer or a new and improved hard-drive, and need to install you software collection onto it.  Most computers now come with software already installed; however make certain that you have back-up copies on CDs in case you need to reformat your computer and reinstall everything, which happens more often than it should, especially with Windows-based IBM-compatible computers.  Make certain that you have all installed software on back-up or restore disks.  Sometimes you may upgrade a software with a new edition, and the upgrade will only install over an existing version, and if you lack the initial version, the upgrade may not install even if you paid hundreds of dollars for it.

If you use a micro-computer as a tool for writing, data management, creation of ongoing projects, running a small business, etc., then you need to seriously consider having a data storage back-up policy.  It is totally frustrating to work on something important and put a great deal of energy into it, and then have it suddenly become lost and unrecoverable.  This can happen for a variety of reasons, because a file becomes corrupted, because the computer crashes, because you caught a virulently destructive computer virus, or for countless other reasons.  Micro-floppies are also fragile and can become unreadable.  CD-RWs and zipdisks are also very fragile, but are becoming more durable as the CD-RW and zipdisk software improves.  CD-RWs (rewritable CDs) are a temporary storage medium with a use life of 2 years or so.  CD-ROMs that can only be burned once are much more durable and only cost 30 cents or so each, although the CD burner can cost over $100.  The most durable and expensive consumer back-up storage medium is an external hard drive.  Any back-up redundancy is better than none.  The chances that two storage media will fail at the same time are quite remote.

A special advantage of CD-ROMs and CD-RWs is that they are not affected by magnetic fields, while micro-floppies and other magnetic storage devices can be.  Theoretically, the security devices used in public buildings and airport terminals are not supposed to erase or damage micro-floppies or computer hard drives.  Protective lead bags made for photographic film can also be used to protect micro-floppies and even portable hard drives.  (Note: In a high elevation dry atmosphere climate, a person can pick-up a sufficient voltage charge from nearby high voltage electrical lines or by being near generators to cause a computer to freeze-up and even burn-out a computer.  A well-meaning janitor cleaning and polishing the floors in a television station, including the videotape archive room, accidentally destroyed most of the archives because of the magnetic field given-off by the floor buffing unit.  The floors looked great.)

Another important concept is "drivers".  Drivers are software that make hardware devices work.  Simplistically, you might consider a hardware device as a limousine or spaceship and the driver as a chauffeur, and without a chauffeur to drive the limousine or spaceship, it will not do much more than remain parked in your garage.  The reason that it is not necessarily effective to use your best friend's back-up disks to recover your computer is that your friend may have different hardware devices, and his or her drivers may not be effective for your system.  Drivers are updated as they are improved.  In the event of a system crash, you will either need to have stored back-up drivers or URL addresses of where to go to get them.  Having too many drivers or conflicting drivers is not really an issue, because if your computer has plug-and-play capabilities, it will be able to determine which drivers to put in charge.

If we compare 21st century micro-computers with 20th century automobile, we are currently nearing the end of the Model A period.  Micro-computers and software are becoming increasingly user-friendly; however training is necessary as are abilities to tinker and have basic micro-computer mechanics skills.  The micro-computer is also becoming fundamental to all manner of activities in our society from education to employment to small business operations.  At least basic micro-computer skillfulness is becoming essential for everyone who wants to be part of a modern society or simply to be employable.  Even low-paying jobs at fast food restaurants require computer skills.

The first micro-computers had very little or no internal memory storage capabilities.  They had some manufactured ROM devices that were built-in or plugged-in functions, and everything else was provided on floppy discs that were downloaded, used and then saved onto floppy discs or printed-out.  These earliest micro-computers were like machine tools that were used to accomplish various functions, similar to a power saw or washing machine.  With the development of internal hard-drives, micro-computers became both power tools and storage closets where everything was kept.  When the storage closet capacity became filled, a person could buy another micro-computer.  Today's micro-computers typically have more storage capacity than a person can fill-up.

However, considering how fragile micro-computers are, it is still a good idea to consider them as electronic power tools rather than as storage closets and to have anything that is important stored elsewhere electronically, digitally, optically or in print-out.

Another reason for buying a new micro-computer is to have the newest and the best and most user-friendly and versatile.  A contemporary motivation is to have a computer with the system requirements capable of supporting new and improved software that a person wants to install and use.

Having the newest and best computer is not always necessary.  Other issues include what a person needs to use a micro-computer for and what the micro-computer is capable of, and also how much a person can afford to pay for the computer.  Because of these practical concerns, there is a diversity of micro-computer types and generations of micro-computers and processor chips and operating systems throughout the U.S. and throughout the real world globally, and this diversity will increase.  If all you want a micro-computer for is to surf the Internet and send and receive email, a micro-computer costing a couple hundred dollars can be adequate.  If you want to do video editing or play interactive video games with extensive 3-D simulations and virtual reality capabilities, you may need a top-of-the-line micro-computer.  Having an over-equipped micro-computer can be intimidating, in addition to being unnecessary.  Currently the issue is affordability.  What do you want to use a computer for?  How much of your micro-computer's capacity and power are you using?  How much of the software on your micro-computer do you know how to use and do you use?

There are various free and inexpensive opportunities for learning about micro-computers and developing software skills, especially in the Denver-Boulder-Aurora-Centennial metro area.  For the K-12 set, micro-computers are being increasingly used in all manner of classroom activities, and most schools have free computer labs where software and training are available.  Problems facing an adult include the expenses of having a computer and also having the software and then finding, affording and scheduling the training.

Most Colorado employment centers use computers to provide access to job listings, and will also provide basic tutorial quidance in using a computer.  Public libraries also provide free access to computers and to the Internet for most uses other than email.  The Denver Public Library main branch has several dozen computers and volunteer docents who provide free tutorial training in using micro-computers online for Internet search and research.  Please visit the directories on WORKFORCE CENTERS and LIBRARIES to find-out more about these opportunities.

Because basic computer skills are so fundamental to employability, the Denver Mayor's Offices of Workforce Development (MOWD) offers a series of half-day introductory classroom courses concerning the Internet, Email, MS Word for text editing, MS Excel for spread sheet operations and accounting, etc.  These half-day courses are held at the Westside facility on Federal and 12th and are available for free to anyone in the metro area, including surrounding cities.  Telephone 720.865.5619 or preferably visit one of the MOWD workforce offices to pick-up a schedule of courses and to register.  Some community centers provide computer training, email use, and Internet access; and some temporary employment agencies also provide basic computer training programs for anyone signed up for their placement services.

Most software, including operating systems, also come with tutorials that lead a person through basics of using the software.  These tutorials are located in the "HELP" menu or by pressing the function key "F1", and then L-clicking on the "contents" tab or tutorial tab.  You could go to a public library or an employment (workforce development) office to use the tutorials on the software loaded onto those computers.  Many software are also provided on the Internet as shareware or learner editions.  A learner edition is missing key functions, such as "save", so that the software cannot be used for practical purposes without purchasing it; however this provides a free tutorial experience for learning how to use the software.  Shareware is a policy that lets a person download a full version of a software to use and evaluate for some period of time, such as 30 days, at which time, the user is expected to purchase it or it may lock-up and cease to be functional.  The initial free use offer provided by AOL is an example of the shareware policy.

In Denver, some vocational education programs, such as many that are offered at Emily Griffith Opportunity School (especially the computer courses) are self-paced and open entry, which means that a student can enroll at any time and can learn at his or her rate of learning.  These courses are taught using self-learning workbooks that are sold at the Auraria campus bookstore.  Emily Griffith Opportunity School provides computers, the software, and instructors to assist as troubleshooters and personal tutors.  A person with access to a computer and the software, could simply purchase the self-learning workbook and do it on one's own.

The problem with electronic tutorials and self-learning workbooks is that these are new and unfamiliar learning experiences for most adults.  Adults have grown-up in an age of classroom education where teachers guided learning experiences, spoon-fed information, and then cajoled and threatened students into learning.  Learning to learn through electronic tutorials and self-learning workbooks are new experiences that some adults and youths find difficult and challenging and easier to put off rather than pursue.

HYPERLINKS

Essential to the magic of the Internet is hyperlinking.  A hyperlink is a kind of 'go to' command.  L-clicking a mouse on a hyperlink will instantly move the screen display to another location, or to another web page, or open a different website that the hyperlink is linked to.  Certain words or phrases can be made into hyperlinks, as can graphics and buttons.  Generally a hyperlink will standout by being a special color, typically blue.  When the mouse pointer is moved over a hyperlink, the cursor changes.  In windows, the mouse cursor typically become a hand with a pointing finger.

At the top of this page, the titles in parentheses are hyperlinks.  L-clicking on them will jump down the page to that topic.  The "What's New" hyperlink jumps to another page.

When the business name or the name of a band or symphony is in color, it is a hyperlink, and L-clicking on it will hyperlink to that business', band's or symphony's website home page.  Not all businesses currently have web pages.  To have a hyperlink to a commercial web page in these directories requires that a business or professional person request this, and there is a charge to help defray the costs of operating these website directories.  Of course, you can telephone or email a business or professional and ask if there is a website and what the URL address is.

There are several ways to return to where you were prior to L-clicking a hyperlink.  When a hyperlink moves to another location on the same web page, this is technically referred to as a "bookmark".  Pressing the "Back" button on the Internet Menu will return to the previous location.  Pressing the Control/Command key and "home" key at the same time will return to the top of the page.  Pressing the "page up" key will move up the web page in incremental steps, and pressing the up or down arrow keys will move up or down one line at a time.

When the hyperlink has gone to another web page, the "Back" button on the Internet menu toolbar near the top of the web page will return to the previous page.  For this to work, the "back" button must be activated.  If the "back" button is dulled-out, this means that the new website web page opened as a new window that is overtop the previous window.  In this situation, closing the current top web page will reveal the previous web page underneath.  Pop-up advertising will also open as a new window, and sometimes obnoxious pop-up windows can be difficult to close.  Every open window is listed as a button on the task bar at the bottom of the computer screen.  L-clicking on a button will open that window on top of the other windows.  R-clicking on a button will open a pop-up menu, and that window can be then closed by L-clicking the close option or pressing the ALT and F4 keys at the same time.

Hyperlinking on the Internet is the virtual equivalent of creating or assembling a virtual notebook.  Each new web page that is hyperlinked-to becomes a new page.  This new page is downloaded onto the computer and is added as a new page into the virtual notebook.  The "back" button returns to the previous web page in this virtual notebook, and pressing the "back" button repeatedly will progressively go back page by page to the first page of that virtual notebook where hyperlinking began.  Normally, the effect of hyperlinking is to replace the current web page with a new web page, comparable to turning the page in a book.  Actually, the effect is to create a new page in the virtual book because this is an interactive experience, and until a hyperlink is L-clicked, the next page does not exist and has not been pre-determined.

When hyperlinking opens a web page as a new window, the effect is like opening a new virtual notebook, with this new window being the first page.  Each new virtual notebook that is opened is shown at the bottom of the screen in the taskbar.  Going from one virtual notebook to another can be accomplished by closing the current virtual notebook and returning to the previous virtual notebook, or L-clicking on the button in the taskbar will open that selected virtual notebook as the upper most virtual notebook on the computer screen, or the topmost virtual notebook can be minimized down onto the taskbar by L-clicking the "minus" (minimize) button in the upper right corner of virtual notebook window to reveal the virtual notebook that is open directly underneath.

FREE INTERNET SERVICES

Most Internet services cost.  Monthly prices typically range from under $10/month to around $25/month for AOL telephone line modem access to up to $50/month for cable and high speed services.  AOL is very user-friendly, and is ideally suited for people who are not computer savvy.  For anyone who is computer savvy and does not need all of the entertaining bulletin board bells and whistles that AOL provides, an Internet access service costing less than half as much will offer the same Internet and email benefits.

Free Internet access is also widely available.  In general, all computers with second generation Windows 98 or a more recent operating system comes with a telephone modem for Internet access using telephone lines; although now this may not be true in the future since there are now several options for Internet access, and each require a different installed interface.  Netzero provides a limited free telephone line access service with up to 10 hours of free use per month, which is sufficient for anyone for email.  Of course, Netzero expects that the Internet will be so enticing, that 10 hours/month will not be enough time, and a person will upgrade to a commercial account.  Internet access is also provided by Internet cafes, which either provide a rental computer for going online or either phoneline jacks or wifi for a person with a portable notebook/laptop computer to go online.  Free Internet access is also now available through most or all public libraries and through most community centers and seniors centers.  In general, library computers discourage computer use for email.  Internet access is also available at the local city, county and state employment offices, although uses other than job searches and employment research are discouraged; however email can be accessed.  Hotels are increasingly providing phoneline or cable jacks for traveling businesspeople with portable computers to go online.

The new wave of free access is WIFI.  WIFI is comparable to very limited range radio broadcasting.  A computer needs to be equipped with a WIFI send-and-receive module, and can then connect to the Internet wirelessly when inside a WIFI zone.  These zones are being set-up in some businesses and university and college campuses, and in some cafes, trains and public areas.

EMAILERS

An emailer is an automatic function that opens an emailer form that is already pre-addressed.  In order to use an emailer, you will need to have software that supports emailers.  In a Windows environment, emailer support is provided by MS Outlook, which comes with the MS Office Suite or may be pre-loaded on a new computer.  If you have an IBM compatible pc computer without MS Outlook, you can download a free copy of MS Outlook Express that will support emailers.

Of course, for an emailer to work, you will also need to have an Internet service and you will need to be online.  You will also want to have your own email address that you type into the emailer so that whomever you contact can also respond and contact you.  It is probably a good idea to also state your email address at the bottom of your message next to your name.  When you send email from your own email service, your email address is automatically inserted; however this is not necessarily the case when an automatic emailer is used.

Some email sites are used exclusively to develop mailing lists.  These may include a questionnaire that you can fill-out and automatically submit, or sometimes all that is required is sending a blank email, and the email address from where that blank email was sent becomes placed onto an emailing list as a free subscription.

Some email sites have auto-responders.  An auto-responder is an automatic response that is emailed in return to a received email.  Typically, these are thank-you messages, and also confirm that your email got through and was received.  In general, all politicians have auto-responders on their email to thank a person for writing to them or to ask for more information.  Bands and nightclubs and live music venues sometimes use auto-responders to send back schedules of upcoming public performances.

SCANDISK This is magical software that is built-into windows operating systems beginning with Windows 95, and with a very basic version built-in with NT.  Scandisk can perform surface scans of your hard drive and also peripheral memory devices, and if a problem is found, scandisk can seal-off that memory sector so that files do not become damaged by being stored in that corrupted area.  Scandisk can also automatically make some recovery and therapeutic repairs; although in some situations, sectors may be unrecoverable, and files or portions of files written there may also be unrecoverable.

Normally, shutting down the computer is accomplishing by instructing the computer to shut itself down; however there some occasions when the computer locks-up and a forced shut-down becomes necessary, and sometimes a power failure can occur to shut down the computer unexpectedly.  These kinds of non-standard shut-down can rip files apart and create a mess.  On restarting, you will be admonished for not using a standard shut-down procedure, and a basic scandisk function will be performed automatically to repair whatever damage was caused.

A full scandisk is recommended periodically.  This may take an hour or longer or up to 8 or 10 hours when the computer has a lot of hard drive space, and can either be manually initiated or automatically initiated for computers that are left running.  To manually start a scandisk operation, L-click the "start" button (lower left of window's screen), and L-click on "Programs" from the popup window, and then L-click on on "Accessories", and "scandisk" will either appear in that dropdown menu or in the dropdown menu by L-clicking on "system tools".  In the scandisk window that opens, select the memory device for scandisk to explore (e.g., the C drive hard disk), and check the "thorough" option, which performs a standard check of files and folders and also the surface of the memory device, and also check "Automatically fix errors", L-click "OK" and find something else to do.

Sometimes if there is a lot of software running in the background, scandisk will not be able to run if this background software competes with scandisk.  When this happens, scandisk will attempt to run 10 times and then give a message that it cannot be run.  When this happens, there are two strategies.  One is press CONTROL, ALT and DELETE keys one time to open a window that lists all of the background programs that are running.  All of these programs except for EXPLORER can be shut down; however this is a cumbersome task because only one program can be shut down at a time.  That program is selected and the END TASK button is pressed.  Sometimes the selected program will shut down immediately, and sometimes it will take 15 or 20 seconds and a second window will open to confirm that you want to end task.  Then after saying that you do, you will need to press CONTROL, ALT and DELETE keys again and do this all over again for the next background software to end task.

The other strategy, which is easier, is to go into SAFE MODE.  SAFE MODE is a special operating arrangement where only the most basic drivers and operating software are launched.  To get into SAFE MODE reboot the computer (e.g., Start --> shut down --> restart), and then while the computer is restarting, hold down either the F8 key or CONTROL key.  One key works on some computers, and the other key works on others.  This will open a special pre-launch window, with NORMAL MODE as the main option and SAFE MODE is usually the third option.  Select SAFE MODE (possibly with the mouse or probably with the down-arrow key) and press ENTER.  When the computer then boots-up, the screen will look a little strange with all of the icons larger, the colors not quite normal and the words "SAFE MODE" in each corner of the screen.  Now scandisk can be run, as described above.  Run scandisk before running defrag, described below.

DEFRAG A memory device is divided into modules, including sectors.  As a file is written to memory, it goes into the first available sector, and when that sector is filled, the file is continued on the next available sector with available space, and so on and so on until the file has been totally stored.  This process might be compared with how a long article is typically presented in a magazine.  At the end of each page section of the article is a "continued on page???" message.  The article may be stored and presented across a dozen different pages.

When fragmented storage occurs on a micro-computer, the result is that the computer operates slower and less efficiently.  Defrag performs a full (non-therapeutic) scan and analysis of the hard drive.  Files that are fragmented across multiple sectors are moved and stored into a single sector or series of contiguous sectors.  Performing defrag on a modern large capacity hard drive can take hours, and is best to initiate at the end of the day and should be done on a periodic regular basis, depending on how intensely the computer is being regularly used.  This can also be done in SAFE MODE.

The defrag function is located in the same folder as the scandisk function. (start --> programs --> accessories --> system tools --> defrag

The combination of scandisk and defrag should probably be done on a periodic basis, depending on how much you use your computer, and whenever the computer seems to be becoming slow and sluggish.

HISTORY CLEAN The ability of the "back" button to work during Internet search activities is because the computer remembers each website that is visited.  This memory function also speeds-up the reloading of web pages that have already been visited.  Other history activities are also stored in the "documents" listing (L-click on the "start" button at the lower left of the screen, and then hover the mouse over "documents" on the popup menu to popup a second menu listing recent website visits)  There is another drop-down menu associated with the current web page URL address in the browser window.  You can decide how many days the Internet surfing history is saved;  the standard default is 20 days.  Options range from 0 days to 999 days (2.74 years).

To erase history files, L-click on the "START" button (lower left of windows screen), and in the popup menu, L-click on "SETTINGS" and "CONTROL PANEL" to open the control panel, and double-click on "INTERNET OPTIONS".  The Internet "history" panel is at the lower section of the "general" tab.  Set the number of days to store history, and/or L-click the "clear history" button to erase history, and L-click "yes" on the confirmation window.  Cleared history files are immediately eliminated without going to the Recycle Bin.

ERASING TEMPORARY FILES Temporary files are used to store web pages that are downloaded, and temporary files are used to store interim copies of files in progress, and lots of other history and performance reports.  These are not automatically erased, and it is possible to have hundreds or thousands of temporary files stored in the hard drive.  Discarding temporary files can improve computer performance in addition to freeing-up memory space.

Temporary Internet files control is located in the Internet Options window just above the History panel.  To view the temporary Internet files that are stored, L-click the "settings" button in the Temporary Internet files panel, and then L-click the "View files" button.  To delete the temporary files, L-click the "delete files" button beside the "settings" button instead of viewing the temporary internet files.

To delete other temporary files, L-click the "START" button (in the lower left corner of the windows screen), and L-click "SEARCH" from the popup menu.  In the search window, select the local hard drives (e.g., the C drive), and search for files and folders named ".tmp", which is the extension used for automatically saved temporary files, and perform a search.  A search may find thousands or tens of thousands of temporary files.  Select all (edit --> select all or press control+A keys simultaneously).  All of the listings will turn dark to indicate that they are selected, and then L-click "FILE" menu and from the drop down menu, L-click DELETE.  This may take a short while, and the computer will prepare to delete these files and open a confirmation window for you to confirm that you want to delete all of these files.  If there are read-only files, another confirmation window will open to verify your intentions, and L-click "YES TO ALLl".   These files are not actually deleted, but are moved to the Recycle Bin.

Another collection of temporary files and folders are stored in the "temporary" folder.  R-click the "START" button, and select explore from the popup menu, and then double-click on TEMP" folder inside the "WINDOWS" folder.  These contained files and folders can also be deleted to the Recycle bin.

COOKIES  Cookies are a somewhat controversial topic.  These are markers and notations that websites that are visited leave on one's personal computer.  Then in the future, when those websites are revisited, the visited website can look-up information about the user and potentially interact with the user on a more personal level.  The other perspective is that cookies are intrusive, and websites should not be planting messages on one's personal computer and tying-up memory space and slowing-down performance.

The ability of websites to place cookies onto a computer can be highly limited or blocked; however some websites demand the cookies option in order to open.  One solution is to allow cookies and to then periodically empty the cookies folder.

To empty the cookies folder, R-click on the "START" button (at the lower left corner of the windows screen, and select EXPLORE..  Double-click on the "COOKIES" folder (which is inside the "WINDOWS" folder inside the hard drive = C).  Select all (Edit --> select all or press Control/Command+A keys simultaneously) and then L-click File --> DELETE.  This will delete all cookies except for the Index file.

EMPTY THE GARBAGE / RECYCLE BIN Files and folders that are deleted are generally sent to the Recycle Bin, and they can be recovered or restored from the Recycle Bin.  To permanently clean-out the Recycle Bin and recover extra memory space, double-click on the desktop Recycle Bin icon, and then L-click the "empty Recycle Bin contents" button.  These various clean-up activities should be performed prior to scandisk and defrag.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are not really necessary, but most people do not know how to get onto the Internet on their own.  An ISP might be compared to a bus service, which is not really necessary, but can be more convenient that walking or driving.  The other advantage of a bus is that you do not need to know how to get to where you are going as long as you are certain that the bus will get you there.  Getting onto the Internet without an Internet Service Provider may require more knowledge and skills than most computer users have.

In general, a person needs four key ingredients in order to get onto the Internet: a modem, an access channel (e.g., telephone line, cable, wireless connection), an ISP, and browser software.  The days of free ISPs in USAmerica are now somewhat bygone. Most have failed; although NetZero still offers a limited free service, on the assumption that most free users will want to upgrade to their commercial service.  AOL uses an addiction-tease strategy of giving a lot of free access for a short period of time on the assumption that users will become addicted and then pay whatever is charged.  AOL is also a bulletin board system rather than purely in Internet Service Provider and presumes that users will be enticed by the additional services and benefits they offer, regardless of whether these members ever actually go onto the Internet directly.  There are also a collection of local Colorado and metro area Internet Service Providers offering unlimited service for between $10/month and $25/month.

Another issue to consider is that the ISP typically provides local access.  The most standard Internet access is with a telephone modem using a landline.  The ISP then ideally has one or more local telephone numbers that are used to get on the Internet.  Otherwise, Internet use costs can also include long distance charges.

Browsers are viewers that permit web pages to be viewed on a computer.  There are also special viewers for viewing the various graphic formats and photographs, and other viewers for viewing various video formats and animation formats and webcams and players for listening to audio, music, and/or picking-up online web radio stations.  There are also viewers for viewing the various text formats and types of text documents.  Browsers are general purpose viewers that can view a variety of graphic and text formats over the Internet.  Many of the other viewers are very specific in terms of which format they can view, and browsers may need the assistance of other viewers to provide multi-media transmissions.  For example, to view a PowerPoint program, a PowerPoint viewer is needed, and this is true whether the PowerPoint program is on a micro-floppy or on the Internet.  New computers come with a basic set of viewers and players; however it may be desirable to add additional viewers and players, and also to episodically update those that one has.  In general, most viewers and players, or at least the basic versions of viewers and players, are free and can be downloaded from the Internet.

If you are keeping a notebook on your computer and software, include special sections for viewers and players to identify which viewers and players you have and what versions they are and the parent websites to visit for updates.  Software is becoming increasingly sophisticated and will sometimes notify you when a new version is available.  Someday, computers will become so automated and interactive that you may no longer be necessary.

OPERATING SYSTEM UPDATES & PATCHES

As software is first released, it is released as a beta-version.  Various individuals sign-up to be beta-testers and receive these newest editions for free, and they also attempt to identify bugs and weaknesses and problems, so that these can all be corrected before the commercial version is released.  However there is such pressure on producing and hastily releasing regular new software updates and new software, that new software often comes with bugs and flaws that are fixed after release with patches and updates.

This is another reason for keeping a notebook of the software and also the hardware peripherals that you have.  The problem with hardware peripherals, such as CD burners, DVD players, Zip drives, etc., is that the software to run them may have flaws and are being updated and patched, and sometimes the problem is with the hardware itself, which is a good reason for registering new hardware with the manufacturer.  Each page in your computer system notebook identifies a specific software or hardware peripheral device.  Each page should also include the website address for the manufacturer and technical support for each software and hardware peripheral.  The reason for using a primitive notebook format rather than your modern sophisticated computer is so that if your computer goes down, you have back-up information that is not lost with the computer.

VIRUS PROTECTION SOFTWARE & UPDATES

Viruses are small programs that can enter your computer system and become established.  Viruses are virtual robots, and once established they can perform various nuisance activities or damaging actions.  Viruses can be acquired by using a microfloppy that has infected files obtained from another infected computer.  Another standard infection route is through infected email attachments and sometimes from infected emails.  In general, it is advisable to be careful with email and not to open unknown emails and especially not attachments accompanying unknown emails.  Especially during virus alerts, be careful what email you open.  Virus infections can also be acquired by visiting infected websites.

Most of the major Internet services have sophisticated virus checkers and blockers; however new viruses are being continually created, and sometimes new viruses can slip past existing defenses.  In general, the best defenses are

1. Be leery of unknown emails and email attachments.

2. Establish a regular program of backing-up important files.

3. Have personal virus protection software.

4. Regularly update your virus protection software.

Most virus protection software will cost around $25 to $50.  Sometimes there will be rebate offers that reduce this cost, and there are some free virus protection software for individual users that can be downloaded from the Internet.