UNIQUE SOLUTIONS

Daily maintenance

There are some daily tasks that will help with computer performance. No one likes to pay high computer repair charges. Hopefully, these are usefull.

1. Anti-Virus Scans: There are free software options but make sure that you are running these scans. An infected computer can cause many problems from “chunky mouse” to a slow computer that freezes up. Run your anti-virus.
2. Back up: Always back up anything that is important to you. From files to photos to music. If your computer is infected, these valuables will probably be lost and some things can’t be replaced. Make sure that you have a system in place to back up your data. There are free options on line. Do a little Google search to find them.

Weekly Maintenance

1. Run Window updates: These are often ignored due to inconvenience. Everyone knows what has to be done once these updates are installed…restart! No one likes to be interrupted and that’s what these updates mean. Too bad, they are critical. These are Microsofts reaction to flaws found in their software. These updates (patches) are there to protect your computer. Make sure that you are updating.
2. Anti-spyware/Anti-malware Scans: Like anti-virus, these scans can help protect you from a slow pc or worse. Free software is available on line.
3. Reboot: Simple but often ignored. Do this at least once a week.

Monthly Maintenance

1. Remove TEMP files: These files tend to build up and can cause issues. Again, google search for free options.
2. Disk Clean Up: Use the Windows Disk Clean Up program.
3. Run Disk Check: If you have a version of Windows, you should be running this to test the integrity of your hard disk. This can fix some file system errors.
4. Run the Disk Defragmenter: Run this at least monthly for better performance.

Bi-Yearly Maintenance

1. Clean the dust out of your PC: A handy can of compressed air can take care of this. Make sure the machine is off before cleaning the fan system. Every 6 months should do.

Yearly Maintenance

1. Remove Unused Programs: Once a year, go through the Add/Remove program list and remove any program that you no longer use. If you are unsure, DON’T REMOVE IT!!!

General Maintenance

1. Keep files off of your Local Disk C drive: Only save files in areas such as My Documents/ My Music/ My Pictures/ etc. It is not a good idea to save in other areas of your computer. These files may end up missing or lost.
2. Always have proper ventilation around your computer: As any computer user knows, these machines can get hot! Proper ventilation can be key.
3. DO NOT Unplug from the wall: If you inevitably experience a freeze up, don’t unplug the machine. Hold down the power button for 10 to 30 seconds. Unplugging can be dangerous to your computer. Try to shut down using the Windows Start menu or by using CTRL+ALT+DELETE.

Call Unique Solutions if you have any issues with your computer or network.

If you like this article and would like to see more interesting stuff, check us out at:
www.uniquesolutions.com

Shortcut to changing font size for the ultra-lazy

Word is supposed to make our lives easier. There are many functions that we rarely use that will make life easier when behind the keyboard. Here is one that you may not know about.

You can change the font size on a Word document without ever touching the mouse. Most people will use the mouse to move to the buttons on the toolbar. There is an easier and cool way to do this. The shortcut key is Ctrl + Shift + P.

Centering a paragraph using the keyboard only

Here is a handy trick. Most of us use the Windows toolbar to center text. This is a handy way to do it without ever taking your hands off of the keyboard. Ctrl + E. This will center the paragraph where the insertion point is set. Very handy, if you tire of switching back and forth between mouse and keyboard.

Easy and quick way to delete words

Everyone knows that highlighting and hitting delete or holding down the backspace key will delete text in Windows. Did you know that there is a faster and easier way to eliminate unwanted text?

Simply hold down the Ctrl key to speed up your deletions. Ctrl + Delete will delete the entire word at one time. Not one letter at a time. This can be quite handy when editing hefty documents.

List of general shortcut keys for Windows

• CTRL+C (Copy)
• CTRL+X (Cut)
• CTRL+V (Paste)
• CTRL+Z (Undo)
• DELETE (Delete)
• SHIFT+DELETE (Delete the selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin)
• CTRL while dragging an item (Copy the selected item)
• CTRL+SHIFT while dragging an item (Create a shortcut to the selected item)
• F2 key (Rename the selected item)
• CTRL+RIGHT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next word)
• CTRL+LEFT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word)
• CTRL+DOWN ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph)
• CTRL+UP ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraph)
• CTRL+SHIFT with any of the arrow keys (Highlight a block of text)
• SHIFT with any of the arrow keys (Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in a document)
• CTRL+A (Select all)
• F3 key (Search for a file or a folder)
• ALT+ENTER (View the properties for the selected item)
• ALT+F4 (Close the active item, or quit the active program)
• ALT+ENTER (Display the properties of the selected object)
• ALT+SPACEBAR (Open the shortcut menu for the active window)
• CTRL+F4 (Close the active document in programs that enable you to have multiple documents open simultaneously)
• ALT+TAB (Switch between the open items)
• ALT+ESC (Cycle through items in the order that they had been opened)
• F6 key (Cycle through the screen elements in a window or on the desktop)
• F4 key (Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer)
• SHIFT+F10 (Display the shortcut menu for the selected item)
• ALT+SPACEBAR (Display the System menu for the active window)
• CTRL+ESC (Display the Start menu)
• ALT+Underlined letter in a menu name (Display the corresponding menu)
• Underlined letter in a command name on an open menu (Perform the corresponding command)
• F10 key (Activate the menu bar in the active program)
• RIGHT ARROW (Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu)
• LEFT ARROW (Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu)
• F5 key (Update the active window)
• BACKSPACE (View the folder one level up in My Computer or Windows Explorer)
• ESC (Cancel the current task)
• SHIFT when you insert a CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive (Prevent the CD-ROM from automatically playing)
• CTRL+SHIFT+ESC (Open Task Manager)

Hopefully you find these little secrets handy.

Call me for all computer services, repair or I.T. management.

John Reynolds

951-514-2919 Ext. 714

Parenting in this age is a totally new ballgame. Gone are the care free days that are parents and grandparents enjoyed. The dangers that existed when we were in our youth are still there today, however, they seem so minute in comparison to the dangers that our kids face on a daily basis.

One of the things that have changed our world (for the better or worse) is the internet. What a great tool, the internet. On we go, speeding through information and funny emails at the speed of light. On the internet, anything goes. There is little, if any, regulation. It is a free form of expression that can cause many a problem. Sure, it’s great to instant message your friend or video chat with a distant relative but what about our kids? Is the internet a safe place for them to be? Let’s face it, most kids love to surf the web. Is this a good thing? It’s great for school projects. Gone are encyclopedias, now we have hard drives. Soon, kids won’t lug giant back breaking packs filled with books and notebooks. This will soon be replaced with tablets that will hold all of the information that they need.

All of the wonderful advancements are great but we need to remember that the internet can be a scary place for an innocent mind. These are some common suggestions to make the web a SAFER place for your kids to be.

1. Talk to your kids: When my child heads out to play, I question him. Where are you going? When will you be home? Who are you playing with? Why would it be any different on line? Questions will help to keep you involved. Simple? Yes, but effective. Communication.
2. Set rules for your child: Always have rules in place to follow. This goes for basically anything in parenting but especially on the internet.
3. Explore the sites that they are visiting: It’s always a good idea to visit the sites that they frequent. Find the pros and cons. Find out for yourself if these sites are ok with you.
4. Watch out for strangers:  Make sure that your child NEVER gives their full name, address or other personal information. Chatting with a stranger can be very dangerous.
5. Educate yourself: Check out and stay up to date on the new sites and devices that your child is using. Communicate with your child about technology.
6. Parental Control Software: Here are some useful programs that will help to secure the internet. K 9 Web Protection is a great free app. Also, look into Kidzui, Visikid and Pikluk. These are all very useful and recommended.

Hopefully, these tips are helpful. It is up to the parent to maintain a safe internet environment for their children. Happy surfing!

http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20101208/10473412189/cypress-hill-backup-singer-sues-take-two-250-million-says-gta-character-based-his-life.shtml

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/12/tentacle-like-prosthetic-arm-is-a-cthuloid-nightmare/

http://www.wired.com/magazine/2010/11/pl_charland/?pid=3914

http://matadornetwork.com/life/how-to-find-anything-on-the-internet/

http://wii.ign.com/articles/113/1135489p1.html

5 tips to help keep your laptop from overheating

Everyone uses a laptop these days and I’m sure that many have noticed that they tend to run “hot”. This is normal, however, like any electronic device, heat over a prolonged period is not a good thing.

Follow these helpful tips below to avoid overheating your laptop.

1.  Adjust your power settings from “high performance” to a more “balanced” or “power saver” plan: This allows your system to use only the necessary amount of power needed.

2.   Keep your vents clean: Dust build up can cause overheating. By frequently spraying your computer’s vents with a canister of dust remover (condensed gas) you can eliminate one of the main causes.

3.   Keep your work environment at a cool temperature: This is an obvious one but should not be overlooked. Your computer will not stay cool in a warm room.

4.   Laptop cooling fans can make a huge difference: A fan is the best way to keep your laptop cool. There are many brands and the prices range from around $30 and up.

5.  Always shut your computer down when you are not using it: Another obvious one but one that is often overlooked. Shutting down the laptop gives it necessary cooling time. Try to shut it off when it is not being used.

Call John Reynolds with Unique Solutions for all of your technical needs.

951-514-2919 ext. 714