GREATER BOSTON SENIOR COMPUTER GROUP NEWSLETTER
Issue No. 40, June 12, 2002
CHAIRPERSON:: Arline Ekman, AVE@alumni.unh.edu
EDITOR: Harriet Mandell, harrietd@ix.netcom.com
WEB PAGE: Garry Ziffer, http://www.ultranet.com/~gbscg
LIAISON: Eve Welts, ewelts@rcn.com
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KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS FOR lefthanders include Shift + Delete =Cut.... Ctrl+insert=Copy…Shift+Insert=Paste….Alt+Backspace=Undo
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MICROSOFT WORD(LESS)…but you would like to be able to read messages sent to you? Download Wordviewer which will enable you to read and print the messages, but not to edit. Go to http://downloads-zdnet.com/3000-2079-866165.html This is very helpful when you receive messages from Word users.
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REMEMBER CLIPPING SERVICES….they have been replaced by companies like http://w.moreover.com/ which provide companies with real-time news, information, and rumors from every online source that impacts their business. Hours of research may be saved for those in charge of decision making.
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http://www.staysafeonline.info …a web site designed to give you the information needed to secure your home computer. Tips on how to safeguard your system with a self guided cyber security test, educational materials, and other resources
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BRITISH STUDY….reveals people choose passwords often based on something obvious. Around 50 percent base them on the name of a family member, partner or a pet. Thirty percent look to a pop idol or sporting hero. How about you?
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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS….offers a wonderful web site at http://www.loc.gov where you can get lost in Research, or Exhibitions at the on-line galleries. The Today in History provides a 365 day archive for memory lane and the Ask a Librarian could be a valuable tool to any user. Check it out!
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HERE'S HOW…to change the default font in Microsoft Word (the font and font size) Word will always use when you create a document. 1. Create a new document. 2. From the Format menu select Font. 3. Select the font style, point size and any attributes that you will want. 4. Click Default. When you are prompted with the following message, "Do you want to change the default font? Click Yes. This change affects all new documents based on the Normal template. Very helpful if you often use the same choices. Of course, it can always be changed at anytime when you wish another style.
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SPAM-TRACKING WEAPONS can be found at http://combat.uxn.com …find many tools you may want to use to defend yourself.
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GOOD PROSPECTS FOR LOWER PRICES on personal computers. It is expected that the approximate 53% price cut on microprocessors announced by Intel will enable PC makers to cut their prices. If you have wanted to upgrade, it should be a practical time to shop for some expected bargains.
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ANOTHER WAY TO PLAY WITH FONTS IN WORD …on the toolbar choose Tools| Customize| Commands. Select "Format" from the left menu and scroll the right menu until you find the large "A" grow font 1 point and the small "A" shrink 1 point icons which you may drag and drop onto the tool bar for convenience when the change is desired. Other icons are also available.
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TEN STEPS TO SECURITY 1. Use protection software "anti-virus software" and keep it up to date. 2. Don't open email from unknown sources. 3. Use innovative passwords. 4. Protect your computer from Internet intruders by using "firewalls". 5. Don't share access to your computers with strangers. Learn about file sharing risks. 6. Disconnect from the Internet when not in use. 7. Back up your computer data. 8. Regularly download security protection update "patches" 9. Check your security on a regular basis. 10. Make sure you know what to do if your computer becomes infected.
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FIREWALL????....can be hardware or software which will enforce security policies. Only authorized users will have access to your computer via the internet. A firewall has built-in filters that can disallow unauthorized or potentially dangerous material from entering the system. A free one can be downloaded from http://zonealarm.com
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WHY ALL THE FUSS…. safety first. If the antivirus firms do their work and we take precautions, there will be no turmoil created by someone like David Smith, author of the Melissa virus, now sentenced to 20 months in prison.
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CUSTOM SEARCH FROM YOUR BROWSER…. When you type keywords into the address box in Internet Explorer or Netscape, the browsers perform a search for you. The default search engine in Internet Explorer is MSN search; and Netscape uses its own search engine. Want to select the search site that your browser uses? Change the search engine! Here's how to do it for Google. In Internet Explorer: Click the Search button. Click Customize - Autosearch settings…Click the down arrow under "Choose a search provider for the address bar searches. "Click Google Sites…Under "When searching, "be sure to select "Just display results in the main window"…Click OK - OK In Netscape 6: Click Edit - Preferences. Double click Navigator…Click Internet Search…Click the down arrow on the box opposite "Search using" and select Google. Click OK.
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WANTED: URL's of web sites; Helpful hints for Mac users, Win 95/98/ME/XP. Software reviews, desired topics for future meetings. Send these items via email to the editor. Please sign your email with your name. We will publish your email address, but not your name, phone number or address without your permission.