Instructional Resources - Tech Tips - Windows Tips
Selecting multiple files
When working in Windows Explorer or the My Computer window, you might need to perform the same action on more than one file in a folder. For example, you might need to copy a group of files to another location. You might think you have to copy each file individually, but you don't. Just select all the files at one time and then copy (or delete) them together.
=> To select a group of files that are listed together in the folder window (contiguously), select the first filename, hold the [Shift] key, and click on the last file you want to affect. This technique selects all the filenames between the first and last files.
=> To select noncontiguous files, select the first file, hold the [Ctrl] key, and click on the other files you want to affect.
=> To deselect a file, hold the [Ctrl] key and click on the selected file.
=> Then, use the keyboard or right-click on one of the selected files to complete your action with the shortcut menu.
What Time Is It?
Don't know what time it is? There's a clock on your computer's desktop. On a PC, it's in the lower right corner, and on a Mac, it's in the upper right corner. Hold your cursor over the time for a few seconds to see the current date.
What if you need to change the date and time? That's easy enough to do. Here's how:
=> On a PC, just double-click the time. Windows displays the Date/Time Properties dialog box. Change the date and time, click Apply, and then click OK.
=> To change the time on a Mac, click the Apple menu and select Control Panels. Click the Date and Time option and you'll see a window where you can change the date and time. Close the box, and the correct date and time will be displayed on your screen.
Protect your files by assigning a screen saver password
Do you ever wonder if anyone uses your computer while you are away from your desk? Maybe you have files or other sensitive material on the screen you don't want anyone to see. You don't want to shut down the system so what do you do? Add password protection to your screen saver. When your screen saver comes on the only way to redisplay your desktop is to enter the correct password. Here's how to set it up:
=> On the desktop, click on Start - Settings - Control Panel
=> Select the Display icon. The Display Properties dialog box appears.
=> Click on the Screen Saver tab and select a screen saver if one is not already selected.
=> Set a wait time for the screen saver to become active.
=> Click on the Password Protected check box.
=> Click the Change button.
=> Type your password, and then confirm the password by typing it again (you might want to use the same password you use to log on to the system)
=> Click OK. Now every time the screen saver comes on you must enter your password to return to your regular screen. You can change the screen saver, the password, or the wait time by repeating the above steps whenever you want.
Restoring Deleted Files (Windows 95/98)
Everyone accidentally deletes a file now and then. To get it back, open the Recycle Bin and look for the file you wish to bring back. Right-click on the file icon and choose Restore. This only works for files deleted from your hard drive and only if you have not previously emptied your Recycle Bin. Files deleted from a floppy do not go into the recycle bin, so once deleted you probably won't be able to get them back. To empty your Recycle Bin, right-click on the Recycle bin icon and select Empty Recycle Bin.
Creating a Shortcut (Windows) or Alias (MAC) on your desktop
A Shortcut/Alias is a pointer to a file or program on your computer. Creating a shortcut/alias on your desktop provides you with a fast way to access files or programs you use frequently.
=> To Create a shortcut in Windows: Find and select the item (file or program) for which you want to create a shortcut. Right-click and drag the icon to your desktop. When you release your mouse a menu appears. Click on Create Shortcut Here.
=> To Create an Alias on the MAC: Select the item for which you want to create an Alias. Hold down the Command and Option keys and drag the item to your desktop. The alias should look just like the original icon except its name appears in italics on your desktop.
You can rename your shortcut/alias by clicking the icon to highlight the current name. Type in a new name for your shortcut/alias and press Enter/Return or anywhere else on the desktop. The icon is renamed.
Stop Printing
When you start printing a large document a small printer icon appears at the bottom right corner of your screen letting you know the document has been sent to the printer. If you decide to cancel printing, double-click on that printer icon. This displays the properties window for your printer. Select the print job to cancel. Then in the windows main menu select Document - Cancel Printing. Anything already in the printer's buffer will continue to print but the rest of the print job will stop printing.
Find Files
When you just can't remember where you put a file, don't waste time opening and closing folders. Windows - Find File command will locate missing documents for you. Click the Start button, choose Find, then Files or Folders. If you know at least part of the name, type it into the Named: field. Choose the appropriate place to search and click Find Now to see the list if files display.
Forcing an application to quit
If a program crashes while you work, press Control-Alt-Delete. In the Close Program dialog box that appears select the program that is not responding and click on End Task. Control of your PC should be restored. You should be able to continue working without further incident.
Uninstalling Software (PC)
Deleting software (as opposed to uninstalling) does not properly remove a piece of software because there are many hidden files scattered all over your hard drive. After a while all these - orphan's files can add up and clutter up your hard drive. Instead use the Uninstall feature to properly remove every trace of a piece of software.
=> Click on the Start button
=> Go up to Settings and select Control Panel
=> Select the Add/Remove Programs icon.
=> Select the program you wish to uninstall from the list that appears.
=> Click on Add/Remove button.
=> Follow the directions on the screen.
Shut Down Quickly
If your index finger is tired from clicking mouse buttons all day, give it a rest when you get ready to shut down your computer. Instead of clicking the Start button and selecting Shut Down from the Start menu, press ALT-F4. You can also use the ALT-F4 key combination to close an open program.
System Startup
One way to increase the startup speed of your system is to have a Desktop that's light on icons. Take a look at your icons. Do you use them on a regular basis? Are there some you can live without? Many programs automatically place an icon shortcut on your Desktop. If a program asks you if you want to place an icon on your Desktop when you install it, choose No unless you know you'll be using the program a lot. Drag any icons you don't use regularly to the Recycle Bin. You can still access those programs by using the Start menu.