Gaynor & Associates
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Gaynor & Associates
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ChangesThis is where we'll announce the most recent additions to our products and services as well as major changes to our web site. If you've visited us before and want to know what's changed, take a look here first. New products include a complete line of network servers with your choice of network operating systems and hardware to meet your specific users' needs. We also now supply complete network wiring for commercial and residential systems. For years commercial users have realized the benefits of network operation. Now home users can achieve the same benefits and build your home for the future.
Recent Computer Tips from Gaynor & Associates
Cleaning Up Old Document Files
If your computer is running Microsoft Windows XP, you should probably install
the Windows XP Service Packs (#1 & #2). These Microsoft updates offers fixes to several
hundred small bugs and issues with the first release of Windows XP. While most
of the patches are of a very minor nature, some are also critical for proper
operation of drivers (the software which allows your computer to communicate
with physical devices). There are also some fixes to security issues which can
be critical with network operations in your office or home. NOTE: If you
download these Service Pack(s), you will need to be connect via high-speed
internet access as the files are very large.
Microsoft offers an automatic update service to users of their operating
systems. This is currently available for users of Windows XP. Be aware that this
site collects information about your computer when you use the update service.
However, Microsoft assures us that the only information collected is directly
related to their software installed on your computer and which updates relate to
those software packages.
Downloading and installing updates or service packs from Microsoft are
generally trouble-free tasks. However, in some cases they may cause problems. The
problems can arise when service changes or updates are installed to components
of Windows which require specific settings. Your settings can be lost when the
upgrade is installed (often automatically by Microsoft upon completion of the
download) and may need to be re-entered.
One of the ever-growing uses of computers is networking an entire household. Home networking can be used for maintaining schedules (soccer practice, school events, etc.); keeping a "gift-hint" list (not very secretive but it can work); sharing email (so EVERYONE in the home knows Aunt Betty's latest blueberry pie recipe); and (maybe best of all) the ability to share a single high-speed, internet access connection. You can also share printers and scanners as well as being able to play networked games. The Internet connection (DSL, Cable or Satellite) is made through the normal modem for the type of connection. It is then fed through a router which connects all of the computers via an ethernet cable and connectors. If you decide to go with a wireless network, be sure the network is set up securely. Unsecured wireless networks can be accessed from OUTSIDE your home or office at distances up to several hundred feet. Installation is relatively easy and the components are commonly available. Beware of extremely inexpensive connectors and cable as they may exhibit some reliability problems. Get networked and be
connected when you need the family or the internet.
Here is an easy way to clean up old document files without going back-and-forth between your word processor and Windows Explorer. In Word or Word Perfect, select FILE from the Menu Bar, then click on OPEN. This will bring up either the default folder from which you open files or the last folder from which you selected one file. All of the document files will be shown (be sure the setting for "Show Files of this type" is correct) in the window. You can either temporarily
open the files to see which ones you want to delete, or you can delete them
without opening. To DELETE, Right-Click on the file you wish to remove, then
from the Menu which pops up, select DELETE and then OK or YES. If you wish to
skip the Recycle Bin completely, hold the SHIFT key while you click on DELETE.
(Remember, there is NO TURNING BACK after the file is completely deleted.
If you need to remove a single file, or many files of the same type, from your computer it is relatively easy. You only need to select the file(s) and press the delete key. However, if you wish to remove a program the process is slightly different. There are several reasons for not just deleting the programs folder. The most serious reason is that the Windows Registry will still think the program is present if you merely delete it. To remove a program, open the CONTROL PANEL, and the ADD/REMOVE PROGRAMS selection. Scroll through the list of installed (and recognized) programs, select the one you wish to remove and click on the ADD/REMOVE button. When the process is
complete you may see a message saying something like: "some elements were not
removed". If this screen comes up, click on OK and then open Windows Explorer
(or My Computer) and find the remaining folder(s), usually under the PROGRAMS
folder and delete them. At this point, it is OK to delete as the information
about the program in the WINDOWS REGISTRY has already been removed.
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Copyright © 2009
Gaynor & Associates
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