Training

How Do I Copy and Paste?
How Do I Download a File from the internet?
How Do I Open and Email Attachment?
How Do I Locate an Internet Service Provider?
How Do I adjust the Modem Speaker?
What causes computer problems?

COPY AND PASTE

To copy information into another document

In the document that contains the information you want to copy, drag the pointer over the information you want to select.
On the Edit menu, click Copy.
In the document where you want the information to appear, click the place where you want to put the information.
On the Edit menu, click Paste.

DOWNLOADING A FILE

Step 1: Create a Download Folder
The first step in downloading from the internet, is to create a folder where you will always save your downloaded files. This will help you to locate the file once it is downloaded into your computer. To create a new folder (directory) called C:\Download using Windows Explorer, highlight your C: drive, and then click on these menu items, one after the other: File | New > Folder. When a folder entitled New Folder is created, rename it "Download".

Note: A word about distinguishing between the Windows Explorer and Microsoft Internet Explorer. The Windows Explorer is the system tool that helps you examine and access your entire computer; files; directories; drives; desktop, etc. In contrast, Microsoft Internet Explorer is the browser you can use to surf the Web.

Step 2: Download a File Using Your Browser
Microsoft Internet Explorer (MSIE), Netscape Communicator, Opera, and other browsers work in similar ways. After you click the Download Now button, a small window will open and ask you, "What would you like to do with this file?" or something similar. Simply click on the "Save it to disk" or "Save" choice, and then click OK. When the familiar "Save As" window appears, use it to navigate to your newly created C:\download folder and click "Save." Watch and wait until the file has finished downloading. Problems? Some older versions of MSIE may require that you right-click on "Download Now," and select "Save Target As" to be able to begin the process described above.

Step 3: Prepare Your File for Installation
Although some files end in .exe and automatically install or explode into many files, many of the files you will download end in .zip. Since programs almost always include more than one file, think of the trouble it would be to download many files just to get one program to install. A zip file, also referred to as an archive, is an individual file that has files stored within it. When multiple files are combined into one zip file, they are also compressed in size, which has the further benefit of saving hard drive space and shortening download time. To open a .zip file, you will need a program that will unzip the file for you. The most common program for this is WinZip. If you do not already have WinZip, follow these instructions to install the proper version.

Step 4: Download and Install WinZip
Click on this link to download the shareware version of WinZip. (Editor's note: This version of WinZip is shareware; registration costs $29.) Put it in your computer's C:\download folder. The WinZip file is in the form of an .exe that can be run and installed without any additional steps.

Congratulations!
You've successfully downloaded a file, and a whole new world is available to you now! The Internet is a great source for finding software gems. By tapping into the Web's motherlode of software, you can try programs to see if you like them before laying out that hard-earned cash, and keep your favorite programs up to date by learning to download and install their latest versions.

Step 5: Install your file
Double-click on winzip81.exe to install WinZip, then follow the easy step-by-step installation instructions. We suggest you take all of the suggested default settings and scan all your drives for favorite folders. WinZip can then easily access your C:\download directory for the next step. STOP when you reach the "WinZip Wizard - Welcome" window, and proceed with the next instruction. WinZip has probably been set up to launch using wizards, which are interfaces designed to make it easier to use new programs. They present each step in a series of separate windows, with options and decisions for you to make before you click Next to proceed.

Step 6: How To Handle .exe Files
As we mentioned at the beginning of Step 3, you will find files ending in both .zip and .exe. You will find that .exe files are even easier to handle than .zip files! If you downloaded and installed WinZip earlier in this exercise, you know exactly what we mean.
The .exe files that you download are ready to be run -- the only thing is, they can act in one of several different ways. Here are a few examples of what may happen when you double-click on an .exe file that you have downloaded.

An installation routine may begin immediately. In this case, all you need do is follow the instructions that are presented to you.

A small window may appear that explains that the file will extract to a particular folder. You may wish to change the folder, or at least make a note of where the files are being placed. At the conclusion of the file extraction process, an installation process may begin. If it does not, use Windows Explorer to navigate to the folder where the files have been placed. Once there, you can look for a Readme.txt, File_id.diz, Vendinfo.diz, Productname.txt, or other file that may help you install the program. Typically, a Setup.exe or Productname.exe will be there for you to click upon.

All of the files within the .exe will be expanded into the current folder. Fortunately, this older method of packaging is not used very often.

OPENING AN EMAIL ATTACHMENT

Receiving Files Attached to Email Messages
If someone sends you a message with an attached file, the file is automatically copied to your hard drive when you check for your new messages. You'll also see an icon next to the email that lets you know that this message contains an attached file. You can then open and view the attachment when you read the message. If you delete the message, the attached file is deleted from your hard drive.

Attachment safety: Regular email messages cannot contain computer viruses, but attachments can. It's a good idea to scan attached files for viruses before using them. Read more tips about attaching files.

To view attached files, follow the directions for your browser.

Netscape Communicator
Netscape Communicator indicates that a file is attached to a message by displaying a paperclip icon in the message window. Clicking this icon opens a panel at the bottom of the message window that contains an icon for the attached file. This panel may also include a file that contains the sender's email signature and the text of the message.

To open an attached file, double-click the file's icon. If Netscape can open the file, its content will appear in a new browser window. If Netscape cannot open the file, it will let you copy it to your hard drive. You can then open it with the appropriate application (like Microsoft Word, ClarisWorks, Adobe Photoshop, or other common programs).

Internet Explorer and Outlook Express
If a message includes an attached file, Outlook Express displays a paperclip next to the message in your Inbox folder. The email program also displays a paperclip icon in the upper-right corner of the message window.

To open the attached file, click the paperclip icon on the message window. This opens a pop-up menu containing the names of all attached files. Select the file you want to open. Outlook will ask you if you want to open the file or save it to your hard disk. If you choose Open It, Outlook will attempt to display the file's contents. If you choose Save it to disk, the program will let you copy it to your hard drive. You can then open it with the appropriate application.

CHOOSING AN INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER (ISP)

There are a few of ways to find Internet Service Providers in your area. The first place we recommend is your local phone book.

For online resources, visit Find An ISP. They list Internet Service Providers by city.

You may also wish to check out The List. They have a large listing of ISPs broken down by area code.

For an excellent resource about ISPs in general, visit CNET's ISP Buyer's Guide.

ADJUSTING THE MODEM SPEAKER

In Windows 95 and above:

To adjust the modem speaker follow the below steps:

Open Control Panel - Click Start / Settings / Control Panel
Open Modems - Double click the modems icon
Highlight the modem that you wish to adjust the volume and click the Properties button (Note: do not click Dialing Properties, click the Properties button).
Within this window you should have the capability of adjusting the volume, moving the volume adjustment all the way to the left will turn off the speaker, moving it all the way to the right will enable it at the highest volume.

WHAT CAUSES COMPUTER PROBLEMS

What causes computer problems?

Computer errors, such as DLL errors and Runtime errors may occur at any time and may cause unnecessary delays and frustrations. Most of the time computer problems occur due to user negligence and lack of regular PC maintenance.

Some of the common causes of computer problems and several common Windows Vista errors are discussed below:

These days, most of us have our computers connected to the Internet 24 X 7 through high-speed broadband connections. Although this opens gates to loads of valuable information, it can also lead to several computer problems. For instance, if your PC lacks the security of essential tools, such as Firewall, antivirus and antispyware, your PC becomes vulnerable to attacks by hackers and several malicious programs. Virus and spyware problems are a major cause of concern for computer users because they not only generate several computer errors, but also are one of the major reasons behind slow computer problems.

The manufacturers of operating system, device drivers and other applications regularly release security updates and service packs for their products. These updates are developed to patch up any lapses in a software and to protect your PC from malicious attacks that are developed to exploit these security lapses. As a vigilant user, it is essential that you regularly update your system with these releases and keep it protected against unwanted malicious attacks.

One of the main causes of computer problems is the damaged and fragmented computer registry. Registry problems occur due to the accumulation of unwanted data, such as obsolete, invalid, and malicious entries in the registry that cause registry bloating. A damaged and fragmented registry slows down your PC and starts generating computer errors. And in more severe cases registry problems may render your PC unbootable. To prevent registry problems, you must regularly scan and clean your registry. You can easily do this with the help of a reliable third-party registry cleaner tool.

When you install and uninstall programs and add and remove files from your computer, loads of data is added or removed from the hard disk. Many times, your computer activities leave behind a lot of unwanted information. This fills up the hard disk and increases the number of fragmented files on it. Over time, the hard disk slows down and as result the performance of your PC deteriorates. To prevent these hard disk problems, you must use the Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter tools that are shipped with your Windows Vista operating system. On Vista, you can also schedule the Disk Defragmenter to run at regular intervals and ensure that your computer�s hard disk stays healthy and free of fragmented files at all times.

Last but not least, it is essential for you to be a vigilant user. You must be very careful about the software, especially free games, music, videos, and utilities that you download on your PC�they are known to be packaged with spyware and adware programs.� Also, you should avoid opening attachments that come with unsolicited e-mails. By regularly performing the PC maintenance activities discussed above, you can ensure that your PC is at its optimal performance level.