Computer Tips & Tricks

1. How to turn off a computer with no on/off switch.

Most newer computers, actually those with the the ATX style motherboards, shut themselves down when Windows exits. But what happens when Windows hangs? How do you shut the computer down then? These computers only have a "Push-to-start" button. Although undocumented anywhere that I have been able to find, to shut these computers down just hold the Start button in for 5 or 6 seconds, and the PC will shut down completely. This works on laptops too. No need to remove the battery to shut it down.

2. Check Broadband Speeds

Here are two sites that allow checking the broadband uploading and downloading connection speeds. One of these is Ookie, and the other one is SpeakEasy. (You can click on their names to check them out). Both of these sites are very user friendly and as near as I can tell, accurate. When you test your connection, be sure that there are no other programs like email that may be accessing the Internet at the same time or your results may not be correct. Also, assure that there are no other computers on your network accessing the Internet for the same reasons.

3. Energy saving tip (CRT type monitor)

If you like to leave your computer on all night but still want to be as energy efficient as possible, just turn the monitor off and leaving the computer on. A tube type (CRT) monitor uses many times more power than everything else in the computer combined. Everything so far as the computer will continue to work as normal, you just won't be able to see it.

4. Sorting in Explorer, Outlook Express, etc.

In almost all Windows displays, the listed items can be sorted by clicking on the header name of the column. i.e.: Open My Computer, click on your C drive. Click View, and select Details.  In the display the headers are "Name, Size, Type, and Date Modified" across the top. If you click on "Name" all items displayed will be listed alphabetically A-Z. Click on "Name" again and they will be alphabetically Z-A. Click on "Type" and the listing will show the items listed by Type A-Z. Click "Type" again, and the list will be Z-A. This same thing works for Size and Date Modified. This also works in the Control Panel, Outlook and Outlook Express, and others. Once sorted, changing back to a different View, like Tiles, Icons, or List, maintains the sort.