How to Use the Touchpad, Your Laptop’s Built-In Mouse

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><br></h1> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Though you may have used akeyboard of some type or a traditional mouse attached to adesktop computer, a laptop pointingdevice, called a touchpad, may be new to you. Frankly, a laptop touchpad, which is essentially your laptop's built-in mouse, takes a little getting used to.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Laptop mouses come in two types: the touchpad and the pointing stick. The <i>touchpad</i><i>,</i> by far the most common type, is a flat area, located beneath your keyboard. A <i>pointing stick</i> is a small button located among your computer's keys.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">When you move your finger across the touchpad surface or place your finger on the pointing stick and move the stick slightly in any direction, a corresponding mouse pointer moves around your computer screen. With a touchpad, which is what you're likely to have on your laptop, you perform clickingactions to open or select things on screen by using the right and left buttons on the bottom of the touchpad.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">The left button on the touchpad is used for left-click actions and the right button for right-click actions. Left-clicking opens or selects items, while right-clicking opens a shortcut menu from which you can choose commands to perform actions.</p> <img alt="image0.jpg" height="199" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/22/210122.image0.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); max-width: 100%; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; height: auto !important;" width="535"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"></span><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> Here are the main functions of a touchpad and how to control them:</p><ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> <b>Clicking:</b> When people say "click," they mean "press and release the left mouse button." Clicking has a variety of uses. You can click while in a document to move the insertionpoint, a little line that indicates where your next action will take place.</p> <p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">For example, you might click in front of a word you already typed and then type another word to appear before it in a letter. Clicking is also used in various windows to select check boxes or radio buttons (also called option buttons) to turn features on or off, or to select objects such as a picture or table in your document. You can also double-click to open objects for editing or to quickly select whole words.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Right-clicking:</b> If you click the right touchpad button, Windows displays a shortcut menu that is specific to the item you clicked. For example, if you right-click a picture, the menu that appears gives you options for working with the picture. If you right-click the Windows desktop, the menu that appears lets you choose commands that display a different view or change desktop properties.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Clicking and dragging:</b> To click and drag, you press and continue to hold down the left mouse button and then move (drag) the mouse to another location. For example, you can press the left touchpad button (keeping it held down) and drag your finger on a touchpad up, down, right, or left to highlight contents of your document.</p> <p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">This highlighted text is selected, meaning that any action you perform, such as pressing the Delete key on your keyboard or clicking a button for Bold formatting, is performed on the selected text.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Scrolling:</b> Many touchpads and wireless mouse models have a way to scroll through a document or Web site on your screen. Just roll the wheel on a mouse down to move through pages going forward or scroll up to move backward in your document. With a touchpad, there is often an area marked on the right or left where you can run your finger up or down to scroll through a document.</p> </li></ul><p class="Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">If you're used to a desktop computer mouse and can't get the hang of the built-in mouse on your laptop, consider buying a portable wireless mouse. By plugging a small transmitter into a USB port on your laptop, you can use this more standard mouse to point, click, and drag, just as you do with a desktop computer.</p>

How to Use the Touchpad, Your Laptop’s Built-In Mouse

Though you may have used akeyboard of some type or a traditional mouse attached to adesktop computer, a laptop pointingdevice, called a to...

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How to Use the Touchpad, Your Laptop’s Built-In Mouse

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><br></h1> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Though you may have used akeyboard of some type or a traditional mouse attached to adesktop computer, a laptop pointingdevice, called a touchpad, may be new to you. Frankly, a laptop touchpad, which is essentially your laptop's built-in mouse, takes a little getting used to.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Laptop mouses come in two types: the touchpad and the pointing stick. The <i>touchpad</i><i>,</i> by far the most common type, is a flat area, located beneath your keyboard. A <i>pointing stick</i> is a small button located among your computer's keys.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">When you move your finger across the touchpad surface or place your finger on the pointing stick and move the stick slightly in any direction, a corresponding mouse pointer moves around your computer screen. With a touchpad, which is what you're likely to have on your laptop, you perform clickingactions to open or select things on screen by using the right and left buttons on the bottom of the touchpad.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">The left button on the touchpad is used for left-click actions and the right button for right-click actions. Left-clicking opens or selects items, while right-clicking opens a shortcut menu from which you can choose commands to perform actions.</p> <img alt="image0.jpg" height="199" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/22/210122.image0.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); max-width: 100%; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; height: auto !important;" width="535"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"></span><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> Here are the main functions of a touchpad and how to control them:</p><ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> <b>Clicking:</b> When people say "click," they mean "press and release the left mouse button." Clicking has a variety of uses. You can click while in a document to move the insertionpoint, a little line that indicates where your next action will take place.</p> <p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">For example, you might click in front of a word you already typed and then type another word to appear before it in a letter. Clicking is also used in various windows to select check boxes or radio buttons (also called option buttons) to turn features on or off, or to select objects such as a picture or table in your document. You can also double-click to open objects for editing or to quickly select whole words.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Right-clicking:</b> If you click the right touchpad button, Windows displays a shortcut menu that is specific to the item you clicked. For example, if you right-click a picture, the menu that appears gives you options for working with the picture. If you right-click the Windows desktop, the menu that appears lets you choose commands that display a different view or change desktop properties.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Clicking and dragging:</b> To click and drag, you press and continue to hold down the left mouse button and then move (drag) the mouse to another location. For example, you can press the left touchpad button (keeping it held down) and drag your finger on a touchpad up, down, right, or left to highlight contents of your document.</p> <p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">This highlighted text is selected, meaning that any action you perform, such as pressing the Delete key on your keyboard or clicking a button for Bold formatting, is performed on the selected text.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Scrolling:</b> Many touchpads and wireless mouse models have a way to scroll through a document or Web site on your screen. Just roll the wheel on a mouse down to move through pages going forward or scroll up to move backward in your document. With a touchpad, there is often an area marked on the right or left where you can run your finger up or down to scroll through a document.</p> </li></ul><p class="Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">If you're used to a desktop computer mouse and can't get the hang of the built-in mouse on your laptop, consider buying a portable wireless mouse. By plugging a small transmitter into a USB port on your laptop, you can use this more standard mouse to point, click, and drag, just as you do with a desktop computer.</p>

How to Use the Touchpad, Your Laptop’s Built-In Mouse

Though you may have used akeyboard of some type or a traditional mouse attached to adesktop computer, a laptop pointingdevice, called a to...

Read more »

How to Turn Off Your Computer

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><br></h1> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">To turn off your computer when you're done using it, you need to initiate a shut down sequence in your operating system instead of simply turning off the power. Choose Start and then click the Shut Down button.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">If you prefer to stop your computer running but not turn the power off, click the arrow to the right of the Shut Down button and, in the resulting shortcut menu<b>,</b> choose Hibernate on a laptop (or simply close the lid of your laptop) to shut the computer down. If you want toreboot (turn off and turn back on) your computer, choose Restart.</p> <img alt="image0.jpg" height="400" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/25/210125.image0.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); max-width: 100%; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; height: auto !important;" width="358"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"></span><p class="Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> If you're going away for a while but don't want to go through the whole booting up sequence complete with Windows 7 music when you return, you don't have to turn off your computer. Just click the Sleep command instead to put your computer into a kind of sleeping state where the screen goes black and the fan shuts down.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">When you get back, just click yourmouse button or press Enter or, in some cases (especially on some laptops), press the Power button. Your computer springs to life, and whatever programs and documents you had open are still open.</p> <p class="Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">If your computer freezes up for some reason, you can turn it off in a couple of ways. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete twice in a row or press the power button on your CPU and hold it until the computer shuts down.</p> <p class="Warning" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Don't simply turn off your computer at the power source unless you have to because of a computer dysfunction. Windows may not start up properly the next time you turn it on if you don't follow the proper shut down procedure.</p>

How to Turn Off Your Computer

To turn off your computer when you're done using it, you need to initiate a shut down sequence in your operating system instead of sim...

Read more »

How to Turn Off Your Computer

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><br></h1> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">To turn off your computer when you're done using it, you need to initiate a shut down sequence in your operating system instead of simply turning off the power. Choose Start and then click the Shut Down button.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">If you prefer to stop your computer running but not turn the power off, click the arrow to the right of the Shut Down button and, in the resulting shortcut menu<b>,</b> choose Hibernate on a laptop (or simply close the lid of your laptop) to shut the computer down. If you want toreboot (turn off and turn back on) your computer, choose Restart.</p> <img alt="image0.jpg" height="400" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/25/210125.image0.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; font-size: 16px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); max-width: 100%; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; height: auto !important;" width="358"><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"></span><p class="Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> If you're going away for a while but don't want to go through the whole booting up sequence complete with Windows 7 music when you return, you don't have to turn off your computer. Just click the Sleep command instead to put your computer into a kind of sleeping state where the screen goes black and the fan shuts down.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">When you get back, just click yourmouse button or press Enter or, in some cases (especially on some laptops), press the Power button. Your computer springs to life, and whatever programs and documents you had open are still open.</p> <p class="Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">If your computer freezes up for some reason, you can turn it off in a couple of ways. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete twice in a row or press the power button on your CPU and hold it until the computer shuts down.</p> <p class="Warning" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">Don't simply turn off your computer at the power source unless you have to because of a computer dysfunction. Windows may not start up properly the next time you turn it on if you don't follow the proper shut down procedure.</p>

How to Turn Off Your Computer

To turn off your computer when you're done using it, you need to initiate a shut down sequence in your operating system instead of sim...

Read more »

How to Clean Up Your Computer’s Hard Drive

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><br></h1> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">The best repair is the one you don't have to make. If you can keep your computer up to date and in tune, you and your PC will live a happier, more productive life. Start by making sure that your computer's hard drive is in tip-top shape by regularly cleaning it up</p> <ol class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> Choose Start→All Programs→Accessories. SelectSystem Tools and click Disk Cleanup.</p><p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">The Disk Cleanup dialog box appears.</p> <img alt="image0.jpg" height="400" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/63/210163.image0.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="328"><img alt="image1.jpg" height="150" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/64/210164.image1.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="200"></li> <li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">In the Files to Delete list, check the boxes next to the names of the files you want to remove and clear the boxes next to any files you want to keep. Click the Clean Up System Files button.</p> <p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">The list of files you can remove safely expands, and the More Options tab appears.</p><img alt="image2.jpg" height="400" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/65/210165.image2.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="322"><img alt="image3.jpg" height="150" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/66/210166.image3.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="200"></li> <li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Click the More Options tab to clean up programs you don't use or to remove SystemRestore files.</p><p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> You should remove System Restore files and shadow copies only if you're desperate for hard drive space. These files can help you get your system back to normal if the current installation files become damaged or your configuration gets out of whack.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Click OK to start the cleanup process.</p><p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> Windows asks whether you're sure that you want to delete these files.</p></li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Click Yes.</p><p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> Your hard drive is now cleaned up.</p></li></ol>

How to Clean Up Your Computer’s Hard Drive

The best repair is the one you don't have to make. If you can keep your computer up to date and in tune, you and your PC will live a h...

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How to Clean Up Your Computer’s Hard Drive

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><br></h1> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;color:rgb(51,51,51);line-height:24px;font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif">The best repair is the one you don't have to make. If you can keep your computer up to date and in tune, you and your PC will live a happier, more productive life. Start by making sure that your computer's hard drive is in tip-top shape by regularly cleaning it up</p> <ol class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> Choose Start→All Programs→Accessories. SelectSystem Tools and click Disk Cleanup.</p><p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">The Disk Cleanup dialog box appears.</p> <img alt="image0.jpg" height="400" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/63/210163.image0.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="328"><img alt="image1.jpg" height="150" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/64/210164.image1.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="200"></li> <li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">In the Files to Delete list, check the boxes next to the names of the files you want to remove and clear the boxes next to any files you want to keep. Click the Clean Up System Files button.</p> <p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">The list of files you can remove safely expands, and the More Options tab appears.</p><img alt="image2.jpg" height="400" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/65/210165.image2.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="322"><img alt="image3.jpg" height="150" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/66/210166.image3.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="200"></li> <li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Click the More Options tab to clean up programs you don't use or to remove SystemRestore files.</p><p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> You should remove System Restore files and shadow copies only if you're desperate for hard drive space. These files can help you get your system back to normal if the current installation files become damaged or your configuration gets out of whack.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Click OK to start the cleanup process.</p><p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> Windows asks whether you're sure that you want to delete these files.</p></li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Click Yes.</p><p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> Your hard drive is now cleaned up.</p></li></ol>

How to Clean Up Your Computer’s Hard Drive

The best repair is the one you don't have to make. If you can keep your computer up to date and in tune, you and your PC will live a h...

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How to Take Care of Your Computer Monitor

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Your computer's</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">monitor</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">displays images on its screen, such as the Microsoft Windows7 desktop or a document in a</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">software</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">program. Because you'll be looking at the monitor every time you use your computer, you need to take care of it to maintain its longevity:</span><br> </h1><ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> <b>Use a surge protector.</b> Never plug your display directly into wall current. Instead, be sure to use a good-quality surge protector. Damage caused by an electrical spike ordinarily isn't covered by manufacturer warranties.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Keep the air vents open.</b> Never cover the air vents on the top or sides of a monitor. Doing so may result in a dangerous buildup of heat that can damage components or shorten their lives. Periodically, use a new paintbrush or the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner to remove accumulated dust on the monitor's ventilation holes.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Leave your monitor on.</b> The most dangerous moment in an electronic component's life is when power is first applied, and the component goes from cold and uncharged to warm and full of electricity. Avoid turning your monitor on and off more than necessary.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Check the connections.</b> Make sure that the cable between the monitor and the video card is firmly attached at each end and not crimped or pinched. If you need to make adjustments and your monitor has a removable cable, unplug it and then replug it into the receptacle on the monitor. This step could reset a loose connection and remove corrosion on any of the connectors.</p> <img alt="image0.jpg" height="380" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/83/210183.image0.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="535"><p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> If that doesn't work, unplug and reconnect the monitor cable at the computer end. You may have to use a screwdriver or thumbscrew to unlock the connection before you can unplug it. Use these locking screws when you replug the cable.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Klutzproof your monitor.</b> Be sure that the monitor is safely installed on a sturdy desk, with its cable properly out of trippingrange of passersby. And, of course, don't place cups of coffee or soda anywhere in the vicinity.</p> </li></ul>

How to Take Care of Your Computer Monitor

Your computer's   monitor   displays images on its screen, such as the Microsoft Windows7 desktop or a document in a   software   progra...

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How to Take Care of Your Computer Monitor

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Your computer's</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">monitor</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">displays images on its screen, such as the Microsoft Windows7 desktop or a document in a</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">software</span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> </span><span style="font-size:18px;line-height:24px">program. Because you'll be looking at the monitor every time you use your computer, you need to take care of it to maintain its longevity:</span><br> </h1><ul class="level-one" style="padding:0px 1rem;margin:0px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif;font-size:16px"><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> <b>Use a surge protector.</b> Never plug your display directly into wall current. Instead, be sure to use a good-quality surge protector. Damage caused by an electrical spike ordinarily isn't covered by manufacturer warranties.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Keep the air vents open.</b> Never cover the air vents on the top or sides of a monitor. Doing so may result in a dangerous buildup of heat that can damage components or shorten their lives. Periodically, use a new paintbrush or the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner to remove accumulated dust on the monitor's ventilation holes.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Leave your monitor on.</b> The most dangerous moment in an electronic component's life is when power is first applied, and the component goes from cold and uncharged to warm and full of electricity. Avoid turning your monitor on and off more than necessary.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Check the connections.</b> Make sure that the cable between the monitor and the video card is firmly attached at each end and not crimped or pinched. If you need to make adjustments and your monitor has a removable cable, unplug it and then replug it into the receptacle on the monitor. This step could reset a loose connection and remove corrosion on any of the connectors.</p> <img alt="image0.jpg" height="380" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/83/210183.image0.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;" width="535"><p class="child-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> If that doesn't work, unplug and reconnect the monitor cable at the computer end. You may have to use a screwdriver or thumbscrew to unlock the connection before you can unplug it. Use these locking screws when you replug the cable.</p> </li><li><p class="first-para" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"><b>Klutzproof your monitor.</b> Be sure that the monitor is safely installed on a sturdy desk, with its cable properly out of trippingrange of passersby. And, of course, don't place cups of coffee or soda anywhere in the vicinity.</p> </li></ul>

How to Take Care of Your Computer Monitor

Your computer's   monitor   displays images on its screen, such as the Microsoft Windows7 desktop or a document in a   software   progra...

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How to Install Memory on Your Computer

<h1 style="font-size:20px;margin:0.25rem 0px;padding:0px 0px 0.5rem;border-width:0px 0px 1px;border-bottom-style:solid;border-bottom-color:rgb(204,204,204);color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><br></h1> <div class="introduction" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> Adding memory (up to your machine's specific limit) is generally the most cost-efficient way to increase its speed. Fortunately, installing memory is one of the most basic operations you can perform inside the case of your computer. You just have to pay close attention to details and take care not to damage your computer while you try to make it better.</p> <p class="Tip" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Nearly all memory vendors provide instructions for installing their modules. Many also answer questions over the phone or through a chat feature on their Web sites.</p> </div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"><div class="stepFigure" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 10px;padding:0px;border:0px;float:right"> <a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/86/210186.image0.jpg?h=387&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)"><img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/87/210187.image1.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"></a><div class="enlarge" style="margin:1px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;text-align:right"> <img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/spa_assets/R16B060/site/dummies2/include/images/icons/enlarge.gif" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"> <a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/86/210186.image0.jpg?h=387&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)">Enlarge</a></div> </div><div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 1</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;display:inline">    Find the right memory module.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> Check the specifications for your computer to find the maximum amount of RAM it's capable of managing. Most modern computers sold to consumers can handle no more than 4GB; paying for and installing more than the maximum is a waste of money and may even cause problems in some machines.</p> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">To find out what kind of memory modules you already have installed in your PC (and need to purchase), choose Start→All Programs→Accessories→System Tools→System Information. The System Information window opens, displaying a report on memory.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 2</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Prepare your workspace, assemble your tools, ground yourself properly, turn off the computer, and unplug the power cord and cables.</h2> </div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Place the computer on a sturdy, well-lighted surface, and open its case.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepFigure" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 10px;padding:0px;border:0px;float:right"><a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/88/210188.image2.jpg?h=339&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)"><img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/89/210189.image3.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"></a><div class="enlarge" style="margin:1px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;text-align:right"> <img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/spa_assets/R16B060/site/dummies2/include/images/icons/enlarge.gif" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"> <a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/88/210188.image2.jpg?h=339&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)">Enlarge</a></div> </div><div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 3</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;display:inline">Look for a set of long slots that hold upright DIMM memory modules.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Most motherboards have two or four such slots, usually black, with a set of plastic lockdown/ejector clips at each end.</p><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px"> If you've already run a scanning program, you should know how many DIMM slots to look for and how many of them are already filled. In general, you should have two or four identical modules. If you're installing larger or faster modules as a pair, they should go in the first two slots. In most designs, the slots closest to the microprocessor are considered to be slots 0 and 1 (and are marked that way on the motherboard in tiny letters).</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 4</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">If you need to remove an old module to install a new one, press evenly on both of the lockdown/ejector clips to release the unit; then lift the module straight up and out of the slot.</h2> </div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"><p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Place the removed module on a nonconductive surface such as a cardboard box or plastic bag.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 5</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Take the new module out of its antistatic bag, holding it by the edges.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Avoid touching the metallic connectors on each side of the bottom of the module to keep oils from your fingers from interfering with the module's contact with the motherboard.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 6</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Follow the installation instructions provided by the memory seller.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">In most situations, you'll be asked to put the largest-capacity modules in the first slots and the smaller ones in the higher-numbered slots.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepFigure" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 10px;padding:0px;border:0px;float:right"><a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/90/210190.image4.jpg?h=182&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)"><img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/91/210191.image5.jpg" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"></a><div class="enlarge" style="margin:1px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;text-align:right"> <img alt="" src="http://media.wiley.com/spa_assets/R16B060/site/dummies2/include/images/icons/enlarge.gif" style="vertical-align: bottom; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; max-width: 100%; height: auto !important;"> <a href="http://media.wiley.com/Lux/90/210190.image4.jpg?h=182&w=535" rel="lightbox" style="color:rgb(1,69,138)">Enlarge</a></div> </div><div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 7</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:19px;display:inline">Locate the notch in the row of pins at the bottom of the module.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">It needs to line up with a matching pin or key in the DIMM slot on your motherboard. The location of the notch depends on the type of module your computer uses. If the notch and pin don't line up, turn the module 180 degrees and try that way.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 8</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">With the notch and pin aligned, press evenly on both ends of the module until it's fully inserted into the slot on the motherboard and the lockdown/ejector clips clickinto place.</h2> </div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"><p class="Warning" style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">Don't attempt to force the module into the slot if it seems to be a complete mismatch. Contact the provider of the memory module to make sure that you received the proper type for your PC.</p> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 9</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Examine the inside of the case to make sure that all the memory modules are locked down properly and that you didn't leave anything inside.</h2> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 10</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Put the cover back on, secure it properly, return the machine to its usual location, reattach the cables and power cord, and turn on the juice.</h2> </div><div class="clear" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;clear:both"></div></div><div class="step" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:16px;color:rgb(51,51,51);font-family:Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif"> <div class="stepHeading" style="margin:10px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;overflow:hidden"><div class="stepNumber" style="margin:0px 10px 0px 0px;padding:10px 0px;border:0px;font-size:1rem;font-weight:bold;float:left;width:30px;text-align:center;font-family:helvetica;background-color:rgb(255,254,0)"> 11</div><h2 class="stepTitle" style="margin:5px 0px 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:20px;display:inline">Check the amount of installed memory.</h2></div><div class="stepText" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px"> <p style="margin:0.75em 0px;padding:0px;border:0px;font-size:18px;line-height:24px">See Step 1 if you're not sure how to do so.</p></div></div>

How to Install Memory on Your Computer

Adding memory (up to your machine's specific limit) is generally the most cost-efficient way to increase its speed. Fortunately, ins...

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