Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Computer Tips [ Defrag on Your Schedule + Amazing Toolbar Download + Tweak Your Web Browser ] 10/23/08

Computer Tipswww.worldstart.com No, this isn't Steve. You can tell because Steve never wears a suit :-)

Quick Tips

Vista Auto-Defrag

Are you a Windows Vista user? If so, have you run a defrag on your system lately? As you may remember, awhile back, I told you how to run a defrag with the Vista operating system and at that time, I failed to mention anything about the automatic defrag feature. So, I figured today would be as good a time as any to do so. As a Vista user, you may have run into a few of the functions that Microsoft has controlled for you, including the auto-defrag. I don't know about you, but I want my control back. Keep reading to find out how you can get it!

By default, the disk defrag feature in Vista is set up to defrag your system approximately every four times you restart your computer. It just starts on its own, no matter what you're working on or what you're doing on your computer at the time. As you can imagine, that slows your computer down quite a bit, let alone how annoying it becomes! So, if you'd like to speed your system back up by turning the auto-defrag feature off, here's how you can do it.

First, double click on the Computer icon on your desktop. Once there, right click on your C: drive and choose Properties. Next, hit the Tools tab and then select the option that says "Defragment Now." (I know that may sound like the opposite of what you should be doing, but stick with me. It will all work out in the end!) Lastly, uncheck the box that says "Run on a schedule." That will stop all the scheduled defrags from running and from here on out, you can run the defrag whenever it's convenient for you. Just don't forget to do it!

~ Erin

You can't stop now! There's so much more to read about. Keep going to learn all about a certain error message that's not as harmful as you may think, find out how to keep it blank in MS Excel and learn a little more about downloading the new Google Chrome Web browser. Also, be sure to check out this week's awesome download thanks to Gary and as always, don't miss Amanda's Cool Site of the Day!

Announcements

WOW!! We Have The Deal Of The Month!!!

"I Am Ready For My Close-Up!" (ARE YOU?)

Amazing Digital AND Video Camera Does It All!!

Just $14.97!!

That's Right- Just $14.97!!!!

WOW!!

Yes, WOW! This amazing camera has it all! You have never seen a camera as cool as this one- Just look at that awesome design!!! Wait until you check it out!!! You will be so glad that you did!

Fabulously engineered, this awesome camera has an innovative design that allows you to use it in two ways. First, carry this camera with you to take digital photographs. Its lightweight, portable design is perfect for the go. Take this amazing camera to your next family function or on vacation and capture all your favorite memories with just a push of the button!

Included inside this fantastic camera is a memory chip that allows you to capture and store up to 152 photos! WOW!!! That will really let you preserve all those priceless memories of you and your loved ones. Seriously, what could be better? This Phenomenal Camera!!! Wanna know how? Keep Reading!

You can use this incredible camera as a web cam too. WOW!!! The packaging includes a stand that allows this camera to rest at the perfect height for awesome video messaging and conferencing. Now is that really cool or what? All you have to do is plug it into a USB port, and you are ready to go.

Video messaging is so great! When you are unable to attend a precious family (or friends) gathering, this method gives you a feeling that you are there. Better yet, with this feature you can quickly and easily capture photos and email them, all within a few clicks of the mouse! Now that is really cool!

Oh and I gotta mention the quality of the photos!! They are really REALLY clear! I was soooo impressed!!!

As an added BONUS, this camera also comes with its own Archsoft Photo Editing Software. Edit your favorite photos by cropping, removing red eye, and soooo much more all within a few short steps! AWESOME!!!

OOOH, but the price of this camera makes this deal soooo much better! In fact, this is by far the deal of the month! You could go to a local retail store and pay anywhere for $50.00 to $200.00 on a digital camera web cam combo! But if you order now, this camera is just $14.97 and US Shipping is FREE! Check out the product page for more information!!

http://store.worldstart.com/product.php?productid=4614

PS: It is getting to be holiday season. Don't miss a great photo opportunity because you don't have a camera. Order this awesomely priced amazing camera now before our supply is gone.


Finally, After Years Of Searching-

I Have Found Them...

The Perfect Headphones!

Super Price Too- Only $12.97!!!

WOW!

These headphones are simply the best headphones that I have EVER come across!!! I will never wear another earbud or headset again!

Because I hate the earbuds so much, I have been searching for a headset that is lightweight, comfortable, and will stay on my ears while I run! Well, let me tell you, I have searched for years! Then, just the other day, when I thought I had given up and that I would have to settle for those stupid earbuds the rest of my life, I came across these headphones. I said it once, and I will say it again, these headphones are wonderful!

First, they are really lightweight. Like earbuds, these headphones don't have that annoying, heavy, strap that wrap around your head to make them stay in place. However, like headphones, this pair has padded earpieces that comfortably rest on the outside of your ears.

So, you are probably wondering how they stay in place? Well, these headphones have nifty little hooks that hook onto the back of your ears as if you were wearing glasses. These little rubber hooks secure the headphones in place and are extremely comfortable. Today, I wore them all day at work, and forgot that I had them on!!! I was shocked!!!

And the quality of the sound could not be better! You will not miss a single beat with these headphones! Even better, the head phone jack works with my computer, my iPod, and my AM/FM radio! These headphones could not get any better!

Oh- wait! Yes they can... with the price! For just $12.97 and US Shipping is Free. Let me tell ya, I have searched so long for the perfect headphones that I would pay triple that amount. When I saw the price I picked up two sets just for myself- just incase anything horrendous happens and I need a new set. Check out this site for more information!!!

http://store.worldstart.com/product.php?productid=4514


If This Doesn't Wake You Up- Nothing Will!!

The Most Convienient Alarm Clock We Have Ever Seen!

It Folds, It Sings, It Tells You The Date!

Even Displays The Temperature Too!!

Earth Shattering Low Price- Just $9.97!!!

This alarms clock is wayyy cooler than that old radio alarm clock that is sitting next to your bed plugged into the wall.

Operating on a watch battery, this alarm clock goes anywhere and everywhere. Its thin lightweight design can easily fit into your back pocket or the tiniest purse. I am so impressed with the design of this alarm clock. It is about the size of a woman's powder compact and is extremely portable. It is the perfect travel size, great to take with you, and definitely more trustworthy then those darn hotel room alarm clocks!!!!!

Plus- the digital numbers are HUGE! This alarm clock is extremely easy to read!! It not only displays the time but it also gives you the date and day of the week! I love this feature because when I am groggy in the morning, I can easily read the time and date without having to put on my glasses! Better yet, the alarm is really loud and will make sure you know that it is time to get moving.

This fan-tabulous folding alarm clock even comes with a built-in digital thermometer, which displays the temperature of the room. WOW!! I love this! On those brisk fall mornings, this alarm clock lets me know how chilly it is outside of my warm and toasty covers.

This clock is perfect for quickly glancing at the time and the alarm is a great reminder of my deadlines at the office! Plus, its folding stylish design looks awesome I just adore this little guy!

Cost? WOW! We have a spectacular deal for you today! Order now and get this super folding alarm clock for just $9.97 and US Shipping is Free! Now that is one kind of deal you don't want to pass up!

http://store.worldstart.com/product.php?productid=4611

PS: These fun alarm clocks are going to go quickly. Order now before our supply is gone!!!! :-)

Computers 101

Q:
When I visit certain Web sites, I often get the error message of "Done, but with errors on page." What does that mean and is there anything I can do to fix it? Please help!

A:
Back by popular demand! I always have people asking me this question and it's a problem I run into every once in awhile as well. I know how frustrating it can be to receive any type of error message, but when you don't have a clue what it means, it's even harder to deal with. I didn't know what the "Done, but with errors on page" error message meant for the longest time, but after doing some research on it, I found out some very interesting information. So, when I saw this question in my Inbox, I knew I had to cover it right away. And that's exactly what I'm going to do today. Let's check it out!

First of all, I want to make sure everyone's clear on what we're talking about. Here's the scenario: you're browsing the Web and you see a Web site you'd like to visit. You go to the site, it loads up and everything seems to be running fine, but then you see that dreaded error message at the bottom of the page. Yep, it says "Done, but with errors on page." It gives you the little yellow exclamation point icon and you know something's wrong. But what could it be? It's just a simple Web site. What could possibly be the problem? (Note: This is what the error message looks like):

Well, to begin, the error usually only shows up in Internet Explorer and it mainly has to do with JavaScript. If the Web site you're trying to view uses JavaScript, you may run into a script related error, which triggers the "Done, but with errors on page" message. It's usually generated by an error in the site's code and unless you have access to that code, you probably won't be able to fix the error yourself. Once the problem hits a Web site's code, only the developers of the site can get in and fix it.

However, when the error pops up, you should still be able to see most of the site. Just keep in mind that some of its parts may not function correctly. You might have a missing image or animation here or there, but most of the site should still be visible. Now, I know some of you may be worried about the error affecting your computer. You may be thinking it's going to harm your PC. Well, I assure you it won't. The problem lies within the Web site only and there's no way it could damage your computer. Plus, if you go and visit other sites, you'll see that they load up just fine. And once the creators of the other site fix their code, it will be viewable again as well.

In addition, if you're a Web site designer or editor yourself, you'll want to keep an eye on your site and make sure the "Done, but with errors on page" message doesn't pop up at any time. If it does, just go in and look through your source code. The problem usually comes from an improper syntax, an incomplete code or a script that's placed in the wrong HTML section. Just take a look at those things and you should be able to fix the error rather quickly. Then your site will be back up and running the way it should be.

As you can see, the error message isn't one to panic about. It's unfortunate that it happens, but there's not really anything you can do about it yourself. If there's any way you can contact the designer of the Web site, do so. They may not even know there's a problem, but if you tell them, I'm sure they'll get it fixed right away. Otherwise, you'll just have to sit tight and keep checking back until the problem is solved. Luckily, it's not an error message that can ruin your whole day. At least it shouldn't!

~ Erin

Have a question for the newsletter? Submit it at the link below:
http://www.worldstart.com/submitquestion.htm

MS Office

Keep It Blank

Here's another tip that stems from my file of reader questions! Do you ever have MS Excel data filling every other row? You know, a row of data, a blank row and then another row of data.

Have you ever tried using the fill handle to drag the data down a column? If so, what happened?

Yep, that's right. To your complete horror, it filled every row!

So, now what? Do you add data by hand from now on or do you go back and manually insert the blank cells between the data?

Well, may I suggest neither one?

Instead, I'd like to propose that you simply alter the way you start your fill. With just one small adjustment at the beginning, all of your trouble with the blank lines will never even exist!

Here's the deal. Usually, to start the fill, you select the cell containing the data and then you click on the fill handle (the small black square in the bottom right corner of the cell selection outline) and drag.

Well, the cool thing about Excel and all of its fill handle pattern recognition abilities is it can also recognize more than just the data pattern.

To keep the blank row between your data, highlight both the data cell and the cell below it that needs to remain blank.

Now, when you click-hold-and-drag the fill handle, you'll not only get the data fill, but Excel will also fill it in following the every other row pattern you started with.

Give it a try. You'll find that with just a little planning, the headache of extra data will never bother you again!

~ April

More Cool Stuff

A Mean Green Storing Machine!!!

Radical 1 GIG Flash Drive!

WOW- Just $11.97!!! :-)

You definitely don't want to miss out on this one day special! Today only (10-23-08) get this super funky, super cool 1 GB Mint-Green flash drive by Hewitt Packard for just $11.97!

This HP flash drive is so awesome! First, when it comes to computer stuff, HP is a name we all recognize and trust! And their flash drives are no exception! This phenomenal flash drive will store up to whoppin' 1 GB of information and for just $11.97 this is the best value for storing and transferring information while you are on the go!

With this flash drive, you can easily store documents, music, photos, videos and more! Plus, this flash drive uses USB 2.0 technology, making all of your data transfers really, really blistering fast!

Another awesome thing about this flash drive is that it has plug and play technology! You will never have to worry about messing with drivers or installation with this phenomenal device!

Do you want to know something else that is pretty cool? This amazing flash drive is so small that it easily fits into your pocket and with the LED activity indicator light, you will know when it is safe to unplug it without ruining all your precious work!

Flash Drives are perfect for everyone!!! And with this super funky, awesomely green flash drive, you will be able to put a gigabyte in your pocket and always be able to pick out your amazing flash drive from the crowd! Order yours today for just $11.97, and US Shipping is Free!

http://store.worldstart.com/product.php?productid=4656

PS: We only have 200 of these in stock. And for the low price of $11.97 I am sure they are going to go quickly. Get to the site now before you miss out on this amazing deal! Oh- and I almost forgot to mention that the price will increase to $16.97 tomorrow! So what are you waiting for? Order now!


Wake-Up Your Tastebuds!!!

Make Cooking E-Z!

Betty Crocker Will Have You Thinking Your A 5 Star Chef!!

All For The Amazing Low Price of $10.97!!!

WOW!!! We are just blow away by the number of these that have gone out the door! We just have to extend this sale one more day!!!! Thanks to everyone who ordered!!! This is one fantastic cook'n product that you don't want to be without! Order now!!

We just got an absolutely amazing deal on Cookin' With Betty Crocker - and let me tell ya - this is going to BLOW - YOU - AWAY!!!!

This has got to be, hands down, the best deal we've ever seen on a CD ROM cookbook! 

Oh, and not only are you getting all these amazing recipes - you're getting a seriously powerful digital cooking assistant! This is just LOADED with great features and it's really going to make your kitchen life much easier!

First off, don't you hate it when you have a recipe that serves five and you only have two to feed? Heck, you spend half your time just trying to divide up fractions! YUCK! Well, this can easily scale the recipes for however many people you're trying to feed! Need to feed just two? It can do that! Need the same recipe to feed 10? Yup, just a click of the mouse! To me this one feature ALONE is worth the price of the cookbook!

Then it gets even better! Say you're on a diet and you really need nutritional information for the food that you're making. Wouldn't it be great if you could analyze a recipe and find out how much fat, cholesterol, how many calories etc. you were taking in? Well, with this you can! It can easily do a health analysis and in second you'll know the nutritional values for ANY recipe!


What if you have a bunch of recipes that you want to add? No problem! Add as many as you like! Now, adding recipes is easy, but this takes it a step further! When you add a recipe, you get all the features mentioned above right at your fingertips! Need to scale your recipe for more or less people - it can still do it! Want nutritional values? YES! This can analyze YOUR recipes and give that to you as well!

Oh, and you'll love this! What if you're not sure how to cook something? Maybe there's a technique that a recipe describes but you're not familiar with it - Sure wouldn't take much for that to happen to me! Well, this has tons of fantastic instructional videos! Yup, just pull up the video section then watch and learn! HA! Who needs the cooking channel? :-)

Want more! Sure ya do! This can also create a shopping list for a recipe (print or send to a palm), e-mail recipes to friends and family, create weekly menus (and make those shopping lists from those menus), search recipes by keywords OR ingredients, and to top it all off, the interface is just fantastic!

Whew, this is one amazing cookbook! Want one too? I don't blame ya! These are just great! Your cost is only $10.97 and US shipping is FREE! The paper version of this has an $85 retail! Plus the fact that it's all on your computer makes it so much more useful / powerful than those old paper cookbooks! Go on, give this a try - I know you'll love it too!

http://store.worldstart.com/product.php?productid=4634

PS - WARNING! This was a VERY limited quantity deal. PLEASE hurry to the site and grab yours while you can! Right now, we can't get any more and these are bound to be extremely popular today. See ya at the site!

Helpful Paper Clip

I know that might sound a little odd, but I'm telling you, a paper clip can come in very handy sometimes when you're working with your computer. For instance, have you ever gotten one of your music CDs or program disks stuck in your CD ROM drive? Did you try everything you could think of to get it open, but to no avail? If so, I'm guessing you didn't try a paper clip! But with the tip on our homepage today, you can. Read it and you'll see what I mean. It's one trick every computer user should know!

Coffee Art

Are you a big coffee drinker? Or, do you hate the taste of it? Either way, you're all going to love the cool site we have featured on our homepage today. It's called Just Coffee Art and it's basically art made out of coffee. Doesn't that sound amazing? Well, it is and I urge all of you to go check it out sometime today. It's only there for today, so get to it!

Here's the link you need: http://www.worldstart.com/ Enjoy!

Tip of the Day

Downloading Google Chrome: A Little More

Are you one of the many who are now using the new Google Chrome Web browser? Well, if you're a heavy Internet downloader, by default, Google Chrome stores all of your files in the Downloads folder under My Documents. Luckily, it's very easy to change that location if you'd prefer them to go somewhere else. Simply click on the wrench icon ( ) in the top right hand corner and select Options.



Next, click on the Minor Tweaks tab and then hit Browse to change the download location. You can also check the box that says “Ask where to save each file before downloading“ for extra reassurance.



Now, you may be wondering how you can make Google Chrome your default Web browser. Well, by default, Google Chrome doesn't try to force itself on you like Internet Explorer and Firefox do, but it does allow you to do it manually. Again, click on the Options button under the wrench icon and then click on the Make Google Chrome My Default Browser button under the Default Browser section.

That's it. I hope this tip finds all of you Google Chrome users well!

~ Ramachandran Kumaraswami

If you enjoy our tips, tell your friends. That's what keeps this newsletter growing.
http://www.worldstart.com/referafriend.htm

Today's Feature

ChunkIt Toolbar

Have you ever been searching for something with a search engine and you just get too many results to handle? For example, today, I searched for "how to password protect a flash drive" and I got 401,000 results. I know one of those Web sites probably has what I'm looking for, but opening each one individually takes way too long!

So, because of that, I started looking for a better way to search. After awhile, I found a really cool add on for both Internet Explorer and Firefox. It's called the ChunkIt Toolbar and here's how it works.

First, install ChunkIt and you'll see the toolbar come up after you restart your Web browser. The toolbar will be at the top of your screen.

After it's installed, type what you're looking for into the ChunkIt search box. Then just click on the Chunk button.

Now, here's the best part! The ChunkIt Toolbar will perform your search with your favorite search engine. It will provide you with the regular search results on the right, but on the left, it will show you "chunks" of the actual information from the search results. Here's a sample picture of what it looks like:

The words are kind of small in the picture, but you can see what I mean. The actual content from the search results appear on the left hand side. All you need to do is browse through the results until you find what you're looking for. When you click on the "chunk" you want, you'll be taken to it on the actual Web page it came from.

I think this add on is really cool and I know I'll use it daily. If you ever find yourself buried in search results, the ChunkIt Toolbar can help you too!

You can download the ChunkIt Toolbar for Internet Explorer right here. Or, if you're a Firefox user, download it here. Either way, enjoy!

~ Gary

For stories, jokes, quotes and cartoons every day, sign up for our Just for Grins newsletter.

Amanda's Coolsite

Flight Aware

Are you or someone you love taking a flight somewhere in the near future? Do you have friends or family flying in to visit? Would you like to be able to track those flights? Well, now you can for free with Flight Aware!

You’ll find navigation on the left side of the page. It's a light blue menu with the following categories:

Live Tracking – There are three ways to use this section. You can put in the flight number you want to track, the airport code to browse the airport activity or if you just want to look around, you can click on the link underneath the Browsing Suggestions header.

To enter in airport codes or flight numbers, you need to look to the left, where you will find a form to do so. The form is located just under the site menu.

Flight Planning – This section will help you get ready to take a flight. You can find airport information, route searches, weather information and even check out some photos submitted by other members.

Photos – Here you can dive right in to the photos other members have submitted. This section alone makes the Web site worth visiting for me! Also, if you decide to become a member, you can even rate the photos.

Squawks – Here you can share aviation news, stories, pictures and videos. The Web site community votes on whether they're to be accepted or rejected, based on their importance. You can even get a Squawk Box to put on your blog!

Discussions – This is where you'll find the Flight Aware forums. You need to be a registered member to use them.

News and Media – Here you'll find news pertaining to the Web site.

About Flight Aware – Here you can learn all about Flight Aware since its creation in 2005.

At the top of the page on the right, I want to point out two things: the Free Registration link and the Why Register? link. If you want to register, click on the Free Registration link to get started. To find out what you’re getting if you register, in comparison to using the service as a guest, check out the Why Register? section. Enjoy it all!

http://flightaware.com/

~ Amanda

Do you have a cool, non-commercial site that you want to share?
Send it to Amanda at
amanda@worldstart.com

New Titles and Offers
Pill Popper: $6.97

Blister packs of pills are a common source of 'wrap rage!' They can be so fiddly. Thankfully our pill popper makes life easier by popping our tablets for you. It holds on to them until you've popped all you need, and then you can simply pour them out. It's perfect for people with arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or people with limited mobility.

http://store.worldstart.com/product.php?productid=4631

Monthly Wallpaper

October Wallpaper

Here's October's wallpaper. It's all free, so enjoy!

Undine Falls

Yeah, strange name, but good falls! I'd like to say I had to hike 12 miles into the backcountry to get this shot, but this was taken probably about 10 yards from the parking lot. Worth the quick stop!

Lamar Valley Trees

I took this a couple weeks ago in Yellowstone. The trees looked too good to pass up!

Antelope on the Lookout

This guy was busy chasing around a couple girls, so he wasn't too concerned about me. I was able to get pretty close and he was fun to watch. That's for sure!

All can be found here:

http://www.worldstart.com/wallpaper/index.php

Enjoy!

 

 

 

If this part of the newsletter is all you see, take it up with your ISP. We've been seeing a lot of interference from filters and such lately.

We now offer an RSS feed. Click for details

Another great way to get your WorldStart newsletters is by downloading the Newsletter Reader. It's the next step in newsletter evolution! And it's FREE!
http://www.worldstart.com/newsreader/index.htm

You can also view the current newsletter and archives online at
http://www.worldstart.com/php/newsletters.php?cthtml


Copyright, Disclaimer, and Removal

ISSN: 1529-336X
Copyright 2005, WorldStart. All unauthorized reproduction strictly prohibited.

You are welcome to reproduce this newsletter (i.e. print it, store it) for your own personal use. You are also welcome to forward it, in its entirety, to friends and family.

If you would like to reproduce this publication, or any part of it, in any other publication, be it web based or otherwise, you must contact us for permission. Any unauthorized re-distribution will be considered a copyright infringement and grounds for a lawsuit.

Finally, you agree to try any advice contained or suggested in this newsletter at your own risk.

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation (duh!)


Did someone forward this to you? Get your free subscription here:
http://www.worldstart.com/comptips.htm

If daily newsletters are too much to handle, then change your subscription to our Weekly Edition...
http://www.worldstart.com/newsletter-chngsub.htm

If you need to change your email address, go here...
http://www.worldstart.com/newsletter-chngsub.htm

"I don't want yer stinkin' email!"
To remove yourself from our mailing list please head to:

http://www.worldstart.com/newsletterunsub.htm

WorldStart, Inc. — 2620 Centennial Rd, Suite C / Toledo, OH 43617 — Phone: 1-800-915-2088

You are receiving this daily newsletter because you requested it either at Worldstart.com or one of our affiliates.
You are currently subscribed as cgpedley@gmail.com

 

 

Worldstart Software Store WS Auctions WS Computer Tips Newsletter Signup Message Board Contact

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thanks for understanding that we need to prevent the nasties.

Terms of Use

Personal & Educational Use Only This blog consists mainly of FREE newsletters from computer web gurus that I receive. I thought you might like to see them all in one place than try to discover them on your own. A moderate amount of editing may be done to eliminate unrelated repetitious ads or unnecessary text which bloat the post. However I have given the authors full credit and will not remove their site links because you deserve to see where it comes from and they deserve to get credit for what they have written. Your use of this site is simply for educational purposes. For more computer-related help go to: CPEDLEY.COM for free software, advice and tips on low cost products which are very helpful. If you want to contact the editor, please go CPEDLEY.COM and check the Contact page for email address.