Computer Mysteries

Where did my downloaded files go? Why can't I find them?

Your browser chooses where downloads go, but you can control the process.

My printer won't print, and Windows won't allow me to cancel or delete print jobs. What's going on?

Usually this is the result of a communication problem between the PC and printer. Get them talking.

My Recycle Bin has disappeared. How do I go about restoring it?

Whether it was a victim of a glitch or never available in the first place, you can follow a few simple directions to restore the Recycle Bin.

Why does Windows sometimes reboot without my permission, and how do I prevent that from happening?

This problem relates to how Windows installs automatic updates. Fortunately, you can make some tweaks.

I have Microsoft Word installed on my PC. Why can't I open the .docx files my friend sent me?

If you use Word 2003 or an earlier version of the program, all you need is the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats.

Is it absolutely necessary to update Windows?

Yes, you should definitely apply Windows updates for security reasons, but you can take a few steps to cut down Windows' nagging

Does it matter whether I ‘Safely Remove' devices?

Absolutely: If you ignore Windows' requests to "Safely Remove" your storage media, you could end up with corrupted files, un­­readable media, or both.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/217250/the_21_greatest_pc_mysteriessolved.html

Free Websites Use Social Networking Tools To Share Content

As social networking and education become increasingly compatible, free websites like Wiggio and Sophia are working to strengthen this bond by providing additional tools for educators and students..........read the full article:

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/05/19/free-websites-use-social-networking-tools-to-share-content/

Save Files As PDF in Microsoft Word 2010

In Microsoft Word 2010, open a document and click File.Save As. Enter a file name and choose PDF in the Save As type menu.

In Microsoft Word 2007, download Microsoft's free Save As PDF addon HERE.

pcworld.com

Support Tickets

The video shows how the helpdesk system saves time for everyone and makes it easier to have problems fixed.

Make The Help Desk Work For You

SOL Testing

Good luck BVCPS students....get plenty of rest and eat a good breakfast and do your best!

Network Upgrade

In Mark's words.......

In this season of high stress in all our lives and work, I thought perhaps a bit of encouraging good news might be welcomed. As of last night the most significant network upgrade in the history Buena Vista City Schools was completed. We now have a 50Mb DIA circuit on 50Mb of Ethernet transport connection with last mile gigabit fiber optic backplane. ( DIA stands for “dedicated internet access”.) This is our main internet “pipe” that we all “drink” from. The larger the pipe, the greater the throughput to the desktop to all users who share that pipe.

This upgrade was achieved without additional budget monies from the City of Buena Vista for the upcoming 2011-2012 budget cycle. Through federal telecommunications programs such as E-rate, 62% of our internet expenses are paid for and with extensive vendor negotiations on price and services, we will not need an increased budget next year from this current year’s figures.

With simultaneous multi-site online testing upon us all, this upgrade could not have happened at a better time for us.

Kathy's Translation.......

Our connection to the internet is 5 times greater than it was before at no extra cost.

:)

Important Announcement

Everyone is encouraged to attend the City Council Meeting on Thursday, May 12 @ 6 p.m. at the Municipal Building. There is an important update on the Superintendent's Blog....Please Read!

Technology Headlines

Google Music

Google is preparing to launch a test version of a new digital music service that will enable users to upload their music libraries to the company's servers.

Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-20061280-261.html#ixzz1LwEGnExn

Microsoft near $7 billion deal for Skype

Microsoft is putting the finishing touches on a deal to buy Internet phone company Skype for between $7 billion and $8 billion.

Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-20061295-94.html#ixzz1LwEelI3I

Update on Osama Virus

The FBI sent out an alert Wednesday warning computer users not to open e-mails or links claiming to show videos or photos of Osama bin Laden’s death.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, an ongoing virus has spread throughout the Internet on social networking sites, such as Facebook, as well as through e-mailed links, leading to infected computer systems and even the theft of users’ identities.

“As soon as sensational stories hit like that, they’ll send e-mails that lead to random sites because people want to hear about it,” said Alec Hart, head tech at Balance Computer Repair in St. Joseph. The same happened with the massive earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March, he said.

The malware contained within these links will not only wipe a computer with a virus, but will access the users’ address book to further spread the virus.

Mr. Hart said the easiest way to avoid clicking those links is to Google the information that the e-mail claims to provide. If a photo of the deceased Osama bin Laden has been released, users will be able to find it on a reputable news source instead of having to rely on an e-mail or a Facebook wall post.

According to the Associated Press, President Barack Obama has decided not to release any photos of the deceased Osama bin Laden, so any link claiming to show this photo or video should not be opened.

Typically, e-mails that contain malicious links or viruses will have major misspellings and may contain .zip files, an archive file that contains multiple files and folders, which Mr. Hart says is to difficult and time-consuming for the average computer user to send.

Also, Mr. Hart said “it’s important to know how the people in your address book write to you,” so look for any inconsistencies in language from e-mails sent from friends, which will typically be a giveaway it was sent as part of a scam.

The FBI and Mr. Hart also suggests to keep antivirus software up-to-date (there are plenty of free versions available), as well as ensure your e-mail settings scan attachments before they are opened.

http://www.newspressnow.com/localnews/27782061/detail.html

Office 2010 Tips and Tricks

Learn to get the most out of the latest version of Microsoft Office with this latest free guide! Office 2010 includes many improvements over 2007. As with all Office releases, however, these improvements are far from obvious to the average user.

Get the free .pdf file HERE.

WARNING!! VIRUS ALERT

The FBI has issued a warning to computer users "to exercise caution when they receive e-mails that purport to show photos or videos of Osama bin Laden's recent death."

It warns users not to open unsolicited e-mails or click links contained within such messages, as it could be from an unknown sender.

There are several email and Facebook scams doing the rounds, one shows a Facebook page, claiming to be a video of "Osama bin Laden killed live on video." Read the full article:

http://smarthouse.com.au/Content_And_Downloads/Music_And_Video/E8R4Q3H4

Technology Support Tickets

The e-Stream ticket support system is gone. We have a new ticket system in place. To submit a technology support ticket, go to bvcps.net.....Departments......Technology.....Technology Support Ticket. This system works in the same way as e-stream...the only difference is where the link is located. You will not be able to access this ticket system outside of our school system.

Support Center Ticket Submission and Tracking

LIKE this page on Facebook for some great tips, websites, and free .pdf guides. Click on the left hand side.....ALL MAKEUSEOF GUIDES...to access the free material.

makeuseof.com