When you hear the word "mouse" do you still think of a rodent? When people ask you to surf the net, do you have visions of the beach? Advice for the technologically challenged.
Avoid dust
Keep your keyboard and monitor covered when they are not being used. This will keep dust, cat fur and carpet fluff from getting in.
CD catalogue
Keep a record of your DC collection on y our computer, for your own reference and for your insurance agency. Include other possessions, too.
Computer clean-up
When you're spring-cleaning, don't forget your computer. You will be surprised how much dust has collected behind the monitor and system unit - be sure to dust regularly (with the computer turned off), but don't feel tempted to stick anything inside.
Computer cover
If your PC is positioned near a window and the light is interfering with your computer screen, either invest in an anti-glare cover for your screen or find something you can put over the window temporarily while you are working.
Good lighting
When you are working at night on your PC, task-based lighting is much easier on the eyes than having a light shining from above and onto your computer screen. Invest in an attractive desk lamp to make those night shifts easier to handle.
Last word
Don't delete words from the screen with correction fluid! Use the delete key or the backspace key.
Make a roster
Can't remember whose turn it is to do the dishes or set the table? Create a roster on your computer and stick it on the fridge.
Make separate folders
To prevent files from different family members getting mixed up, create your own folders. In Windows Explorer, click on the file you wish to put the new folders in. Go to the File menu and choose New, then Folder. Give your new folder a name and press Enter.
Make your favourites
Bookmark popular Internet sights while you are looking at them - this will make them easy to retrieve and visit at a later date. Using Microsoft Internet Explorer, choose Favorites, then Add to Favorites. Using Netscape Navigator, choose Bookmarks, then Add Bookmark.
Mouse hygiene
If your mouse cursor starts jumping around the screen and not behaving properly - it probably needs a clean. Turn the mouse over and take off the small back cover (it probably twists off) to find a "mouse ball" inside. Take the ball out and give it a wipe with a clean cloth (not a tissue). Look inside the mouse and you may see some dirt on the rollers - just take it off, than blow hard to get rid of any other dust.
Moving tip
When moving house, put your keyboard and mouse in an old stocking to keep them safe and clean.
Photo library
If you have a scanner, keep an electronic photo library - which can be sent to relatives who also have computers. Scan in photos and keep relevant groups together in their own folders.
Signing off
When you're finished on the Internet, make sure you disconnect properly to prevent being charged for time you weren't expecting. To be extra sure, always turn your modem off when it's not being used.
Space saver
Computer, printer, scanner, keyboard, mouse, modem, in-tray - running out of space on your desk? Think about buying a stand for your printer that elevates it and allows you to put things underneath.
Teaching aid
Flash cards can be a good way of helping a toddler learn to read. Use your word processing program to print large, bold words and cut them down into cards, which you can stick on things around the house, like fridge, chair, table, stairs.
The case for CDs
Keep CD-ROMs clean and safe by putting them back in their cases after use. If a case has broken or gone missing, you can buy empty ones from most stationery shops or computer stores.
Water danger
Don't water pot plants if they are sitting on your computer - it may be good for the plant, but water will kill your PC. Put a fake plant there instead.
Which keys to press
When installing a new program and your computer displays "installation complete ... press ANY key to continue", don't look for a key with the word ANY on it - just press any of the keys!
