Make Your Computer Hour Less Frustrating

Make using the computer and the Internet more fun - Learn how to stop malfunctions and become more computer savvy.

Do you often become frustrated while you use the computer? Do you sometimes lose a lot of time dealing with a glitch or trying to learn how to do something? Every minute spent using a computer is supposed to be enjoyable. You will pick up computer tips, learn how to prevent some computer malfunctions and learn how to quickly solve some problems.

Do you sometimes have trouble logging into a web site you frequently use as a member even if you type in your correct username and password? A few months ago, I lost a lot of time trying to figure out why I could not log into one of my sites. Each time I clicked “Submit” after typing in my username and password, the landing screen said there was no match found for the username I entered. I used the site’s live helpline to no avail.

Eventually, I asked the consultant at the computer lab I was using for help. He discovered a gap between the left edge of the username field box and my username. If there is a gap between the edge of the field box and your username or password, the web site system will think you typed in an extra character. Even if you copy and paste your username or password into a field, the gap I have discussed can be created. If you incur this error, just click your mouse into the field before the beginning of your username or password and hit “Backspace”.

Do you use a flash drive to save and store documents? If you do, click the “Safely Remove Hardware” icon before unplugging your device. If you have closed out every application you have used and still receive a screen message saying your generic device cannot be unplugged, shut your computer down and then unplug your device.

Have you had it with Internet Explorer crashing and causing you to restart everything you were doing on the Internet or log back into a web site? Quit using Internet Explorer and try Mozilla Firefox, which is a safer, more convenient Internet browser service.

Whenever you cannot get a web page to load after you type in the URL for a particular web site, hit the “Refresh” button once or twice. If the page still won’t load, move on. Do not spend too much time trying to use a feature on a site. If a malfunction occurs on a site where you are a member, let the site’s customer service department know and then go to another site or do something else.

Make your passwords short and easy to remember. If you create an account on a web site but have to wait for a password to be assigned and you receive a password that is long or hard to remember in your E-mail confirmation notice, change your password to your liking once you log into your new account the first time.

Always read a site’s terms of service before filling out a form to sign up for an account. It is a hassle to fill out a form, click “Terms of Service” before you reach the “Submit” button and have to fill out the form again after you read the terms.

Reduce your time going to another site. If the site you are currently using has an extremely long link, highlight most of the link and hit “Delete” before typing in a new address.

Avoid excessive pop-up ads. Click “Tools” and activate the pop-up blocker.

Avoid tiring your arm out constantly pulling the scroll bar. Click your mouse on the screen and use the “down” arrow key to move down your page.

Do you ever use your computer speaker? To adjust the volume level, click the megaphone icon.

Speed up your Internet loading time. Use a DSL Internet service instead of a dial-up service.

Prevent glitches and power outages from destroying your work. Save your work often, especially once you finish writing a file. Hook your computer up to a surge protector.

Reduce your amount of junk mail. If unsubscribing to a particular sender does not work, click “Add to Black List”.

When you want to use a CD, make sure it is properly inserted before using it. If it does not automatically pop in, touch the middle part of the CD and push it down.

I sometimes see people spend time trying to type in a number from the ten-key pad with no results. If no number appears on the screen, hit the numeric lock key.

Follow these tips to make your computer use more enjoyable!