Recently I have enjoyed speaking to several of the computer clubs in the Sandhills Area. Usually I am asked to focus on a current topic of interest in the technology field. I do enjoy sharing current news and cutting edge developments with other computer users, but I have a favorite part of each of my presentations. At the end, we always have a question and answer session. There are questions of all kinds. It is always interesting to see what is challenging today’s computer users. Here are a few of the recent questions that come from people like you.
Q. How do I find out the size of my hard disk? How do I know how much room is available?
A. If you have Windows 95 or better, open My Computer and highlight the hard disk icon. In Windows 98/Me/XP, you will immediately see the size of the hard disk as well as the amount of space that is available on your disk. In Windows 95, right-click on the icon for your hard disk and choose Properties to access the same information.
Q. I have just deleted a very important file. Is there any way I can retrieve a deleted file?
A. In all newer versions of Windows, deleted files are stored in the Recycle Bin. If you delete a file and realize later that you need it, it can be recovered. Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop. A list of all deleted files and folders appears. Locate the file you want and click on it. Then click the Edit menu and choose Undo Delete or Restore. The "lost" file will be returned to its original location. CAUTION: Emptying the Recycle Bin will permanently delete all the files in it.
Mac users can retrieve a file by simply opening the Trash Bin, highlighting the item, and dragging it onto the desktop. PC users can also use this method.
Q. My computer clock is off by almost three minutes, and I need to change it. Can you give me some instructions?
A. Locate the clock in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen. Place your cursor on it and click with the right mouse button. Choose Adjust Date/Time from the menu. Under the circular clock, position your cursor over the minute or hour in the time bar. A click will highlight the minute or hour portion of the time bar you wish to change. To adjust the time, click on the up or down arrow just to the right of the time bar. When the correct time is shown, click OK.
To get the correct time, you might want to visit the official US time Web site at http://nist.time.gov/. There are also several shareware programs, like Atomic Clock Sync, that will actually synchronize your computer clock with the exact time. Windows XP users are especially lucky in this area, since XP can automatically synchronize with an Internet time server. With all this help, you’ll have no reason to be out of sync with the rest of the world.
Q. The Windows key is a mystery to me. What does it do that could benefit me?
A. Windows keyboards have two keys on the bottom row, which are embellished with the Microsoft Windows symbol. These two keys offer some wonderful shortcuts. Clicking the Windows key will bring up the Start menu. Click on the Windows key and the M key at the same time to minimize all your open windows. Windows+D will return them to their previous positions. Get a complete list of shortcuts by bringing up the Start menu (click the Windows key), clicking on Help, and entering the words “Windows key” in the search box.
