Stop those pop-ups

I think one of the most common questions I get asked is “How can I disable those annoying pop-ups on my new Vista Computer?” In fairness there are usually a few four letter words thrown into these sentences as well. It tends to happen on OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) machines – that is those that have been produced by some anonymous factory somewhere, with Vista and all settings pre-installed. It is then badged with any... [Read More...]

Setup and Sort Out

When you open up your computer and have to set it up, it can be a minefield. First you have to make sure all the bits are there. Then you have to struggle through a manual written in Martian. …You have to wire it up, install the software, connect it to the printer, get it connected to the web, make the email work, sort out connection to wi-fi, make sure the virus protection is both the right sort and that it works.  After you have plugged... [Read More...]

Jargon Translator

  One of the biggest barriers to learning computers is that computer teachers often start trying to teach in an alien language. While I pride myself on having retained the use of English as my primary language, and most people prefer it, you will find many books and manuals stuffed full of technical words, metaphors and acronyms. Below is a list of many of these with their meanings translated into English.   Picnic - Acronym used by arrogant... [Read More...]

How to set up your Email

I think that setting up an email account must be one of the most frustrating experiences – for some people. You fill out all these boxes, you try to disseminate what you are supposed to do when asked for your SMTP or whether you want POP3 and when you have done it all, the damn machine tells you it isn’t working. I would suggest you call me on 07017 343434 and I will either talk you through it or pop over and sort it out for you. However,... [Read More...]

Smart Phones

Many of the mobile phones we carry around in our pockets are actually mini computers. They can surf the web, send and receive emails, run calendars, synchronise all these functions with a computer, operate a wide variety of Software and something else …oh yes, you can make and receive telephone calls on them. The first of these Smart phones was the Blackberry. Perhaps the most famous smart phone is the iPhone although most phone manufacturers... [Read More...]