How-to/tips
| Error 1402 or 1406 When Installing iTunes According to Apple's web site, you should take the following steps when you receive a'Error 1402 0r 1406' message: Step 1 Thoroughly remove iTunes . Tip: If you have a hard time removing iTunes you may need to download and use the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility from Microsoft. Step 2 Delete any files in: C:\Documents and Settings\<your user name>\Local Settings\Temp Tip: You may have to show hidden files and folders to see this folder. Step 3 Download and install iTunes for Windows by clicking on the link above. |
| Backing Up iTunes Music You should backup your iTunes Music just like any other packet of data on your computer. Apple has directions on this painless task and you'll be glad you surfed there and followed directions if a day comes when you start up your Mac or iPod and all those tunes are nothing more than dust in the wind. |
| Networking PC 101 Microsoft has a detailed article on the methods available to network PCs post-Service Pack 2. If you have been experiencing difficulties networking since you installed the update, or if you want to network two or more PCs, then you should visit the Microsoft Support site to learn more on this issue. We haven't experienced any problems and we are able to leave the Windows Firewall active. |
| Apple Has Networking 101, too Yesterday we featured a link to Microsoft's take on networking your computers and today we highlight Apple's information on how to network Macs and PCs. To learn more visit the Apple support site. |
| Clean Up Your PCs Hard Drive Windows-Help.net has instructions on how to revive a slow PC by cleaning up your hard drive. Tips include removing unused applications, deleting temporary files, and other useful suggestions for pepping up your pooped PC. |
| Find That Message Fast Apple's Mail application displays the last message received by default, but there are several view options available to make searching for a message easier. The status bar displays the number of messages you currently have in the mailbox and below the status bar is the column-heading bar that includes the columns: From, Date Received, Subject, and others. If you need to find a message from the Apple iTunes Music Store, click on the "From" column heading and mail arranges the messages in alphabetical order. If you want to find all the messages with the subject line: Help, then click on the "Subject" column heading and the messages are grouped by subject line. |
| Linux 101 We found a great site to help Linux newbies through the steps of becoming open source users called ^tuxs.org/. The goal of this web site is to be the starting point for Linux novices and they provide links and walk you through the steps of using Knoppix or PCLinuxOS. Try out one or the other and tell us about your first journey through the open source world. |
| Check URL Tool Here is a great tip from the Windows Client Update newsletter to confirm the url for the site you are viewing: 1. Open your browser and save a web site to favorites (we saved it to the tool bar) 2. Edit the name of the favorite to "check url" 3. Edit the url address and insert this JavaScript: javascript:alert("Actual URL address: " + location.protocol + "//" + location.hostname + "/" Now go to Google.com, and click on the "click url" tab/site you created; you should see a window that displays the correct url. We found that it does not work with all browsers, but it works for Internet Explorer, the browser with the bulls-eye. |
| Mac Will Not Start Apple products are dependable, but occasionally something happens to interrupt your Mac serenity. If the end to your bliss includes an empty blue or gray screen, a flashing question mark, broken folder icon, or nothing on the screen, at all you should not despair. Check the Apple Support site for tips on how to bring back the Apple of your eye. |
| Activate Windows XP Firewall Make sure that you have your built-in XP firewall activated by following this path: Start/Control Panel/Network Connections; then right-click on LAN or High-Speed Internet (assuming you have broadband), select properties, then the advanced tab, and make sure the box in the Internet Connection Firewall dialogue box is checked. This will provide you with some protection, better protection is provided if you place your computer behind a router. |
Secunia Says and PC Owners Listen
According to The Laporte Report, Secunia security experts have found that
most browsers could face an attack similar to Friday's hack attack on Internet
Explorer (we reported the same in this column last Friday). IE users need
to turn off the "Navigate sub-frames across different domains setting.
You can access this setting from the IE browser by choosing Tools, then select
Internet Options and choose Security. After you disable the setting,
test your security by going to Secunia and
following their directions. We are safe make sure you are too!
Trash Locked Items
If you tried to empty your Trash using Apple's Panther and find that the
operation will not complete because of a locked item, do not despair the
fix is quick and easy. First, make sure you really do want to remove the
locked file, they are locked for a reason; if you are sure it has to go,
click a clear spot on your browser and choose Finder from the toolbar. Then
press the option key and select "Empty Trash" and your locked items
are no longer an annoyance.
Audio Problems With Windows iTunes
If your audio sounds off when using iTunes for Windows the problem could
be a QuickTime setting. Visit the Apple
Support site for information on correcting the issue.
Could We Have a Sidebar Please?
If you are using Mozilla then you should check out the sidebar option for
this browser. Find it by selecting View, then choose Show/Hide and click
sidebar. The sidebar contains search tab, and a "what's related tab";
the latter contains links to other sites similar to the one in your browser.
Apple Tips
I Forgot My OSX Admin Password
We all have so many passwords these days it is easy to forget or misplace
them. If this happens with your administrative password in OSX all is not
lost, you can reset the password with the Mac OS X User Install 1 CD. To
learn more you can visit the Apple
Support website.
What is firmware?
If you are not a computer geek, talk about firmware, updates, and drivers
may seem like more tech-speak, but it is not that difficult to learn about.
Firmware is has two components, software and hardware; it is designed to
be updated and it's important to keep your firmware current to keep your
computer functioning properly. Learn all about firmware and where you can
find firmware updates from the Apple
Support. Source: Apple
Window Tip
Removing the Outlook Express Icon
Want to remove the Outlook Express Icon from your desktop? Follow this path:
Start/Run and enter the following into the command line:
"%SystemRoot%\System32\shmgrate.exe OCInstallHideOE
If you decide you need it back the enter:
"%SystemRoot%\System32\shmgrate.exe OCInstallShowOE
Source: Winnetmag.com
Disable System Restore in XP/ME
If you need to remove a virus from a computer you need to disable system
restore to insure that re-infection does not occur. To learn how to disable
or enable system restore you can visit the Symantec
website that details the process with good descriptions and screens shots.
6-22-04
Move Pictures From Email to iPhoto
Your brother-in-law just sent some great photos to you and you want to move
it to iPhoto and add them to your collection, so what is the easiest way
to get the job done? First, open iPhoto and then go back to the email photo
and click and hold on the photo; then press F9 and drag the photo over to
the open iPhoto application and it will automatically import into your photo
library. If you re-size your windows, you can actually skip the F9 step and
just drag the photo to iPhoto. Source: MPC.
Learn More About Hijacking
PCStats has
great information regarding browser hijacking and how you can stop it. Basically,
it is the same thing we have emphasized at Multipleplatforms.com;
be smart about attachments and downloads, always have anti-virus protection
active and updated, and do not use Internet Explorer as your PC browser (we
like Slim Browser and anything by Mozilla for the PCs). PCStats has another
excellent suggestion, keep a PC rescue kit for emergency battles against
hijacking. They left out the B and B of the geeks code, Backup (update),
and Backup. PCStats. You might also include a XP SP1 security update disk
available free from Microsoft. A link and directions on how to get the SP1
disk are located at our how-to page. Source: PCStats
G3 and G4 Video and Startup Problems
If you own a Blue and White Mac G3 or a Power Mac G4 with the following problems:
-
After power on, it will
not sound a proper startup tone, but instead will sound 3 beeps and
no video. After
startup, you may see an error message stating that the built-in memory
test has detected a problem. After
power on, there will be either no system startup tone or the startup
tone will be cut short, and there will be no video.
Stop The Phishers
Phishing is the act of trying to obtain vital information from an intended victim using email inquiries that purport to be from financial institutions or ISPs. This link is to the FTC website on protecting your computer from phishing attacks. Source: FTC.
6-21-04
Apple: USB Connections Problems
If you plug in a USB device and you have no response, check out this Apple website for possible causes.
Microsoft On Spyware
Get suggestions from Microsoft on Spyware issues from Microsoft Customer Support.
6-18-4
Back-up iTunes 4
Backing up your iTunes can save you grief and money if you have problems and loose the music you have purchased. Apple provides good information in this how-to instruction.
Hide Your Email Address From Spammers
XP users can learn how to hide their email address from spammers from Microsoft Support.
6-16-04
Download XP SP2 RC2
If you would like to try the new Windows XP SP2 RC2 update for yourself, be forewarned: practice the computer geek motto--BUB (backup-update-backup); and make darn sure the data you backed up is accessible, then visit this link. Our advice: do not put this update on your main computer, let someone else do the dirty work.
Learn How to Protect Your Document
If you need to protect a document from be altered, this is a great on-line tutorial for Microsoft Office 2003 users.
Use Research in Office 2003
A valuable tool found in Office 2003 is Research service; you can access the dictionary, search the web, and get translation services from this great tool. To learn more about this feature, take the tutorial at Microsoft Office Support site.
Use Keyboard Viewer for Key Caps Functions in Mac OSX
If you were familiar with Key Caps in in OS 9, you can get comfortable again with the replacement in OSX, Keyboard Viewer from the Apple Knowledge Web Site,
6-15-04
View Your Installation History in XP
Have you ever read a security bulletin and wondered if you had already installed the fix? You can find out your installation history by going to the Microsoft Support Site. In the Windows Update box on the left of your browser screen you can check the box "View installation history". This will show you the name, date, and status of any updates to your system. It is especially handy if you are not sure you had a successful installation.
Error
Messages During iTunes for Windows Install
If you have recieved Error 1406 or 1402 message when you tried to install iTunes
for Windows don't dispare, you can find help at the Apple
Knowledge Base site.
Share OSX Files With XBox
If you want to learn how you can share OS X files to a modded XBox machine
you can find out what you need to know at MacOSXhints.com/.
6-14-04
Get
XP SP1 Disc
If you are going to be re-installing
Windows XP, if you have just purchased a Windows box and are waiting
on delivery, if you have dial-up internet, or if you repair friends
computers after they failed to take your advice, you need to order
Windows XP SP 1 on disc. This will mean far less time updating after
you get done with the initial install. The cost is $9.95 USD.
6-10-04
Here are some links to helpful how-to tutorials. Let us know what tutorials
you need@ http://mailhide.recaptcha.net/d?k=01_CYdbG3G8Bh7MdskTeTP0w==&c=pKEf2yrBRdKaLmzwt1ln6WdZae-yMxuGo0u42mijLo8=
-
Connecting
to Windows File Sharing with Mac OSX Use
Clear Type in XP for Better Viewing How
to Back Up With XP Automatic
Configuration for Multiple Networks in XP
5-21-04
Apple Releases Update
You can still follow the directions below,
but Apple released an update today to patch this security flaw. Click on the
Apple in your tool bar and select Software Update, then install the security
update. You might still check it against the safe hack to be safe.
5-19-04
Protect Yourself From the Latest
Mac Attacks
The first step is to open Safari
and follow this path:
Safari/Preferences/General/ then
make sure the box that states: "Open safe files after downloading",
is not checked. Next go to More
Internet and download the free fix. Double-click on the MoreInternet.dmg
file you downloaded. You need to select and click on the "install
prefane" file and choose the host option to enable the feature
on all computer users accounts. To activate the program you need
to open System Preferences and choose More
Internet found under the "other" category (scrolll
down if you can't see it). In the More Internet dialogue box scroll
down to help and click on change. Browse through the selections and
choose either TextEdit or Chess. Close the command and double check
the safe hack from MacMerc to
insure the fix works. Don't forget to try it with all your browseres
and with your various accounts to double-check your safety. Thanks
to MacMerc.com for
the links to More Internet.
5-10-04
Have Windows XP Automatically Check for Updates
To have
Windows check for updates automatically, follow this path: click on Start
Menu and select Control Panel/Maintenance/System/and in the dialogue
box click on the box "Keep My Computer Up to Date"; then if
you ignore the warning and get a virus, you only have yourself (and the
virus writers) to blame. Then make sure your XP firewall is activated
by following the directions from this site on 4-26 (see below).
5-01-04
OpenOffice is a great application, and it's free
The good, the bad, and the ugly is not only the name of a Clint Eastwood movie, it describes my initial attempts to download OpenOffice (OO) for my iMac. That would be the ugly; the bad occurred when I opened the huge folder that was easy to download on the PC I built recently. I scrolled down the page and at the bottom of the folder was the setup icon we love to see, and all was good. It was easy with the help of a setup wizard from that point, and I began writing this article on an OO document in minutes. It has many of the same features of MS Office, and in some cases exceeds MS. The word processor has an auto fill feature that is nice, but it might encourage you to be repetitive, so use with caution. You can use OpenOffice to create: text documents, spreadsheets, presentations, drawings, html output, and use templates that are pre-installed. The tool bar includes an "export as PDF button"! The spreadsheet capability was the feature that I was interested in, my father-in-law had just purchased a new laptop and his software package didn't include a spreadsheet program. The spreadsheet was very intuitive for this multiple platform user and I felt right at home. The format will make Windows and Mac users comfortable and in some respects, it is easier to use than other applications. To download OpenOffice go to: http://download.openoffice.org/1.1.1/index.html
For the PC:
Select your language from the drop-down dialog box, then select your operating system and download site and click on a site (choose the mirror site closest to your home, I usually have better luck with the http sites, and remember if you download from a site that does not use your language as the primary language you may be surprised at the result).
Unzip the file after downloading, saving it to your favorite spot. Open the folder and scroll down the folder contents and click on setup.
Let the wizard guide you from there. I installed the complete version.
Mac users wanting to use OpenOffice can find comfort by going to the same site:http://download.openoffice.org/1.1.1/index.html then:
Select your language from the drop-down dialog box, then select your operating system, download site, and click on a site (choose the mirror site closest to your home).
Choose the link "ooo103darwingm.dmg.gz" and download.Double-click on the "ooo103darwingm.dmg" icon on your desktop (or Favorite folder, where ever you download and store items)
Double-click on the "Install_OpenOffice.org" icon in the folder that open up, and the rest is easy.
This is an amazing tool and it seems to be compatible with both my MS Office 2003 and 2000 on the PCs and Office v.X for Mac. If you don't want to download the program, you can by a CD-ROM at: http://distribution.openoffice.org/cdrom/index.html#cdrom
It was actually harder to install on the Mac only because of the difficulty I experienced trying to access a mirror site, and then choosing the correct download options was tricky. If you choose the link in step two it really is easy and painless. For those using multiple platforms, this is the ultimate application for compatibility and the price is right, free!
4-26-04
Activate Your Built-in Firewall in XP
Here
is how to activate your firewall that is currently off by default in
Windows XP:
Click on start; choose control panel: double click on Network connections (you
can also check for Windows updates in the "See Also" options on the
left of your screen); right click on you Incoming connections (if you use dial-up)
or LAN or High-Speed connection (broadband, DSL, wireless, etc.); select Properties;
click on the Advanced tab; click on the box: Protect My Computer. You are protected
now as long as you stay current with your updates from MS. I'm not sure why
MS decided to leave this option off by default, but it is an easy fix. If you
have problems connecting to the internet or networking: uncheck the box: Protect
My Computer and consider purchasing a router (the best choice) or use the free
firewall available at: http://www.zonelabs.com
Control
your XP Pro machine from Mac
Need to control your machine running XP Pro from your Mac? Try this free download
available at: http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/13686
It will allow you to access your PC from your Mac. It is a good tool, but we haven't tested it with systems other than XP Pro.
In the next newsletter, we will review another free download that allows you to view your XP Pro desktop and control the same from your Mac.
Our mission is to make your life easier in a multiple-platform world.
