Oct 15 2007
You may have started to receive Word and Excel files from your colleagues that you find that you can't open.  They usually end with 'X' after their name like Proposal.docx or Commission Totals.xlsx.  These files were created in using the 2007 version of Word and Excel respectively and unlike other versions they are not backwards compatible.  In this case we have two solutions.

First, we can download a free converter from Microsoft that will allow us to access files created in Office 2007 software programs at:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=941b3470-3ae9-4aee-8f43-c6bb74cd1466&displaylang=en

Second, we can ask our colleagues with Office 2007 to save the files in 97-2003 format by:
1. Click the Office button in the upper left hand side of the screen

2. Click 'Save As'
3. Select ' _____ 97 - 2003 ___' from the list
4. Name and save the file as you would normally

That's it!

1. Click on the link: http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/dsn/en/document?docid=2872567F1A1D49A3E040A68F5B28196E
2. Click 'Save'
3. Save it to your Desktop for easy reference
   -After its done downloading
4. Double click on the file d2d3290.exe

February 5 2007
Q: I recently bought a laptop that came with Windows XP, but I was wanting to upgrade to Vista.  Do you think this would be wise thing to do?

A: So you think you are ready for Vista?  Do you have a computer that is labeled Vista Compatible?  Well before you take the plunge, be sure you and your computer are ready.

First you can download a handy program from Microsoft that will evaluate your computer's status, recommend which flavor of Vista will be best for your computer, and provide an outline of which of Vista’s new features it will be able to run:  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?
familyid=42B5AC83-C24F-4863-A389-3FFC194924F8&displaylang=en

Second, prepare to purchase more RAM memory.  Even if your computer is Vista compatible, be sure you have enough RAM.  If you have 512MB that isn't even enough.  You will want to get at least 2GB of RAM (just to start) if not just purchase the maximum amount of RAM memory your computer will hold.

Third, make sure that all your software will run on Vista.  Unlike other software of the past, some programs won't run specifically on Vista:
-ACT! 2006 or older (ACT! 2007 will, but you need a download).  Please see the following from Sage Software:
http://itdomino.act.com/act.nsf/1b3cab81ad2ef30207256bb300662231/
80fc1eeb75b3e71307257272005014ac?OpenDocument&Highlight=2,vista

-QuickBooks 2006 or older with exceptions.  Please see the following from Intuit:
http://www.quickbooks.com/Helpcenter/vista/ProductCompatibility.aspx

-Here’s a statement from Apple regarding iPod and Vista:
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/ptech/stories/
020307dnbusapplevista.9ae915.html

-Here’s some info regarding Palm & HotSync:
http://promosearch.palmone.com/search/promosearch?sp-q-required-1=
1&sp-a=sp10032ba7&sp-x-1=country&sp-q=vista&sp-q-3=knowledgebase&sp-x-2=
Model&sp-q-2=&sp-t=cat_search&sp-q-1=us&sp-x-3=col&sp-p-2=all&sp-i=1

Check all your software manufacturer's websites to verify Vista compatibility or if any additional downloads may be needed.

This is certainly a lot of areas to cover, but the time you save preparing will save you hours of troubleshooting and perhaps some frustration.

January 9 2006
Q: I noticed that Windows remembers the last few programs that I opened and places it just above the START button on the Start menu.  Is there a way that I can  add specific programs to menu?

A: Yes and the answer is simpler than you may think.  Here's how:
1. Press the 'Start' button
2. Click '(All) Programs'
3. Find the program you want to add to the Start menu
4. Right Click on the program
5. Select 'Pin to Start Menu' from the list
That's it!

Now when you need to start your favorite program, it will be waiting for you on the Start menu!

If you need to take it off the Start menu, just Right click on it and select 'Unpin from Start menu'

May 23 2005
Q: How can I tell if the software I want to install on my Palm/Treo is compatible?

A: Like a computer, there are two elements you need to know to determine if a new software will work with your Treo - Available memory and Palm Operating System (OS) version.  Here's how to find both:

On your Palm:

1. Tap or press the ‘Applications’ button (looks like a house) to get to the Application Screen

-This where all your programs like Contacts, Calendar/Date Book, HotSync, CityTime, MemoPad, Calc, etc icons are displayed

2. Tap or press the ‘Menu Launcher’ button (looks like a button kinda like a drop-down menu)

3. Tap ‘App’ in the menu bar

-The Info menu is displayed

4. Tap ‘Info…’

-Tap ‘Version’

-The version of the Palm OS is displayed at the top of the screen

5. Tap ‘Size’

-The total Free and Total memory available is displayed at the top of the screen

That’s it!

May 9 2005
Q: When I install software on my computer, the software places a folder at the end of the Program list in the Start menu.  After installing several Programs the list has become a little disorganized.  How can I fix this?
A:  To fix this, you can manually drag each program and organize each Program in alphabetical order or you can quickly organize your contacts by:

1. Click the ‘Start’ button

2. Click ‘All Programs’ or ‘Programs’ depending on your version of Windows

3. Right Click on any program

4. Select ‘Sort by Name’ in the Pointer Menu

-Your Programs are sorted by Type (Folder, Program, etc.) and by name

That’s it!

August 22 2005
Q: Does Microsoft Office update as part of the Automatic Updates sent to Windows XP?
A: Microsoft Office does not automatically update.
You have to do this manually.  Here's how:

1. Go to the Microsoft website: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/officeupdate/default.aspx
-Under the 'Office Update' section
2. Click 'Check for Updates'
Note: You may be asked to insert your Microsoft Office CD so be sure you have it handy before you start this process.

April 18 2005
Q: I want to install a new software program, but I am not sure if my computer has the minimum requirements.  How can I check?
A: You can learn your computer's specificaitons in a few places.  Here's how:

Well, you can learn most of your computer's specs quickly by:
1. Find your 'My Computer' Icon-usually on your Desktop or in the Start menu
2. Right Click on your 'My Computer' Icon
3. Select 'Properties' from the Pointer Menu
Your:
-Windows Version
-Processor (Usually an Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon, along with Processor speed in MHz or GHz), and
-RAM depicted in KB (Kilobytes) MB (Megabytes) or GB (Gigabytes)
are listed in this screen (the General-tab).

- For the remaining specification of how much space is available on your Hard Disk Drive:
1. Find your 'My Computer' Icon-usually on your desktop or in the Start menu
2. Double click on your 'My Computer' Icon
3. Right Click on the 'Local Disk (C:)'
-Your hard disk capacity and well as the Used and Free space are displayed