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Welcome to today's edition of the Computer Kindergarten Newsletter.
Today is Sunday, October 21, 2001
In this Issue:
Protect Yourself From Viruses
Featured Computer Term: Mailbox
Topic: Crazy Browsers
Progressive Learning Series: Changing Column Width
Featured Website: New York Better Business Bureau
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A Reminder: Protect Yourself From Viruses
Here are four steps you can take if you currently have no virus protection:
1) Purchase a reliable virus package. After you install it, download the latest data files and upgrades. You must keep your virus software up-to-date to keep your system protected.
2) Scan your system completely.
3) Go to Microsoft's Web page and download the latest and greatest of ALL critical upgrades identified for your system.
4) Do NOT open any attachment before running an email virus checker. Even then, if the attachment is from someone you don't know, delete it!
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Today's Featured Computer Term: Mailbox
Also known as inbox, this is an area in memory or on a storage device where e-mail is placed. In e-mail systems, each user has a private mailbox which is usually storage space on a main server, not on the user's computer. When the user receives e-mail, the mail system automatically puts it in the mailbox.
The mail system allows you to scan mail that is in your mailbox, copy it to a file, delete it, print it, or forward it to another user. If you want to save mail, it is a good idea to copy it to a file, because files tend to be more stable than mailboxes. The file will then be stored on your local computer.
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Today's Topic: Thanks to Computer Kindergarten Newsletter subscriber Stan for the following question:
Why at some websites does my browsers seem to go crazy - new windows keep popping up even when I try to close them?
Some sites start opening new windows, usually ads, one after the other. Sometimes there's nothing you can do to stop them, short of quitting your browser or logging off. It's really a very annoying thing that seems to be happening more and more.
Sites can do this by running special sneaky code through your browser that makes it virtually impossible to stop.
Virtually is the key word here, though: If you have Internet Explorer 4.0 or higher, try holding down Alt-F4 as soon as you see the windows start to appear - that may kill off the this code. (This Alt-F4 combo probably won't work on Netscape but you may as well give it a try.)
Also, it's possible to shut those windows before they start opening up. If you're using Internet Explorer, click the "Tools" menu; then select "Internet Options" and click the "Advanced" tab on the window that appears. Next, look for "Java VM" (that stands for Java Virtual Machine), and uncheck the boxes next to "Java console enabled" and "Java logging enabled." Last, click OK.
If you're using Netscape 4.0 or higher, click the "Edit" menu; then select "Preferences" and hit "Advanced" in the window that appears. Now, uncheck the boxes next to "Enable Java" and "Enable Java-script." Click OK, and you're done.
The catch is that many sites need Java for their more advanced features. Some sites are so reliant on these features that they won't work at all without Java enabled. If you notice any new or unusual problems at sites you visit, you may want to go back, using the directions above, and re-check the Java-related boxes - at least temporarily.
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Progressive Learning Series: Changing Column Width
Once you add columns to your document, you may decide you want to adjust the width of the columns. Word allows you to quickly adjust the width of individual columns in your document, as well as the space between columns.
You can change the width of columns in your document in the following manner:
1. Position the insertion pointer somewhere within the text that is already formatted for columns.
2. Choose the Columns option from the Format menu. The Columns dialog box appears.
3. Clear the Equal Column Width check box if you don't want your columns to be an equal width.
4. In the Width and Spacing area of the dialog box, adjust the width and spacing (the space between columns) to reflect your desired page appearance. You'll notice that as you adjust one number, other columns and widths may be adjusted automatically. All these numbers are inter-related.
5. Click on OK.
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Today's Featured Website: New York Better Business Bureau
If you want to provide financial help for those affected by the Sept. 11 attacks, but have concerns about sending money to an organization that may not use your donations in a way you want, take a look at this site. It's a direct link to New York's Better Business Bureau and features a large list of legitimate charities and how to contact them.
http://www.newyork.bbb.org/
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