Next time you enter an address in your browser, simply type in a site name and hit Ctrl-Enter. The computer will surround what you typed with the requisite “http://www.” and “.com”. Cool!
Archive for September, 2010
Internet Tip: Save Typing
Monday, September 13th, 2010Windows Tip: Themes
Monday, September 13th, 2010Spiff up your desktop! Right click on your desktop, and choose “Properties,” “Settings,” or “Personalize.” If you’re not using Windows 7, click the “Appearance” tab. Then, start flipping through the options under “Themes.”
Online Diversion: Cursed Treasure
Sunday, September 12th, 2010
Have you ever played a “Tower Defense” game? The object is simple. Build towers along a specified route to prevent the enemy from passing through. While hundreds of these games have come out over the years, my favorite (at least today) is Cursed Treasure: Don’t Touch My Gems! The premise is simple: People are trying to steal your gems. So, build towers to stop them. Strategy is key. Enjoy!
Site of the Week: JayCut
Sunday, September 12th, 2010Editing video can be a complicated process. And the software can be very expensive. But, if you want to try your hand at splicing some of your home videos together into the next blockbuster, look no further than JayCut.
Believe it or not, this website allows you to do many of the editing tasks once only possible with software like Adobe Premiere and iMovie. Did I mention you don’t have to download any software? And it’s free? This site is a very cost-effective way to introduce kids (or anyone) to the fun art of video production!
Apple TV: The Next Big Thing?
Saturday, September 11th, 2010
Would you buy a TV from Apple? How about TV service? Apple just announced a new product, Apple TV.
About the size of a hockey puck, this little device will allow you to watch the following on your big screen TV:
- Movies recorded on your PC
- Streaming movies from Netflix
- YouTube videos
- Any TV show, movie, or song from your iTunes collection.
You can even control the device remotely with your iPad or iPhone. The interface looks amazing and they claim the device is fast enough to prevent any “video stuttering.” Best of all, the device will sell for only $99.
Apple hasn’t released them yet, and won’t for about a month. But if they can come through on these pre-release promises, I bet a bunch of you will find these little toys under your Christmas tree!
Aviary Does Everything?
Saturday, September 11th, 2010If you have been reading my newsletters for very long, you might remember a recent review of a site called Picnik. It allowed you to work with photos without buying expensive software like PhotoShop.
Well, I’ve found a site even better: Aviary. Actually, it’s a free suite of tools allowing you to work with both image and audio files. When I first fired it up, I was blown away with the number of PhotoShop-like tools at my disposal.
I could work at a very granular level with an image, copy background colors, even use the “magic wand” to custom select complex areas of the picture. And yes, it supports layers.
If some of these terms don’t make much sense, don’t worry: They have a great Tutorials area to show you how to use the site.
All aspiring graphic designers should check this site out. It won’t cost you a dime and when you’re done, you’ll be a step ahead of the pack when transitioning to PhotoShop.
Microsoft Excel Tip: In-Cell Editing
Saturday, September 11th, 2010Instead of making all of your cell changes in the formula bar, simply double-click on the cell and change it in-place.
Microsoft Word Tip: Better Bullets
Friday, September 10th, 2010Tired of those same old boring round bullets? Instead of hitting the toolbar button, in Word 2003, pull down the Format menu and choose Bullets and Numbering. In Word 2007, click the Home Ribbon and hit the little drop down arrow next to the bullets button on the toolbar.
Internet Tip: F4 to the Rescue
Friday, September 10th, 2010In your Internet browser, click in the address bar and hit F4 to see a list of addresses you’ve already typed. By clicking the one you want, you’ll save yourself some keystrokes (and time).
Windows Tip: Quick Access
Friday, September 10th, 2010Want quick access to your most-used programs? Find the program in your Start menu, right-click on it, and choose “Send to…” and then Desktop (Create Shortcut).
