Cyber News,

Service Pack 3 for Windows XP was released on April 29th, but immediately withdrawn because of problems.  About a week later it was re-released.  Here's a quote from Microsoft:  "This update includes a small number of new functionalities, which do not significantly change customer's experience with the operating system."   There have been reports of bad things happening to people's computers that have installed it.  HP has advised its customers that have an AMD chip not to install the new service pack until remedies have been put in place.  Same thing if you are running Norton's Anti-Virus.  SP3 will automatically download to your computer if you're running Windows XP sometime this month.  If you have problems you can always uninstall it.

Windows Vista, which replaces Windows XP, has now been out for well over a year and at this time it's very apparent that most people and the majority of corporations are not going to upgrade, and will use XP until the release of the next operating system (Code named Windows 7) which due out in 2010.  XP has been the best operating system that we've ever had and it will be easy to keep it running smoothly by following the steps in "System Maintenance." 

How about those thingy bobs that show up in forwarded emails?  These > or blue lines |. They are caused by the originator of the email, so let's put a stop to it.  If you're using Outlook Express, as most of us are, click on Tools, Options, then the Send Tab.  Under "Mail Sending Format" click on the "HTML Settings" button and remove the check mark from "Indent message on reply." Click OK, then click on the "Plain Text Settings" button and take away the check mark next to "Indent the original text with [ ] when replying or forwarding."  Click OK on all boxes. If we all do this we won't have to spend as much time cleaning things up before we forward a message.  And, please delete the Fw: in subject box when you forward an email.

If you are using the new free version of AVG (8.0) you will notice that it has a new feature called "Link Scanner."  When doing a search on Google, Yahoo, or MSN, Link Scanner delivers real time status of the safety of any website.  You will notice a green star next to each search result link that tells you that it is safe.  A red X warns you that the site contains malicious code that may harm your computer, so, don't click on the site!  If you're using the free AVG version  7.5 and want to upgrade you may do so here.

You've probably seen an occasional message on your computer that wants to clean up your desktop icons.  Your asking yourself, "What's up with that?"  Let's get rid of that pest.  Right click on your desktop and click on Properties, then the Desktop tab.  Now at the bottom click the "Customize Desktop" button and remove the checkmark next to "Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days."  Click OK on both open windows and now you'll never see that message again.

Click on your Start button, then "All Programs."  Are all the programs in alphabetical order?  If not right click anywhere on the list and choose "Sort by Name."  You can also do that in your Favorites.

Looking for some fun stuff to do on the net?  Try www.bored.com.

So, you want to be a millionaire?  Well, you can be with play money anyway.  Play the popular "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" game online.

Do you like jig saw puzzles?  Well, here's a place where you can spend hours putting together puzzles in dozens of different categories. www.jigzone.com  Have fun.

Photo Tips:  Next time, try moving your subject to one side instead of right in the middle of the shot.  When photographing pets or children, get down on their level for more pleasing shots, and don't be afraid to use flash outside to get rid of shadows on people's faces.  

Here's a good tip for renaming multiple photos.  Navigate to the folder where you have have lots of pictures of the same event, perhaps a wedding.  Click View, Thumbnails, so you can see the pictures.  Highlight the first photo, now go to the last photo in that series, hold down the SHIFT key and highlight the last one.  Now that all those pictures are highlighted, right click on the first one and select "Rename."  Type a name for all of them such as "Gary & Diane's Wedding" and click ENTER.  You'll now find that they are all renamed and easy to find on your computer.

The buzz word for photo editing has always been Photoshop, but it costs $650 and most of us aren't going to spend that kind of money.  For years I have used Paint Shop Pro, and I love it.  The price has actually come down over the years and costs only $80, but how about something for free?  You got it. It's called FotoFlexer, it's web based, versatile, fun, and easy to use.  Check it out and give it a try.

Secrets to Safe Computing:

• Don't open Email from strangers.
• Keep your Operating System updated.
• Install an Anti-Virus program & keep it up to date.
• Make sure System Restore and Firewall are active.
• Perform System Maintenance checks every 30 days.
• Back up your personal files & address book regularly.

 

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Disclaimer:  The information presented in Cyber News is researched and is believed to be accurate.  We cannot guarantee that all the information will work on your particular combination of hardware, software and user skills.  All information herein is offered as-is and without warranty of any kind.  Neither Stanley Computing nor its contributors are responsible for any loss, injury, or damage, direct or consequential, resulting from your choosing to use any information presented on this web site.