Connecting Laptop to your Television

Watching television has changed drastically since the days of the mid-twentieth century when television first came to prominence. People nowadays do not even watch television on their television. More and more people are becoming used to using computers as their main source for all things entertainment, television included. This has become possible due to such popular streaming sites online such as netflix, hulu, youtube, and itunes. Me and my family do not even have a television subscription anymore and we are not the only ones. Many people now watch all of their favorite movies and television shows streamed directly to their computers. The only problem with this is the screen size. Many people, myself included, feel that movies and tv shows are more enjoyable on the biggest screen possible. All the images look much better when placed on a rather large screen. This cannot happen on the relatively small size of laptop screens. Do not worry though, because by connecting your laptop to your television screen, you can have your cake and eat it to. You can accomplish this in a few easy steps.

1. First, you need to make sure you have both a computer and a television that has a port to plug in a HDMI (High definition multimedia interface) cord.

2. Obtain an HDMI cord.

3. Plug in cord to both computer and television.

4. Match your input tv setting on HDMI

5. Follow instructions to configure computer and tv together.

6. Enjoy watching television and movies!

Increasing Storage on iphones

Cell phones are used so much these days, it feels like they can literally do anything and everything. People are constantly using them at whatever location they are at and at every moment of the day. Due to this, it can be difficult to keep your phone storage free with everything that one can use the phone for. I always hear complaints from people telling me that they have already run out of space on their phone. To avoid this pratfall, here are some helpful tips you can follow.

1. Check your storage to see how much space you have left.
2. Turn off photo stream option on your phone
3. Store apps you do not use in the cloud to take them off your phone.
4. Delete old text messages
5. Use HDR mode on your camera whenever possible.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Microsoft

Keyboard shortcuts can be a lifesaver. They can help speed up the typing process when you are running short on time. To put it simply they make being on a computer a much more convenient process. If you use microsoft these shortcuts can be incredibly helpful.

Windows system key combinations

• F1: Help
• CTRL+ESC: Open Start menu
• ALT+TAB: Switch between open programs
• ALT+F4: Quit program
• SHIFT+DELETE: Delete item permanently
• Windows Logo+L: Lock the computer (without using CTRL+ALT+DELETE)

Windows program key combinations

• CTRL+C: Copy
• CTRL+X: Cut
• CTRL+V: Paste
• CTRL+Z: Undo
• CTRL+B: Bold
• CTRL+U: Underline
• CTRL+I: Italic

Mouse click/keyboard modifier combinations for shell objects

• SHIFT+right click: Displays a shortcut menu containing alternative commands
• SHIFT+double click: Runs the alternate default command (the second item on the menu)
• ALT+double click: Displays properties
• SHIFT+DELETE: Deletes an item immediately without placing it in the Recycle Bin

General keyboard-only commands

• F1: Starts Windows Help
• F10: Activates menu bar options
• SHIFT+F10 Opens a shortcut menu for the selected item (this is the same as right-clicking an object
• CTRL+ESC: Opens the Start menu (use the ARROW keys to select an item)
• CTRL+ESC or ESC: Selects the Start button (press TAB to select the taskbar, or press SHIFT+F10 for a context menu)
• CTRL+SHIFT+ESC: Opens Windows Task Manager
• ALT+DOWN ARROW: Opens a drop-down list box
• ALT+TAB: Switch to another running program (hold down the ALT key and then press the TAB key to view the task-switching window)
• SHIFT: Press and hold down the SHIFT key while you insert a CD-ROM to bypass the automatic-run feature
• ALT+SPACE: Displays the main window's System menu (from the System menu, you can restore, move, resize, minimize, maximize, or close the window)
• ALT+- (ALT+hyphen): Displays the Multiple Document Interface (MDI) child window's System menu (from the MDI child window's System menu, you can restore, move, resize, minimize, maximize, or close the child window)
• CTRL+TAB: Switch to the next child window of a Multiple Document Interface (MDI) program
• ALT+underlined letter in menu: Opens the menu
• ALT+F4: Closes the current window
• CTRL+F4: Closes the current Multiple Document Interface (MDI) window
• ALT+F6: Switch between multiple windows in the same program (for example, when the Notepad Find dialog box is displayed, ALT+F6 switches between the Find dialog box and the main Notepad window)

Shell objects and general folder/Windows Explorer shortcuts

For a selected object:

• F2: Rename object
• F3: Find all files
• CTRL+X: Cut
• CTRL+C: Copy
• CTRL+V: Paste
• SHIFT+DELETE: Delete selection immediately, without moving the item to the Recycle Bin
• ALT+ENTER: Open the properties for the selected object

To copy a file

Press and hold down the CTRL key while you drag the file to another folder.

To create a shortcut

Press and hold down CTRL+SHIFT while you drag a file to the desktop or a folder.

General folder/shortcut control

• F4: Selects the Go To A Different Folder box and moves down the entries in the box (if the toolbar is active in Windows Explorer)
• F5: Refreshes the current window.
• F6: Moves among panes in Windows Explorer
• CTRL+G: Opens the Go To Folder tool (in Windows 95 Windows Explorer only)
• CTRL+Z: Undo the last command
• CTRL+A: Select all the items in the current window
• BACKSPACE: Switch to the parent folder
• SHIFT+click+Close button: For folders, close the current folder plus all parent folders

Windows Explorer tree control

• Numeric Keypad *: Expands everything under the current selection
• Numeric Keypad +: Expands the current selection
• Numeric Keypad -: Collapses the current selection.
• RIGHT ARROW: Expands the current selection if it is not expanded, otherwise goes to the first child
• LEFT ARROW: Collapses the current selection if it is expanded, otherwise goes to the parent

Properties control

• CTRL+TAB/CTRL+SHIFT+TAB: Move through the property tabs

Accessibility shortcuts

• Press SHIFT five times: Toggles StickyKeys on and off
• Press down and hold the right SHIFT key for eight seconds: Toggles FilterKeys on and off
• Press down and hold the NUM LOCK key for five seconds: Toggles ToggleKeys on and off
• Left ALT+left SHIFT+NUM LOCK: Toggles MouseKeys on and off
• Left ALT+left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN: Toggles high contrast on and off

Microsoft Natural Keyboard keys

• Windows Logo: Start menu
• Windows Logo+R: Run dialog box
• Windows Logo+M: Minimize all
• SHIFT+Windows Logo+M: Undo minimize all
• Windows Logo+F1: Help
• Windows Logo+E: Windows Explorer
• Windows Logo+F: Find files or folders
• Windows Logo+D: Minimizes all open windows and displays the desktop
• CTRL+Windows Logo+F: Find computer
• CTRL+Windows Logo+TAB: Moves focus from Start, to the Quick Launch toolbar, to the system tray (use RIGHT ARROW or LEFT ARROW to move focus to items on the Quick Launch toolbar and the system tray)
• Windows Logo+TAB: Cycle through taskbar buttons
• Windows Logo+Break: System Properties dialog box
• Application key: Displays a shortcut menu for the selected item

Microsoft Natural Keyboard with IntelliType software installed

• Windows Logo+L: Log off Windows
• Windows Logo+P: Starts Print Manager
• Windows Logo+C: Opens Control Panel
• Windows Logo+V: Starts Clipboard
• Windows Logo+K: Opens Keyboard Properties dialog box
• Windows Logo+I: Opens Mouse Properties dialog box
• Windows Logo+A: Starts Accessibility Options (if installed)
• Windows Logo+SPACEBAR: Displays the list of Microsoft IntelliType shortcut keys
• Windows Logo+S: Toggles CAPS LOCK on and off

Dialog box keyboard commands

• TAB: Move to the next control in the dialog box
• SHIFT+TAB: Move to the previous control in the dialog box
• SPACEBAR: If the current control is a button, this clicks the button. If the current control is a check box, this toggles the check box. If the current control is an option, this selects the option.
• ENTER: Equivalent to clicking the selected button (the button with the outline)
• ESC: Equivalent to clicking the Cancel button
• ALT+underlined letter in dialog box item: Move to the corresponding item

Cleaning Computers

Computers, much like everything else, eventually get worn out over time. They become dirty and filthy over time and must be cleaned every now and again. This will not only help the computer good as new but it will help it function as if it truly were new. You must monitor the cleanliness of your computer constantly. You must make sure it is clean in order to make sure that your computer is functioning in the best capacity possible. Here are some tips you may find useful when cleaning your computer.

1. Make sure to pay close attention in order to not move or alter any knobs or controllers of the computer. Also, double check to make sure that you have not accidentally unplugged any plug-ins of the computer as well.
2. It should go without saying why you should not eat food, drink beverages, or especially not smoke near the computer.
3. Make sure that the computer is turned off before cleaning.
4. If you need a liquid to clean a component of the computer, never spray or spill the liquid on directly. Remember to put the liquid on a cloth first.
5. Be wary of certain chemicals as some can cause harmful allergic reactions.
6. Stop fans from spinning before cleaning them in order to prevent damage and injury.
7. Do not use a vacuum when cleaning the inside of the computer in order to prevent creating any static electricity that can cause damage to your computer.

Monitor your Monitor

Many technology users do not seem to put to much thought to their monitors when they are using their computer. They simply leave it alone and do not pay attention to the cleanliness of it or any potential damages of it. This is a shame because it is an element of the computer that can often be taken for granted. If you do not have a monitor, than it does not matter how well adjusted the rest of the elements of your computer are. If you cannot see it, than how can you use it. Computers are incredibly visual machines. So, in order to avoid falling into this pratfall, make sure that you follow some of these helpful tips to keep your monitor safe and functioning.

1. Make sure to never touch your screen with your fingers. Many people do not realize the importance of this. You can create annoying smudges that distort the view of the screen. You can also end up breaking the screen. After you create cracks in the screen, you may end up having to pay expensive fees to fix your screen. Whether or not it is glass or plastic, you should not touch the screen.
2. If you have to touch your screen in order to clean it, do not touch it with your hands. Wipe it down gently with a damp towel or tissue. Do not get it all wet with cleaners.
3. To avoid damaging your screen as well as the rest of your computer, avoid eating or drinking around the computer. Especially do not drink liquids or eat cookie crumbs near the screen. These two things can especially cause harmful reactions to the whole computer, particularly to the screen.
4. Also, don't forget  that you can adjust your screen according to your specific needs. If you have trouble reading the words on the screen or if you have issue with the lighting, check the settings in order to change the scale of the screen and the darkness and the lightness of the screen.
5. Also, make sure you do not have magnets around your screen. These can cause serious damage to any electronics. The data and hardware on your computer can be deleted or distorted badly if you have magnets near it.

PowerPoint Tips

The creation of the powerpoint has created an incredibly useful opportunity to help people learn more easily. They have proven themselves very effectively in helping children learn their school material at an effective pace. Also, teaching children how to use them allows for them to learn professional business skills. It also is helpful not just in the world of education, but also in the corporate world. Over the last few years, many businesses have used powerpoints in business meetings in order to clearly and concisely make their points to their colleagues. Due to their increasing popularity and importance, it is crucial that one knows how to make the most effective powerpoint possible, no matter the age of the user. Here a few key tips one should know about when deciding to make a powerpoint.

1. Make a Script: Planning out a powerpoint is in a lot of ways like planning out a story. You have to make sure the information flows from one topic to the other effectively and logically. Simply randomnly stating facts and statistics without any sense of order might confuse the listener and could be very jarring. Plan out what to say as well as the right time to say it. Like a story, make sure it has an arc. Give it a proper beginning middle and end.
2. Don't overdo it: Make sure you do not use paragraphs, especially not long ones. Use bullet points instead. Writing too much at a time can bore the audience and cause you to lose them.
3. Make sure you have a proper design and template for your powerpoint to capture the interest of the listeners. However, do not put too many images on your powerpoint. You cannot let the style overwhelm the substance.
4. Focus on one topic per slide in order to avoid overwhelming the reader with too much information to listen to.
5. Also, make sure that what is off the screen is professional as well. Practice your presentation skills often. Make sure you maintain a professional and engaging presence.

Search Engines

Navigating the internet can be a very tricky thing to do sometimes. You want to find something, but you simply just do not have the time to do it. Even if you have a lot of experience with navigating the internet, it can still be a stressful thing to find exactly what you are looking for in exactly the right amount of time. This is what search engines are for. Naturally, most of you reading this are already familiar with many of the famous search engines like Google or Bing and have tried them before. However, simply using these tools does not automatically solve the problem. It can still be awhile before you find something on the thousands of links that pop up by simply typing in one or two key words. If you are going to use search engines and hoping to conveniently find what you are looking for in fast time, there a few key tips that you should know about using for search engines before you begin.

1. Be as specific as possible, you are likely not going to be able to find exactly what you are looking for very easily if you simple type in one or two key words. You might be able to find more success if you type in as many terms as possible. Describe what you are looking for in the best detail you can come up with.
2. Try using the + sign when describing to or more words that are related to each other. It will help narrow the search down. The links most likely to appeal to what you are looking for will be among the first to appear. It will be a huge saver of time.
3. Also, if you want to find another a way to save time, try using the - sign when you want to dismiss anything unrelated to your search, but however contains similar key search terms. It will trim the excess fat among the links and get you to where you're going without wasting your time.
4. You can also help to narrow your search down by using quotation marks around exact phrases.
5. If you are looking for a website similar to another one that you are already familiar with. Try typing in "related:" followed by the name of the website.
6. Don't forget to click on advanced search in order to narrow down your options based on date, country, amount, or language, or any other types of criteria.

These options will help you on several search engines, not just Google.

Word documents

Here are a few helpful hints for helping you deal with a word document on Microsoft office.

1. You can hide the ribbon to remove the clutter and create more space for your work in three ways. The first way is to click the down arrow icon in the quick access toolbar and tick the minimize the ribbon option. You could also double click one of the tabs at the top of the ribbon to turn it on or off. Also, you can simply click Ctrl and F1 to accomplish this feat.
2. You can remove/change the formatting of a text by highlighting the text and clicking Ctrl and space simultaneously. Also, if the formatting has been changed and you simply want it to return the original default format, you can do so by clicking Ctrl + shift-+N.
3. You can insert a page break by going to page layout menu and clicking breaks. You will be given two options. A continuous one inserts a new page break without starting a new page. The second option, a next page break, does start a new page when inserting a new page break.
4. To create text effects, you must first highlight your text and then go to the home tab and select the text effects button, which is the button with a photo a blue letter A. You will see several text effects options including shadow, reflection, glow, outline.
5. If you wish to place documents in a folder that is not the automatic "My Documents" tab. Click tools, then options, then click file locations tab. Click documents and then modify. You can then click on a previously existing folder or click create new folder if you wish to put your document in a new folder.

How to make a folder

For my first post I feel like I should start with something simple. A very basic part of working on a computer that many people have still had trouble with is learning how to create a new folder. This may seem not seem like such a big deal, but having folders in your computer is a key part to remaining organized. So many people have just as much clutter, if not more so, scattered around their computer as they do papers and files around the house. Having folders is key to saving time and space on your computer. This is especially true if you are still in school or if you work at home from your computer. Without any further ado, here are the steps to creating your own folder on your computer.

1. Open the program in which you want to create your folder.
2. Go into the top left corner and click file.
3. Go over the tab that says new and then click on folder
4. Then a new folder will appear and you will have to name it.
5. Now you can just drag over items onto the folder whenever you need to.