Ask Mr. Modem
Q. How do I capture or save what appears on screen?
A. Depending on the version of Windows being used, press the Windows Logo Key and the Print Screen key, which is sometimes displayed as the PrntScrn or PrtSc key. Pressing the Print Screen key copies what appears on screen to the Windows Clipboard. You can then paste it into another document or email message.
If you want to capture only the active window – the window in which you are currently working – and not any other window that might be lurking in the background, hold down the ALT key first, then press the Print Screen key.
When I create a screen shot of a window or an error message or some other dialog box, I paste it into Windows’ integrated graphics program called Paint, which can be found under Programs > Accessories or just go to Start > Search and type in “Paint.” You can use any other graphics program as your pasting destination, then save the resulting file via File > Save, if you wish.
Q. When sending a message using Gmail, I needed to include a link to a website. When I typed it, there was no color and no line underneath it telling me that it was an active, clickable link. I had to go down to the bottom of the email toolbar, highlight the address, then click the link button so it showed up as working. Is there an easier way to do this?
A. You really don’t have to do anything to the URL or Web address. When you are typing a link in your Gmail message, it will not show up as an active link. However, as soon as you send it (or preview it), it will appear as a living, breathing, colorful clickable link to your recipients.
Q. I’m using Windows 7. How can I change my account name? The computer was given to me by my daughter and it shows her name.
A. You can change the name that appears on screen when you log in quite easily. To change the name displayed, click Start and type “account” (without the quotes). From the search results, click User Accounts followed by Change Your Account Name. Type in a new name, then click Change Name. Presto, change-o!
You can also delete any user account and create a new user account in its place, if you wish.
Q. Lately, when I view photographs, there are no red colors or reddish tones in the pictures displayed on screen. If I print them, they’re fine. Is there some kind of adjustment I can make to fix this problem?
A. Possibly. Most monitors have adjustment capabilities that can fine-tune the hue, among other things. Feel around the top, bottom and sides of your computer for any such buttons or touch-sensitive surfaces. If you are using an older monitor, you may find a little hinged door that opens and contains several buttons or dials, similar to older television adjustments. The easiest way to determine if your monitor is the culprit is to hook the monitor up to another computer. If the problem persists, you will know it’s time to replace your monitor. If the problem disappears, then it’s most likely a problem with your system’s video card and any reputable computer repair shop should be able to check that out and replace it, if necessary.
Mr. Modem’s DME (Don’t Miss ’Em) sites of the month
BBC’s Country Profiles
Geography buffs and travelers will appreciate this site’s many historic, economic and political profiles on nations around the globe. The site also provides interesting information about well-known international organizations. In addition, the site covers subjects of international interest such as the environment, technology and business.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profiles/default.stm
Cheap Cooking
If you’re not paying attention, many restaurants and supermarkets can leave your monthly food budget in shambles. If you’re interested in lowering your food bills, without lowering the quality of your edibles, this site is full of culinary-related advice, recipes and other useful information that focuses on great food on a tight budget. After browsing the articles and recipes, check out the tips on shopping and ‘kitchen organization’ – an oxymoron, if ever there was one. http://www.cheapcooking.com/
The Same Game
Invented by Kuniaki Moribe (as if you didn’t know) in 1985, the board is filled with different colored bubbles. Clicking two or more adjoining bubbles of the same color will make them disappear. Bubbles no longer supported by removed bubbles will fall down, and empty columns will be trimmed away by the remaining bubbles sliding to the left. By removing a number of bubbles you will be rewarded with points. Therefore, the more bubbles you remove at one time, the higher your score will be. The object of the game is to clear the board completely, with the highest score possible.
