Interesting Info -> Computer and Internet Tips & Help
Blifaloo’s Computer Tips – Help For Beginners and Seniors
Computer and Internet Tips, Tutorials, Resources and Links (Windows)
When I talked my grandma into getting online in the late 90s, I had to learn how to teach a different generation how to use computers. Since then, I have been the “family geek”, and carry the burden of being an unpaid computer technician & tutor.
Those are my credentials. I’m no expert, but have plenty of computer and internet experience, and try to share some of the common issues and solutions in the following articles and features. Note: all tips and articles on these pages are geared towards Windows users (sorry no Mac help here).
Jump to Section: Quick Tips | Computer Help Articles | Recommended Books & Links
The computer help articles feature a range of topics from speeding up windows to removing viruses and even shopping online safety advice.
I have also included list of recommended books and links on computer and internet that are geared towards seniors and new computer users: they are at the end of this article.
Featured Computer Quick Tips
Some quick tips to help you become a better computer user and internet surfer:
Everyone (especially seniors) should know this handy tip:
While holding down the Ctrl button on your keyboard — rotate the scroll wheel in the middle of your mouse. (see image on right)
Go ahead and give it a try, right now.
On most computers this will magnify / shrink the size of websites.
Rolling the mouse wheel up will make everything bigger, while rolling the mouse wheel down will have the opposite effect.
So, next time you are having trouble reading small text on a website, simply hold down control and use the scroll wheel. Very handy — pass this on to your friends.
It’s the best thing since… Ctrl+c.
Alternative method: hold down CTRL and tap on the + and – buttons on the keyboard for the same effect.
Search text within any Web page
Ever end up on a site from a search engine, but can’t find the exact words you are looking for? The answer is:
Ctrl + f
Go ahead and hold down the Ctrl button on your keyboard and press “f” — you should see a search box pop-up somewhere on your screen. (Usually near the bottom of the window). Now you can type any word into that search box and your internet browser with find and highlight each instance of that word as it appears on the page. You can also click the “next” button to allow the page to auto-scroll to the next instance of the word.
Neat, eh? I use this feature all the time.
Dealing With Error Messages
If you receive an error message you don’t understand:
Type the error message into Google Search. You’ll find other’s who have had the same issue, and hopefully someone who has found the solution, as well. Don’t just read one discussion or solution — take the time to read a few different websites opinions before jumping to a conclusion.
This is an important lesson — you can type any question into Google in plain english. It’s so easy, but I am always amazed at how many people have problems “searching”. Just search for what other people would search for… you are bound to stumble upon at least one person who has had the same problem as you and asked it to one of the many online discussion forums or Q&A sites like Yahoo Answers.
Also see: No Bootable Devices Error – for a quick fix to try before replacing or formating your HDD.
— I’ll be updating this section regularly with new computer tips, bookmark and check back often.
Help For Beginner Computer Users:
Articles and features here on Blifaloo.com
New: Free Anti-Virus / Anti-Spyware Software Safe List
How to Keep Your Parents Safe from the Internet – Common online scams and how to avoid them — anyone over 30 should read this. Also includes information on ebay shopping, creating strong passwords and other tips to keep new computer users out of trouble.
How to Remove Computer Viruses (Windows) – Step by step guide to removing viruses, adware, and other unwanted nasties from your computer.
How to Speed-up Windows 10 – A few tips for speeding up Windows 10. It used to be a Windows XP page, but nobody uses that anymore.
Tips for Optimizing Windows Vista – Our top tips to help you speed up and secure your PC running Windows Vista.
Shopping Online for Beginners – Tips for people who are new to the world of online shopping. Includes recommended online stores and safety tips.
Online Dating for Beginners – Important tips to remember when looking for love on the internet. Includes common dating scams, safety concerns and a little bit of humor.
Smiley Dictionary Huge list of keyboard text smilies.
Text Messaging Acronyms Must…text…faster…
Also see:
Android Resource Page – Top tips and tricks including security, optimization and rooting info.
How to Download Music with Torrents – Step-by-step guide with tons of illustrations on how to download music from the internet.
How to use Torrents for Downloading – Quick overview with required software and recommended torrent sites.
How to Make Free Ringtones – You don’t have to buy ringtones — learn to convert your own mp3 music files into ringtones for your iPhone or other mobile phone.
Making Websites / Beginner Webmaster Info:
How to Choose and Register a Domain Name – For my friends/relatives and other’s that need non-technical advice.
How to Choose a Web Hosting Company – Non-technical guide on getting web hosting.
Recommended Computer / Internet Books for Beginners
The best books I could find for new computer and internet users. Click on the book to read more info and reviews on Amazon.com – Try refreshing this page if any of the 8 images below are missing.
Recommended Links for Computer Help & Tips
Articles for beginners but on different websites. All links will open in a new browser tab or window.
3 Beginner Computer Tips – Practical advice for new computer users. Worth reading.
How to Fix Your Relatives’ Terrible Computer – Common problems found on computers, and how to fix them.
GeeksToGo.com – Free computer help from tech experts. Be sure to read website help and forum instructions before asking a question.
Windows 7 Guide – Lifehackers’ guide to everything about everything.
Image Credits:
Computer Mouse Image – By Qurren (Qurren’s file) [https://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html“>GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Ctrl Keyboard Image – By Anierin at fr.wikipedia [CC-BY-SA-1.0 or CC-BY-SA-1.0], from Wikimedia Commons
Thank you.I need this now.I am ⁷4; years old. I have a used Lenovo IdeaPad flex 4 laptop. I need to use it now. What do the symbols on it mean?:I also need to secure it with a VPN but can’t get credit.. Again, how do I remove my sister’s name from the computer? I am 74 and hearing impaired. I need to help my Wife.. Please I can’t see the words clearly in the comments section.Tell you more later
I have been using a computer for years but did not the trick with the control button and the mouse wheel. Thank you.
I will try again.. I did not know the trick with the control button and the mouse wheel and I have been using a computer for many years. Thank you for teaching this old broad a new trick.