Beezid
Showing posts with label Windows-7. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Windows-7. Show all posts

Monday, July 27, 2015

How-To do Windows Update for Windows 7?

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 10:26 PM

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going attempt answer the question, ‘How-To do Windows Update for Windows 7?”


Today I will briefly explain:

Where is Windows Update? 

How do you install the Window’s updates? 

What are optional updates?

Turning on Automatic updates

Dealing with window update errors

 

Where is Windows Update?

In Windows 7:

 

Go to your start button, and type in windows update.  You will see this option pop up like my picture below!

 

 

windows update 2

 

How-To install the Window’s updates 

Click on that option once you see it, and a new window will open, and you will click on ‘Check for Updates’.  This will run for a while, and so be patient!

windows update

Notice below it states you have 14 important updates, and 37 optional updates.  These 2 choices are in the blue lettering on the left.

We are going to install the ‘important updates’ first, and you notice that is in black text right above the ‘install updates’ button I’m pointing at in the picture.

windows update 4

Keep in mind depending on your internet speed, file size, number of updates, or a number of other factors this process may go for a while, or be rather quick.

BE PATIENT!!

You will notice the message will tell you that windows is downloading the files first, and then they install them. 

Most of the time the installations aren’t quick enough for you NOT to notice both steps. 

In the picture below the files were already downloaded, and it’s installing update 15.

windows update 3

There are times in which one update needs to be downloaded and installed all by itself.  Other times you will notice they all install at the same time.

 

See below that only three updates downloaded and installed.  Yet, the computer told us we had 14!  This is a perfect example to show you what I was talking about above.  Make sure you save any files, or programs you were working on, and then hit the ‘restart’ now button.

windows-update 5

Keep in mind that your restart and shut down may go a little slower, because the computer is processing these new files, updates, etc.  Again, that doesn’t happen all the time!  Yet, if the file is large?  It will take longer than normal.

Once the computer has started up again you will need to follow the steps we did once again, and install the next set of updates.  You will be doing this until all of them have been completed.  We will move on to the optional updates later, but we do need to take care of the important ones to keep your computer running properly.

 

Working with Optional Updates

Once you have the IMPORTANT updates done you move on the optional updates.   If you remember we had 37 optional updates!

Instead of just ‘installing updates’ we may need to look at these optional updates.  You can do that by clicking on the blue words, ‘37 optional updates are available’.  Then a new screen with a list of the updates will be provided.

windows update 4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We want to look at the updates since their OPTIONAL to see if want them or not!

Optional updates could be software updates to some of your hardware like your printer, or as we see below they are offering language packs.

If you speak Japanese?  You may want this one, and that is why it is selected by clicking on it.  If you don’t want the others?  Notice those are left blank.  You can pick all of them, or none of them!

At times you may not recognize what the optional update is, and you can either Google (search engine) the title of the update…or in some cases use some discernment with the title (for example Microsoft security fix) and choose to install it.

windows update 7

Again, you want to continue to do the windows update until FINALLY you have completed all of them!

When you have done all your windows updates, and optional updates you will get the below message! 

YEAH!  Your done!

 

windows-update-8_thumb7

Turning on Automatic updates

Majority of time people like to turn on automatic update notifications for  Windows Update.  This way your computer lets you know that updates are available!  You would get a similar notification like this at the bottom of your screen – on the left hand side.

updates

(Notice the icon at the bottom!)

To Turn on Automatic Updates yourself, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, type Windows update in the search box, and then click Windows Update 

windows update 8

  1. In the left pane, click Change settings.
  2. Select the option that you want.
  3. Under Recommended updates, select the Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates or Include recommended updates when downloading, installing, or notifying me about updates check box, and then click OK.

Depending on your comfort level in this area you choose which is better for you.  Most go with the recommended option!

 

How-To Deal With Update Errors

 

windows update 6

From time to time you may get an update error, and the ‘try again’ option will work.

At times these errors could be that your internet is slow at the moment, or I have found at times a restart of the computer helps the error fix itself…and it finishes!

Notice the Code 66A, and it gives you link for help if all else fails.

If the article it links to makes no sense to you?  Google the error.  For example, “Windows 7 Update Code 66A”.  Check to see if other’s have dealt with this error, and read how they solved it!

 

Finally, remember windows updates are important for your computer!  You need to continue to check for updates from time to times on your own.  They claim the automatic updates will tell you when its time, but we have to remember this a machine.

If you haven’t see the reminder in a while?  Do your windows update manually once again like I have shown you, and keep it UP TO DATE!

 

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.



Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.


Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner, and today’s lesson on “How-To do Windows Update for Windows 7?”

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

What is the Default Printer or Primary Printer?

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 8:00 PM

Today’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner lesson we will talk about the  “Default Printer”.

Keep in mind that Default Printer and Primary Printer are the same thing.  I have noticed that people use both terms for this.  Yes, most of the time they mean the same thing.

The Topics covered today are:
  • What is the default printer?  What is the primary Printer?
  • How do I identify which printer is my default printer? Or Primary Printer?
  • How do I change my default printer or primary printer?

What is the Default Printer Or Primary Printer?

list of printersThe Default Printer is basically the Primary Printer you want to setup to use to print with.  Keep in mind we are using a machine, and YES you need to tell the machine WHICH printer you are going to use MOST of the time! 

Your computer will DEFAULT to this printer whenever you want to print something.  That is NOT to say you can’t change your mind, and use a different one you may have.  That’s possible of course, but there will be a default printer.  This primary printer  the computer will automatically use unless you tell the computer otherwise.
Depending on your circumstance at your computer location one printer should be already set as the ‘default’ printer. 
I have noticed that some computers switch the default or primary printer for various reasons, and people think their printer or computer is broken.  Checking the default maybe the only thing you need to fix.
One thing I have noticed from time to time is certain software will change your primary printer to something that works better (in their opinion) for their program. In the picture above I was on a friend’s computer, and clicked the start button and searched for ‘printer’. 

software printers
Here is a close up shot, and keep in mind my friend wants the ‘Kodak’ printer as her primary printer, or default printer.  Notice the Bonjour and the Coupon printer on the list?  Those are examples of extras that some software programs ADD, because it works better with their program.  These are two examples of MANY of course!

So how do you know which printer is the primary printer or the default printer?

What printer is my default printer or primary printer?

Most of the time when you are looking for the primary or default printer is because you are having some sort of printing problem.  It could also be that your printer died, and you bought a new one…yet that isn’t printing!
There can be many reasons WHY all of a sudden a printer isn’t working.  So check a couple of things first, and then we will make sure your ‘choice’ of printer is set as the default or primary printer.
  • Are the Cables or Cords loose?  Are they connected where they need to be?
  • Is the power on for the printer?
  • Is there enough ink, or is there paper in the printer?
Okay.  Now that you have checked those LETS move ON!

You need to go to your control panel on your computer.  If you don’t know what that is click on the words control panel in the last sentence, and it will bring you to a lesson to show you HOW to find it!
(In Windows XP click Start button, then select Printers and Faxes.
In Windows Vista click Start button, click Control Panel, click Hardware and Sound, click Printers.
In Windows 7 click Start button, click Devices and Printers.)

We need to find the printer section of the control panel, and click on that.  Below are two printer sections on the control panel.  Printers are considered a piece of hardware on your computer!

control panel hardware printer Select to change to default or primary printer





Notice above you find the word ‘printer’ under hardware and sound. 
classic view printer control panel to change to primary printer default printer
If you have a classic view of the control panel your icons above will be in alphabetical order, and you need to find the ‘printer/s’ icon.

Now that you located the printer section in the control panel click on that section to open the next screen.

list of printers in control panel hardware section

Keep in mind some screens may look a little different, but you are looking for the ‘names’ of the printers!  Your screen could be pictures of the printers, or a list of printers.   Don’t worry its basically the same thing – all we need to concern ourselves with is the NAMES of the printers!  You notice above I have three listed above. The Kodak, Microsoft XPS, and Snagit 10. 

kodak default printer or primary printer see green check mark to identifyNotice my friend’s Kodak ESP 9 AiO printer in the picture?  That is her primary or default printer.  I can tell because you notice it as the green checkmark.  Your printer may not show a green check mark, but there should be some check – or symbol showing you THIS is the default or primary printer! 

Notice that the other printers do NOT have this symbol!  You are you basically looking for something that is different – in this case the green check mark – to identify which is the primary printer or what the computer calls the default printer.

How do you change the Primary Printer or the Default Printer?


list of printers in control panel hardware section

As I mentioned above the Kodak printer in this picture is the default printer.  What if I wanted to change it to the Microsoft XPS document printer instead?

Click on that Microsoft Printer, and it will highlight to show you have selected it.Set as Default Printer Option Primary Printer  Notice the light blue box around it?  In this picture I have also right clicked, and you see the menu options.

You would then move your mouse pointer DOWN to ‘Set as Default Printer’, and click once the ‘set as default printer’ is highlighted. 

Please note:  Some computer are picky on how far the mouse pointer can go (left or right), and you find the menu disappears if you go over to far.  Just try it again, and go slower until you find that soft spot your particular computer likes.

There is a second way to do this within the same menu if you have trouble with the options above.

Set As Default option to select primary Printer
Notice once again I clicked the Microsoft Printer, and its highlighted.  Now look to the top of the menu box, and you see the words, ‘set as default’.  Click on that spot.  You check mark should change to the printer you have chosen.

new default printer
See how easy is that?
You change this as often as you want – or need too.  Most people don’t change it at all. 

If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.


Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner
and our Lesson on the Default or Primary Printer!

Monday, May 27, 2013

How-To Arrange Desktop Icons

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 5:09 PM

How-To Arrange Desktop IconsToday we are going to learn How-To arrange Icons on your computer desktop.
Just so we are clear on the instructions here is a picture of a desktop.  The computer desktop itself is the picture of the hills and clouds! 
The Icons on the desktop in the picture are named:  My documents, My Computer, Recycle Bin, and Internet Explorer.
I’m normally asked a couple of questions about arranging desktop icons or organizing the icons on the desktop.  So lets go quickly over a couple of different options!
First I will go over some more traditional ways to organize your icons, and they show you a way you can organize they WAY you want THEM!
Topics covered today will be:
  • How-To Find Arrange Desktop Icons Menu
  • What is ‘auto arrange’, and how to turn that option off and on.
  • Sort Icons by options, and What do the different options Mean?
  • How To Arrange the Desktop Icons where I want them, and how to organize them by using the Grid. 
  • How to Arrange the Desktop Icons how I want them, and NOT use the grid
First lets go to the spot where all the magic happens!  We need to find the menu to do ALL the changes NEEDED!

Arrange Desktop Icons

We want to find an open space on your computer desktop, and then right click with your mouse pointer ON the desktop, and NOT on top one of the icons.
For example you notice the mouse pointer in the above picture is NOT on top of any of the desktop icons pictured.
Below I have pictured menus that will come up depending on your operating system
Right Click on Desktop
This would be Right Click on Desktop for Windows XP, and we are hovering over the ‘arrange icons by” option. (notice how its highlighted in DARK blue when you hover over it) 
right click on desktop Vista
Right Click on Computer Desktop Menu for Windows Vista when you hover OVER the “View” Option.  Notice how VIEW looks different in the background color compared to the other options.  In this lesson we will be using the ‘view’ area.
right click on desktop windows 7
Menu for Windows 7 when you hover over the “VIEW” option that we will use today. 
Keep in mind you may have to use this step over and over again to make all the changes you want to your computer desktop.  When you select just ONE change the menu above will disappear, and you have to do this step all over again to make the next change. 

How-To Turn on Auto Arrange Desktop Icons

With any of the above operating systems you need to find an item on the list called, ‘auto arrange icons’. Look at the pictures above to see where you might find that option.
If you want the icons to be automatically arranged, click Auto Arrange.  This option is normally done by Default.
check auto arrange
If you see the check mark next to auto arrange that means you have selected it, or it maybe already selected for you (ie: by default). 

How do you turn OFF Auto Arrange Icons?

uncheck auto arrange
Of course absence of the check mark means you have removed the option of the computer desktop being automatically arranged. 
So if you want to turn OFF the auto arrange which is normally the ‘default’ setting for computer desktops hover down and CLICK this option to remove the check mark.  It should look similar to my picture above when turn OFF this option.
At this point the menu should disappear altogether after you made your choice.  If not?  Click on the computer desktop again.

Arrange Icons By Options

Right Click on Desktop
In the Windows XP menu you will see in the above picture a couple of different options. 
What do the arrange Icons By options mean?
Name  -  Arrange icons in alphabetical order by the icon name.
Size  -  Arrange icons in order of file size. If the icon is a shortcut to a program, the size refers to the size of the shortcut file.
Type  -  Arrange icons in order of type. For example, if you have shortcuts to several PowerPoint presentations on your desktop, these will be arranged next to each other.
Modified  -  Arrange icons in the order that the shortcut was last modified.
Hover over to your option, and click on the option you feel is the best for you.  YES you can change that option if you don’t like it to something else!  Just start over by right clicking on desktop once again.
You can find these sort by options for Windows Vista and Windows 7 as well.
Remember to right click on that free space on the desktop once again, and then look for the ‘sort by’ option.
right click on desktop windows 7
You notice the arrow on the right side of this optiVista Icon Sort By Optionson?  If you hover over the SORT by the list of options will appear. 

You are able to pick which you would like to use, or change the option once again if you don’t like it.
Just hover down to your option, and CLICK on it when it highlights.
Your menu should disappear once you make your changes, and if you not?  Click on computer desktop.

Organize Desktop Icons The Way I Want Them

You can move your desktop Icons anywhere you want them on your computer Desktop.
computer desktop
When you have the Auto Arrange Option Clicked – or is in use by default you can’t move your icons around to places you may want them.
The picture above you will see icons arranged all around his picture of a cool car, and an airplane.  You also notice his icons are still lined up, but placed where he decided to put them! 
How do you do that?
First, you need to make sure your ‘auto arrange’ option is turned off like we showed you above.  Right Click on Desktop, and look for this option to make sure check mark is removed.  Hover over and click on the option if it is NOT!
uncheck auto arrange
Notice NO check mark?  It has been turned off!
Now some people still like to see SOME sense of order as far as the icons being lined up orderly.  The computer desktop has what is called a gird.
Once again – right click on computer desktop.
In Windows XP you will find the option for the grid under the Arrange Icons By section. 
Notice that the auto arrange doesn’t have a check mark next to it, but the align to Grid does? (list on right side, under NAME)
Right Click on Desktop
These are the options you want!
right click on desktop windows 7
Windows Vista and Windows 7 are similar, but hover over the ‘VIEW’ section.  Notice the ‘auto arrange icons’ is NOT checked, but the ‘Align Icons to Grid’ is?  That is what you WANT!
right click on desktop windows 7
Now if the grid is to restrictive for you?  You of course do not have to use that option!

Arranging Icons on Your Computer Desktop

I will tell you if you are NEW computer user, or have a new computer at times these menus can be frustrating.  They disappear before your able to make the changes you want, or the menu seems to close before you can see anything.
Be patient, and go a bit slower at times to figure out how sensitive your machine can be.  Its not usual to have to do this a couple of times, and it happens the best of US!
I will mention at times you may need to refresh you computer desktop to see the changes you have done.  When you right click on your computer desktop?  Look for the ‘refresh’ option, and hover over to click on it.  The screen sometimes flutters a bit, and then you can see your finished product!  Most of the time with newer machines this isn’t needed.  You see your changes right away!
I hope our lesson on Desktop Icon Arrangement was helpful!
If something is not clear, or you feel something should be added to our lesson? Please feel free to leave your comment or question in section we provided.


Also please subscribe by leaving your email in the box supplied, and you will received future lessons by email as they come out.

Thank you for reading our How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Get In and Get Out of Safe Mode

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 11:08 PM

what-is-safe-modeToday’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going Start Safe mode, and learn how to get OUT of safe mode!

In a past article we spoke about what is safe mode.  Now we will learn how to get to safe mode, and we will then learn about the different safe mode options.

For now… Here are a list of questions we will cover today:
What is Booting to safe mode?
How to start windows in safe mode?
How to get safe mode?
How do i get to safe mode?
How to start in safe mode?
What is Restart in Safe Mode?
How-To get out of safe mode?
We will touch on all of these questions today!

What Is Safe Mode?

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 10:32 PM

what-is-safe-modeToday’s How-To Guide for the computer beginner we are going to touch on what is Safe Mode?
Our Next Article will cover booting or starting your computer in Safe Mode.
Our First question is:

What is Safe Mode?

Microsoft’s Definition of Safe Mode is:
Safe mode is a troubleshooting option for Windows that starts your computer in a limited state. Only the basic files and drivers necessary to run Windows are started. The words "Safe Mode" appear in the corners of the display to identify which Windows mode you are using. If an existing problem does not reappear when you start in safe mode, you can eliminate the default settings and basic device drivers as possible causes.

To me safe mode is a trouble shooting mode when your computer is having problems. 
Examples of when you may see safe mode is:

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

How-to Do a manual Windows Update

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 4:13 PM

We have now answered the questions:

What is windows update?

How do you set automatic windows updates for Vista, Windows 7, or automatic windows updates for XP

If you noticed in our What is Windows update lesson I showed you a pictured of the task bar that at times gives you a notification to check your windows updates.

windows-update-notification
In today’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner we will cover

How-to Manually check a windows update

If you have set your computer up for the automatic updates as we did in the past lesson your computer could be:
  1. Telling you that you have some optional updates to look at.
  2. The updates became available recently, and your scheduled update has not occurred since the availably.
I would say those are most common.

We would want to double click on the icon in our task bar that appeared in your notification area – as pictured above.
change-settings-windows-update
In this example, I have both important updates and optional updates.

How-To allow Windows Updates to run automatically in Vista or Windows 7

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 4:02 PM

In Windows Vista or Windows Seven (7) you can configure your windows update to be done automatically.  In a past lesson we explained What is a Windows Update?

Today’s How-To Guide For the Computer Beginner we will learn:
How-To allow Windows Updates to run automatically.

Updates For Windows

In Windows Vista or Windows 7 we want to click on our start button, and in the search box type in ‘windows update’.  You will see at the top of the start menu the option for Windows update as seen below, and we want to click on windows update to open a new screen
find-windows-update
Once the new window appears it will note the windows updates that are available for your computer.  We are going to make sure your computer settings are set to do the windows updates automatically.
change-settings-windows-update
Look to the left hand side of this new window, and we want to click on ‘change settings’.
change-settings

What is a Windows Update?

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 3:59 PM

With every version of Windows that I can remember you were always given messages about ‘windows updates’.  I was asked some rather conflicting questions about windows updates, and so as you might have guessed today’s

How To Guide for the computer beginner is

What is Windows Update?

Microsoft provides windows updates, and you normally see these on your right side of the task bar in the notification area.
windows-update-notification
If you hoover over the icon that the mouse pictures are showing it will give you a message that there is a windows update available.

There are different types of updates.  Updates are classified as Important, Recommended, Optional, and Featured.

Important Updates (or Critical updates) are updates that they ask you do download right away.  They are normally have security issues involved with them.  They are to help keep your privacy, security, and vulnerability to crooks a minimum.    It could be that Microsoft found a hole they want to patch up, or found that hackers found a way to penetrate the windows system. 

Recommended Updates are updates to various components of the operating system that should be installed for proper functionality.

Optional Updates, are new features, updates, or Ultimate Extras that are not necessary to install for proper functionality of the operating system or applications.  In the last windows update that I did for example, they mentioned my printer software had an update to download.

Featured you don’t really see anymore, but if you ever do they will give you a description of the update.  You will be able to decided if it is something that your computer will find beneficial.   In other words, its little extras if you want them.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

How-To Change Your Computer Name

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 6:35 AM

device-nameWhen you first setup your computer you are prompted to NAME your computer.  I know some computer beginners have other people set the computer up for them, or honestly don’t remember this step if they did it themselves.

Your Computer name is used to identify the computer on a network.  I noticed as well that most of the time when you setup the computer that manufacturers will have this filled with a recommendation.  Its normally the make and model of the computer.

At my home we have more than one computer.  I setup a home network, and I want to be able to identify the different computers easily.   You could name your computer by location (kitchen, basement, bedroom), or by user (bob laptop, sue tower).  If you want to rename your computer after your pet?  That is YOUR choice!

As you might have guessed Today’s How-To Guide for the Computer Beginner is:

Renaming Your Computer


Monday, August 1, 2011

How-To Rename Computer Folders

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 6:57 AM

Welcome!  Last Time we spoke about Creating a Computer folder.  Today’s How-To lesson for the Computer beginner is about Renaming our Computer Folders.

We may do that to get better organized, or because we have a typo!

You will need to find the location the computer folder that you wish to rename first of all.

It can be on your desktop or elsewhere.

First thing we do is we will RIGHT CLICK on the computer folder icon itself!

Friday, July 29, 2011

How-to Make a Computer Folder Shortcut to Desktop

Be the first to comment! Posted by Hannah on 6:11 AM

computer-file-folder
  These are pictures of computer folders.  computer-folder

Today’s How-to Guide for the Computer beginner will be on Computer Folders.  More Specifically we will make a folder on our desktop.    Some people refer to this as Folder Shortcut on Desktop.

Try to think of a computer folder much the same way as the ones you buy in to store.  Heck you can even make them into some of huge penda flex folders that we see as well.  It really depends on what you use your computer for, and how you want to keep things together.

How To Make A Folder On Desktop


Holiday Gift Guide: Save up to 50% on Christmas Gift Ideas at BarnesandNoble.com. Spend $25 to get FREE Shipping!