Throwback: Dictate in Google Docs with Voice Typing

Throwback: Dictate in Google Docs with Voice Typing

Say goodbye to tedious typing! Google Docs lets you dictate your documents effortlessly using Voice Typing, a feature that allows you to speak your thoughts directly into your document.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 29, 2024 - Originally Published September 7, 2015

Do you ever get tired of typing a document?

Let the power of Google do it for you.

Google Docs, the online word processing software, just got a whole lot better with the ability to dictate a word processing document.

The new feature is "Voice Typing" and requires Google's Chrome browser.

To dictate, enable Voice Typing in the Tools menu.

Throwback: Open Task Manager FAST With this Quick Trick

Throwback: Open Task Manager FAST With this Quick Trick

Forget the three-finger salute! Learn a faster way to access the Task Manager in Windows and quickly shut down those pesky unresponsive programs.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 28, 2024 - First published September 3, 2015

Do you have a program that is non-responding in Windows?

The Task Manager app is the best tool to exit a non-responding program.  The Task Manager displays programs, processes and services that are currently running on your computer.  You can use Task Manager to check your PC's performance too.  And...close down an application that has frozen.

We've all usually opened the Task Manager by using the ALT-CTRL+DELETE (the three finger Windows salute!) to get to the security screen and then choosing the Task Manager option.

There is a much faster way.

Press and hold   CTRL + SHIFT + ESC

Throwback: Running Out of Gas? Let Waze Show You the Best Prices

Throwback: Running Out of Gas? Let Waze Show You the Best Prices

Waze isn't just for navigation! Discover how to use this powerful app to find the cheapest gas near you, and how you can contribute to the community by reporting gas prices yourself.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 25, 2024 - First published October 9, 2015

All hail the mighty power of Waze.

We've told you how the Waze app can help you navigate your next drive by avoiding congestion, police and road hazards.

But it's also a great way to find the best gas prices too.

You can find the closest stations to you as well as brands and current prices.

Throwback: How to Insert a Screenshot in Microsoft Power Point, Excel, Word or Outlook

Throwback: How to Insert a Screenshot in Microsoft Power Point, Excel, Word or Outlook

Learn the simple trick to capture and insert screenshots directly into your PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, or Outlook emails, streamlining your workflow and enhancing your communication.

by Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 26, 2024 - First published October 23, 2015

Microsoft Office products, Power Point, Excel, Word and Outlook, have a built-in tool to insert screenshots.

Throwback: Reopen Closed Tabs in Chrome Browser

Throwback: Reopen Closed Tabs in Chrome Browser

Discover a quick fix for accidentally closed tabs in the Chrome browser!

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 25, 2024 - First published Aug 5, 2015

 

It just happens.   We've all done it.

You're clicking too fast and then oops.

You accidentally close a tab in the Chrome browser.

Fear not.

There's an easy fix.

All you have to do is press Control + Shift + T and the just-closed tab will reopen where you left off.

On a Mac, use Command + Shift + T to do the same thing.

You can also right-mouse click in the gray box to the right of the tabs and select "Reopen closed window"

Throwback: How to Search Google with Right Click

How to Search Google with Right Click

Streamline your Google searches directly from any webpage! Learn how to instantly search for a word or phrase using a simple right-click, saving you time and keeping your browsing experience seamless.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 24, 2024 - First published June 25, 2023

Do you ever find yourself wanting to search Google for a word or phrase that you see on a web page, but you don't want to open a new tab or window? 

If so, here's a Cool Tip:  Right Click.

You can use the right click menu to search Google using Google Chrome for the selected text.

Here's how to do it:

Throwback Thursday: Try These Two Gmail Address Hacks

Throwback Thursday: Try These Two Gmail Address Hacks

On this Throwback Thursday, let's look back to this very popular Cool Tip from September 2015.  Discover these two amazing Gmail hacks to increase your productivity.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 22, 2024

Try These Two Gmail Address Hacks

Wondering why you are getting some spam that slips through filters?  

Probably because you signed up when using an account and the email looks legit.

How can you tag emails that you use when you sign up for unimportant websites? 

How to Schedule Windows Update Restarts Like a Pro!

How to Schedule Windows Update Restarts Like a Pro!

Discover the art of scheduling Windows 11 updates to suit your timetable, ensuring your PC stays updated without interrupting your workflow.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 21, 2024

Have you ever been in the middle of an important project, only to be interrupted by an untimely Windows update?

What if you could control when your computer updates and reboots?

Here's a Cool Tip: Change Your Windows 11 Settings

How to Use Gmail's New Meeting Scheduler to Simplify Scheduling

How to Use Gmail's New Meeting Scheduler to Simplify Scheduling

Say goodbye to the endless back-and-forth of finding a meeting time! Gmail's latest feature lets you effortlessly propose available times or create events directly within your email.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 20, 2024

Have you ever spent more time coordinating a meeting than actually attending it? 

The constant volley of emails suggesting times, checking calendars, and hoping for alignment can be a major productivity drain. 

But what if there was a way to simplify this process without leaving your inbox?

Here's a Cool Tip:   Use Gmail's "Set up a time to meet" feature.

How to Master 'Show Changes' in Microsoft Excel

How to Master 'Show Changes' in Microsoft Excel

Discover how the ‘Show Changes’ feature in Microsoft Excel transforms collaboration, allowing you to track edits with precision and ease.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 19, 2024

Have you ever lost track of changes in a shared Excel document? 

Do you find yourself wondering who altered that crucial figure in your spreadsheet? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Microsoft Excel’s 'Show Changes' feature.

'Show Changes' in Microsoft Excel is a feature that allows users to track and view the most recent edits made to a workbook.