Friday, August 30, 2024

Throwback: How to Bounce Cats

Throwback: How to Bounce Cats

Take a break from work and have some fun with Cat Bounce, a quirky website where you can bounce cats for a lighthearted distraction. Remember, the gentler the touch, the better the bounce!

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor
August 30, 2024 - First published January 13, 2023



Sometimes you need to take a few minutes to get your mind off of work.

And what could be more fun than bouncing cats?

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

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



Google Docs
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



Windows 10
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

Tuesday, August 27, 2024

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.


Sunday, August 25, 2024

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


 Google Chrome
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"

Saturday, August 24, 2024

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


Google
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:

Thursday, August 22, 2024

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

Gmail logo
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? 

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

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

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

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


Gmail icon
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.