Mail Merge

A lot of people still use the Mail Merge features in Word and Excel.  One issue that comes up regularly is a failure of the Merge feature to import the correct data in the correct format.  An understanding of how the feature works will help you understand what to look for if something fails to function.

You would create a database in Excel, such as an address list.  Each column would have a single piece of data that make up a person’s address.  First name for column A; Last name for column B; then Street, City, State and Zip in the following columns.  Make sure the first row contain the column headings.  Making them bold also helps to distinguish the headings.  Enter the data as necessary.

Most of the issues importing, or merging, this data is due to the headings being in the second row, with the first row blank.  To fix this, delete the first row.  Merge again and the issue should be resolved.  If not, check the type Mailing Label you selected earlier in the setup process. Most labels types are Avery 8160, (3 across and 10 down).

Coming Tech

In 2012 we will see a lot of new gadgets and improved technology.  Here are few samples of what is coming our way in the new year.

iPhone 5 is the next generation phone to be produced by Apple.  As you know, Apple came out with an upgrade to the iPhone 4 with 4S.  4S has an upgraded chip, (dual core), CDMA and GSM Radio, a better camera and iOS.  It is expected that the iPhone 5 will further improve the specs with a redesigned, sleeker body that sports a larger screen.

Lytro Light field camera will let you shoot then focus after the image is captured.  Now that is truly an “idiot” proof camera.  It’s impressive interaction will make this camera one of the years best bets.

Ultra-books by Microsoft. Yes.  Microsoft will produce an ultra light Windows based note book that sports an Intel core processor, fast booting with great performance.

Canon Powershot S100 is the next generation camera will sport 1080p video capability, 8-fps burst mode, low light optimizer, cmos sensor and F2.0 aperture with a manual control ring.  This could be better than the S95… and that says a lot.

Tech Tips

Here are some quick tech tips to solve some of your computer issues:
If your system begins to fail restarting check some of the hardware first before considering a reinstallation of the operating system. Bad memory, (ram), could be the problem. Try swapping out ram with other chips. If that does not solve the issue, try changing your power supply. A bad power supply can cause many issues with the system, including restarting continually. If your power supply is more than a few years old, replacing it may be the right thing to do anyhow.
If your system is restarting at different points along the boot process, then it may not be the hard drive, (and may not require a reinstallation). Try unplugging the drive altogether. If your system restarts before it processes to the hard drive, then you have confirmed the hard drive is likely okay.
Check the motherboard for swelled or leaking components. A bad board can affect the entire system. If that is problem, seek professional advice before proceeding further.
Whatever the issue turns out to be, make sure repairing the present system is less costly than purchasing a new one. As always, back up your data to a removable device.

Opening Old Files

You may have some cd’s that contain very old data and wish to access it to find out what it is all about. Perhaps you found a stack of floppy disks that you want to access to determine its value. In any case, how do you get to an old file if the program that created it is no longer available?
First, scan the disc for malware or viruses. Once that is complete and the disc is clean, try double clicking the file. If that doesn’t work, look up the file extension by Googling it or by going to FILExt.com or File-Extension.org. One of these sites should be able to tell you what the file type is and what program you can use to open it.
An alternative method would be to open your best search engine and type open (ext) file. The (ext) is the name of the mystery file extension. For example, if you are trying to open a .msc1 file, type open .msc1 file.
If the file you are trying to access is significant and it is vital to open, you can try Quick View Plus Standard. A charge applies after the 30 day trial period. This will display around 300 file formats without an extension necessary.

Multiple Monitors

Adding a second monitor to your PC is a fairly common practice today. Installing a dual monitor card will do the trick, however, you should remember that many video cards come with one vga port and one dvi port. Your second monitor needs to be vga or dvi compatible, depending on what the first monitor is. Once the card is installed, the software that came with dual monitor card will allow you set up each monitor as you desire.
You should select one as the primary monitor. This is the screen that will show the icons and start bar. The second monitor is the extension of the first, without any icons. We suggest placing that monitor so the mouse will move naturally to the second screen. (Move the mouse cursor to the left and it appears on the second screen instead of moving the cursor to the right and it appears on the left screen).
What about a third monitor? First, make sure you have a need for a third monitor. Many investors have multiple monitors for simultaneous monitoring of stocks, gamers use a third monitor to expand their view of the game, while others just think it is a “cool idea.” Whatever your reason is, setting up a third monitor on your computer takes a little work.
The first option is to setup a second video card. This is helpful if you want to expand to a fourth monitor later on as the second card probably has two video ports available, (vga and dvi). Assuming your system has the available port, installing it is most efficient. Another option is to install a usb to dvi or usb to vga adapter cable that allows to plug in a monitor with a usb cable. Although this option seems simple enough, the video performance is lacking. Gamers may not appreciate the quality of this option. A third option is to use, or “repurpose” an old laptop so that its monitor can be added to your PC. You will need to purchase a software package known as MaxiVista for Windows 7. This will allow your system to use the laptops monitor as its own and successfully expand your desktop.

Picasa 3

Use Picasa 3 for managing your photos? Great. Nice program, and it is free !! First, though, remember that is designed to manage your photographs and Picasa does not hold your pictures. The photos are stored on your hard drive. If you edit or delete the photo while working in Picasa you will have the altered photo or it will be deleted from your system. Backup the pictures routinely…
How do you backup the Picasa albums ? Albums are different from folders because albums only exist in Picasa. They don’t represent real folders on your computer. Albums may also contain photos saved across multiple folders. For example, you might create an album called Vacation 2011,’ and include photos of your vacation saved in different folders. It’s important to note when you delete or move photos from an album, the original files remain in their original locations on your computer. Folders in Picasa represent actual folders on your computer, so changes you make to folders in Picasa also affect the folders on your computer. To backup an album within Picasa you should do so one album at a time. Highlight the album, then select all the photos within that album, (edit, select all). Then click on Export to a folder. Browse to a folder or create a new one.
You may also want to backup your pictures separately to an external hard drive. To do so, go to the pictures folder on your hard drive, right click and copy to a folder or to the external drive itself.

Radio Frequency ID Technology

Radio Frequency Identification Technology was developed to make it easier, and faster, for people to use their credit cards by simply waving them over a checkout scanner, or in their passports to move through airports faster or to get through a border check point easier. However, there is another, more dark, side to this type of technology.
Identity thieves can purchase a simple credit card scanner online and package that equipment so that it can be waved at unsuspecting people in crowds. Without ever being physically touched, the thief then waves the device near a purse or pocket and electronically steals your credit card data by sending that information to a pre-programmed net book or other laptop.
The key for identity thieves is to be very near the person with the RIFD chip. Not all credit cards have that chip. To find out if you do, look for a wave sign on the card, ( )))) ), or call your issuing bank. You may be able to switch to a non-rfid card. If not, then you can purchase scan proof card holders that will prevent identity thieves from scanning your cards. At all times, be aware of who is near you and what they are doing around you.
Other steps you can take are to monitor your activity by accessing your online bank account associated with the card and reporting any unusual charges. Some people cancel their debit and credit cards routinely, getting new ones with new numbers and codes.