Windows Help and UPS Systems

Windows Help

Windows and windows compatible programs have a tremendous amount of help built into the software you just have to know where to look. Windows has a lot of places that provide help. There are basically two kinds of help. The first is when you are working in a program and you need to do something that you are not familiar with and need assistance with. The other is the type of help is when you need real beginners information on how to learn and use the basic program features.

Getting help while working in a program has basically three methods for obtaining help and information instantly. The first is a universal key in windows and windows programs is just press F1. In almost any situation this will generally bring up a help screen that you can find your answer, and is generally specific to what you are working on at that time. The second most important way to get help is to use the help menu on the program in which you are working. While not every window program has a menu at the top of its window, the majority of windows programs do have this listing. Clicking on help will generally bring up a list of various options. A very common option is an item which is labeled index. Clicking on this will bring up a bunch of choices for you to select alphabetically or by topic. You can click the help area you are looking for, or generally type in the subject in the field which is presented, to have the program show you what is offered. A third and largely overlooked method is to right click on the item in question. The protocol of right clicking to obtain information and other features is becoming more and more widespread in windows and windows programs.

Some other methods of obtaining help is to use Google. Just open Google on your browser and type in the question that you have and the chances are you will have as much help as you want. Another good way is go to Utube and type in a statement and add tutorial to it for example: how do you do mail merge in word tutorial, this example will get you 26 videos. Utube has a tutorial on just about anything you can think of.

Instructions to safely download from the net

Step 1

Keep all virus scan software active when downloading. Virus scanning software remains in active memory and will automatically scan any files being downloaded. This is especially important for documents, such as MS Word, opened directly in the program as they are downloaded.

Step 2

Invest in good spam blocker and anti-phishing programs. These save you from many malware infested websites. The programs block embedded programs from ever getting onto your computer. (Use Malwarebyte or Defender)

Step 3

Increase the security protection built into your web browser, such as FireFox or Internet Explorer. These programs stop many threats associated with downloading files before they ever reach your computer. Nasty tricks may be hidden within webpages and the web browser's security programs can block many of these.

Step 4

Allow automatic updates for Windows and virus scanning programs. These programs are often updated to deal with new threats long before news of them reaches the general public.

Step 5

Use the most recent version of downloading software. The programs often have pop up windows which inform you of new updates to the programs. Many of these updates are designed to prevent unauthorized access to your computer. Download them as soon as you can.

UPS SYSTEMS

Basically there are two types of ups systems. Both of which can be purchased locally.

The first type is the 350 to 1000 watt that you see advertised for $39.99 to $99.99 and on display in stores such as Best Buy and Office Depot. Generally these systems are too small for today’s computers. The main reason you buy a ups is to protect your work and your computer. Most people have $400-700 in their computer and the programs and how much is your work worth, let alone your personal stuff that is worth a lot to you, all of which is at risk if a power surge fries your computer.

The other type is a AVR ups. AVR means automatic voltage regulator, which gives you a nice clean flow of electricity. Most people are not aware of this but your household currant can vary a lot. The most common pairs are 110/220 and 120/240.
Due to line drops, the actual voltage into your home will vary with the distance from the transformer on the pole. It may be several volts above 120 if close, and as low as 107 if some distance away.
Just to cross your eyes further, the actual standard is supposed to be 117/234 VAC. So as you can see, your voltage can vary a lot, which is not good for electronics. AVR ups keep your voltage a constant 110v no manner what the actual line voltage is. These systems sell for $80-300 depending on how big a one you are looking at.

Which brings the obvious question, how big do I need? A simple way to figure what you need is to add up the wattage that you are using and divide by .9. so for example you normally have 6 outlets on the unit 3 for surge protection only and 3 for power backup. In the power backup you should have your computer your screen and maybe your cable modem in the back up and the rest in the surge side like printers, scanners, speakers ect. NEVER a laser printer and never plug a vacuum into one these items draw too much power. So back to the question, the spec plates on your equipment tell you what it is using typically a computer is using 500 watts or more a monitor about 150 and lets say your modem is using 150 so your total usage is 800 divided by .9 gives you 888.88 add a little for a safety factor and you should have at least a 1000va.