Well, if you have missed all of the commercials and advertisements for flu shots, you are probably the person who needs one. We all stay so busy this time of year (and all year round, really) that we often do not take the time for some preventative medicine. I did get my flu shot this year because a great friend sent me multiple email reminders. I know how important it is since I am in a room with computers or sitting with someone at a computer quite frequently. Computers love to keep germs on the keyboard and mouse.
Because this upcoming holiday season is so busy, we have to be especially vigilant and cautious about keeping ourselves well. But, this should not apply just to us. We should remember that our computers need to stay healthy and virus-free, too. Sometimes we think we are too busy to worry about that, though. If we are not extra careful about the sites we visit, the media we download, and the files we share, we might end up with a virus.
Here are some tips/reminders on how to keep your computer virus free:
– Make sure your virus software is installed and up-to-date. You can schedule most anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-malware and Internet security programs to run updates daily. You also need to make sure that the software checks and updates it’s virus definitions frequently. If you decide to install new software, make sure and completely uninstall your old one or else you might have conflicts.
– Avoid clicking on links in social media and in emails unless you have requested that someone send you the link. You do not want to download programs from unknown sources. Be especially wary of emails that contain executable (.exe) files as attachments. I know that it is hard to keep from clicking on the link on someone’s Facebook page about the adorable kitten’s antics. But, is it really worth watching so much that you risk downloading a Trojan or other virus in the case that it is not a legitimate video?
– Set your Macro Virus Protection in Microsoft programs to High, so that it will only allow macros in documents from trusted sources. When a trusted source sends you a Word, Excel, or other Microsoft file, you can still choose to enable the Macros in that specific file.
Hope you and your computer stay virus-free this season!!
Have you ever had to import text from another source into Excel? Many of us need to pull data from a corporate database or similar source into Excel and then manipulate that data. How many times have you pulled the information in, especially people’s names, and then discovered that the text did not look presentable? The text is either in all capitals or all lowercase letters. Either way it is not formatted in a professional manner.
While writing this blog post, I am watching the World Series. I am a big baseball fan and love it when two good, well-matched, and competitive teams make it to baseball’s most important series. So, as I sit and try to compose something that is relevant and interesting (or at least try to do one of those), I am anxiously willing my favorite team to win. I know that people rooting for the other team are experiencing the same emotions and adrenaline rush.
Recently, I was working with someone who was sight impaired. I was actually supposed to be the one helping out, but ended up being the beneficiary of some new information. I love learning about new features and love seeing them aid someone so powerfully! 
Are you still trying to decide whether to switch to the Microsoft Office 2010? Here is a brief overview of features new to Microsoft’s newest Office version.
Like many organizations who have a fiscal year end in December, you may already be planning your budget for 2012. Or, you may be planning to plan your budget. Since I have a brain for planning, I am usually thinking about 10 steps ahead down the road at all times. I know many of you who plan budgets each year have to be the same way. For corporations to get a budget in place, you have to start early. If you are in that position, I thought it would be good to help you think about ways to get the training you need incorporated into that financial plan for 2012.
Most Windows students that I work with use computers that are 2-5 years old. If this is the case for you at work or at home, you may experience memory problems that can cause random reboot and/or computer freezes. If you think your computer may be experiencing memory problems, you could find out for sure using the Memory Diagnostic Tool provided with Windows 7.
After using Windows 7 for a year or so, I feel like I am beginning to find out more of the “fun” features. By “fun” I mean in a techno-nerdy trainer way. I love finding new tips and tricks to make Windows 7 more functional and easy to use. Some of these tips could be classified in beginner/novice, while others are more advanced. I decided to include some of these tips in this post and in the next one to add to your Windows 7 repertoire. 
Since the number one application that I do training on is Excel, I thought I would include some tips on Excel in this post. Most of the training requests that I get are for Excel Intermediate or Advanced. Over the years, it seems that there are a few features that have come in handy several times, either for myself or in helping others in a training class. I hope you are able to use these tips, too!
Every once in a while, I go back and look over my tips and tricks file for different applications. This month, I reviewed the file for Word. I use Microsoft Word almost every day, so I think reviewing over the shortcuts, tips and tricks at least once a year is definitely worth the time investment. I know I cannot remember everything, so a refresher course on Word is extremely helpful! I thought I would share a couple of the ones that the students in my Word classes really like including turning off the Automatic Word Lists and shortcuts to adding lines.
