Tips & Tricks

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Computer Errors: What can you do?

Error Message

So you’re working on the computer and you’ve been interrupted by an error message and you’re not sure what to do.  Here we’ll discuss two things you can do when this happens.

First things first

In the event that you call a computer tech to help resolve your problem it will be beneficial for the tech to see exactly what your error message looked like.  This first tip will help with that conundrum.

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Keyboard Shortcuts

Microsoft, like most software manufacturers, tries to make their software as simple to use as they know how.  One method of doing this is to give multiple methods for accomplishing the same task.  For instance; if you want to delete a selection from a document you’re editing you can 1) open the edit menu and select the delete option 2) right click on the selection and click the delete option 3) press the delete key on the keyboard.

Help Keys

Everyone has their own method, and this post isn’t going to try and convince you to change your preferred method.  It is however going to cling to the fact that, for many people, a keyboard shortcut is faster than multiple mouse clicks to accomplish the same task.

Think about it;  If you spend 8 hours a day working on a computer, and you found a way to trim two seconds from every minute you spent working you’d get an additional 16 minutes of work done each day.  Or maybe you could get home 16 minutes sooner each day to watch Netflix!  If you perform highly repetitive tasks then you could potentially save many seconds every minute by using keyboard shortcuts.

So what are some keyboard shortcuts that you can use?

Here’s a shortlist of shortcuts you can use daily:

F1 Display Help
Ctrl+C (or Ctrl+Insert) Copy the selected item
Ctrl+X Cut the selected item
Ctrl+V (or Shift+Insert) Paste the selected item
Ctrl+Z Undo an action
Ctrl+Y Redo an action
Delete (or Ctrl+D) Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin
Shift+Delete Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first
Ctrl+A Select all items in a document or window
F3 Search for a file or folder
Alt+F4 Close the active item, or exit the active program
Alt+Tab Switch between open items
Ctrl+Mouse scroll wheel Change the size of icons on the desktop
Windows logo key Picture of Windows logo key +Tab Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D
F5 (or Ctrl+R) Refresh the active window
Esc Cancel the current task
Windows logo key Picture of Windows logo key Open Start Menu
Shift when you insert a CD Prevent the CD from automatically playing

If you’d like to know more keyboard shortcuts simply click on “Help and Support” in the Start menu and type “Keyboard Shortcuts”.  You’ll find a list of hundreds of shortcuts to delight your fingertips and you’re boss’s bottom line.

If you’re in the greater East Tennessee area and would like more information on increasing productivity by changing your computing habits;  Call and we’ll come to the rescue!

Software Installation: You are qualified…

Quick or Advanced.  Basic vs Expert.  Typical or Custom…  How many times have you been confronted by this question when installing new software on your computer?  How often have you failed to noticed that you even had a choice?  Most people choose the quick or basic option for fear of harming the software or their computer.  Be warned; by choosing the basic (or quick/typical/standard) installation you may be forfeiting your right to choose what is being done with your computer.

On the upper left you see a setup window for Java, a perfectly legitimate piece of software which helps provide a more robust web surfing experience.  However if you don’t notice or bother to click the checkbox for “Show advanced options panel” then you may never see the next window which would allow you to opt out of the Ask toolbar… (Pictured right)

Another example relevant to this topic which sticks out in my mind is Microsoft Office.  If you choose the “Typical Install” you will miss out on the opportunity to pick and choose which options will be installed with your Office Suite.  If you were interested in support for additional languages, templates for Word or Excel, the Office Assistant, special filters, or many other options you’d be left having to re-insert the disc at some point in the future to add-on those options.  If you’d have simply clicked “Custom Install” from the beginning you’d be able to setup the software exactly as you see fit right from the start.

So, what should you watch for?

  1. Pay attention – Software manufacturers are sneaky and often intentionally make it easy to overlook the option to change the installation settings.  As pictured above in the first Java installation window, the checkbox is small and down out of the way in the bottom left of the window.  Your attention is drawn to the “Next” or “Accept button so you can easily miss out on the chance to click the checkbox.
  2. Understand what you’re looking at– There are different methods for deploying the options in a software installation package.  Sometimes you may have only to click a button, other times you’ll have to find the sneaky checkbox, or at the whim of the software engineers you may have to select which option you want from a group of radio buttons.  There is no rule or standard by which the engineers must abide.  To be honest they aren’t actually required to give you the option at all.  So here’s what to look for:
    1. This is a Checkbox
    2. This is a Radio Button
  3. Have no fear – There really isn’t much you can mess up.  This is your opportunity to play computer tech.  Even if you do find a way to mess it up, there is nothing wrong with uninstalling the software and starting over.  It’s also noteworthy that custom/advanced installations usually have all the standard options pre-selected, so you’re not going to be left completely in the dark.  All you’ll have to do is look through the options and see if there’s anything you want to opt out of or anything you’d like to add to the installation.  It is usually as simple as clicking a few checkboxes.

In closing…

Don’t fear the advanced options.  You don’t have to be a technician to understand the options made available to you by clicking that “expert” checkbox.  It may be the only way you can be certain what software is actually running on your computer.  And if all else fails; Call and we’ll come to the rescue!

Universal Remote Setup: it doesn’t have to be difficult

Sick of too many remotes on the coffee table?  Or how about having to leave detailed instructions for the baby sitter?  One of the most popular services that we offer here at Install Heroes is Premium Universal Remote Control Setup.  Specifically we recommend and support Logitech Harmony remotes ONLY.

You may already have some experience with universal remote controls and I wouldn’t be surprised if your experience wasn’t good.  Typically universal remote setup involves reading through a user manual looking for a code for each device you want to control with your new remote.  An hour later, and after much frustration, you probably found that even after punching in all available codes, there is one device that just isn’t being controlled the way it should… How annoying.

Install Heroes recommends Logitech Harmony remotes because of their user friendly installation, low price point, modern sleek design, unrivaled functionality and ease of use.

User friendly installation

Setup for Logitech Harmony remotes is done by either of two different methods.  The first method is Myharmony.com.  This method offers a simpler setup which requires no software to be downloaded or installed.  The downside of this method is that you have fewer options for control of how the remote is programmed.  I suggest this method for standard users.

The second method requires you to download and install the Harmony remote software from Logitech.com.  The download itself is fairly small and should download quickly.  This software gives you the greatest control over how the remote is programmed, and is fairly straight-forward and user friendly.

Low price point

Logitech has offered their line of Harmony remotes at a very affordable price.  The Harmony 650 we recommend below has a MSRP of $79.99 and is often available on sale for between $39.99 – $54.99.  There are other models of Harmony remotes at even lower price-points offering less functionality but maintaining the same great selling points.

Modern sleek design

No remote on the market is as sexy or well designed as a Harmony remote from Logitech.  Other manufacturers seem to have a “design be damned”  approach to their remotes.  The sad part is that their sacrifice is wasted because they often fall short on the functionality as well.

Ease of use & unrivaled functionality

With the press of a single button labeled “Watch TV” your harmony remote will turn on the television, cable/satellite box and surround sound receiver.  It will then ensure each device is set to the correct input/source.  Now you’re watching TV after picking up a single remote, and pressing a single button.  One button or “One-Click” functionality means you never turn any device on; You simply select the activity you want, and Harmony knows which devices need to be turned on, and which inputs/sources they need to be tuned to.  The simplicity of it all means you won’t have to leave detailed instructions for the babysitter anymore, it really doesn’t get any better than that.

So now what?

If you’re the DIY type then you’re probably wondering which remote you need, and where you can buy one.  Below you’ll find links to Amazon.com as well as some general information about the two most popular models of Harmony remotes.  If you’re not the DIY type, and you live in the greater East Tennessee area, please feel free to give us a call for a consultation or to set an appointment.  Remember;  Call and we’ll come to the rescue!

Logitech Harmony models we recommend:

  • Harmony 650 – Controls up to 5 devices; like all Harmony Remotes it offers “One-Click” functionality
  • Harmony 900 – Controls up to 15 devices; “One-Click” functionality; Rechargeable; Full-color touch screen; RF (Radio Frequency) for control of devices which are hidden behind walls or cabinet doors.

Think you can wall mount your own TV…

Happy New Year

If it were only this simple…[parallax id=”322″]But alas it is not.  If it were I would be out of business.  There are many factors to consider when mounting a TV on your wall.  If you choose to have a professional mount your television you should expect them to do a survey or inspection before committing to do the job.  Most reputable installers will insist on doing this so they can fully understand what it is you want to accomplish, and so they can make recommendations to fit your wants and needs.  They should take measurements, scan for studs, ask questions about the construction of the home and ask for detailed information about how you’d like to see the finished product.

If you choose to forego my wisdom and attempt to mount the TV yourself then you’ll need a bit of guidance.

Mounting bracket types:

  • Fixed – Just what it says, the fixed mount allows no vertical or horizontal adjustments, however this style of mounting bracket often has the lowest profile (how far it hangs off the wall).
  • Tilt – Much the same as a fixed bracket, but offers vertical tilt for a comfortable viewing angle.
  • Arm – Usually the most expensive but also offering the greatest functionality, an arm style mount (or cantilever) will allow you to pull the TV away from the wall, tilt vertically, and pan horizontally.  This style of mount is great in large rooms where the viewing angle may need to be flexible.

Knowing what comes with your TV/bracket and how to utilize this hardware is paramount.  Pictured here is a Masonry Anchor.  Most TV brackets come with 2-4 of these.  THROW THEM AWAY unless your target wall is brick or block construction.  If you use these to mount your TV to a sheetrock/drywall wall your TV will soon lay broken on the floor, as well as anything it falls on.

Two studs are better than one.  Some brackets or installation locations don’t allow for mounting to more than one wall stud.  This type of installation should be left to the professionals, as it is always recommended to mount to more than one stud.  If there is no other option for your installation than a single stud, a professional will have tools and hardware available to ensure the integrity of such an installation.
 
Measure twice, then measure again to be sure.  Nobody likes a crooked TV on the wall, and neither will you when your spouse explains how you just had to hang that TV yourself.  Take good measurements to assure proper height and alignment, and use a quality level to ensure the TV hangs straight.
 
Yes, you must put holes in the wall in order to hang your TV.  It never ceases to amaze me that some people think I can hang their TV on the wall without making any “new holes”.  Typically these holes can be easily patched with spackle  if/when you should ever decide to take the TV off the wall.
 
 You get what you pay for.  If the mounting bracket you purchased seems a little cheap, it probably is.  A good quality bracket, which clearly states the size and weight of TV it supports, and has a guarantee/warranty is ALWAYS the best one to buy.

People often comment that having the TV installed costs more than the TV itself.  This is mostly true since television manufacturing costs are coming down, mounting hardware is staying roughly the same and labor isn’t getting any cheaper.  People forget to consider that you’re not just paying to have the TV mounted on the wall, you’re also paying for it to stay there.
Install Heroes is a licensed, insured, and certified installation company servicing the Greater East Tennessee area.  We have flat rates for nearly all of our installation services, and obviously we offer TV mounting service.  If you decide that you’d rather leave this type of job to the professionals; call and we’ll come to the rescue!  Happy New Year!