Computer 101: File format converter for Microsoft Office 2003.

By these days most of use is using MS Office 2007 version in our workplace but in our home we might still be using the old reliable MS Office 2003 version. Now if we create a document in MS Office 2003 in our home and later when we got into our workplace we open the document in MS Office 2007 there should be now problem at all. But if save it using the MS Office 2007 template or formatting styles then when we got home we try to open it again using the old MS Office 2003, we would assume that it will be open again in no time. But when we double click the document to open it in the MS Office 2003 version it would not open anymore. The reason for this is that the document styles and formatting information between these two Office suites is completely different. Since the MS Office 2007 version has more feature that the older Ms Office 2003.

How do we solve this kind of problem? How can one open a document created in MS Office 2007 when using a MS Office 2003 version? Well there two solution for this problem. The first is get a new MS Office 2007 version and upgrade the old MS Office 2003, which would cost more. Or use the second solution of installing a File format converter on your old MS Office 2003, to help it easily open document created in the MS Office 2007. I think every body would choose the second option since it not cost any penny to do and it is very to install it on your computer. But first we must download the Fileformatconveretre.exe from the internet so that we can have it installed in our computer. The file format converter add-on is very easy to locate in the internet and is very easy to download. The file size of the utility is just 37 MB. To download a copy of the converter just go to the Microsoft website or in the internet type the name of the utility in your search engine and it will display link on how to find and download the utility.

Once we have downloaded it, we can now begin to install it on our computer. Just double click the icon to begin the installation process. Read and follow the instruction for the installation. After successfully installing the utility, we can now test whether the file format converter works. Look for a document created in the MS Office 2007. What to look for a document created and save in MS Office 2007 version? Well first the icon for the Ms Office 2007 version is different from the old version. Also the document extension is slightly different from the old, whereas the old document extension for MS Word 2003 is filename.doc while the new extension for the MS Office 2007 is filename.docx yup there is an X added at the last part of the file-name extension. So look for that file type and double click to launch it in Ms Office 2003. We can verify that the file format converter utility is working if a dialog box will appear saying file format converting and then the document has been able to open successfully in the MS Office 2003 version.

I mean we can read the file content correctly instead of different characters being displayed on the content of the document to which we cannot seems to understand. By installing the utility on the old Ms Office 2003, we gave it the capability to open document created in the MS Office 207 version.

Computer 101: Google 2-Step Authentication for All your Google Accounts.

Everyone that have internet access or uses that internet regularly for gaming, research, business and many more have an email account, this email account can be a corporate or an organization based or the paid email accounts from different providers and the most common of all the free email account which is available everywhere in the internet. One such provider of free email accounts is Google.com which is a very big internet based company. They have a free email account service called the G MAIL or Google Mail, aside from that they also have a lot of free services being offered like blogger.com for creating your own personal blog in the internet. All this free account is link within the Google system, if you lo-gin to one account then you can access another by configuring a few option without typing a username and password again and again. This setup is very useful if you’re going to jump from one account to another within Google.

Now how do we use our email account? Well we use it for personal communication and transaction over the internet, some sensitive information has also been stored in our email. Now is this free email account really secure? Well yes they are secure because if not, in the first place no one will use them if they are not secure. The first level of security for these email services is the password. Yup that all important passwords, the things that we always keep forgetting is not used frequently or we have already to many password to memorize. Also the user name we used in combination with the all important password, the more complex the password the more secure it or the longer the password the more secure it also. Now nobody can access your accounts if they not know the username and password. But wait what if those two important information has been stolen form you? You say what, how they got my information?

Well every heard of the term hacking and Phishing? Simply put it, theses terms means to get or acquire in this case sensitive personal information from one account. There are many ways on how to implement this technique. One is using software another is using link from email send to your email accounts from some one you though you know. Please click the link to see a more details and historical explanation for Phishing and for hacking. To cut it short, rather that securing your email account with just the username and password why not use another layer of security. Well this is where the Google 2-step authentication process comes in for all Google accounts users. This process although will take longer to access your G mail account is very important in keeping your account safe. It will add another layer of security. When we log-in to our email account the first thing that we do is we put the username and the password then we wait for the contents to display on our screen.

But with added feature security the second step for verification or authentication is it will send a code to your very own personal phone, via text or voice call. And you will encode the code on the box provided to verify that you’re the real owner of that account. After verifying the code is correct it will proceed in displaying the content of your G mail account. Also there is an option on the verification process that the computer that you are using can be remembered for 30 days. This feature allows the user to enter the verification only once within 30 days for the same computer. This is very helpful if you are using your own laptop or PC we don’t have to type in that code every time we log-in to our G mail account. This second layer of protection is also very handy while we access our G mail accounts from public computers.

Now the next questions are how do we activate this G mail verification process? To activate the process on your G mail account please click the link provided, it is the official blog for Google Email protection.  For other email service pleas check if they provide for free accounts. 

Computer 101: Why Do We Need to Share Networks Resources?

First of all what is a computer network resource? Computer network resource are those item that is being used by the whole network this may include shared printer as stated in previous blog, shared disk drive or a file server with several large amount of drive, shared scanner and any other devices that can be shared over a network. Again back to the question, why do we need to share network resources? Well the answer to this question is explained below.

1. Save on Cost or Money

All business needs financing or money to run, in fact almost all things that we do today needs money. This is true with business, if top management can save as much money as it cans then it will do it. One way saving cost in operating a business is to reduce the cost of consumable being consumed by the business an example of this is the cost of buying an ink for a printer. I already elaborated on this on my previous blog. Another cost that can be controlled or can save a sum of money the paper being used in printing document for the daily transaction and report of the business. Because we buy lots of bundle of paper for regular used to create hard copy of reports and transaction. Why not instead of a hardcopy for filing, archiving, meting and others use instead a digital copy wherein the said report can be view on the screen of each computer or laptop or devices that can display them. This will also reduce the trash the business is producing, less paper and trash less cost and more money to be saved or diverted to other important projects. Also less paper, less paper clip, staple wire and other paper accessories. For storing and archiving of reports the file server will act as the central storage of all documents with a back up copy of course for safety.

2. Save on Time, Less Time Do More.

How do we save time, we save on time by being more productive in a given amount of time. Like if the goal was to have 50 transactions completed in five hours, then maybe we do 60 or 70 in the given time. This can be done with the used of shared network resources, like digital copy of document instead of having a hard copy one employee can request another for a digital copy of the same report without living his/her place and moving about just to get a copy of that report. By not leaving your place one do more while waiting or the time it takes for the document to arrive from an actual delivery of a person compare to a document being sent to the server and then to intended receiver of the document or just plain interoffice email is very big. In computer world a 5 minute waiting time is already to slow compare to just a few milliseconds to wait for the digital copy to arrive in your computer from the other computer where it originates. Also sharing an actual document in real time is slower compare to sharing it via the network. It doesn’t need to be distributed by hand wherein the person responsible to distribute it will have to go floor by floor just make sure the document is delivered to the correct person.

Money and time are two most important resources in a business the third is manpower or person of that organization or company. It more resources is being spent and the company is producing less chances are that company will not last longer in a highly demanding world of business. The more it can save the better for that company to keep on growing and free of debt.

Computer 101: How to share a single printer on a network without using a Print Server.

In today’s modern times, all offices is now using printer for creating a hard copy of a document. Every office can have multiple computers for every employee that needs them. But when it comes to printer, it seems strange that not every employee can have them. What wrong which this scenario? Well there nothing wrong with this scenario. Yes almost every employee in an office or institutions can have his/her own computer but no his/her own printer, the reason for this is because in every printer there is these item that needs to be replenish or change once it’s empty or if we do not change it then the printer becomes useless. This item is called the INK. Computer or PC do not have ink in order to work, it does not have a consumable part that needs to be replace every week or month to keep it working. But printer do, this item is the INK, and keeping a close watch on how every employee use these resources is very important.  

Compute these is a small office has ten employees and every employee has its own computer and printer and printer ink cost has not really gone done despite having a huge demand for it. Every ten printer needs is own ink supply, the cost factors would certainly be off the roofed just for ink alone. So having one or two printer is much cost effective by having both printer shared on a network without using a print server. Please watch the video to get a better understanding of how to proceed with this procedure on sharing a printer or two on a small network.

Again these video has no voice over instructions, just watch and simply follow the procedure as seen for a simple sharing solution.

To summarize the video instructions, on the computer where the printer is installed open the printer and fax folder. Select the printer to be share if there are many printers installed, and then right on the printers to be shared and look for the sharing tab and click it. Then when inside the sharing tab choose the share this printer option then you can leave the default name or change it, this item is completely in your control. The last step would be to click the OK button to close the sharing tab.  Notice on the printer and fax folder under the printer that you have chosen to share a hand with an open palm has appeared, these only means that you have successfully shared the printer.

Computer 101: How to Create personalize image file using PowerPoint software

Ever wondering how do I create a customized and personalize image file, do I need to have a specialize software to do the trick of mixing and editing different picture or image into the one that I need? Well the answer is NO; we can use the Microsoft office power point presentation software to do that. Best of all we can already save the file into the recognizable picture format like GIF, JPG, PNG and more. We do not need to use specialize software that require advance picture editing skills to create our very own. We just need to know how to copy, cut, paste, move around an object, resizing and following instructions which are pretty basic computer typing and editing skills. But before we begin first we must prepare all the materials that we are going to need, in this case all the image file that we are going to used in creating a personalize image file. Now after we have prepared all the things that we need it is time to begin. Please watch this simple video.

These video has no voice instructions yet, this is just a tutorial to give you an idea on how to proceed with the process.

to summarize the video above, create your customize picture or image by inserting via the clip art or from your own personal file, then do some editing on them using the picture toolbar, which will appear once and image has been inserted. Once you are satisfied with the design you have created then save the image by clicking on the file menu and choose save then the dialog box will appear, type the name that you want for the image and then select what type of file format you want to be save. As seen on the video different file format is available just choose which will satisfy your requirement and then press the save button. To check whether the desired image has been created go to folder where the file is saved and open it normally by double clicking it, the Windows Photo Editor should be able to view without problem another way of checking it is via clicking on the image property to verify it's format and basic information.

Computer 101: Simple Trouble-shooting Method for Most Common Computer Error

For this article I will list down some very simple easy to follow trouble-shooting method for most computer. We do not need to have the professional technical background and knowledge to perform or do most of this stuff.

Anyway here goes the list:

1.     NO POWER

One of the most common problems that a person who uses a computer is that the computer has no power meaning no sign of power is flowing. There is no light, no sound or beep, the power supply fan is not moving, heck even the light indicator of the monitor is not blinking.

            Solution:

Check the following item, first the power supply must turn on and connected to the wall socket or check the UPS if you’re using one make sure to press the power button of the UPS.

If both items mentioned above has no problem then check the power cord that is connected to your computer make sure it is properly plug in at the back of the system unit and properly plug in at the power supply unit or UPS it is connected to.  

Another thing if you’re not sure if the inside wiring of the power cord is not broken then try changing it just to make sure that it is not broken from the inside.

And last but not the least make to really push all those power cord in there respective socket just to make sure they are properly plug in. Most of the time these solution will work to solve the problem stated above.

If this not solves the problem of NO Power a qualified technician is needed to check your computer.

2.     NO DISPLAY

Another common problem of computer is the NO DISPLAY error. To correct this problem by yourself, try this simple solution. Go to the back of the computer or make the back of the computer accessible to you. Then check if the data cable of the monitor or LCD is properly connected to the output port of the video adapter.

If is it connected, try removing it from its connection and reinserting it again carefully. The reason for this is the contact inside the connector and output port seems to generally worn out or become grounded, so in order to refresh the connection, detached both of then and do a little cleaning of both ends and reconnect them both carefully while observing if a display will appear in the LCD or monitor. If the display has appeared then gently screw the side screw of the connector to lock it in.

Another way is to replace your old monitor with a new one just to make that it is still functioning properly. IF this solves the problem then your monitor simple needs replacement. But if the problem persists then you will needs assistance from a qualified technician to fix the problem.

3.     Used the computer Properly (User Error)

You’re computer is a machine that needs to used properly and efficiently to become more productive and useful in the long run. If is not made for heavy gaming then do not play games that require large amount of resources.

Make sure to shut it down properly, do not just unplug the cord or press the power off button of your power supply unit if you’re in hurry to shutdown your computer. Not shutting it down properly will create a lot of serious problem in the long run. Eventually this habit of not shutting down your computer properly will comeback to hunt you, in several form or very serious problem that will needs time and money to fix.

Remember preventive measure is better than fixing the problem of the computer. Do not treat your computer as it where just a tool that is used everyday but treat your computer as a friend and you will benefit from it in the long run.

Computer 101: Different Function of a Personal Computer.

The most common type of computer nowadays is the PC or Personal Computer. This type of computer can found in almost all places that we do our daily activity like in school, at work, home, and some other commercial area. This computer can do a lot of things for us like typing a report, surfing the internet, playing games or watching movies to name a few. But the real benefits of having the computer wherever you are is doing all those mention above simultaneously. In computer term we call this as MULTITASKING. It simply means doing different function or work at the same time. We can do our report while at the same time we listen to music we download items from the internet. More time can be saving by doing work at same time.

Another aspect of a personal computer is that it can also be programmed to do just one specific task over and over again. An example of this an ATM machine where we get to withdraw our money even if the bank is close or during weekends and holiday. Also we would no longer go directly to the bank teller and give our passbook to withdraw our money. We just need to input a few items, like the PIN number for security purposes, the type of account that we have and the amount that we need to withdraw from our account. Most people think there are some super computers inside those front panels that we used to access our money. But the truth is it is only a PC the same computer that we used in our home. If it where a super computer then it would be truly pensive for bank companies to have almost everywhere even in places where there is no bank branches. Like Malls where a lot of people go everyday. The function of these PC or computer is just to allow people to have access to there account instantly without going to the bank itself.

Another customizes work for the Personal computer is the Cash register of a supermarket. These computers have software in them that allow various prices stored in another computer to be displayed into the cashier computer whenever a product is read via the bar code. It also computes for the individual amount of the same item and computes for the total amount purchase by the costumer and when costumer pays the total amount the cashier enter the amount tendered and the software in the computer computes for the change and will also print a result of the transaction. This process is repeated over and over again for each costumer all day long. This PC functions as a cash register year long.

Nowadays we have the gaming platform like XBOX, PS3 or Nintendo to name a few. But back on the all day’s personal computer were use as gaming PC. Again the specialize software is programmed into the computer and computer is house in an arcade type housing with its own key pad not unlike the keyboard of the personal computer. The people just simple drop a token and select the game and input a few more information and press the start button to begin the game they have chosen to play.

The Personal Computer has really come along way from a multitasking computer to specialize computer that has been programmed to do specific task over and over again. It has spawned all sort of computer types, from the super computer, to mobile computers like the laptop and its cousin to small computer that has evolve to become more sophisticated because of the tons of function it can do.

Computer 101: Upgrading your old Computer or Buying a New Computer

Happy New Year to all, this is my first blog for this year 2011. I’ve been very busy in the last part of December and during the first week of January on my family and my home business. That why I’ve been missing in action this past weeks. Since this is a new year for all of us, new beginning and a new time to get going on something for each in everyone of us. In a more personal manner if we own a computer this time around a questioned comes to mind, is my computer needs upgrading or do I buy a new one? Of course this is only for those whose computer is at least 6 months to one year old. Because by this time you’ve pretty much know how your computer works. How fast it is or it has become a lot slower in all about its performance. With all those new computers being advertise these past months. One would be very tempting in having them in parts or as a whole unit.

Now here comes the al important question. Do I upgrade or do i need to buy a new one? This question comes because I’m no longer satisfied with the performance of my old computer. It seems the more I use it, the more my dissatisfaction grows towards its performance. But first before doing any upgrading or buying. You need to check if your computer really needs to upgrade or where just being swayed by all of those thoughts that most of my friends and their friends has in part upgraded their computer or has bought a new one. You need to know what wrong with your computer. What part seems slow. To do this you need to have it check by qualified service personnel but you as the owner of the computer must be present during this activity. You must explain it to the technical guy what’s wrong with your computer, why are dissatisfied with its performance. What part is slowing down as its get older? You must describe you problems in detail to the service technician so he can know exactly what to do as not to waist both of your time while the technician or engineer figures outs what wrong with your computer and the solution needed to fix it.

Most of the time we brought our computer to the service centre then tells the service guy there its broken and need to be fix then off we go. Leaving the service personnel clueless on what is the real problem with the computer. The result of this is longer time to detect and fix the problem. The hours will become day sometimes will turn into weeks before one is reunited with the computer. Most of us has the wrong notion that all computer service personnel know what wrong with your computer the moment we brought it in for repair and maintenance. Well guess what, where wrong, this only makes the work for them a lot harder and more time consuming because they don’t know where to begin. So next time you walk in and have you computer with for repair or maintenance make sure to really explain it all to the technical guy in detail and don’t leave it there alone, be there during the process, because questioned may needed to be to the owner and the answer to that is always the solution to the problem.

Now after having it checks by a qualified technician. He will advised you on what to do with your computer, whether to upgrade some of its part or if your computer is very-old and you want to use newer software version of your old software then rather than upgrading some parts only. You must buy a new complete set of it. But how about all my information on my old computer? Well don’t panics, all of it can be transferred to the new computer and it can be erased from the old computer. You can also ask to service to do the whole job of configuring the new and transferring all of your data into the new computer from the old ones. But only consider this option if your computer is really very old or new but has been damaged by wear and tear that repairing or upgrading parts will cost more than buying a new one. It is always up to you the owner of the computer to decide which path you will take. You will have the final say in all of this, because you will be the one to pay for it literally and use it every minute, hour and day in most your activity. So remember to always carefully weigh all the information and facts before your decide what option to take regarding the improvement and maintenance of your computer.