Would you like a free alternative to Microsoft Office?

In today’s economy, it seems that everyone is trying to save money.  This is not any different in regards to computer software.  While Microsoft Office 2010 Professional is a great product, it is very expensive.  Most retail versions of Office 2010 Professional cost around $475.00 per copy. The alternative comparable version is called Open Office and it is FREE.  I have used this for several years and never had any problems with the application.  Here is what this application includes:
Word Processing
Spreadsheet
Presentations
Graphics
Database
Email Client
It is very easy to install if you would like to try.  Please follow the steps below:
Download the install file from:  http://download.openoffice.org/
Click on Download Open Office 3.3.0
When the option appears to download the file, click Run
It will take a while to download based on your internet speed.  The file is around 150 megabytes.
Click Yes to install
Click Next
Click Unpack
Click Next on the Welcome to the Installation screen
Type in your Full Name and choose if you want to be the only one able to use this program or anyone who signs into your computer.  Once these options are completed, click Next
With the Typical button checked, click NextClick Install
Click Finish
You should now have an Open Office 3.3 icon on your desktop to start using Open Office
Double click on the Open Office icon on your Desktop
Click Next
Enter your First Name, Last Name and Initials
Click Next
Check the radio button labeled I want to register now
Click Finish
You are now presented with the options to run the different types of programs within the Open Office application
That’s it.  If you would like more product information on Open Office, please visit www.openoffice.org
Enjoy!

Ever wonder why your computer will not turn off?

 

I know this may sound like a crazy title, but I have seen many users struggle with powering their machine off when it hangs up.  As you probably know, there are certain times Microsoft Windows will just hang up and become unresponsive to any commands or clicks.  Ok….no Microsoft jokes please. :-)   When this happens, I have talked to many users over the years who say, “I pressed the power button and the screen goes black but when I press the button again, it goes right back to the same place and my system is still locked up”.  Has this ever happened to you?
There is actually a good explanation for this.  Most computer manufacturers don’t want you to inadvertently press the power button and turn your machine off.
Here is the answer…drum roll please….press in your power button and hold it in for 5-10 seconds and it will power off.
Sure hope this simple fix will help someone out there.

Windows Security Patches

 

In today’s world, it is more critical than ever to make sure your computer has the latest security updates from Microsoft. We will check out other vendors in a later post.  For right now, let’s see how to check your system right now for the latest updates and how to set it up to install these updates automatically.
To check your system for the latest updates:
Click on the Start button in the lower left hand corner of your screen
Click on ==> Control Panel
Click on ==> Windows Update
Click the ==> Check for Updates button on the right hand side of your screen
If it finds new updates to install, you will be given a button to click that shows Install Updates
Click the Install Updates button
It will begin downloading the new updates
Once this is done, you should get a box showing that The Updates Were Successfully Installed
To set your computer up for Automatic Updates:
Click on the ==> Start button in the lower left hand corner of your screen
Click on ==> Control Panel
Click on ==> Windows Update
Click on ==> Change Settings on the left hand side
Under the Important Updates section, use the drop down arrow and change to Install Updates Automatically
Check any other boxes you deem necessary