Home Computer Talk

Hello Folks! Glad to see you again today.

I want to let you in on another little-known or little-used, under appreciated Google treasure. This feature is also FREE! It is the Google Desktop and can be found at

This is a feature-rich tool that will personalize your Internet Experience in ways you never imagined before. It turns your home computer into a very personal mirage of your life, right at your fingertips!

So, how does one go about getting this tool? Simple!
1) Click the link above to begin the download process.
2) Click “Agree & Download” button
3) Follow the step by step prompts

What will eventually emerge is a Google Sidebar complete with your city’s temperature (you must input your zip code/location for this to work), your photos (in the middle), time and colorful, customized information on the bottom, such as the news.

If you do not want the sidebar as your desktop space feels at a premium, simply close the sidebar and double-click the desktop icon to re-open it at any time.

Do you like my Google series? Want to learn more? Please comment or drop me an email! I like your feedback! Questions are always welcomed.

Try Google Earth! Go to:

As Always,
Your Computer Tutor

What’s a browser, you say? It comes in the form of Internet Explorer (the blue “e”), Mozilla Firefox, AT&T, AOL, or … Sky’s the limit. It’s a tool you use when you “explore” or “look around” the Internet. It won’t bite, and I’m pretty sure you can use more than one and they won’t know the difference! They get along well and it’s always good to have more than one in case one decides to leave town - lol!

Now, as far as Google Toolbar goes, this is an AWESOME, free tool that many of you already have. NO, it is not spyware or subscription based. Just a nice service that Google provides.

To get it for Firefox (Mozilla) go to:

Happy Memorial Day everyone!

Looking for that unique photo to add to your presentation? Look no further than Google photos.

As for the steps to do this, it is relatively simple. And, if you have kids, chances are they are learning this in school or have taught themselves.

First, bring yourself to

Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone.

Imagine my surprise when I found articles I wrote on another website could be Googled just by their title or subject. Google is such a wonderful tool! I could do a blog just about that. But do not be afraid to dive in. Especially if you are new to the Internet. You can find anything you need with google, in fact, more than you need.

It is unbelievable that you can even “google” yourself, your own name or your family name. Ever been in a newspaper? Try looking that up as well. Long-forgotten articles take up residence there as well as recently published articles on any website.
Good luck and happy Googling! I’ll be back later to talk more about using Google on your home computer!

Do you guys have any questions about this? Feel free to drop me a comment, it goes right to my email. And visit our sponsors, you don’t have to buy anything…it’s all free!

THANKS for being regular blog followers!

So far, Windows latest release is not thrilling me. It seems like there are more traps set for the unsuspecting user and more hoops to jump through security-wise. Even with my certification, I had some difficulty getting the user back to desktop.

For users that do not know any better, they may not even realize what they missed. For those of you going from Windows 98 perhaps, up to Vista, well, you have my sympathies!

Just as in XP, Windows Vista does not work with much of the hardware out there. Because I have a knowledge base to work with, I “tricked” it into accepting an HP printer and DSL hookup, only after calling the DSL helpdesk and getting in the “back door.” Good grief!

It appears that Windows mimicked Apple’s screen a bit. Complete with the circle and the overall appearance. Sorry folks, hour glass is gone.

Now, the burning question: Should you upgrade from Windows XP or ME? As I told you when it first started, take the test located on the Microsoft Website. However, be advised I plan to stay with XP. I don’t need my own computer headaches to deal with on top of everyone else’s.

As time has proved, let Microsoft work out its bugs with this new system and then slowly you can think about upgrading or getting a new machine entirely.

The latter of the options is the best choice, one with the fewest traps to avoid.

What has your experience been? What would you recommend? Do you have questions about this? Would love to hear from you!