MadMod Computing The MadMod Computing Newsletter

Vol. 2002a

Welcome to this issue of The MadMod Computing Newsletter.   We hope that you enjoy the features of each issue and learn some computing skills along the way.

First, a reminder to make backups of your important files, and to use Scandisk and Disk Defragmenter -- at least monthly.

Featured in This Issue
1.     Keeping Your Anti-Virus Software Current
2.     All About Right-Mousing
3.     FlightTracker (website)

1.    Keeping Your Anti-Virus Software Current
Once loaded into your computer, an anti-virus product such as from Symantec, McAfee or TrendMicro ages quickly and doesn't protect against the newer virus threats.  All anti-virus software is supplied with update tools.

First get on-line with your Internet provider.  Next start the main desktop of the anti-virus program.  On it will be an option to update your program and its anti-virus definitions.  Choose to do this.  The automatic downloads take a few minutes after which they automatically install.  Last it's recommended that you power down and restart the computer so the new definitions can be part of the start-up scan.  It's also a good idea to schedule the computer to do a full computer scan weekly at a time of your choice while the computer is on.

2.    All About Right Mousing
The right-mouse button of your computer mouse is designed to bring up alternate menus within an application.  Slide down the list to what you want and then use the left-mouse to select your choice.  No matter when you use it, the options that appear probably are closely related to what you'd like to do at that point.  Inside of Microsoft Excel is an option to clear a cell.  Inside of Microsoft Word is an option to change a format feature of some kind.  On the starting desktop the right-mouse allows you to work with the icons.  Within your browser, you may see options to set a bookmark or to go back a page.

Experiment with the right-mouse button to see what your applications allow.  Use the right-mouse to highlight the choice you want and then the left-mouse to choose it.

3.    FlightTracker (website)
Update: Site no longer available as of 03/16/07. Sorry!



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E-mail to the editor: David Mawdsley

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