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TIP #1: Cure the Startup Blues
Click on Start, then Programs, then StartUp. Take a look at the list of programs that appears in this list, and ask yourself if you need it to start up automatically every time your computer does. If not, RIGHT click on the icon inside the StartUp area, and choose Delete. You won’t be deleting the program from your computer, simply not allowing it to start up (and wasting precious time) every time your computer starts.
TIP #2: Exit Windows properly
It’s the end of the day, and you’re anxious to get home. Do you simply turn off the power to your computer? (I hope not!). If you do, you’ll be much better off in the long run clicking on Start, then Shut Down/Turn Off Computer. This allows all the files in your Windows filing cabinet to get reorganized properly.
TIP #3: Email Return Receipts Anyone?
If you need to verify that someone has read the e-mail message you sent, you can request a “return receipt”. In Outlook Express, create your message as you normally would. Then click on the Tools button, and choose “Request Read Receipt”.
You won’t see anything happen in your message, but the recipient will be asked if it is ok to send a return receipt back to you via e-mail. If they choose “OK”, you’ll get a receipt in your inbox showing the date and time the message was opened.
Remember, the recipient of the message may choose NOT to send the receipt back to you. Not much you can do about that.
TIP #4: Oops – Unblocking A Blocked Sender In Outlook Express
If you took our advice in a previous issue, and started a “Blocked Senders” list to keep junk e-mail away, you may have added a sender to the list by accident.
Correct that error in a flash. In Outlook Express, click on Tools from the menu bar, then click on Message Rules, then Blocked Senders list. At this point, you’ll see the list of the few (or many) addresses you are blocking.
You can choose the address that you’ve placed on this list in error by highlighting it, then choose Remove. Future mail from them will not be blocked after that.
TIP #5: Organizing Your Favorites In Internet Explorer
After a while, your Favorites list becomes a real disorganized list. Cut out the chaos and get it in alphabetical order in a snap. Here’s how:
- Click on Favorites on the menu bar
- RIGHT click on any item showing in the list, and then choose the “Sort By Name” option
TIP #6: Customize your toolbar in Outlook Express
Simplify your life, and add or delete icons to your toolbar to make it work harder for you. Click on View, then Layout, then click on the “Customize Toolbar” button. Once you’ve landed here, you can add, delete, change the order, and a whole lot more!
Scott Gregory, CPA, QuickBooks ProAdvisor, Microsoft Certified Professional is the president of Bond Technology. Bond Tech provides a full suite of QuickBooks and technology consulting services to small businesses. Services range from helping clients save money on their initial or upgrade purchases of QuickBooks to installation and training, as well as computer installation and networking. Contact Scott at SGregory@BondTechLtd.com, or by visiting their web site at http://www.bondtechltd.com/.
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