Tips found on the Web, October 2006

NEW SOFTWARE ISN'T ALWAYS AN IMPROVEMENT

It seems that software manufacturers are always bustling to get out new versions of programs. But, that doesn't mean the changes are always improvements.

You've probably upgraded software only to find it more difficult to use. Or perhaps it doesn't behave as you would like.

Furthermore, you usually can't go back to the original program. That's where www.OldVersion.com comes in. It provides downloads of old versions of popular products. So, if you're having problems with something you recently upgraded, stop by. You may just find the solution!

Software for editing videos

I've amassed a large amount of videos from my family vacation this summer. Now, I need to know my options for editing the video. I'm new to video editing, and I don't know what software I need to get the job done. Can you offer some advice?

If you're looking for an easy way to piece together your videos, I would suggest you start with Windows Movie Maker. This is included with recent versions of Windows. It will help you create a single movie from multiple files.

Windows Movie Maker lets you select options for video type and file size. It also offers rudimentary video effects. For someone new to video editing, it is ideal. But if you want to get fancy, you should look elsewhere.

If you visit an online retailer, you'll find many video-editing solutions. As with photo-editing programs, many of these will be more software than you actually need. For example, Adobe Premiere, Avid Liquid and Ulead VideoStudio Pro are aimed at more expert users. And the prices range from $350 to $1,000.

You'll even find video-editing programs more costly than these. Unless you're an expert, which it sounds like you're not, save your money.

You'll find more reasonable solutions for your needs. For example, Adobe offers Premiere Elements (a stripped-down version of Premiere for the average Joe) for $100.

Other programs include Pinnacle Studio (from $70), Ulead VideoStudio (from $70) and Roxio Video Wave ($50).

With the exception of Roxio's Video Wave, you can download free trials of these programs. I recommend you kick the tires before settling on a program.

First, you should look for ease of use. Video editing can be a complicated process. So you should look for a program that makes it as simple as possible. You should be able to clip and rearrange segments of video with relative ease. Also, controls should be easy to find and the help files, well, helpful.

Next, you should consider the features. Look for a program that allows you to add special effects, titles and the like. These features can make a more interesting video.

You also want a program that creates high-quality video. The resolution of the videos should be high enough that they will look good on a large TV. If you want a program that handles high-definition video and surround sound, you'll find it. But expect to pay more for these features.

Finally, you'll want to package your movies. Look for a program that will create a DVD for standalone players. If you want to transfer the movies to a portable player, the program should optimize the videos for this.

Also, you should visit my Downloads section. I have a few video-editing programs. You might just find what you need there – for free!

Once you get the hang of your software, you'll probably want to transfer some of your old VHS tapes to DVD. I have a tip on that.

And remember, video-editing requires a lot of drive space. So make sure you have plenty of room for your work. If you need it, add another hard drive to your computer or build an external one.

Your Word document may not be lost forever

Has your computer ever suddenly froze while writing that important document? How about lost power? If yes, your document may not be lost forever. Try some of these tips to get your document back. The first thing you need to do is RESTART your computer.

1. After restarting Word, the Microsoft Application Recovery feature may automatically bring back a replacement document. Look through the file to make sure it is the correct file and immediately save it under a different name. If Word does not offer file as an option for saving then use Windows Explorer to save the backup.

2. If a replacement does not automatically appear then try to reopen the original file in Word. Do this by clicking on the Open and Repair button on the drop down menu. If your file does not appear, then search for a file with a .wbk at the end. This file extension is used when Word automatically saves a file. Just remember, this feature must be turned on manually to actually work and the last time your document was saved may have been minutes to hours before it was lost.

All of these settings are under Tools then Options and the Save tab.

Another feature about Word you may not know is that there are features built in for Security. You can lock your documents so that they can be accessed only by you. To activate the security feature go to:

1. Tools menu at the top of your page.

2. Options

3. Security tab

4. Enter a password of you choosing. This password will allow only those that know it to open the document and/or edit it.

Just remember, this password protection can be bypassed if someone really wanted to see the document, so do not think you have just placed your document in Fort Knox.

In past versions, Word had a feature that allowed the user to highlight numbers and then those numbers could be added, subtracted, etc. This function is still available, but hidden. To reactivate the function:

1. Go to Tools

2. Then Customize

3. Under the Commands tab, click on the Tools in the left box.

4. Look for Tools Calculate

5. Drag this item onto one of your tool bars. When you highlight multiple numbers in the document and click the Tools Calculate button on the toolbar the result will appear in the lower left corner of the status bar, the bar at the bottom of the screen that shows the page, line and column numbers.

Internet Explorer tip

Internet Explorer is one of the most commonly used web browsers but it can be frustrating. Do you find it frustrating to open websites in a new window and the window is not full screen? You can make your windows in IE always open in full screen with a little work.

1. Shut down all but one window of IE

2. Right click on any link and choose Open in a New Window

3. Now close the original window

4. Maximize the new window the old fashioned way by dragging the lower right corner until it takes up the full screen. Do not use the maximize button.

5. Hold down the Ctrl key and click the X button in the upper right hand corner of the window. From now on all your IE windows should be full screen.

Would you like a couple of shortcuts that can make surfing the web faster? How about less typing and mouse moving? Try this tidbit:

1. Send your cursor to the address field by pressing Alt-D

2. Type in the main part of the website you want to visit, i.e. foxnews

3. Press Ctrl-Enter and the www. and .com will be filled in automatically

4. Press Enter and IE will take you to the site.

These shortcuts will also work in Firefox.