March 15, 2002

Bits and Bytes

By Teresa Lightle- Computer Training Coordinator

Windows -When you log-on to a computer, do not try to bypass the log-in screen. This log-in is very important. It allows your network to identify the computer and the user. When you log-in, the network security may allow or restrict usage of printers, folders and files based on the name of the user. If you are having trouble printing or accessing your e-mail, first check to see if your log-in is correct.

Log-in Tips:

• Make sure your User name is showing in the User name text box.
• Your user name is no more than 8 characters in length.
• It is usually your first initial and the first 7 letters of your last name.
• There are no spaces in a User name.
• Key your user name using all lower case letters.

To check to see if your log-in was correct, click on the start button in the lower left corner of your screen.  This is a Windows 98 option and does not work for Windows 95.

Microsoft Word - Before you print be sure to use the Print Preview option for viewing your document before you print. Using this option can save a lot of paper and extra trips to the printer. The Print Preview button appears in the standard toolbar . You can also access Print Preview by going to File in the menu bar then down to Print Preview. Print Preview is a separate window from your Word document. Here you can view your document page-by-page or several pages at a time by using the multiple pages option . Another great feature in Print Preview is the Shrink to Fit Button located in the toolbar. This button will take a document that is just barely over 2 pages and try to shrink it to fit on one page. It will reduce the fonts, margins and spacing to try and shrink the document. This can be helpful for students' papers and resume writing.

Microsoft Excel - Did you know that Microsoft Excel is more than just a spreadsheet application? It does a great job as a database. Microsoft Excel is capable of sorting, filtering and graphing data as well. Stay tuned to future Tech Tips for more information on using Microsoft Excel as a database.

Microsoft Outlook - Speaking of sorting, you can sort your e-mail mail in Outlook by using the Field names at the top of the Inbox window.
Currently this bar is set to sort by date received. Notice the light gray arrow next to the word received. If you wanted to sort this list by sender,  click on the From button and all  emails will be sorted (grouped)  according to sender.

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For Questions or Comments about this newsletter please contact: tlightle@bcoe.org

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