How to Cut/Copy and Paste

Even though it sounds simple, if you've never done it before, copying and pasting is hard to do.

Mouse control is new to everyone so you don't know all the little secrets.
Here's a post at Lifehacker.com: Help new pc users learn how to copy, cuts, and paste.

For a quicker but far less complete lesson click here: wikihow.com: How to Copy and Paste.

Slimming down your Windows desktop.

First thing to do for a slow pc is take stock of what is on the desktop.  A desktop should only have shortcuts on it and nothing more.  Not folders, files, documents, or pictures. Shortcuts to those things are OK but don't put the actual files there.  Windows has to deal with loading it all even if you don't open the files.  So,one at a time, find places for everything and if do not have a place, MAKE IT!!!  You don't have an excuse for not putting it somewhere safe. Space should not be a problem.  If it is, UPGRADE!!!

Click on the Windows Start button
Click Documents
Click New Folder button (near the top of the window).
Name the folder whatever name you choose for  the folder. I'm naming it 'School'
Now you can go to the desktop and right click and cut the file.
Then go paste into  your new folder. (school  for me)
You can do this with several files by holding control and selecting each one.  Right click and cut then paste them all into the folder.

If you wish to be organized even better consider the following.

I need my documents divided into folders for each class now.
So now I click on Start
Click Documents
Click School
Click New Folder
Type GEN200 and press enter
Click the back arrow at the top left of the window
Click New Folder again
Type FP101 and press enter.
now you have two folders in your school folder. one for each class, Gen200 and fp101.

After you have moved all the files off the desktop, then empty your recycle bin and restart your computer.

If you're still having slowness issues See my post titled, Computer Slow to Start?

Computer Slow to Start?

Hey we've all been there. The computer slowed down from when it was brand new and when it starts up? Whew!!! It seems to take forever.

I thought I'd share a few things to help with your start up in Windows.

Windows XP:

• Click Start
• Click Run
• Type msconfig.exe and press Enter.

The MSConfig window should open.

Click on the Startup tab.

On this window you will see everything that loads upon windows starting up.  You can uncheck each item you do not need to start and click OK and then restart the computer.  WARNING!!! Do not uncheck something unless you know you do not need it. There are some programs that still need to run from startup.  You should use your favorite search engine (Google), to find the file name and the program it is associated with.  if you determine it is not needed, please feel free to uncheck the box. If you're not sure, you need Java, Adobe FlashPlayer, Adobe Reader, Adobe Shockwave player, Quicktime.

Now you have eliminated some of the pesky start-ups that slow you down  your startup.

It's time to reboot!