TTT6 -- FROZEN?

Everybody's faced it--the blue screen of death or the mouse that just won't mouse anymore, and along with it the keypad that just won't keypad. In my many days as Tech Coordinator I've heard maybe a hundred people tell me that their computer just wouldn't turn off. Invariably, I go to their classroom or to their computer, then turn the durned thang off using the tip included in today's TTT. Listen up: Download it here!

AND: Here's another tip not included in the 'cast: I subscribe to several newslists, and one in particular reaps me a weekly (or so) email that contains links to some wonderful tips for advanced users. Since this podcast really is for basic users, those in search of more advanced guidance might be encouraged to move on over and check out Jake Luddington's MediaBlab.

Music today is a song of mine I call "Colin's Walk," composed incrementally during countless walks with the wee babe on my back in a backpack, me with guitar, he all a-babble. I plan to compile a CD with this and other songs, to be entitled "Still Waiting." Appropriate, one thinks, since it's been a work in progress for, oh, around 3 years...

TTT5 -- Organization!

Numero Cinco, Ya'll!

This TTT is all about organization, that seemingly unobtainable quality we all so desperately strive for. If we could JUST get organized...Listen up here!

Music for this 'cast, from the Podsafe Music Network, is Brain Buckit's "Rocket Science," and I highly suggest you all give the whole song a serious listen. I'm going to be buying a BB recording soon, myself: Their rich rocking mix of slide guitar and pounding rhythms speaks to my sense of ORGANIZATION.

Picture from the free downloads page at Picaboo.com! Click on the image to make it larger, click on the enlarge icon on the lower right corner if necessary, and just sit back and think about organization!

TTL4--Extensions

Extensions, ya'll. Those little single dots followed by three (usually) letters that mean something. But what, one wonders. This definition at whatis.com might help. If you don't want/need to get that technical, just give a listen to the very brief rundown about file extensions that comprises this week's TechTipTuesday! Download the file here or click on the "Feed" button on the right to browse all the TTTs you would like to hear; and don't forget to view and/or print this week's .pdf card (hey, that's an extension!), also listed in the sidebar to the right.

Music for this week's li'l show was created by David Keifer at Cagey House Music. His work is also to be found at the Podsafe Music Network. Thanks again, David!

Quick flash: After recording, I discovered a great website that you can visit to learn anything and everything about file extensions. It's fileext.com. Check that out!

And to display all file extensions on your computer, open your "My Documents" folder (or any folder), click "Tools," "Folder Options," then "File Types." You'll be amazed!

Cheers, and don't let yourself get overextended!

TTT3 -- Basic File Management!

I'm not a particularly organized person. That said, I've become fairly good at knowing where I have stored something on my computer and being able to find it. There are times, though, when I need to find something I've "lost," and the tip in this episode of TTT precisely describes what it is I do in that event. There are all kinds of rumors that the current "file folder" organizational structure for PCs is under serious revision and may even be doomed for replacement by something determined to be more efficient or more intuitive, or both. Meanwhile, it's the old file cabinet metaphor for us all (image at right from roadsideamerica.com). Download TTT3 here. Enjoy and share! And don't forget to print or save for future reference the "Wired Wednesday" .pdf card, linked in the sidebar to the right.

The background music for this week's TechTipTuesday is some great music by Jim Fidler, a song called Merrigan's Reel, and was provided via the Podsafe Music Network at http://music.podshow.com!