Technology Tips & Tricks

Internet Explorer will automatically delete temporary files, but only if you tell it to. Start the browser, select Tools / Internet Options... and Advanced, go down to the Security area and check the box to Empty Temporary Internet Files folder when browser is closed.

Pressing Ctrl and the “plus” key will increase the text size on any webpage.  Pressing Ctrl and the “minus” key will decrease the text size.  Pressing Ctrl and 0 will return the text to the default size.

It isn’t hard to build a strong password. A strong password will reduce the chances your account being hacked. Without a good password, you probably wouldn’t notice until it was too late.

   1. Put a symbol as the first character of the password.
   2. Immediately after first symbol, you may insert any word you like such as your pet’s name.
   3. Allow the first two characters to be capital letters.
   4. After that, you may insert any number you like. It can be your last few digits of your ID number, your mate’s birthday number, etc. It should be at least 4 digits.
   5. Lastly, put another different symbol as the last character of the password.

At the least, every 90 days.

With Microsoft Office 2007, Microsoft introduced a new set of file formats: .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx, all not compatible with previous Microsoft Office versions. So if somebody sends you a Word 2007 document and you use Word XP, an error message awaits you. Luckily, the fix is easy: Use the Office plugin named Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats.

MOCPWEP2007FF enables you to open/edit/save Office 2007 documents in Office 2000, 2003, or XP without any work on your part. Just make sure that your office has the latest Service Pack installed - either SP3 for Office 2000 and XP, or SP1 for Office 2003.

If you don’t want to go all that difficulty and you just need to convert just a single .docx file, point your browser to docx-converter.com. Upload your file, select your preferred format (.doc is just one choice), and enter your email address. In a moment, you should get a note containing a link to download the converted file. It’s a free service.

Hitting the Windows Key + L will “lock” the computer, requiring you to enter a password to get back in. It does not close any of your programs.

If a PC has less than 1GB of RAM, add more memory. This is a relatively inexpensive and easy upgrade that can dramatically improve system performance. Contact your local Dental Tech Sales Rep for a quote.

NOTE: If your pc has a 32-bit Operating system 4gb of RAM is the maximum it will handle.

By disabling programs that are set to automatically open when the computer starts, you can greatly speed up your startup process – the time between turning on the computer and being able to fully use it.

Here’s how to disable Startup programs:

Click Run in your Start menu, type msconfig into the box and press enter.

Select the Startup tab.

Go through the list, disabling programs you don’t need by un-ticking the box left of them. Only disable programs you are sure you do not need, and I recommend not touching the ones in the WINDOWS directory.