Weekly Newsletter
 
Trouble reading this? Get the online versions here:
http://www.datadoctors.com/help/quikreg.cfm

Tip of the Week: Using Vista's Navigation Pane

Those that have switched from Windows XP to Windows Vista have had to deal with many changes to the way things work.  One of the items that seems to be perplexing many new Vista users is the Navigation Pane (or pain, as many will call it).  Change is hard and is usually causes an initial disruption, but can be very good in the long run.  If you have Windows Vista and are not sure how to make use of the Navigation Pane, checkout the tips posted at Tech Republic.

Headwhack of the Week: My pictures go crazy when I resize them!

Images are everywhere in our computing environment and getting them to look the way we want them is a constant struggle.  Many of you have found that when you try to resize an image, things can get pretty ugly.  Everything from a stretched look to an extremely graining image can result if you make some critical mistakes.

Here are a few common mistakes that you should avoid:  Never resize a picture by pulling on a side, top or bottom tab.  In most programs, when you click on an image, the resize tabs will appear as small black boxes at each corner, the top, sides and bottom.  Whenever you want to resize an image, always grab one of the corner tabs and to make sure that you maintain the proper "aspect ratio" hold down the Shift key before you click and drag on the tabs.

Never enlarge an image beyond its native size.  The easiest way to tell if you are trying to make an image bigger than its native size is that it becomes grainy or pixilated when you increase the size.  Only very high resolution images can be increased on your screen without degrading the image.  If you increase the size and the picture looks bad, simply hit Ctrl-Z to undo the resize.  (Sometimes it's better to have a small clear image, then a large blurry one!) 

Geek Speak of the Week: aspect ratio

The width-to-height ratio of a television/computer screen or computer image.  The traditional (square) screen had a 4:3 aspect ratio and the new wide-screen television and computer displays have a 16:9 ratio.  The aspect ratio of a computer image has no standards, but it is critical that you maintain the aspect ratio any time you change the size of the image (see this week's Headwack for more).

Security: Kaspersky anti-virus may inadvertently quarantine Windows Explorer

The anti-virus software from Kaspersky Labs, for a short time on Wednesday, was distributing an update that thought the Windows Explorer was a virus and would quarantine it.  The update was only posted for a couple of hours, so it should not have impacted most users, but if you find that you Windows Explorer is not functioning and you use the Kaspersky AV software, you should read on...

News: Five Guilt-Free Gadgets for Kids

Looking for a toy that won't turn your child's mind to mush, and is fun to play with? PCWorld says "We could almost call these choices educational if they weren't so darn entertaining."

News: Last minute gifts that don't need to ship

With very few exceptions, we all end up with the need to find some last minute gifts during the holiday season.  Physical items require shipping, but thanks to the Internet, you can find lots of gifts that don't require shipping!

News: 'Mind-Reading' Games Just in Time for Christmas — 2008 

The wealth of electronic gadgets to choose from for this holiday season is mind numbing, but we know that next year will bring us even more choices.  Sega Toys of Japan has announced that it will be incorporating bio-signal-reading-technology into "unspecified" products which could open the door for mind-reading games in 2008.

Opinion: Your Spammer May Be a Victim, Too

Larry Seltzer of eWeek.com says: "No, I don't feel sorry for (spammers), but it could be that the people selling items through spam don't make a living at it.  It's the botnet owners who make money on this business."

Weekly Advice Column: Why can't I get my e-mail newsletters?

Glena writes: "Thanks so much for ALL you teach us -- it's wonderful! However, I have not received (your) weekly newsletter since July 2007. I have checked online and (it says) I am a member and it IS checked that I should get your weekly letters."  The causes for this problem can be many and answering it in this newsletter is obviously a potential problem, so checkout our advice to this week's question here!

This Week's Show: 2007: A Look Back

Another year's gone... In case you missed some of the technology industry happenings, fear not; we're here for you! Maybe you'll remember 2007 as the year of the iPhone, the year of SecondLife, or Google Street View? Or maybe it was the rise of tmz, webkinz or club penguin for the kids? How about the battles: Blueray vs. HD DVD or Plasma vs LCD TV's.

Tune in this week as Brandon, Brian, Kevin and Mario take a trip down memory lane and reminisce some of the good times and bad that were had this past year.

Join us (on most) Saturdays from 12:00PM–2:00PM (Mountain) on News 92.3 KTAR or listen LIVE via the Internet at KTAR.com as we discuss your computer questions at: 602.277.5827 or ask your questions during (or before) the broadcast using the ask a question page.

Previous Show

Check out all the links from "Holiday Hoaxes and Scams"

Questions or Comments?

Submit them online at datadoctors.com.

Changing email addresses?

Subscribe, unsubscribe, or change your email address online.