Solve common PC problems with Microsoft "Fix its"

Microsoft Knowledge Base is a great resource of helpful information regarding common hardware and software problems. It may not be a "pot o’ gold," and I wouldn't say all the information is helpful. To put it another way, Microsoft's Knowledge Base is a frequently frustrating and only sporadically useful resource. Recognizing this, Microsoft has created the Fix It Solution Center, which is home to over 100 automated problem-solvers.

The tools are divided into eight categories, including Windows, Internet Explorer, Office, and Outlook/Outlook Express. Just mouse over any of them to see the available choices, then click the one you want for a full description. If it sounds like your problem, scroll down a bit until you find the Fix It button. A wizard will take you the rest of the way.

How well does it work? Let's put it this way: There's already a Fix It for broken Fix-Its.

        

Key Commands that speed up basic tasks

Key command shortcuts are quicker than mousing through menus; just bang a few keys together, and your PC instantly responds. And Windows has a lot of hidden commands, plus ways to customize those shortcuts however you want. Plus Microsoft lists even more to browse. If you swap mouse movements for these commands, Windows will feel faster than ever.

Navigate menus: Open menus by holding (or pressing) Alt and pressing the underlined letter in a menu. Once open, you can let go of Alt and just tap the underlined letter of your selection. Arrow keys also navigate open menus, and Enter makes selections. Even hit Control-Esc--or the Windows Key--to open the Start Menu.

Swap and close applications: Hold Alt, and tap Tab to swap between open windows. Alt-Shift-Tab moves backwards, in case you overshoot your target. Ctrl-Shift-Esc opens the Task Manager. Close windows with Alt-F4. And Windows Key-M minimizes all open windows.

Drive the desktop: Hold Alt and double-click an item to view its properties. Shift-Delete removes an item without the interim step of sitting in the Recycle Bin. Begin searching for an item with F3. Make a duplicate file at a new location by holding Ctrl while you drag and drop it in the new place. Or hold Ctrl-Shift while moving an item to create a shortcut in the new location.

How to take care of your computer

Keep your work area clean.
Save your work often. Setup an automatic backup  system.
Close all programs before you shut down your computer.
Don't drop or spill food or drinks on your keyboard or computer.
Dust your computer and monitor, also shake dirt out of your keyboard.
Keep magnets away from your computer. Madnets can erase your information.

Types of computer threats