SPELL CHECKING IN WORD

Today's technology tips is just a quick reminder about how to spell check your documents in Microsoft Word.  In this example we'll be using the XP version of Word but it works similarly in other versions and in other word processing programs.

First, make sure the spell checking options are turned on in Word.  Go to "Tools" and select "Options"

On the menu that appears you can select the features you would like.  For example, Word can check your spelling and grammar as you type and underline errors with a red line.  Word can also suggest corrections to your spelling.  In the example below you can see corrected spellings by right clicking on the word with the red underline:

You can also spellcheck an entire document by either pressing F7 on the keyboard of by going to the "Tools" menu and selecting "Spelling and Grammar."

Or you could press this button on the toolbar: 

This features may operate differently in different versions of Word and different word processing programs.  You will also find these features in most Microsoft Word programs.

PRACTICE ACTIVITY:  Try setting the spelling and grammar options in Word sometime today.

TO KEEP ON LEARNING:  To learn more about the spelling settings available in word processors try searching the internet for:

Spell Checkers
Word Grammar check

MS-WORD SYMBOL INSERTION

You'll never find these symbols on your keyboard.  So how do you get them into your next Microsoft Word document?

1)  Go to the spot on your page where you want the symbol to appear

2)      Go to “Insert” on the menu bar and select “Symbol” from the menu

3)      Select the symbol you want from the list and click on it and then click “Insert”

 

You can insert symbols into Outlook emails, Power Points and Publisher files the same way.

One more bonus technology tip for you: 
Here’s the quick way to make a © symbol: 

just type (c) and it will appear.  Try it!

PRACTICE ACTIVITY:  Try inserting a symbol into your next word document or email.

TO KEEP ON LEARNING:  To find out more about inserting symbols try searching the internet for:

Inserting symbols
Word symbols
Microsoft symbols

LOCK YOUR COMMPUTER BEFORE YOU GO

If you work in a network environment you probably have to log onto your computer each morning using a password and remember to log off each evening before you go.  And for network security reasons you're probably reminded to never leave your computer while it's logged on.  This is especially important in a school setting where a malevolent student could potentially make a real mess of the school network if they had access to a teacher computer.

Today's tip will help you with a quick way to log on and off your computer when you have to step away from it for a few minutes.  It will save you time as you won't have to log off and then back on again.  Instead you can just "Lock" your computer while you're away from it temporarily.  Please note that this will not work in all network environments or all operating systems.  But you can still give it a try:

To lock your computer press the Windows button (bottom left of your keyboard) and the letter "L" at the same time. 

If it works your screen will go blank except for a message that says:

"This computer is in use and has been locked by (Your Username).  To unlock this computer press CTRL+ALT+DEL and type in your password"

This can be a great, easy to use way to lock your computer.  It doesn't work on all computers though.  If it doesn't work on your computer you'd have to contact your network administrator to ask them about it.

PRACTICE ACTIVITY:  Try locking and unlocking your computer right now to see if it works.

TO KEEP ON LEARNING:  To learn more about locking your computer try searching the internet for:

Windows key and L
Lock your computer
Windows shortcut keys

Have a nice day!

HOW TO TAKE A SCREEN SHOT ON YOUR SYSTEM

Everyone has had their computer go a little crazy on them.  You know those boxes that pop up with messages like “imminent failure” and “contact your network administrator.”  Today's tip is about the quickest way to communicate those error messages to others who might not believe what you’re saying.  Just take a "screen shot" and email it to them.  Here’s how it’s done: 

Simply press CTRL and Print Scrn/SysRq
in the upper right hand corner of your keyboard:

You have now taken a picture of your screen.  Now you could open a blank email and paste it in by pressing CTRL and the letter V at the same time.   

(hint taking screen shots like this and then editing them in a simple program like Paint is how we make the directions in many of these Technology Tips)

 

 
Click here to Read More..

HOW TO FLIP YOUR SCREEN

Here’s something I learned from a 7^th grader:

Directions:  Read everything before you do anything

1. Press CTRL + ALT + the up arrow key (see below)
2. Next press CTRL + ALT + the right arrow key
3. Then press CTRL + ALT + the left arrow key
4. Then, before you get too dizzy press CTRL + ALT + the down arrow key

 

Pretty neat???

Now remember that a 7^th grader showed me that after I had spent 5 minutes trying to fix a monitor that was set upside down by another student.  You will inevitably find that often the kids are ahead of the adults when it comes to computers.  It’s OK, that’s just the way it is. 

At least you know how to flip your screen back if anyone messes with it.

And if this activity didn't work on your computer it just means you might have a different version of Windows (other than XP) or this particular feature may have been disabled.  But if you ever see an upside down screen you'll know what to do.

PRACTICE ACTIVITY:  Try flipping your screen a couple of times.  If it works try sharing this little trick with someone else today.  Don't forget to show them how to flip it back.

TO KEEP ON LEARNING:  If you'd like to learn more about working in the Microsoft Windows Operating System try searching the internet for:

Microsoft Windows Tutorial
Windows XP tricks and tips