Tech Tips Now|Technology Tips

Outlook Express is the e-mail client and newsgroup reader that comes by default with XP.

Many users are confused between Microsoft Outlook Express and Microsoft Outlook, believing them to be the same software. But these are two entirely different software. Both Outlook and Outlook Express handle the basics of e-mail, including an address book, message rules, user-created folders, and support for POP3, IMAP, and HTTP mail accounts. However, that’s where the similarity ends. Both programs were designed with different audiences in mind. Read the rest of this entry »

There are a number of ways to launch Internet Explorer. The easiest is to double-click the icon on your desktop. This icon looks like the letter “e” with a ring around it. If don’t have this icon on your desktop, you can launch Internet Explorer by going to Start > Programs, and then clicking on ‘Internet Explorer’ on the menu that pops up. Read the rest of this entry »

Windows XP provides a complete range of tools that help you get online. Of course, there are a whole lot of third-party software that you can install, but you can get started on the Internet with XP straight out of the box. Here we will give you an overview of various Internet software tools that come with Windows XP and how to get started with them. Read the rest of this entry »

Compatibility has long been a major concern for Windows. Microsoft has played a balancing act between providing compatibility for a wide range of hardware and software on the one hand, and making the OS stable and efficient on the other. Many users expect to be able to run their ancient DOS or Windows programs and outdated peripherals on the latest version of Windows. Read the rest of this entry »

The Network Setup Wizard

Use the Network Setup Wizard to register you computer on a network. Before you proceed with the Wizard, decide on a Workgroup name—it should be a name that describes your area, your housing society, or the department in which you work. Decide on a computer name as well. The Wizard now guides you through the process. Read the rest of this entry »

Administrative Tools

Most options available here are designed for power users—those who know to work with such things as services and event loggers. But Computer Management is a very useful tool that anyone can make use of. Read the rest of this entry »

The Control Panel has always been the most interesting place to go on a Windows machine. In Windows XP, it has undergone some cosmetic changes, but all the options that Windows users are familiar with are still there. If you are not comfortable with the Category View as they call it, switch to Classic View. Read the rest of this entry »

Optical Device Drives (ODD), commonly called CD/DVD drives, are well backed by Windows XP’s driver database. You shouldn’t find any difficulty in installing a drive. If you do encounter some sort of problem, you’ve either done something wrong or the device is faulty. Read the rest of this entry »

A printer can be connected to your PC via the LPT port (using a Parallel cable) or through USB (using a USB cable). If you are connecting the printer for the first time, Windows XP will auto-detect the new hardware. If it has recognized the device and has the drivers for it, it will do what’s required all by itself. This is normally the case with a local printer. Read the rest of this entry »

It is very easy to search for files and folders in Windows XP—you get a host of options that you can specify, thus speeding up your search. Press [Windows] + [F] to open the search window. Alternatively, you can open it by clicking Start > Search. Look to the left hand side: you will notice that the Companion offers to filter your search by choosing one of several options: Read the rest of this entry »