How do I..?

How do I change the default program in Windows

Margot

Good question. Windows 10 will automatically assign a default app (application or program) to open a particular type of file. It is possible to change this. In this example we shall change the default setting for an Open Document spreadsheet to be opened in Open Office instead of Microsoft Excel.

First, open File Explorer to find the file you wish to open.

Right Click on the file name and then select “Open with” from the drop-down menu

Another dialog box is displayed showing the apps that can open this kind of file.

If this is a one-off change and the app is listed, then select the app from the list. Your file will now be opened in your selected app.

However, if this is a permanent change (or your app is not displayed), then select Choose another app

The “Choose another app” dialog box will open.

If the app you always wish to use with this file is shown then

  1. Tick the Always Use this app box.
  2. Select the app from the list
  3. Then click OK.

Your new preferred app will be saved and will now open your file.

What if your preferred app is not displayed?

Click on More Apps

And more apps will be displayed

 

 

Run Windows 10 Security Scan

Margot

 

  1. Open Windows Security

Begin typing Windows Security into the search box.

Open the Windows Security App

  1. Select Virus and Treat Protection, then select Scan options

  1. Run Full Scan and Offline Scan

There are two scans which are recommended, Full Scan and Microsoft Offline Scan, which have to be done one at a time.

This will take some time to complete.

Select one of the Scans and click Scan Now.

When this is run, run the second scan

A quick guide to Remote Assistance on Windows 10

Margot

Margot’s IT Support can offer remote support using the Zoho plugin. This is a small piece of software that is installed on your PC or laptop. Theses instructions are for users with Windows 10.

What is remote support?

Remote support software enables a software engineer to access your computer remotely over the internet, thus cutting out household visits. Margot’s IT Support uses the Zoho support assistant plugin which needs to be installed on your PC. At any point in the support session, you can terminate the connection. It can seem a little weird at first, when it seems that an invisible hand is typing on your keyboard or controlling your mouse.

What is involved

Before you install the plugin, watch the YouTube videos listed below.

  1. Download and install the Zoho plugin – https://assist.zoho.com/install-customer-plugin
  2. Contact Margot’s IT Support when installed to arrange a suitable time for a support session.
  3. You will receive an email with a 9 digit session ID.
  4. We will talk to you ever the phone or via a Zoom call during the support session.
  5. Start the Zoho Assist plugin that you have installed and enter the session ID.
  6. At the end of the session, you can stop the connection.
  7. At no point will we ask for any bank details or credit card details.
  8. Any payment can be made via PayPal after the support session following the link on the invoice.

Useful videos

Installing the plugin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4GPzz2iImM&t=75s

Requesting a support session

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5SU5Jozuv8

Remote help using Zoho Assist

Margot

Margot’s IT Support offers remote assistance using ZoHo Assist, so no visit is necessary. All you have to do is go to https://join.zoho.com and enter the session number you have been sent.

When you do this, you will be asked to download the software for the remote session (this will be removed at the end of the session). You can terminate the session at any time.

Requirements

A working internet connection

A PC or laptop running Windows (preferably Windows 10, but older versions of Windows are supported) or Mac OS (10.9 or later).

How does it work?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTINMx1-YVg

Have a Mac? (380) How to Join a Remote Session using Zoho Assist (macOS) – YouTube

When you arrange a Remote Support session with Margot’s IT Support, you will be given a 9 digit session number (normally this will be sent in an email or by a text message). The session is usually arranged over the phone.

When you have this number, open your browser and go to https://join.zoho.com

Enter the session number and your name, and click JOIN SESSION

The next screen asks you to download the ZoHo Assist software so you can join the session.

Click on “Download”.

Click Keep (or Save, depending on your browser)

When the software is downloaded, double click on ZA_Connect.exe

When you do this, Windows Security will ask if you really want to install this software

Select YES

Next, if you are using Windows 10, this screen may be displayed. This is a security check from Microsoft so you are in control of the software installed on your computer.

Click on Install anyway

The ZoHo Assist app will now install.

Almost there, you session will be started

And the ZoHo Assist box will appear in the bottom right hand corner of your screen

Your remote support session is now running.

If you wish to close the session click on the x on the control box

How do I find my Google Passwords

Margot

If you use Google Chrome as your browser, the chances are that you allow Chrome to save your passwords – or some of them.

Like everything to do with convenience, there are some downsides. If your machine, or your Google account is hacked, someone else could have access to your passwords.

These are a few instructions for finding out which passwords are stored, and how you can remove stored passwords.

 

How to get a list of stored passwords

 

Then click on Passwords

A list of stored passwords will be displayed.

From here, you will be able to view saved passwords, export a password list or check for security breaches.

View Passwords

To view a specific password: Click on the .

Check for Data Breaches

Click on to see where likely data breaches have occurred.

Export the password list

Click on the more dots

Click on Export passwords, then save the file.

The data is saved as a CSV file, which can be opened in Excel, Google Sheets or Libre Office Calc (or similar app).

Removing a stored password

Click on the three dots, then select remove. The details will be removed from your Google profile

 

How do I change the default font in Libre Office?

Margot

Libre Office: Changing the default font

The default font for Libre Office is set to Liberation Serif, which is not to everyone’s taste.

 

If you want to change the default font, select Tools from the menu bar.

Then select Options from the drop-down list

The Options dialog box will open.

The default font is set under Libre Office Writer/Basic Fonts (Western)

Change the default font to the font of your choice, then click OK

The default font has now been changed.

How do I test my microphone in Windows 10?

Margot

If you are having problems with your microphone, you can test it via the Sound Settings Page

To do this, enter “Sound” into the search bar (next to Start)

As you type, you will see the search results.

Select Sound Settings

The Sound Settings page will be displayed.

The top part is Output to the speakers

The bottom part is Input (microphone)

Check that a microphone is listed. If a microphone is listed, then try speaking. You should see the microphone sound bar move. If it moves, then all is well, and you microphone should be working.

If it does not move, check that the microphone is not muted.

If no microphone is listed, it could be that you microphone has been disabled. Click on “Manage Sound Devices” and check that your microphone is not disabled.

More Links

https://support.microsoft.com/en-ph/help/4027981/windows-10-how-to-set-up-and-test-microphones

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/i-need-my-microphone-to-be-installed-on-windows-10/25096163-5e8b-4d6a-9067-17bc92e738ad

 

iPad for newbies

Margot

So, you have a new iPad, perhaps it is a gift. And now, you are wondering just what you are supposed to do with it.

Here are some videos which may help you to get started.

First of all, not sure how to turn it on, or how to control the volume? Then this video is for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQdC_hHlS7k&list=PLF61ED46632342CFF

iPad Tutorial

Tutorial 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLzCXB-BD9g

Tutorial 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EjA6tZgSTs

Tutorial 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfqJ955s1XM

Tutorial 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0ozI9xEA1I

 

 

Andoid Phone or iPhone for newbies

Margot

OK, so have an Android phone, or an iPhone but you are not sure how to use it. Or you need to set up WiFi, and no-one showed you how to do this in the shop. Maybe you have had a phone for years that only did text and phone calls, but now you have upgraded and it is all different. Don’t worry, you are not alone. Everyone has to start somewhere, and it will take time and practice to get to grips with the new technology.

So here are a carefully curated set of links for novices. These will open in YouTube, because it is better to see someone using the phone. If a picture is worth 1,000 words, then a video is worth at least 10,000.

Android Phone (anything but an iPhone)

ConsumerCellular have a collection of videos which can be viewed online. The videos support a wide range of Android phones, so are a useful resource. These videos begin at the beginning, how to turn the phone on, set up the phone, connect to Wi-Fi etc.

https://www.consumercellular.com/Help/videos-and-manuals

If you do not see your phone, don’t worry. What changes are the buttons and the camera, the basic screen stays the same. Look for a phone which seems similar to your phone. The topics that are covered are:

  • Overview and Tour – The outside of the phone, how to charge it and turn it on
  • Getting Started
  • Making and receiving calls
  • Sending texts
  • Using email and the internet
  • Using the camera
  • Inserting and removing the Sim card, battery and SD card
  • Voicemail

There are some other videos which apply to all phones, such as managing Wi-Fi settings or Managing Apps. So is three is something not listed for your particular phone, try looking at the videos for another phone. The Samsung Galaxy J3 has a large number of videos and can be found here: https://www.consumercellular.com/samsungGalaxyJ32016

iPhone

If you are struggling with an iPhone or an iPad (or you have a relative who is struggling) these videos may be useful

The outside of the iPhone (ports, switches etc) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv5fc7Nq5eQ

This is useful for someone who has an iPad or an iPhone: https://youtu.be/pQnmIjsmx9M

And this is an introduction to the iPad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXBwDa1ohck