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Opening an MSWord Newsletter with the MSWorks Word Processor

     Bonnie Cook called to say she couldn't open a newsletter attached to an email she received. Well, Bonnie has MSWorks and the newsletter was an MSWord document. I explained that it could be opened if Bonnie first opened her MSWorks word processor, clicked on File>Open and chose Microsoft Word from the "Files of Type" list at the bottom of the page.

      The "Files of Type" menu makes most otherwise incompatible word processing programs work with each other. However, downloading the free "MSWord Reader" from Microsoft.com would make it even easier for Bonnie to read MSWord-prepared newsletters.

      Better yet, before emailing a newsletter prepared with MSWord, saving it as a Rich Text Format (RTF) file instead of a DOC (document) file under "Save As Type" will make it compatible with other word processors, including WordPerfect, Wordpad, and OpenOffice.

      Regarding newsletters in general, unless they contain special formatting (bulleted lists, pictures, multiple columns, etc.) it's usually more practical to send them as regular email.

Inserting a Signature into an Email

      Also regarding email, I've received a number of questions about putting one's signature into an outgoing message. Well, a word about email "signatures" might be helpful here. Unlike one's traditional "John Hancock" flourish, an email's "signature" is usually just a closing phrase, such as "Yours very truly," along with one's name, address, and phone, etc.

      Such a "signature" is created in Outlook Express or Windows Live Mail by clicking Tools>Options>Signatures>New Signature, whereupon you are invited to type in your "#1 Default Signature." Additional Signatures can be created, as well.

      To place one of your Signatures in Outlook Express, create a blank message, type in some body text, and click Insert>Signature.

      If you would like to insert a copy of your actual handwritten signature, you can write it on paper, scan it, and save it as a "GIF" or "JPG" file, which can then be placed into a message with the Insert>Picture command in Outlook Express and Windows Live Mail. Also, be sure to click on Format>Send Picture with Mail. Other email programs have similar "Signature" and "Insert Picture" options.

Taking a Snapshot of a List of Files in a Folder

      Paul Gonzales called to ask how to take a "snapshot" of a list of files in a folder. I asked Paul if he could see the whole list on his screen. When he said yes I told him to press his PrtScr (print screen) key. Then I said to click on Start>Run and to type PBRUSH into the Run box, followed by clicking OK. This launched Windows Paint (a painting program that comes with Windows). Finally, I said to click File>Save As and to save the image as a JPG or GIF file.

      I also told Paul of an alternative method of capturing a list of file names — download a free program called Directory Printer from KarenWare.com. Karen Kenworthy has several useful and totally free programs on her site.

Free PDF Programs

      Paul also asked if there's a free program that converts a word processing document into PDF.

     Well, there are several, including OpenOffice's word processor, Google Docs, and PrimoPDF.

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Computer Tutor Don Columns Appear in The Californian & San Diego's North County Times

Computer Tutor Don Columns Appear in
The Californian & San Diego's North County Times