Many Excel spreadsheets have the first row as a heading row, containing the headings for the various columns in the spreadsheet. When the spreadsheet is printed, often the heading row is only printed on the first page. So, when reading the second, third, fourth, etc. pages of the printout, reference is often made back to the first page to determine the heading of a particular column. However, Excel has the feature to repeat a specified row(s) at the top of each printed page. Go to the ‘File’ menu > ‘Page Setup’. In the window that appears, click the ‘Sheet’ tab. The setting ‘Rows to repeat at top’ allows you to specify the rows to repeat at the top of each page. Click the button next to the input text area for this setting to allow easy selection of the rows to repeat. There is also the option to repeat specified column(s) at the left of each printed page. (more…)

Whenever my son starts his computer, a message appears that no mouse is attached. I have attached the mouse to another computer, and the mouse works. I also attached the mouse from my computer, and it does not work. It seems the fault is not with the mouse itself, but with the computer. The machine is running Windows 98 SE. (more…)

Recently a program was installed called SpySheriff, a supposed anti-spyware program. Our desktop background changed from our picture to a message stating that our computer had a severe lack of virus and spyware protection. However, the computer has both PC-Cillin Internet Security 2005 and Ad-Aware SE Personal installed. The program pops up whenever Windows starts, notifying that several files need to be quarantined. However, this cannot be done without an activation code from the website. Having deleted this program numerous times, it continues to appear when Windows starts, and the desktop background cannot be changed as the ‘Background’ setting in the Display control panel is disabled. The program has since stopped running on startup, but the desktop background still cannot be changed. A second problem is all programs have the overwrite function, triggered by pressing the Insert (INS) key. I bump it sometimes when I press Backspace, as my keyboard has no gap between the two keys, and without noticing I type over half my writing! This problem occurs in Word, Excel, and even Outlook Express! How can I get rid of this feature from all programs that use it? The computer is running Windows XP Professional SP2. (more…)

My computer is running Windows XP with Service Pack 2. The computer is connected to the internet via broadband, so I have enabled the Windows Firewall and also have McAfee Antivirus installed. I am concerned whether the Windows XP Firewall offers enough protection, or whether I should also install some other firewall software? (more…)

Microsoft recently launched Visual Studio 2005, a suite of powerful tools for the development of applications. As an added bonus, Microsoft has released ‘express’ editions of Visual Studio, such as Visual Basic 2005 Express Edition and Visual C++ Express Edition. These express editions are free for download for one year (starting 7th November 2005) allowing hobbyists and novice developers to try out these products and get into programming. You can download Visual Studio Express from msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express. For more information on the product, have a look at the FAQ available at msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/support/faq/default.aspx. (more…)