When I attempt to delete a Word document on the computer (usually by right-clicking on the file and selecting “Delete”) the file does not delete, rather another copy of the file is made. I finish up with dozens of copies of documents that I have tried to delete. What am I doing wrong? (more…)

My laptop computer running Windows Vista Home Premium is unable to automatically or manually check for Windows Vista and Windows Defender updates. I have tried following the various troubleshooting code directions and instructions but nothing appears to work. On a different matter, I have been trying to setup an HP wireless printer to my home ADSL2+ network but without success. Do you have any advice for these two matters? (more…)

If you are tired of doing a repetitive operation on your Mac computer you should look at a (relatively) hidden utility called Automator, which is installed by default in Mac OS X. Automator allows you to create a workflow of steps to be completed in order and it will perform these steps when executed. This allows you to automate a relatively mechanical task on the computer, such as batch copying files for backup. Additionally, quite a few applications have Automator actions allowing integration with those applications. If you have trouble finding Automator, the icon for this utility is a cool looking robot and can be found in the “Applications” folder.

The Canon MP160 printer connected via USB to my Windows XP computer has recently started to malfunction. Instead of printing an entire page, it prints a few lines on one page, then a few more on the next page, and so on. This can usually be fixed by deleting and then reinstalling the printer, however when I attempt to print a second document it returns to the unusual behaviour. I attempted to diagnose the problem, thinking that it was trigged when printing a web page or PDF file, but it even occurs when printing a Word document. Do you have any suggestions for how this problem could be fixed? (more…)

I am considering purchasing a small laptop computer for travel, which I would use to access the internet and also do word processing. However, I would want to keep this laptop in sync with my desktop computer (so I can sync my desktop to laptop before travelling, and then sync the laptop to the desktop upon returning). I don’t need to update the various settings and configurations, just the files. Is there any software readily available, paid or free, to keep the computers in sync? (more…)