I have recently learnt how to install programmes onto my computer. This means I no longer have to keep asking my son to install every CD-ROM I’ve bought when he’s visiting us. As per usual I’m going to post my findings and maybe save your son some trouble too.

Take the CD-ROM out of its case by pressing onto the plastic bit in the middle. Then you must hold the CD-ROM like this:

It’s better not to touch either face of the CD-ROM, but if you are forced to then opt for the shiny mirror side because touching the side the writing on it could result in destroying it.

When you put the CD-ROM into the computer and close the tray by pressing the button underneath (DO NOT push the tray in) you will get this on your wallpaper:

Choose English and press OK. Then your screen will turn blue and black but don’t panic because this is supposed to happen. You might be hearing some unusual noises coming from your computer as well, this is normal too. The next screen to come up will look like this:

Make sure you read everything that is written down on the screen before you press Next. The word recommended does not mean you don’t have to do something either, in computer lingo recommended means you MUST do it. For example in the screen above it says “It is recommended that you close all other applications before starting Setup.” This means that you must stop what you are doing and concentrate on the screen. When you are ready press next and you will come to:

This is a contract between you and the CD-ROM that you must agree to. Just because it’s on a computer doesn’t mean its right, if you find yourself disagreeing with something in the contract after reading it through then you can always cancel by pressing Back. If you do agree with the contract then click “I Agree” and you’ll get this:

So we have a choice here, but the first option has ‘recommended’ written after it. Again this is something that you have to do, the other choice is in grey meaning you can’t have it. So just press Next in order to get to the next screen:

This is the most confusing screen of the whole installation process. Although my son had taught me well I still spent over two hours trying to decide what to do here. I was tempted to click Next but then I saw the instruction that said “click Install to continue”. I looked for an install button with my wife but we couldn’t find one. I decided to click Next since I had a feeling about it and luckily I made the right decision. Using computers takes a lot of bravery sometimes. The next screen you’ll see is this:

Now you can press Install and you’re done! A little bar will show up and tell you how close you are to finishing, until you are finished. The help file will automatically come up so you can work out how to start the CD-ROM you’ve bought. Depending on your CD-ROM of choice you may be able to run the CD-ROM without putting the disk in after you’ve installed it but with others that isn’t the case. Happy installing!

You have probably heard about computer games being played by children on the television using play stations like the Xbox or the Wee, but it is also well known that you can play games on your computer. I did not realise that there were games that came free with my computer for years and was amazed by my findings. Here’s my guide to some games you might want to check out, and some you might want to stay away from!

Solitaire

This is a game that comes free with your computer. You can find it by clicking Start, going to All Programs, then going to Accessories and then clicking on Solitaire. Basically Solitaire is the computer version of Patience. You click and drag the cards on the screen and put them in the right order so you can win. Don’t panic if the cards suddenly jump around when you win, this is supposed to happen. There is also a game called Spider Solitaire but I have no idea what it is or how it works.

Minesweeper

This game can be found in the same place as Solitaire. When you click a square you either get a number or some red stars, the higher the number the better. A red star means you have lost and have to start again. It reminds me of Operation but it is less engaging and I think it must be for very young children.

Earthworm Jim

You can find this game on your desktop wallpaper. This is a pretty violent but cartoony game about a pink thing in an astronaut suit having adventures. It’s got some pretty tricky controls since you have to use the keyboard instead of the mouse for some reason. I enjoyed it for what it was.

Virtual Safari

This is a game I got free with Computer Help magazine so you may not have it, if you see it in GAME (game shop) then pick it up because it’s brilliant. You walk round a 3-D version of Africa, sometimes driving a jeep, in order to take pictures of computer graphic animals that roam around with you. It’s a good game if you have children too because it tells you facts about the animals you are seeing on screen.

Hope you can check these games out sometime but don’t spend hours and hours playing them. A little bit of an escape into a virtual world is healthy once in a while, but too much can be harmful!

Today I’m going to give you tips on poster design. Posters are a good way of displaying information in a way that is pleasing to the eye. So here are my tips on how to create a good poster.

1. Use bold text
Usually when we see bold text, we know that it says something important. I always use bold text throughout the whole poster to ensure everything is read.

2. USE CAPS LOCK FOR EVERYTHING.
Caps lock makes text stand out more, type everything in caps lock.

3. Explain every piece of information as thoroughly as you think you possibly can.
It will make it easier for people to understand what your poster is about if you type as much information as possible.

4. Use clip art
Pictures lighten the mood and grab the readers attention. Microsoft word is stuffed full of exciting clip art pictures.

Here’s an example of a good poster design I have made.

I have seen a recent craze all over the internet, everyone is using this moving pictures in forums on websites and blogs. If you want to learn how to make a fun Blingee I can show you how.

Step 1
First type www.blingee.com into Google. Click on the first result in Google.

Step 2
Click the big button that says “Make a Blingee now!” it will take you to the next page where you can upload your own photo. Click on “Browse” and select your photo. I chose a picture of my cat Prince, just for fun.

Step 3
On the next page you can add stamps to your blingee to make it as personal as you like. My cat is called Prince, so I gave him a crown.

Step 4
Press save and you will be given code to use your blingy. Unfortunately if you print a blingy it will no longer move. I hope this has been a helpful but fun tutorial for you.

Heres a couple of blingees I have made.

Your Blingees.

If you have made a Blingee that you want us to see, send it in a comment and I will add it here.

One of the reasons I bought a computer was that I could make my letter writing not only easier but also more exciting. One of the ways I do this is by using the latest version of Microsoft Word (2003) to make letterheads for my professional writing. Let’s start with the basic letterhead:

This letterhead is very dull and won’t get you much attention. You have hardware in front you that can do very exciting things, so let’s start with some WordART. Let’s say you want to make your name stand out at the top of the letter by using WordART. First, click on the button for WordART:

A menu will then then appear, giving you a number of amazing optinions for your how to write your name. Some of them are even 3D!

WordART, as you can tell, has the potentinal to add a number of factors to your letter. It could be that you want to adopt a more lighthearted look with cartoon letters but it also could be that you wish to add some elegance and professionalism with shadowed letters. Choose a style for your name.

It’s already looking great, but why stop there? Highlight the rest of the text (click and drag) and then choose a great font. A font is just the technobabble term for a lettering style. The font menu is located at the top of Microsoft Word and is usually set on Times New Roman, the boring default font. Change it up! I reccomend Comic Sans MS which is able to look good in all situations.

That’s better! An exciting and fresh way to start your letter off while making an excellent impression on whoever the letter is for. People respect the fact that you take the time to utilise your Microsoft Word, and are even impressed that you can do it so well!