CompuQuickTips
Volume 9 # 1 April 2003
Editor Cindy L. O'Neal
(901) 753-6990
CompuQuickTips
is now officially into
its 9th year of publication!
Gads!
There's a lot of good stuff
in those past issues.
http://compuquicktips.com
is where you can browse
the last several years
in the comfort of your own
computer screen.
Each issue since 1999
has been lovingly indexed
to help you find exactly what
you need. I also have a special
search engine on the web
that will search pdf files.
Tell your friends.
Use it and ENJOY!
In This Issue...
Creating Web Pages with Netscape Composer ... 1
Sending Web Files with FTP ......................... 3
Tiny Treasures .. Revelation ......................... 4
Old Time Radio ......................................... 4
Mrs. Wizard Quick Tips ............................... 5
Continued on page 2
Creating Web Pages...
For the Rest of Us
Mrs. Wizard's
Mrs. Wizard's
Mrs. Wizard's
Mrs. Wizard's
Mrs. Wizard's
with Netscape Composer
While I haven't been a huge Netscape fan for a few years now, I must say the
newest version is quickly gaining my respect. As a web designer and graphic artist, I
always check my web pages in several different browsers to make sure they look as
good as possible for everyone who visits a web site I have designed. This is the main
reason I always have the latest version of Netscape installed. The newest version has
finally caught up with Internet Explorer in handling complex websites created with
Dreamweaver and even Microsoft's FrontPage.
Netscape isn't just a browser. It also has a very good "what you see is what you
get" web page editor built right in. It's called Composer . It is FREE, but you need to
download the entire Netscape package in order to use it. Installing Netscape will not
interfere with your normal use of Internet Explorer. If you are serious about web
design, you need to have (and use) more than one browser anyhow. Composer is an
added benefit.
Installing Netscape ...
Installing Netscape ...
Installing Netscape ...
Installing Netscape ...
Installing Netscape ... When you install Netscape, a few extra shortcuts may be
added to your desktop. These are perfectly safe to delete . The only thing you need to
be concerned about is the new Program Group when you click Start and go to your
Programs area. Click the Netscape 7.0 folder to see the contents, then move your
mouse over to the nice little Composer shortcut and click to begin your journey into
creating a real web page.
Composer is NOT a word processor. It may slightly resemble one, but it is designed
to help you create web pages, even entire web sites, while forcing you to obey certain
"web page rules." While you type, insert images and fancy backgrounds, Composer
will be busy creating the proper html code for the page. When you are finished, and
followed the rules , all you will need to worry about is getting those pages and images
up on a bit of web server space so everyone can view your handiwork.
One of the most important things you can do when creating a web page or site is
Organize your stuff. Create a special folder for your web and gather any graphics you
intend to use in that folder. All files having to do with your web page need to be in the
same place. This will make it much easier should you decide to send them up to a
web server for Internet viewing.
The First File ...
The First File ...
The First File ...
The First File ...
The First File ... Once you have Composer open, a new (blank) page will be the
first thing you see. It is a good idea to always save the first page of any web with the
name index.html . If you send your pages up to a server, you will only need to type in
the main URL. For example, if you were to type http://mrswizard.com in your browser
address box, you would automatically be taken to the page named index.html . There
is no need to type http://mrswizard.com/index.html. Since you can create links to
other pages and websites on your web pages, it just makes sense to have one main
page, with all other pages leading from it. Think of it as the center of your web.
Decide on a Background ...
Decide on a Background ...
Decide on a Background ...
Decide on a Background ...
Decide on a Background ... Click the word Format at the top of the Composer
window. Then click the words Page Colors and Background . This is where you
begin to make the decisions that will affect the overall appearance of your web page.
CompuQuickTips April 2003
Volume 9 # 1 page 2
Continued from page 1
Creating Web Pages with Netscape Composer...
If only
life could be
like a computer?
Hit "any key"
to continue life
when ready.
http://wp.netscape.com/download/full_install.html
To Download Netscape, click this link, follow the instructions and have fun!
Choose the text color, link colors and background color.
Click the Choose File button if you prefer to use a graphic
for your background. Navigate to the web folder you
created and select your background image. Remember ...
Any image used as a background image will be tiled . Make
sure the image you choose is suitable.
The T
The T
The T
The T
The Tools ...
ools ...
ools ...
ools ...
ools ... Spend some time moving your mouse over
the various tools and options at the top of the main
Composer window. A little popup will appear describing
each. Click the little arrow to the right of the Body Text box.
These are pre-set paragraph formatting items, and can
really come in handy when you want to have a consistent
look to your pages. You will also notice a nice little spell
checker in the top row of tool buttons.
Text ...
Text ...
Text ...
Text ...
Text ... To begin, just click at the top of the page so you
see a blinking cursor. Click the word Format at the top of
the window if you want to choose a special color or size for
your text. Once the choice is made, begin typing. Your text
will automatically wrap , so there is no need to hit the Enter
key on the keyboard to drop down a line. In fact, here's
where Composer draws the line separating it from a
common word processor. When you are entering text in a
web editor, paragraphs are not indented. Everything is
lined up on the left (unless you choose to center or right
align), and every paragraph is separated by two blank lines.
When you hit the Enter key on your keyboard, a new
paragraph is begun.
You can copy text from any source and paste it right
into your web page. If you want to change the font or color,
highlight what you want to adjust and click the Format
menu again to make your choices. Once anything is
highlighted, it is at your mercy.
Inserting Images ...
Inserting Images ...
Inserting Images ...
Inserting Images ...
Inserting Images ... Make sure any images you want to
use are already prepared (and in your web folder). This is
not the place to resize or tweak and tune photos or clipart.
To insert an image, make sure the blinking cursor is
where you want it, then click the word Insert , then Image .
You can also click the little Image button on the Toolbar.
When the Image Properties box appears, click the Choose
File button and select your image. Place a check mark in
the URL is relative to page location box so the image will
In the next issue ...
In the next issue ...
In the next issue ...
In the next issue ...
In the next issue ... On to Page 2! Learn to use
Tables to help with pesky layout problems. And we will
delve a little into what goes on behind the scenes... The
CODE!
Visit http://mrswizard.com/composer
http://mrswizard.com/composer
http://mrswizard.com/composer
http://mrswizard.com/composer
http://mrswizard.com/composer to see this
article (and more) as a web page, done entirely with
Composer . There is a lot more room on the web page
and I was able to show more details and images. ENJOY!
appear correctly on the page.
The Appearance tab is where you can set text
wrapping properties for the image. Make the text flow to
the left or right of the image. Use the spacing area to set
the text a little more apart from the image.
The Link tab is handy if you want someone to be
able to click the image and go to another web page or
web site. If you want the link to be to another web site,
be sure to type the full URL (http://mrswizard.com). If it
is going to another page in the same web, be sure to
check the URL is relative to page location box.
Volume 9 # 1 page 3
CompuQuickTips April 2003
If only
life could be
like a computer?
To improve your
appearance just
adjust the
display settings.
Sending Web Files with FTP ...
FTP Explorer
http://www.ftpx.com
Share your pages with the planet by sending them to a server so anyone can see them with a web browser. If you
have organized your pages properly and kept all related files in a special folder, you should have no problems once the
contents of your folder are sent up (uploaded) to your web host server.
A web server is simply a computer somewhere (could be anywhere) that is set up in a special way so it can host web
sites or pages. When someone refers to a web host , they could be referring to a company or an individual who "rents"
space on a server computer (or a building full of computers) for a fee each month. If you don't mind advertising
banners (ugh) on your web, there are several "free" hosting services available. You may even qualify for server space
and hosting with your Internet Service Provider. It is certainly worth checking into.
Prices will vary depending on the amount of space you need and the level of support you require. A server or web
hosting company can be anywhere in the world. Mrs. Wizard manages her webs on a server in England. Working from
her office in Tennessee, she can update any of the webs she is working with in minutes. Now that's a perfect example of
the global nature of the Internet! If you would like to know more about her web design and hosting hat, visit
http://design.mrswizard.com/design.html .
FTP Explorer
FTP Explorer
FTP Explorer
FTP Explorer
FTP Explorer is a FREEWARE program that allows you to send your files to a remote server with the ease of
dragging and dropping. It also qualifies as a Tiny Treasure , so you are getting a "Two Fer" this month. It is a tiny
download and won't gum up the rest of your computer when you install and use it.
Server Information ...
Server Information ...
Server Information ...
Server Information ...
Server Information ... The most important
information you need to make any ftp program
work is the Server information. This is the
information that sets the ftp program up so it
will send your files to their proper folder in
cyberspace. You need a host address , a login
name or user id and a password . If all that
information is correct, you should be able to
connect to your server fine. Once there, you
may have a certain folder you should use. Your
host folks would let you know about that. In
some instances (depends on the host), logging
in to your ftp host takes you straight to the area
you need to send your files to. You can organize your web just about any way you want. Sometimes I like to have a
special folder just for images that belong with a certain web. All other files would be outside the images folder, or the
root folder of the main web.
FTP Explorer is very easy to use. When you start the program, a connection window will appear. Enter the server
information and hit the Save button. Each time you open the program,
you can click your connection name and hit the Connect button. The next
window you will see will be your server folder area.
Open the folder on your computer where you have your web pages
stored in a separate window and drag the contents to the right pane of your
FTP Explorer window. You will see a separate little popup window appear
letting you know your files are being sent. It will disappear when they have
reached their destination. When you have all your files sent up, you should
be able to go to your web browser and type in your http://www. address and
see your handiwork.
As long as you have the exact host information, decent file management
skills and the ability to drag files from one window to another, it really is that
EASY! Of course having Mrs. Wizard around is a definite advantage too!
Volume 9 # 1 page 4
CompuQuickTips April 2003
Tiny Treasures ...
If only
life could be
like a computer?
Don't like
cleaning the
litterbox?
Click Delete!
Old Time Radio ...
Revelation
All of you who have spent any time in the Tiny
Treasures area of mrswizard.com know about a little
freeware program named Revealer that would expose
forgotten passwords with the ease of passing a mouse
pointer over the little *'s (stars or dots). Unfortunately it
only works with Windows 98 computers. Once Windows
ME and XP came along, we were left out in the cold.
Revelation is here to help with our newer computers.
It isn't going to expose any and all passwords, but if you
can see the little stars, chances are it can help. Just open
Revelation and drag the little crosshair over the stars or
dots. Your password will appear in the text area of the
Revelation window.
I'm not suggesting using this as a hacker program. It
isn't that fancy, nor was it ever intended for that kind of
use. Revelation is certainly no substitute for storing your
sensitive information in a safe place for backup purposes.
It did great work for me though in one of my ftp programs when I needed the password for an old web. I couldn't find
it anywhere, and you know that is when you usually need something the most. The password was stored in the
program behind those cute little stars. Not much good until I used Revelation on it. Now all is right with the world
and I have it safely recorded somewhere else for future use. Whew!
http://www.snadboy.com/index.html
http://www.live365.com
This is truly the most fun you can have with a computer and a high speed connection!
Some of my earliest and fondest memories have been sparked and fanned, leaving the most
wonderful glow when I listen to these oldies but goodies. I'm talking about when Radio was the only
cheap source of entertainment. We couldn't afford to go to the movies, but we could listen to programs
like Jack Benny , Fibber McGee and Molly , and Our Miss Brooks and all would be right with the world.
Those were the days when humor wasn't dirty. The Shadow made it tough for me to get to sleep some
nights. I couldn't wait to hear what was going to happen next.
If you are old enough to know what I am talking about, you are probably on your way to
live365.com now, looking forwarding to reclaiming that wonderfuly innocent time.
If you don't have a clue, you need to check it out. Do a search for "Old Time Radio" and let the healing begin!
You will need to register and download a special player. There is a lot for free available (if you don't mind a little
advertising), but if you REALLY fall in love and want MORE, it only costs $4.95 a month. You will be amazed at how
much more you will want to do on the computer when you can have something this neat playing in the background.
D:\PMaker\Newsle
tter\2003\april0
3.p65
Volume 9 # 1 page 5
CompuQuickTips April 2003
QuickTips ...
If only
life could be
like a computer?
To feel like
a new person,
click "refresh."
Full Screen V
Full Screen V
Full Screen V
Full Screen V
Full Screen View ...
iew ...
iew ...
iew ...
iew ... Click the word View , then Full Screen
when you want to work free from distractions with
Word, Excel and Internet Explorer. Unfortunately, the
menu bar and toolbars, including the title bar are
hidden. It isn't the same as maximizing a window.
To return your window to normal, press ALT+V to make
the View menu appear. Then you can click Full
Screen again and all will be back to normal.
Compressing Folders ...
Compressing Folders ...
Compressing Folders ...
Compressing Folders ...
Compressing Folders ... If you are using Windows 2000 or
XP, you can compress files and folders to save space on
your hard drive IF you are using the NTFS file format.
Right click My Computer and choose Explore .
Navigate to the folder you want to compress, right click
on it and choose Properties . Click the General tab at
the top. Click the Advanced button and put a check
mark next to Compress contents to save disk space .
Click OK , then click OK again to close the Properties
window. The last window you will see will give you a
choice to compress all the subfolders or not. Make your
choice and click OK once more. After a few minutes
(more if it is a large folder) the process will be complete
and you will have saved some serious space!
NOTE: If you don't see the Advanced tab, your system
is not using NTFS. The option to compress folders will
not be available.
Word Keyboard Date & Time ...
Word Keyboard Date & Time ...
Word Keyboard Date & Time ...
Word Keyboard Date & Time ...
Word Keyboard Date & Time ... To quickly insert the
current date into any Word document, press
ALT+SHIFT+D . To insert the current time, press
ALT+SHIFT+T .
Password List ...
Password List ...
Password List ...
Password List ...
Password List ... Make sure you have a list of all your
passwords and other sensitive information and store it
in a secure place. Keep it up to date and make sure a
copy is stored away from your computer, on a floppy
disk or even on another computer. Print it if you wish.
If your hard drive crashes, you won't have to start from
scratch. You might even want to let someone you trust
know about this file for extra peace of mind. AZZ
Cardfile is my personal favorite. You can find it in the
Tiny Treasures area of http://mrswizard.com .
Software Registration Keys ...
Software Registration Keys ...
Software Registration Keys ...
Software Registration Keys ...
Software Registration Keys ... Most people don't think of
registration information when it comes to backing up,
but if your computer goes Kaput , installing your
software again could be interesting without your
registration information. Store all your software CDs
together for easy access in an emergency. Include all
your registration information (serial numbers,
registration keys) on your Password List. Someday you
may be glad you did!
Set All Folder Views Alike ...
Set All Folder Views Alike ...
Set All Folder Views Alike ...
Set All Folder Views Alike ...
Set All Folder Views Alike ... If you would like to see all
the nitty gritty details of your folder contents, nice and
lined up, in alphabetical order or any other order you
want, click the word View at the top of any
folder window. Then click Details . There is
also a nice little Views button in the Toolbar
that will give you handy dandy access to viewing
choices. Windows XP tries to anticipate your viewing
needs, and makes choices as handy as possible. If you
prefer a bit more viewing control every time you open a
folder, you can choose your favorite setting for all
folders. The next time you open any folder, click the
word Tools , then Folder Options . Click the View tab
and you will see a button toward the top where you
can set all the folders the same. There is also a setting
on the list below where you can have each folder's
individual view settings remembered every time. This
can come in handy for folders with graphic content.
You can set those to thumbnail views for convenience.
Open your graphic folders ... instant Thumbnails!
Alphabetize your Start Menu ...
Alphabetize your Start Menu ...
Alphabetize your Start Menu ...
Alphabetize your Start Menu ...
Alphabetize your Start Menu ... Don't you hate how XP
lists all the newer programs at the end of the line? Fix
it by right clicking anywhere in the Program Files list
and choosing Sort by Name . You will find it at the
bottom, just above Properties .
All rights reserved
All rights reserved
All rights reserved
All rights reserved
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise
indicated, articles may be reprinted in
nonprofit publications without express
permission, subject to the following
conditions. Full acknowledgment must be
given to The O'Neal Solution and the
author. The article must be reproduced in
its entirety, without editorial changes,
deletions or additions. The information
contained in this newsletter is believed to be
correct and accurate. The O'Neal Solution
however, cannot and will not assume
responsibility for the consequences or errors
contained in articles or
misapplication of any information
provided. The opinions expressed in these
articles are those of the author. Any
information used from these articles is at the
user's own risk. Articles in this newsletter
may contain trademarks of various
companies. Any proprietary right those
companies have in those names is hereby
acknowledged.
Contact Mrs. Wizard
America OnLine: CQTips@aol.com
CompuServe: cmrswizard@cs.com
mrswizard@mrswizard.com
mswizard@midsouth.rr.com
Editor's Desk
This FREE newsletter is dedicated to taking the mystery out of computers in an
entertaining, informative way. If you have any questions or comments, please, drop me a line, give
me a call or email me and let me know what you think and would like to see addressed in future
issues. I really enjoy hearing from you and am happy to help all I can. You can subscribe to the
electronic version of CompuQuickTips by visiting Mrs. Wizard's Web listed below. You will receive a
full-color, information-packed subscription delivered straight to your email each month as an Adobe
Acrobat PDF file.
Download the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader for FREE at http://www.adobe.com .
You can help support CompuQuickTips by ordering Mrs. Wizard's CD Essentials when you visit
http://mrswizard.com. Look in the Special Offer section for more information and other ways to
help. Due to popular demand, the latest version of the CD has ALL the past newsletter issues (since
1995). Acrobat Reader (the latest version) is on the CD for you to install with one click of your
mouse, as well as lots of Mrs. Wizard's favorite graphic shareware programs. This is a terrific
learning tool! Just pop in the CD and have fun!
If you want ALL the daily tips in one place, as well as lots and lots of custom wallpapers for your
desktop, think about joining the Happy Dragon Club at the mrswizard.com website. A very small
(one time) donation will get you access to a growing number of Members Only goodies.
Sincerely,
Cindy O'Neal
In May ...
Composer II - Layout and Code
Personalize Your EMail Sounds
CompuQuickTips April 2003
Volume 9 # 1 page 6
Mrs. Wizard's Webs
http://mrswizard.com
http://compuquicktips.com
(901) 753-6990
(901) 753-6990
(901) 753-6990
(901) 753-6990
(901) 753-6990
mrswizard@mrswizard.com
Consulting | Instruction | Web Design
Y our P ersonal
C omputer T utor
Cindy L. O'Neal
Cindy L. O'Neal
Cindy L. O'Neal
Cindy L. O'Neal
Cindy L. O'Neal
1565 Wood Farms Drive
Cordova, TN 38016
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