Computer Tips from Tom Ward

Thought you might find some of this information useful. Hope everyone has a great 4th of July weekend!

UNDERSTANDING THE CLIPBOARD

You can use the Clipboard to move information around in Word. You actually have access to two different clipboards in Word, as described in this tip.

Any long-time Windows user knows that the Clipboard is the place where information is temporarily stored when you are cutting or copying. The Clipboard is a feature of Windows, but it is supported completely by Word. (There is also an Office Clipboard; more on that in a moment.) You place information in the Clipboard by first selecting it and then choose Copy or Cut from the tools available on the Home tab of the ribbon. You can also press Ctrl+C (to copy) or Ctrl+X (to cut).

When information is stored in the Clipboard, Windows also keeps track of the type of information stored. For instance, if you copy some text to the Clipboard, Windows tracks the source of the text. The reason for tracking the source is so the information can be correctly pasted into a different program. This means that if you copy cells from an Excel worksheet, you can paste them into Word in a variety of formats.

If you have something in the Clipboard, you can either paste it into Word by clicking the Paste tool on the Home tab of the ribbon or by pressing Ctrl+V. If you want more control over how something is pasted from the Clipboard, use the Paste Special tool on the Home tab of the ribbon.

Microsoft Office (which includes Word) also has an expanded version of the Clipboard. The Office Clipboard interacts with the regular Windows Clipboard in that the latest item copied to the Clipboard is in both the Windows and Office clipboards. The Office Clipboard, however, will keep track of many more than a single cut or copy. You can display the contents of the Office Clipboard by displaying the Home tab of the ribbon and then clicking the small icon at the bottom-right of the Clipboard group. Word displays the Clipboard pane at the left side of the document.

Clicking any of the items in the Clipboard pane pastes it wherever the insertion point is in the document. The Options drop down list at the bottom of the Clipboard pane sets options of when to automatically display the Clipboard pane and Clipboard indicators displayed at the system taskbar.

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5 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR KEYBOARD EASIER TO USE

How to use a keyboard might seem academic, but there’s more to typing than just tapping the keys. For most people, the keyboard is the primary computer input and control device—that’s why it’s important to leverage the features and shortcuts that keyboards offer. Read on for tips to maximize ease of use, comfort, and efficiency.

1. Get to know your keyboard

Whether your keyboard is just out of the box or it has seen years of use, it may have features you don’t know about. Take a moment to review the literature that came with your keyboard, visit the manufacturer’s product website, and familiarize yourself with the layout of the keys. Knowing your keyboard’s capabilities and limitations—and where to find time-saving keys—can make it easier to use and can even increase your productivity.

2. Customize keyboard settings

After you’re familiar with your keyboard, customizing just a few basic settings can further improve your efficiency and accuracy. For instance, you can adjust:

·         The pause before a character starts repeating.

·         The speed at which characters repeat, which can help you avoid typing errors.

·         The rate at which the cursor blinks, which can enhance its visibility.

3. Take shortcuts

Even if you're a genius with the mouse, keyboard shortcuts can still save you time. They're called shortcuts for a reason—they reduce multiple clicks to a single combination of keys, like hitting a chord on a piano. They also economize hand and arm motion.

Using keyboard shortcuts for the things you do all the time, like saving or closing files, can make computing much easier and faster. So whether you want to work more easily and efficiently in Internet Explorer, streamline your Microsoft Office Home and Student 2010 experience, or key international characters into your emails, you’ll find scores of shortcuts to speed you on your way. The table below offers only a few common standard-keyboard shortcuts, many of which work across Office applications—from Outlook to Access, from Visio to PowerPoint, from Word to Excel. You can find a more complete list of built-in keyboard shortcuts for a particular application by searching in Help for keyboard shortcuts.

Press this	To do this
F1	Open Help
F7	Check the spelling of titles or words in any Office application with the Spelling & Grammar checker
Windows logo key	Open the Start menu
Alt+F4	Quit a program
Alt+Tab	Switch between open programs or windows
Ctrl+N	Open a new (blank) document
Ctrl+A	Select all content in a document, window, or text box
Ctrl+S	Save the current file or document (works in most programs)
Ctrl+C	Copy the selection
Ctrl+X	Cut the selection
Ctrl+V	Paste the selection
Ctrl+P	Print a document or webpage
Ctrl+Z	Undo an action
Ctrl+Y	Redo an action
Ctrl+F	Find text in a document
Ctrl+H	Find and replace text in a document
Ctrl+B	Boldface text
Ctrl+I	Italicize text
Ctrl+U	Underline text
Ctrl+G	Go to a page, line, or bookmark in a document

4. Make it easier to press multiple keys

If pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del seems an acrobatic feat, you can set up Sticky Keys. The Sticky Keys feature lets you hit shortcut keys one at a time rather than all at once. You can even set Sticky Keys to make a noise so you know it's working.

 

5. Find a comfortable keyboard

Keyboards come in many shapes and sizes, and the Natural Ergonomic Keyboard your coworker swears by might feel downright awkward compared to the Comfort Curve 2000 you covet. Keyboards come in a variety of colors and key styles, too, not to mention with and without wires. And some keyboards are definitely louder than others. All Microsoft keyboards are carefully designed to balance form and function with comfort. Test drive a keyboard or two to find the right one for you.

Although using the right keyboard can really make a difference, ergonomics also play a key role when it comes to typing comfortably.

Tips for using your keyboard ergonomically

It is essential to use good ergonomic practices to help prevent or reduce soreness or injury to your wrists, hands, and arms. It is particularly important if you’re in front of your computer for long periods.

Here are some ergonomic tips for a safer, more comfortable computer session:

·         Position your keyboard at elbow level, with your upper arms relaxed at your sides.

·         Center your keyboard in front of you. If it has a numeric keypad, use the Spacebar as the centering point.

·         While typing, use a light touch and keep your wrists straight.

·         When you're not typing, relax your arms and hands.

·         Take a short break every 15 to 20 minutes.

·         Type with your hands and wrists floating above the keyboard, so that you can use your whole arm to reach for distant keys instead of stretching your fingers.

·         Avoid resting your palms or wrists on any surface while typing. If your keyboard has a palm rest, use it only during breaks from typing.

How you use the keyboard is up to you. But by taking the time to adjust a few settings and to follow the guidelines above, typing on it can become easier, faster, and even safer.

~Tom

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Thomas J. Ward, Extension Specialist, Computer Training Services

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

University of Illinois Extension

128 ACES LIAC  |  1101 S. Goodwin Ave.  MC-631  |  Urbana, IL 61801-4735 USA

Phone: 217.244.0128      Fax: 217.244.5403

<mailto:tjw@illinois.edu>

Another Tough Week for Illinois Extension

As the calendar rolls toward July 1st, many more of our friends and co-workers will be leaving Extension. County Directors, Educators, Community Workers, Secretaries, and a few other positions are affected.

In addition, many local clientele will discover that their offices are no longer open full time--or as much as they were previously.

One has to wonder how the system will survive the huge loss of knowledge that has made it great for so many years.However, hopefully this too will pass, and the staff who carry on will understand how to keep the programs successful and on target.

Our thoughts are with those who are leaving, and we hope that everything works out well for you. Here's to new and exciting opportunities around the next turn.  Take care!

Quiz Answers

Here are the answers to the quiz questions from a couple of days ago. If you haven't checked with us in the meantime, then you will have the answers before the quiz. Enjoy the memories!

ANSWERS : 01.The Lone Ranger left behind a silver bullet. 02.The Ed Sullivan Show 03.On Route 66 04.To protect the innocent. 05.The Lion Sleeps Tonight 06.The limbo 07.Chocolate 08.Louis Armstrong 09.The Timex watch 10.Freddy, The Freeloader and 'Good Night and God Bless.' 11.Draft cards (Bras were also burned. Not flags, as some have guessed) 12.Beetle or Bug 13.Buddy Holly 14.Sputnik 15.Hoola-hoop

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Southern Illinois Flood

Water in East Cape Girardeau May 2011

More Water in May

For those who haven't kept up with the flooding in southern Illinois, it has been terrible-and still is! So many people have been affected.


Patti Faughn mentioned recently that she moved to southern Illinois just in time to help her mother who had flood water in her home. She lived with Patti for a month while her house got back to normal.

East Cape in June

Water still there

Couple of Notes and a Memory Test!

Check your e-mail for the latest information on health insurance decisions needed during the state open enrollment period. 


Here is the latest information from NARFE about cost of living increases.

 Consumer Prices Rise in May:  On June 15^th, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on May consumer prices.  The CPI-W, the index used for social security, military and civil service retirement benefits, rose 0.5 percent in May.  During the first eight months of the measurement year, the CPI-W has increased by 3.4 percent. 

Also thought you might enjoy this short test of your memory. It is test for old kids! I will post the answers tomorrow.

01.After the Lone Ranger saved the day and rode off into the sunset, the grateful citizens would ask, Who was that masked man? Invariably, someone would answer, I don't know, but he left this behind. What did he leave behind?________________.

02.When the Beatles first came to the U.S. .In early 1964, we all watched them on The _______________ Show.

03'Get your kicks, __________________.'

04.'The story you are about to see is true. The names have been changed to ___________________.'

05.'In the jungle, the mighty jungle, ________________.'

06. After the Twist, The Mashed Potato, and the Watusi, we 'danced' under a stick that was lowered as low as we could go in a dance called the '_____________.'


07.Nestle's makes the very best . .. . . _______________.'

08.Satchmo was America 's 'Ambassador of Goodwill.' Our parents shared this great jazz trumpet player with us. His name was _________________.

09.What takes a licking and keeps on ticking? _______________.

10. Red Skeleton's hobo character was named __________________ and Red always ended his television show by saying, 'Good Night, and '________ ________. '

11.Some Americans who protested the Vietnam War did so by burning their______________.

12. The cute little car with the engine in the back and the trunk in the front was called the VW. What other names did it go by? ____________ &_______________.

13.In 1971, singer Don MacLean sang a song about, 'the day the music died.' This was a tribute to ___________________.

14.We can remember the first satellite placed into orbit. The Russians did it. It was called ___________________.

15. One of the big fads of the late 50's and 60's was a large plastic ring that we twirled around our waist. It was called the __ ______________.

Condolences for Mary Alice Wagner

Sorry that we did not learn of this a bit sooner.

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Mary Alice Wagner, age 90, of Salem, died Tuesday, June 7th, at her home.  She was retired as the Home Extension Adviser for Marion County and had served in Clinton and Clay County prior to retirement.  Along with her husband, she was owner of Wagner Chevrolet in Herscher, IL.  She was a member of St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church in Salem and also a devoted volunteer at St. Theresa School.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at eleven Friday morning at St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church, with Father Robert Zwilling officiating.  There is no public visitation.  Friends are asked to go directly to the church.  Burial will take place at 11 Saturday morning at the Pilot Cemetery in Herscher.  Memorials may be made to St. Theresa Catholic School or as a Mass contribution and will be received by Rankin Funeral Home in Salem who is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include sons:  Bob and wife Sherry Wagner of Gentryville, Indiana, Leo and wife Mary Jane Wagner of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, daughter:  Maureen and husband Paul Burns of Nampa, Idaho, sister-in-law:  Ruth Dennis of Momence, and four grandchildren:  Megan and husband James Jernigan of Columbus, Ohio, Marla Wagner of Orlando, Florida, Michael Wagner of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Rachel Wagner of Auburn, Alabama.  

Time to Contact the Governor

Here is some new information from Extension Partners. The budget process is moving along, and your support is still needed.

Also, I received the dues reminder for next year today. It included a list of current and past members. A quick count shows about 34 IEAFCS active and life members paid dues in 2010-2011. That is a good number, and thank you all! But it is only about half of us.

I noticed several names that hadn't renewed since 09-10 and some that have never been members. It's $35 this year, but will be money well spent. Even if you feel some of  the Extension re-organization plans and policies don't best serve the clientele, it is important to get the funding if we want Extension to survive.

Dues can be sent to Extension Partners, P.O. Box 5531, Bloomington, IL 61702-5531. Thank you!!

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Jeanne Harland <jharland@winco.net>
Date: Mon, Jun 6, 2011 at 11:44 AM
Subject: EP Action & Pics

Legislative Update - Monday, June 6, 2011

For Fun......

Attached find some pictures of 4-H Legislative Connection.  The Youth Leadership Team (YLT) pinning Senator Martin Sandoval (D) from Cicero and a former 4-Her, Representative Chapin Rose (R) from Charleston with State 4-H Office's Bill Million, YLT waiting at the Senate side door for Senator Sullivan (D) from Rushville, YLT questions for Senator Sullivan and YLT on the Senate Podium with Senator Sullivan.  Aren't those green shirts impressive?

ACTION NEEDED

We need letters and post cards going to the Governor's Office on the following

House Bill 124 - Contains the Department of Ag's budget and the three line items for Extension.  County Board Match, Youth Educator and Cook County Initiative.  Ask the Governor to sign this bill "as is" no changes/amendatory veto.

House Bill 1683 - Changes the date on the payment of 4-H premiums allowing the counties flexibility.  Again ask to sign the bill as written.

Senate Bill 744 - This is the expansion of gaming bill.  There is money in this bill dedicated to Agriculture related line items.  Extension, Soil & Water Districts (SWD), and County Fairs to name three.  Extension's amount would be $4 million beyond the amount appropriated each year, and added to the County Board Match line item.  CAUTION - This money will not be available until the provisions of the expanded gaming are put in to place.  My best guess is two years, but one never knows.  Again ask that this bill be signed "as is".  The Governor has threatened to veto any expansion of gaming.  Joining forces with SWD and the County Fairs, we should be able to generate several thousand letters/postcards to the Governor's office.

The cards/letters need to go to.........

The Honorable Pat Quinn,

Governor

207 State House

Springfield, Illinois  62706

 

(Hand written cards and letters are best, but if you want to send a fax: 217-782-3560)

Ask your neighbors, friends, and county board members to join in this campaign to get the Governor's signature on these crucial pieces of legislation. 

SPECIAL THANKS to Senator John Sullivan and Representatives Chapin Rose and Frank Mautino (D) from Spring Valley for insuring the Agriculture items were placed in the gaming expansion bill and remained there through the process.  

MY SPECIAL THANKS to all of you.  Your legislative visits, your letters and your phone calls made a difference.  Extension Partners and the Extension/4-H Community approached all of this year's issues, big and small, with integrity, honesty and top shelf class.  I am proud and humbled to represent you.

It is horrible hot today.........good day to stay inside to write some letters and post cards!

Thanks again,

Pam Weber

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IEAFCS Members win ESP Awards

Here is information from Deb Bartman about Epsilon Sigma Phi award winners. Glad to see a number of  IEAFCS Members on the list.

Illinois has several ESP award winners. Congratulations to the them all! See the www.espnational.org  website to view the complete list.

We are happy that Senator John Sullivan is one of the 3 National Friend of Extension Award winners. I will send out a news release in June about this award. 

 

Other winners include: Pat Hildebrand: Continued Excellence; Patti Faughn: Early Career; Marjorie LaFont: Multi-cultural, Diversity-Individual; and the Team Award: Angela Lyons, Pat Hildebrand and Debbie Bartman for their Economic and Financial Education Program. These awards will be presented at the ESP national meeting in New York.

A Couple of Updates

Tom Ward has sent a note to most all recent retirees again today about the health insurance benefit choice changes. If you didn't happen to receive this, let me know and I will forward his e-mail to you.

Correspondence from Extension Partners has been plentiful in the last few days. I will try to summarize where the legislation stands right now.

Thanks to the hard work of many individuals, Extension is included in the budget that has been sent to the Governor to be signed.

The numbers are.........

County Board Match...........$10,800,000

Youth Educator..........$994,700

Cook County...........$2,749,200

The Gaming Bill also passed, and it is hoped that this will help get County Board Match back to 100%. However, this will take a few years before the new casinos, etc. are in place.

The hope is that the Governor will sign these bills. Now is also the time to thank any legislators that you may have contacted for their help.

If you would like copies of the e-mail from Extension Partners send a request to ieafcslife@gmail.com. If you are  a member, you should be on their list. If you are not, they need your support! Extension would be in much worse shape without them.