MalekTips: 01-17-2006
 
Welcome to the latest issue of the MalekTips newsletter, providing computer and technology help and tips. We appreciate your subscription!
 
We have 30 new tips found below in the latest issue of MalekTips.
 
* Find out exactly what a firewall is, and how it can help protect your security and privacy when on the Internet. Read why a firewall is needed even if you keep your computer up-to-date, and even if you don't use Windows. If you happen to use Windows XP, however, you already have a firewall - but is it good enough? And if money is tight, this newsletter contains links to three free software firewalls you can download.
 
* Toggle whether or not opening up a folder in Windows XP Explorer displays a pane showing all folders on your hard drive(s) and external media. Plus, toggle showing the Control Panel in the "My Computer" folder. Toggle showing protected operating system files and hidden files. Change the picture shown when viewing a folder inside its parent's "Thumbnail" view.
 
* This newsletter also contains a very detailed explanation of the Microsoft Excel 2003 =IF function and how it can be used to create complex, yet powerful, spreadsheets. Switch between the binary, decimal, hexadecimal, and octal numbering systems. Convert cell text to uppercase or lowercase. Plus learn formulas for getting the square root or absolute value of a number.
 
* You can also find more advice on taking photos with camera phones such as why increasing the resolution may result in better pictures, more tips on using and configuring the IrfanView image viewer and editor, plus tweaks for the Netscape 8 web browser.
 
Remember - if you have a computer question, be sure to visit the MalekTips forums at http://www.malektips.com/forums
 
Andrew Malek MalekTips.Com
 
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* Tips! *
 
These tips are NOT available to the general public yet! You can find them here first in the MalekTips newsletter! Thanks for subscribing.
 
Camera Phone - Increase the Resolution if Possible
Higher resolutions can result in more detailed camera phone photos.
 
Camera Phone - Name Your Pictures
Describe your camera phone's photos to make them easier to find later.
 
Camera Phone - Keep Batteries Charged So You Don't Miss Calls
Don't let your camera phone's power usage prevent you from using your cell phone for other tasks.
 
Camera Phone - Don't Take Photos While Driving!
Safety first! Don't fumble with a camera phone while on the road.
 
Camera Phone - Does Your Employer Have a Problem?
Your employer may not wish you to carry camera phones on the premises.
 
Firewall - What is a Firewall?
This tip defines a firewall and why it is important for your computer's security.
 
Firewall - Do I Need a Firewall If My Software Is Up-To-Date?
Are firewalls needed even if you patch your operating system and software with the latest updates?
 
Firewall - I Run a Mac / Linux / Solaris / etc. Machine - Do I Still Need a Firewall?
Aren't firewalls only needed for Windows machines? The answer is NO.
 
Firewall - Windows XP Firewall Explained - How Good Is It?
Windows XP comes built-in with a firewall. Will it protect your machine when on the Internet?
 
Firewall - Where Can I Get a Free Windows Firewall?
Several locations you can download free firewall software for Windows.
 
IrfanView 3 - Remove eBay Toolbar Buttons
Remove eBay advertisements in IrfanView if you accidentally selected them when installing the product.
 
IrfanView 3 - Rename, Copy, Move, or Delete the Current Image
Perform file management duties on photos viewed inside IrfanView.
 
IrfanView 3 - Edit a Picture Viewed in IrfanView
Send photos viewed within IrfanView to an external image editor.
 
IrfanView 3 - Display Information About the Current Picture
Get detailed information on an image viewed in IrfanView including the resolution, file size, and number of unique colors.
 
IrfanView 3 - Change Background Color When Viewing Images in Full-Screen
Change the default background color of black when using IrfanView's full-screen image viewer.
 
Microsoft Excel 2003 Functions and Formulas - Switching Between Numbering Systems
Converting numbers in a Microsoft Excel 2003 spreadsheet between decimal, binary, octal, and hexadecimal numbering systems.
 
Microsoft Excel 2003 Functions and Formulas - =IF Function for Value or Calculation Based on Criteria
Perform condition-based tasks depending on cell values in a Microsoft Excel 2003 spreadsheet.
 
Microsoft Excel 2003 Functions and Formulas - Return a Number Without the Negative Sign
Display the absolute value of a number inside a Microsoft Excel 2003 spreadsheet.
 
Microsoft Excel 2003 Functions and Formulas - Convert a Cell's Value to Uppercase or Lowercase
Convert text values inside Microsoft Excel 2003 spreadsheets to uppercase or lowercase.
 
Microsoft Excel 2003 Functions and Formulas - Get the Square Root of a Number
Microsoft Excel 2003's =SQRT function calculates the square root of a value or cell.
 
Netscape 8 - Navigate Using the Keyboard
Jump between webpages when using the Netscape 8 browser merely by using the keyboard.
 
Netscape 8 - Toggle Playing Sounds When Popups Are Blocked
Play or mute sounds whenever Netscape 8 detects and stops a pop-up window from appearing.
 
Netscape 8 - Change the Download Folder
Choose the folder where Netscape 8 downloads applications, graphics, music, movies, and other files.
 
Netscape 8 - Change the Default Search Engine
Use a different search engine besides Google inside Netscape 8.
 
Netscape 8 - Disable Tab Close on Double-Click
Prevent an accidental double-click from closing a tab in the Netscape 8 browser.
 
Windows XP and Explorer - Toggle Viewing Folder List for a Particular Folder
When navigating a Windows XP folder, toggle whether or not to show a view of your file system.
 
Windows XP and Explorer - Add or Remove Folder List When Opening Folders
Toggle viewing the entire file system by default when opening Windows XP folders.
 
Windows XP and Explorer - Show or Hide Control Panel in My Computer
Toggle showing a link to the Control Panel in Windows XP's "My Computer" folder.
 
Windows XP and Explorer - Hide or Show Protected Operating System Files and Hidden Folders
Toggle whether or not Windows XP should display files and folders that normally shouldn't be modified.
 
Windows XP and Explorer - Change a Folder's Thumbnail Preview
Change the image displayed for a particular folder when viewing its parent's folder in "Thumbnail" view.
 

 
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* Copyright Notice *
 
This newsletter can be redistributed, in electronic or print, provided that no changes are made to this document and this notice is left intact. If you wish to redistribute just pieces of this newsletter, such as certain articles, contact Andrew Malek for information.
 
MalekTips is published by Envision Programming:
 
Envision Programming attn: MalekTips PO Box 11592 Knoxville, TN 37939-1592
 
This issue of MalekTips is Copyright 2006 Andrew Malek of Envision Programming. All other copyrights and trademarks are properties of their respective companies.

Note that due to tip recategorization, some of the URLs mentioned in the newsletter may have changed. If you have any problems finding a particular tip, use the MalekTips "Search" feature to conveniently find what you are looking for.