The Mouse Trap
–by Janis Weber

Check out all of my archived articles from the Sylvania AdVantage HERE.

Have you ever tried to submit a form on the internet, and it just will not go? How about a page that will not open or respond to your commands? Even buying tickets can be a challenge. Remember, a human being is creating the websites you visit. Each page has a code that is used to make the sections of the page take your command. However, not all browsers accept the same commands. That being said, if you are having an issue with a form submission etc., try changing your browser. Try any other browser to get your job done. You may have to try Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Brave. One of them should work. Banks and other financial institutions can be proprietary to a certain browser. I have been in this situation many times, even recently.

Quick Tips
Increase and Decrease the Text Size: Sometimes while browsing the internet you need to increase or decrease the text size in the browser. You can change the font size bigger and smaller by using Ctrl+ or + and Ctrl+ or-, and Ctrl+0 will reset the text size in the current window.
Refresh the Current Page: While browsing the internet you may need to refresh the current page to see the changes made by you and to load the page completely. You can use Ctrl+R and F5 button to refresh the current page.
To Show & Hide the Bookmark Bar: Sometimes you have bookmarked some important site and are not able to see the bookmark bar. To show and hide the bookmark bar use Ctrl+Shif+B, it also works vice-versa.
Jump to Address Bar: Sometimes you want to jump to the address bar of the browser directly. You can use Alt+D and Ctrl+L also F6 to do so. All these keys do the same work while browsing the internet.
Minimize All Windows: Suppose you are working on a PC and multiple windows are open and you want to minimize all. You can use windows key+D to minimize all windows in one short move and vice-versa.
Switch Windows: While working you might need to jump from one window to another window. Use Alt+Tab to navigate through the window and stay where you want to work.
Re-open Closed Tab: Sometimes while using the internet the tab gets closed accidentally. You can bring back the closed tab by using the Ctrl+Shift+T and do the work where you were left off.

Google Docs & Sheets
Are you tired of spending so much money on Microsoft Office Suite when you don’t need all the bells and whistles? A stand-alone version of just Word, Excel and PowerPoint will cost you $150. If you want all the other programs in the professional version, you must rent it on a yearly basis depending on how many licenses you need (one per computer). It can run from $70 to $100 a year.
Consider using Google Docs and Sheets instead. It is completely free and is compatible with Word and Excel. All you need is an account with Google Email. Remember, you can have multiple accounts. If the only reason you want a Gmail account is for free usage of the Docs and Sheets, that is just fine.
I am hoping to teach this alternative to Office in upcoming classes at the Sylvania Senior Center. If you want to know how to operate the Google Suite now, throw me a text or call. I would love to teach you or a small group wherever you like. Believe me, it is well worth trying something new.

Sylvania Senior Center Classes
New classes with be held as soon as the center reopens. Check the SSC newsletter and website for the most current information. Included will be Windows 10 Computers Basics, Facebook, Microsoft Word, Google Docs and iPhone/iPad. If you have a topic and know some folks who are interested, call the Senior Center and ask for Susan Jennelle at 419-885-3913. Limited seating fills fast so call ASAP to reserve a spot. We are considering an Excel Club. Interested? Call the SSC.

I make house calls (I am vaccinated & wear a mask)
I will come to your home or office and help you with almost any predicament including repairs, upgrades and general software or hardware issues. I can be your resident “Geek.” I have an endless amount of patience and knowledge with years of experience. Give me a text or call at 419-290-3570. Do not forget to sign up for my free newsletter at OhComputerTraining.com. Subscribers will get a copy of this article plus added hints, tips, and trusted/valuable web-links.

BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER’S DATA TODAY – Critical action!
Janis Weber, B.A., owner of Ohio Computer Training & Support, is a professional computer adjunct instructor. E-mail any specific questions or comments to JwPCtutor@Gmail.com
or call her for assistance at 419-318-9112.
Private tutoring and repairs are just a phone call, text or email away.