Kentucky Department of Education

 

Tech Tip 112 - Windows 7 calculator
The Windows 7 calculator offers some very powerful functions hidden within the View menu.   Modes available are: - Scientific – adds keys for performing trigonometric calculations - Programmer – adds keys for performing programming calculations in different number systems, including hexadecimal, octal and binary - Statistics – adds keys for ... More

 

Tech Tip 111 - Create a Web page shortcut in Outlook
Create a shortcut for a Web page in Outlook’s Shortcut list by following these steps:   - Open the Shortcut menu in Outlook by clicking on the arrow in the expanded navigation pane or by pressing Ctrl+7. - Open the Web page you wish to make a shortcut for in your ... More

 

Tech Tip 110 - Go full screen
When a really big window is needed for viewing photos, videos or a Web page, don't just maximize it – go full screen!   This tip works great for viewing photos and videos at maximum size in Windows Explorer or Windows Media Player, and Web pages in Internet Explorer, using screen ... More

 

Tech Tip 109 - Keyboard shortcuts for Outlook
We have recently explored keyboard shortcuts for Word and Excel. If you found those helpful, here are a few that will help speed things up when using Outlook.   From any Outlook view: · CTRL+SHIFT+M – create a message · CTRL+SHIFT+C – create a new contact · CTRL+SHIFT+A – create a ... More

 

Tech Tip 108 - Convert text to a table (Word and Outlook)
When dealing with a large list of text, it’s often easier if it is in a table. Retyping is time-consuming and, frankly, out of the question when dealing with a large list.   Try converting your text list to a table. To do so: 1.  Select the text to convert. 2.  ... More

 

Tech Tip 107 - Google Translate
Google allows you to translate text or documents into different languages. The translation won’t be perfect, but is good enough to understand the general message.   From www.google.com: - Click on More (located on the menu bar along the top of the search screen). - Select Translate. - Set the language ... More

 

Tech Tip 106 - Sharing your Outlook 2010 calendar
To share your calendar with all staff members without sending e-mails to anyone, please follow these instructions:   - Open your calendar and look below the heading My Calendars for your calendar. - Right-click on the calendar. From the menu that appears, select Share, and then select Calendar Permissions. The Calendar ... More

 

Tech Tip 105 - Keyboard shortcuts for Excel
We have covered keyboard shortcuts using the Windows key for Word in past weeks. Here are a few that will help in Excel:   CTRL+PgUp – switch between worksheet tabs, from left-to-right CTRL+PgDn – switch between worksheet tabs, from right-to-left CTRL+SHIFT+( – unhide any hidden rows within the selection CTRL+SHIFT+7 – ... More

 

Tech Tip 104 - Improving search results
When you’re searching for something on the Web using Google, put quotes around phrases that must be searched together.   For example, put quotes around “something educational to do.” Google won’t waste time finding sets of Web pages containing each word or a similar word in the phrase. Instead only those ... More

 

Tech Tip 103 - Keyboard shortcuts for Word
A recent Tech Tips explored keyboard shortcuts using the Windows key. If you found those helpful, here are a few quick-key combinations that will help speed things up when using Word: · Ctrl+F – Open the Navigation pane. · Ctrl+Alt+Home – Display the list of browse objects. · Ctrl+Page Down – ... More

 

Tech Tip 102 - Navigating betweek Excel worksheets
Selecting a different worksheet by scrolling through the tabs at the bottom of an Excel document, especially when the worksheet you are looking for is not located near the worksheet you are using, can be difficult and time-consuming. There is, however, an easier way to quickly jump to a different worksheet. ... More

 

Tech Tip 101 - Maximize battery life for your laptop
Ever been in the middle of a very important document only to run out of battery on your laptop computer? Here are a few settings you can change to help maximize the battery life on a laptop: · Empty the CD/DVD drive – Leaving a CD or DVD in the drive ... More

 

Tech Tip 100 - We want to hear from you
KETS Tech Tips was started in November 2009 by the Office of KIDS to provide KDE staff with tips and tricks pertaining to new and existing technology. Looking back, the previous 99 tips have tackled a wide variety of products and items such as Microsoft Office, passwords, e-mail, function keys, shortcuts, ... More

 

Tech Tip 99 - Clean up Outlook windows
When replying or forwarding an e-mail, does the original message remain open? You can quickly end up with dozens of messages open, each in their own window.   By enabling the “close original message window when replying or forwarding” option, Outlook will clean up all of those windows up for you. ... More

 

Tech Tip 98 - Keyboard shortcuts with the Windows key
Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of two or more keys that, when pressed together, can be used to perform a task that would typically require a mouse.   These shortcuts, which include the Windows key, can be much faster and easier to use: · Windows key + Left Arrow and Windows key ... More

 

Tech Tip 97 - Insert a screenshot
“Send me a screenshot of that.” Those words always bring up the question, “How?” Is it CTRL+ALT+Print Screen or ALT+Print Screen? Wait, my keyboard doesn’t even have a Print Screen.   No problem. The Ribbon makes it possible to insert a screenshot into an e-mail or document with a couple of ... More

 

Tech Tip 96 - Quick steps
Nope, we aren’t talking about walking across hot pavement to the pool in the summer. It’s the section of buttons in the center of the Ribbon’s Home tab in Outlook.   Quick Steps are one-click buttons that can be configured to perform multiple actions at once.   Is there an e-mail ... More

 

Tech Tip 95 - Where did that command go
When using the traditional toolbar, everyday commands seemed to be right where they should be. Now they are spread out across tabs in strange locations that only make sense to the person who put them there.   To solve the game of hide and go seek, create a custom tab on ... More

 

Tech Tip 94 - Learning to love the ribbon
With the release of Office 2007 and subsequently Windows 7 and Office 2010, the new Ribbon was the least-liked feature in Microsoft’s software according to many surveys.   Many people spent years learning to navigate using the traditional toolbar and suddenly here was a Ribbon designed to “improve” things.   Through ... More

 

Tech Tip 93 - Recycle Bin
Microsoft introduced the Recycle Bin in its current form with Windows 95. However, having a location to delete and store deleted messages was originally introduced around 1982 by Apple. Both iterations allowed a computer to store deleted files and folders for a while.   In its current state, the Recycle Bin ... More

 

Tech Tip 92 - Windows 7 Gadgets
Gadgets in Windows 7 are handy tools that can be used to help you get information at a glance. These are visual utilities that run on the desktop and supply up-to-date information. They include things like CPU usage meter, cool clocks, calendars and much more.   To access and begin using ... More

 

Tech Tip 91 - Quickly view Outlook contact information
Outlook 2010 has a new feature that allows quick access to information about individuals who have sent you an e-mail. This is built into the bottom of the view pane on the Outlook inbox. This feature allows you to quickly see previous e-mail, contact information and even meetings you have with ... More

 

Tech Tip 90 - Protecting your information
With some holidays right around the corner, it is a busy shopping time for most people. Bargains offered for events like Black Friday often entice shoppers to spend their money, but be aware this also is a prime time for scams and spammers to try to fool you.   Now is ... More

 

Tech Tip 89 - CTRL Z
Undo most mistakes with a simple keystroke Most of us at have deleted a file that we needed or duplicated files while copying them. Maybe you went to copy something in a Word document and accidentally deleted it. While this can be frustrating, there is a simple way to reverse such ... More

 

Tech Tip 88 - Online OCR - Converting images to text documents
Converting images to text documents Have you ever had a scanned document or picture with text that you wanted to edit or save to another format, such as Microsoft Word? There is a free online service that can help you do just that. Follow the steps below to begin: 1. Go ... More

 

Tech Tip 87 - Sticky Notes in Win 7
Post-it Notes are a staple in many offices. Windows 7 offers similar functionality with a neat utility called “Sticky Notes.” Sticky notes make it possible to quickly jot down a number or take a memo without having to shuffle through papers or trying to find a pen. You also can format ... More

 

Tech Tip 86 - Save as PDF
Several Office 2010 programs have a feature that allows you to save your work as a PDF without additional software or “plug-ins” as was required in Office 2007. The programs that have this functionality are Word, One Note, PowerPoint and Publisher.   An advantage of saving a documents as a PDF ... More

 

Tech Tip 85 - Windows 7 magnifier
Magnifier, part of the Ease of Access center in Windows 7, can magnify all or part of your screen. Magnifying allows you to briefly increase the size of the object on the screen instead of changing the entire screen resolution just to view a few lines of fine print. The magnifier ... More

 

Tech Tip - 84 - Windows 7 - Using additional Send To items
When you right click on any file or folder, specific options appear under the “Send To” menu. For example, you can create zipped folders or send the document to an application.    However, in Windows 7 there are some hidden items in the Send To menu that aren’t in the default ... More

 

Tech Tip 83 - Windows 7 - Launching pinned applications without the mouse
Last week’s Windows 7 tech tip discussed how to pin applications to the taskbar. Today’s tip will show you how to open those pinned applications quickly, without even touching the mouse. When looking at the taskbar, all of the pinned items or open applications sit to the right of the start ... More

 

Tech Tip 82 - Windows 7 - Pin to taskbar
Pin to Taskbar is a new feature in Windows 7. Pinning a program directly to the taskbar allows for quick and convenient access as opposed to browsing the Start menu.   To pin a program to the taskbar, do one of the following: A. If the program is already running, right-click ... More

 

Tech Tip 81 - Windows 7 - Snap
Snap allows you to automatically resize two windows or programs to fit your entire screen and eliminate any overlap.   To use the Snap feature, left click on the title bar of an open window and drag it to either side of the screen. When an outline of the expanded window ... More

 

Tech Tip 80 - Windows 7 start menu - Classic view
In a recent Tech Tips, we discussed the new Start button in Windows 7. However, there is another option if you’d prefer a more traditional navigation menu.   The start menu can be switched to “classic view” by following these steps: 1. Click the Start button 2. Click Control Panel 3. ... More

 

Tech Tip 79 - Outlook 2010 - Conversation view
  Outlook 2010 features a default view called Conversation. Conversation view displays your e-mail items grouped by message subject or "thread."   Threads are sorted by date, and then the messages within each thread are sorted based on who replied to whom.  By default, only unread and flagged messages are displayed. ... More

 

Tech Tip 78 - Windows 7 - Shake
Many new features improve the navigation experience within Windows 7. One such feature is the new “shake” functionality. Shake allows you to focus on one open window even if multiple are open on the screen. Here’s how:   1 - Hover the mouse pointer over the title bar of the window ... More

 

Tech Tip 77 - Windows 7 - Navigating the Desktop
While the role of the Windows desktop has not changed over the years, Microsoft has consistently implemented changes that either add functionality or update the look and feel of the desktop. Windows 7 is no exception. Here’s a five-minute video that discusses the desktop and what’s new in Windows 7.    ... More

 

Tech Tip 76 - Windows 7 - Start Menu
To access the Start Menu in Windows 7, push the Windows Start Button at the bottom left. The start button looks like this:     While the Windows 7 start menu will look similar to what you saw in Windows XP, it contains a new search tool for locating items on ... More

 

Tech Tip 75 - Productivity Hub
The Productivity Hub is a SharePoint site on the intranet that includes information and FAQs about software such as Windows 7, Microsoft Office 2010 and SharePoint. The site also contains video tutorials on multiple subjects, including using smart art, how to set up themes, navigating the Windows 7 desktop and more. ... More

 

Tech Tip 74 - Play it safe with free Wi-Fi
Tech Tip 54 discussed how to properly connect to a publically accessible wireless (Wi-Fi) network and how to validate that you’re connecting to the right network. However, it’s important to note that most free Wi-Fi hotspots provide little-to-no security for your machine or data.    - Here are a few best ... More

 

Tech Tip 73 - Internet Explorer shortcuts
There are many shortcut key combinations that can be used with Internet browsers such as Internet Explorer (IE). Here are a few that may save you some time:   - Pressing Alt and D moves the cursor to the address bar if you’d like to type in a new web address ... More

 

Tech Tip 72 - Webmail Address Change
Staff and students can connect to webmail at www.outlook.com by providing their e-mail addresses and passwords. However, as of June 30, customers will have to specify the latter part of their e-mail address (education.ky.gov) after outlook.com.   For example: - The new KDE address for webmail will be http://outlook.com/education.ky.gov - The new Kentucky ... More

 

Tech Tip 71 - Windows screensaver tip
There are multiple benefits to checking the screensaver settings on your workstation, including increased security and time-savings.   To see your computer’s settings, navigate to the “Control Panel” on your machine and select “Display.” This will open a dialogue box named “Display Properties” with a few tabs along the top. Click ... More

 

Tech Tip 70 - Remember to lock your computer
It’s important to make sure that the organization's data is safe and secure at all times. Locking your workstation when you step away is one of the simplest security steps you can take.   There are two ways to lock your computer: 1. Hold down Ctrl + Alt + Delete at the ... More

 

Tech Tip 69 - KDE AUP
Tip 69 is intended for KDE staff only. If you're a KDE staff member that missed the tip in the Commissioner's Weekly and would like to receive a copy via e-mail, please contact the KETS Service Desk.     To provide feedback or submit a technical topic/question you’d like to see addressed, please send e-mails to Matt.Jury@education.ky.gov.  ... More

 

Tech Tip 68 - Bing 411
Many cell phones are becoming quite advanced, allowing users always to be connected to the Internet. Users may look up anything with their favorite search engines. However, looking at a phone’s screen or typing on a small keyboard for extended periods often can be cumbersome or inconvenient. Likewise, not everyone has ... More

 

Tip 67 - Mapping a drive to a SharePoint library - May 13th 2011
Mapping a drive to a SharePoint document library SharePoint document libraries (the folders where you can find files saved and shared internally) can be accessed via your Web browser, such as Internet Explorer, or by mapping a drive directly to a library. Mapping a drive creates a shortcut to another computer ... More

 

Tech Tip 66 - Force reply all in Outlook 2007
E-mail is useful for letting large groups of people see the same information. In some cases, replies to a message should go to everyone while in other cases they should only go to the original sender. Most e-mail systems offer both Reply (just respond to the original sender) and Reply All ... More

 

Tech Tip 65 - Save All in Word 2007
Versions of Microsoft Word prior to Word 2007 had a little-known feature that allowed you to save all open Word documents at the same time. This feature could be accessed by holding the Shift key while selecting the File menu. However, this shortcut won’t work in Word 2007 and newer versions ... More

 

Tech Tip 64 - Outlook AutoFill
Microsoft Outlook has a convenient feature called AutoFill that remembers who you’ve sent e-mails to. This feature was designed to save you time when your send to the same recipients repeatedly. You’ll see this feature when typing recipients into an e-mail message. However, this feature can also cause confusion and errors ... More

 

Tech Tip 63 - Office Clipboard
If you’ve ever needed to copy and paste multiple items at the same time, Office Clipboard might be the tool you’ve been looking for. This week’s tech tip comes directly from Office.Microsoft.com.   “The Microsoft Office Clipboard allows you to copy up to 24 multiple text and graphical items from Office ... More

 

Tech Tip 62 - Prezi
Those of you who frequently use PowerPoint or other presentation software may have heard of Prezi.com. Prezi.com is an alternative to PowerPoint that allows you to create presentations, edit saved presentations, download presentations for offline use, and even collaborate on presentations with your colleagues via the Internet. Additionally, the collaboration features ... More

 

Tech Tip 61 - 15 PowerPoint Tips
There are numerous resources online for tips and tricks associated with the Microsoft Office Productivity Suite. Here is the link to an article called15 Tips to increase your productivity with PowerPoint 2007 on Technospot.net. The tips include advice on using PowerPoint photo albums, transition effects, setting layouts, custom animation and 11 ... More

 

Tech Tip 60 - Tables in Word 2007
You can easily create tables in Word 2007 without touching the mouse. This is accomplished by using the pipe key, also referred to as the vertical bar, and the underscore key. The pipe key is on the same key as the backslash (\), just above the enter key on most keyboards. ... More

 

Tech Tip 59 - Technology Lingo
The technology industry churns out new acronyms and buzz words at a staggering rate. While most of these words are industry specific, and you may never hear them, others make it into our lexicon as their associated technologies are adopted into mainstream society.   For example, it’s hard to watch the ... More

 

Tech Tip 58 - What is cloud computing
You’ve probably heard the term “cloud” or “cloud computing” hundreds of times in reference to a piece of technology or a technical service. But what exactly is cloud computing and how did we get here?   While the term “cloud” is a common metaphor for the Internet, “cloud computing” describes software, ... More

 

Tech Tip 57 - Smartphone Security
The sale of smartphones – mobile phones that offer computing capabilities – are on the rise with no end in sight. According to the Associated Press, “Worldwide, consumer electronics makers shipped 100.9 million smartphones in the last three months of 2010, an 87 percent jump from a year earlier. PC shipments ... More

 

Tech Tip 56 - Maximize the charge
Laptop battery best practices – Maximize the charge When running your laptop on battery power, there are several easy steps you can follow to maximize the charge in your laptop’s battery.  They are: - Turn off the wireless radio when you’re not using a wireless connection – Just be sure to ... More

 

Tech Tip 55 - KDE Intranet - Productivity Hub
The new KDE Intranet will be on Sharepoint, and the site can be accessed by going here. Items are being migrated from the “old” Intranet site to this new site.   Along the top navigation bar you’ll find the KDE Offices listed. To the right of the ONGSD option, you’ll see ... More

 

Tech Tip 54 - Wi-Fi hotspots - Check before you connect
A Wi-Fi hotspot is a location that offers Internet access over a wireless network. These hotspots often can be found in restaurants, airports and other public spaces. As the popularity and dependence on hotspots rise through the mass adoption of smartphones, laptops and other devices, so do outbreaks of malicious activity ... More

 

Tech Tip 53 - Introduction to Bing
Bing.com, launched by Microsoft in June 2009, describes itself as a decision engine as opposed to search engine. A search initiated on Bing will return results that are sorted into logical categories as well as providing you with the syntax of similar searches initiated by other users. Bing also highlights instant ... More

 

Tech Tip 52 - Delay e-mail delivery in Outlook 2007
Using delayed delivery options in Outlook 2007 can make scheduling conflicts easier to navigate. For example, if you need to send a time-sensitive e-mail at 3 p.m. but also have a meeting scheduled for the same time, delayed e-mail delivery can help you meet both commitments.   The Outlook 2007 client ... More

 

Tech Tip 51 - Items to check before leaving the office
The holiday season is in full swing, and the end of the year is quickly approaching. As you’re making last-minute preparations to be away, here are a few items to check if you plan to take your laptop:   - If you’d like to work on a document that’s stored on ... More

 

Tech Tip 50 - URL Shorteners
The address of an individual Web page is a Uniform Resource Locator, or URL for short. Depending on how a website is built, the URL in the address bar can grow very lengthy as you click on links and move deeper into a particular site; the more you click, the larger ... More

 

Tech Tip 49 - Twitter Lists and Search
  Tech tip 47 gave a brief overview of how the micro-blogging site Twitter.com works. This article discusses the Lists and Search features of Twitter.   In 2009, Twitter added a Lists feature that allows each user to categorize other accounts into specific groups without having to follow individual accounts. For ... More

 

Tech Tip 48 - Creating a Twitter account
  The last Tech Tip, Twitter 101, discussed several basic functions and terms you’ll encounter when conversing via the social media site Twitter.com. Here’s how to create a new account and join the conversation.   Twitter has a very simple sign-up form that asks for four pieces of information: your full ... More

 

Tech Tip 47 - Twitter 101
In tech tip 18, we discussed blogging and briefly mentioned Twitter.com as a micro-blogging site. A micro-blogging site is a blog that limits the length of posts to a certain number of characters –140 in Twitter’s case. Twitter is free and it’s by far the most popular micro-blogging site in the ... More

 

Tech Tip 46 - Three Quick Tips for Word Outlook and PowerPoint
CTRL+K – Use this key combination to quickly insert a hyperlink into your text.   CTRL+Backspace – Use this key combination to delete the previous word(s) you typed. For example, if I used this key combination at the end of this sentence, it would delete the word conventional. Hitting it again ... More

 

Tech Tip 45 - Cyber Bullying pt. 2 of 2
In recognition of October being National Bullying Prevention Month, this week’s tech tip gives you facts about cyber bullying as provided by the Kentucky Center for School Safety (KCSS). Please share this information with the kids in your life.   KCSS provides great resources on this topic and defines cyber bullying ... More

 

Tech Tip 44 - Cyber Bullying pt. 1 of 2
In recognition of October being National Bullying Prevention Month, this week’s tech tip will address cyber bullying and provides you with several tips and resources to share with the kids in your life.    The Kentucky Center for School Safety (KCSS) provides great resources on this topic and defines cyber bullying ... More

 

Tech Tip 43 - Five Quick Tips for XP and Mac
      1. You can switch from one open program to the next by pressing Alt+Tab (Windows) or Command+Tab (Mac). 2. You don’t have to type “http://www” into your Web browser. Just type the remainder: “nytimes.com” or “cnn.com,” for example. (In the Safari browser, you can even leave off the ... More

 

Tech Tip 42 - Co-authoring in Office Web Apps
The Web Apps in Live@edu can be used for document collaboration directly in the cloud from any computer. This means that the Web Apps allow you to collaborate and even co-author in real time with your co-workers or peers. To access the Web Apps, log into webmail and select the options ... More

 

Tech Tip 41 - Live Web Apps
The Web Apps in Live@edu can be used to create documents directly in the cloud from any computer. To access the Web Apps, log into webmail and select the options beneath the “Office” drop-down list on the collaboration toolbar. Remember: Think of Web Apps as the tools you’ll use to create ... More

 

Tech Tip 40 - SkyDrive
The SkyDrive is a Live@edu collaboration tool that allows for both document storage and sharing in the cloud.  As a reminder, the SkyDrive can be accessed via http://skydrive.live.com or http://office.live.com.  For easier navigation, use the ‘More’ drop-down list in the webmail collaboration toolbar to access the SkyDrive.  The SkyDrive provides each ... More

 

Tech Tip 39 - The Collaboration Toolbar
Over the next several weeks, this column will highlight features of the collaboration tools that come with being a Live@edu customer. This week is an introduction to the collaboration toolbar that has been enabled in webmail since it was launched May 24.   To log into the webmail application, please go ... More

 

Tech Tip 38 - Tile your screen in Windows XP
Have you ever needed to see two or more windows on your screen at the same time but also needed the windows equally sized? You can do this quickly and easily without having to manually resize and align each window.   First, open two or more windows on your screen. The ... More

 

Tech Tip 37 - KETS Contract Hardware
All students, parents, faculty and staff have the option to buy computer hardware using the Kentucky Department of Education’s contract.   To see the price sheets and contact information for each vendor, go to:  http://bit.ly/aMBm05   To make a purchase, please contact the corresponding manufacture representative or agent representative. Explain who ... More

 

Tech Tip 36 - Academic Discount Software
Kentucky students, faculty and staff are eligible to purchase software at academic discount prices.  The Student Select contract allows you to purchase software for up to 50% and 90% off the standard retail price.  To shop for software, please visit http://kde.onthehub.com. As you browse through the site and make purchases, please ... More

 

Tech Tip 35 - Microsoft Word checks for overused words
Have you ever written a document and been concerned that you may have overused a specific word or term throughout the text?  If so, there’s a tool in Word that allows you to check that.  To use the tool follow these steps.   1.  In a Word document, hit CTRL + ... More

 

Tech Tip 34 - Alt Navigation in Office 2007
If you’ve ever been working in Office 2007 and found it inconvenient to reach over and use the mouse to navigate, this tip is for you.    Office 2007 contains an “Alt” navigation feature that allows you to quickly move around without the mouse and without having to memorize a bunch ... More

 

Tech Tip 33 - Quickly navigate between Excel worksheets
Large Excel documents often contain so many worksheets that you can’t view them all at the bottom without scrolling to find them.  Even with a wide-screen display, there’s no way to get them all in for easy navigation.  To navigate quickly between worksheets, right-click on the navigation arrows to the left ... More

 

Tech Tip 32 - Drive Letters and Network Folders
Have you ever told someone that you saved something on the Z drive just to be told that they don’t have a Z drive?  This can be a frustrating and confusing exchange but it doesn’t have to be. Drive letters can be mapped to different physical network locations (where you’re storing ... More

 

Tech Tip 31 - Out of Office Assistant
Is it time for a break or getaway?  If so, be sure to set your Out of office assistant (OOA) message before you leave.  Doing so will keep your co-workers aware of your absence and your customers apprised of your return date.  Setting the OOA in Outlook 2007 is quite simple and with ... More

 

Tech Tip 30 - Taking a Screenshot
Have you ever wished you could take a picture of something on your computer screen?  Maybe a quirky error message pops up and you want to be able to show someone else.  Well here is how to take a quick “screen shot” and some options for what to do once you ... More

 

Tech Tip 29 - How to spot a phishing attempt
With every generation and social advancement there are always con artists who labor to take advantage of others.  The schemes we see today are really no different than the schemes from centuries before, just the same old tricks leveraging new technology.  I believe that John Stark, chief of the Office of ... More

 

Tech Tip 28 - One-click chart in Excel
If you ever need a chart in a hurry or you just want to check trends in your data, you can create a chart in Excel with a single keystroke. There are only two steps: 1.  Select the data you want to use in the chart. 2.  Press the F11 key ... More

 

Tech Tip 27 - Sharing your Outlook 2007 Calendar without sending e-mails
If you’d like to share your calendar with all staff members without sending emails to anyone, please follow the instructions below.  To see these instructions with screenshots, please click the attachments below.    1.  In the Outlook 2007 Navigation Pane, click Calendar. 2.  Below the heading My Calendars, you’ll see the ... More

 

Tech Tip 26 - Outlook 2007 mailbox rules
For instructions on exporting and importing mailbox rules in Outlook 2007, please see the attached document.    Published 5/21/2010    

 

Tech Tip 25 - KETS Service Desk Hours Changing and Live Email
KETS Service Desk Hours Changing Over the past year, the KETS Service Desk tested extended hours until 6 p.m. ET. Staff found that call volume was significantly higher in the early morning hours. As a result of this test, the KETS Service Desk hours will be change to 7:30 a.m. - ... More

 

Tech Tip 24 - Installing Software
Most of us have heard the saying, “With great power comes great responsibility”.  This saying translates well into the technology we use here at KDE.  As most of you probably know, each KDE staff member has the ability to install software and uninstall software on your KDE issued laptop or desktop. ... More

 

Tech Tip 23 - Quick Tabs and Tab Lists in IE7
When multitasking with several different websites in Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) it’s often difficult to remember which web page is located on which tab, especially if you have numerous tabs open or if the tab titles are less than descriptive.  The Quick Tabs and Tab List buttons exist for this reason.  ... More

 

Tech Tip 22 - Google Translate
Need to translate text from one language to another in a hurry?  Google Translate might be the solution you’ve been looking for.  This tool can help you translate text from a sizeable number of languages to another.  While an online resource is never really a perfect substitute for a human translator, ... More

 

Tech Tip 21 - Compressing Pictures in Office 2007
Adding pictures to a document or email can bring a simple message to life.  However, if not created properly, these messages can take on a life of their own, but it doesn’t have to be that way.  What we’re referring to here is the use of a tool in Office 2007 ... More

 

Tech Tip 20 - Internet Toolbars
We see it quite often, someone can’t surf the Internet or they’re not able to use a certain function of a website. Most often the culprit is a toolbar that’s been installed in Internet Explorer. While toolbars can be quite useful for some Internet websites, they can also be problematic. We ... More

 

Tech Tip 19 - KETSmail Functions
KETSmail Functions In Tech Tip #17 we discussed what ketsmail is, how to get to the website and how to login.  In this tech tip we’re diving a little deeper to discuss 2 functions of ketsmail that go beyond email.   1. Password resets - To reset your password via ketsmail, ... More

 

Tech Tip 18 - Blogs
A blog (a contraction of the term “web log”) is a web site that contains an online personal or professional journal with reflections, comments, and often links to other blogs or websites provided by the writer.  The ability of readers to leave comments in an interactive format is also an important ... More

 

Tech Tip 17 - KETSmail
The ketsmail.us website allows you to access your KDE e-mail, calendar, contacts, tasks, journal, notes, and RSS feeds when you don’t have access to your KDE laptop or workstation.  This website can be accessed from any Internet-connected public computer such as a personal computer at home or even a computer at ... More

 

Tech Tip 16 - Function Keys
The function keys on a keyboard are often overlooked by most users, including some of the most technical savvy users.  The function keys are the top row of keys that begins with the key F1. These keys are programmed to execute specific functions in the Windows operating system and when working ... More

 

Tech Tip 15 - Five Quick Internet Tips
1.  Using quotation marks, the plus sign, and the minus sign to refine Internet searches can save you a considerable amount of time.  Using quotation marks around a phrase ensures that the results will only show pages where that phrase is listed verbatim.  Using a plus sign ensures that returned results ... More

 

Tech Tip 14 - When to turn Proxy Settings On or Off
If you’ve ever taken your laptop home, away on business, or have plans to do so in the future, you’ll want to know how to turn off/on the KDE proxy settings.  In simple terms, a proxy server is a computer system that acts as a gate keeper between your computer and ... More

 

Tech Tip 13 - Phishing
Phishing is a scam by which an e-mail user is duped into revealing personal or confidential information which the scammer can use illicitly.    The types of confidential information solicited usually includes but are not limited to; bank account information, network usernames & passwords, social security numbers, birthdates, etc.    As ... More

 

Tech Tip 12 - Passphrasing
While choosing a complex password is critical to protecting the integrity of your network, the task of remembering your password doesn’t have to be difficult.  To help with this issue, we'd like to introduce the practice of passphrasing.  The term passphrasing refers to the use of a sequence of words or an ... More

 

Tech Tip 11 - Password reset tips
This week's KETS Tech Tip is an internal KDE communication.  Please contact the KETS Service Desk at ketshelp@education.ky.gov if you have any questions. Published 2/5/2010

 

Tech Tip 10 - Office 2007 Documentation and Self-Paced Training
As you may be well aware, many functions have changed in Office 2007 from the days of Office 2003.  In November, a Tech Tip was published explaining the ribbon feature in the Office 2007 applications but we wanted to build on that message.  A new document has been added to the ... More

 

Tech Tip 9 - Five Quick Tips
Here are five quick-and-easy tips for several tools you’re already using: 1.A new feature in Word 2007 allows you to save documents as a PDF without the need of a PDF print driver or other PDF software suite as in previous versions. You can use this feature by clicking “Save As” ... More

 

Tech Tip 8 - Collaboration in 2010
Thomas Edison, when asked why he had a team of twenty-one assistants, he responded “If I could solve all the problems myself, I would.”  Even Thomas Edison, who held 1,093 patents, understood the value of teamwork.   So how can we collaborate and work with others when we have so many ... More

 

Tech Tip 7 - Password Policy Change
This week's KETS Tech Tip is an internal KDE communication.  Please contact the KETS Service Desk at ketshelp@education.ky.gov if you have any questions. Published 1/8/2010

 

Tech Tip 6 - Items to check before leaving the office
Making a list and checking it twice The holiday season is in full swing, and the end of the year is quickly approaching. As you’re making last-minute preparations to be away from the office, here are a few items to check before you leave with laptop in tow: ·If you’d like ... More

 

Tech Tip 5 - Outlook Personal Folders
Last week we discussed e-mail limits and alerts. This week we’ll delve into personal folders and how these folders can help you manage e-mail more efficiently. Personal folders are also referred to as “.pst files” because “.pst” is the file extension, much like “.doc” is the extension for a Word document ... More

 

Tech Tip 4 - E-mail Limits and Alerts
You probably receive a friendly notification several times per year stating that “your mailbox is over the size limit.” Each customer of the e-mail system has a piece of physical space carved out on the KDE e-mail server that is dedicated specifically to him or her.   Think of the e-mail ... More

 

Tech Tip 3 - Text Formatting in Microsoft Word
As far back as the 1500s, printers and typesetters used dummy text known as Lorem Ipsum when working on publication layouts. They did this because they realized that editors were distracted by the text in a document even if they only wanted them to critique the layout.   Fast forward 500-plus ... More

 

Tech Tip 2 - Using Delegates in Microsoft Outlook
We’ve all seen it happen before: an e-mail or meeting request is sent from one person in the organization to another and somehow it’s magically delivered to everyone … EVERYONE!! It’s a frightening experience. The sender is thinking, “What did I send, did I share confidential information, and did this really ... More

 

Tech Tip 1 - Introducing the Office 2007 Ribbon
The Microsoft Office suite has undergone significant changes in the newest version. In previous versions of Office, you accessed most of its formatting and product functions through drop-down menus across the top of the screen. This meant it could take several clicks to get where you wanted or to perform a ... More