COASTWEEK - - Here are some more of the tips you could use:

Read - read, read and read some more it is like the old saying of practice, practice, practice.

README files - always read the README and help files for your software, writes VIPUL PATEL.

right-click - right-clicking speeds up tasks.

saving - when working on a project save often in case of a crash or power failure.

shutting down - remove all disks from their drives before shutting down the computer.

stretch - you can expand some dialog boxes by dragging their corners or edges to show more information.

take notes - when in doubt with any OS take notes in case you need to configure something , change settings, etc.

undo - many software programs allow you to undo your mistake and let you return to the previous state ... you should check to see if any of your programs supports this feature ... it is very valuable as it allows you to try things with less risk.

updating - make it common practice to update drivers, software, etc. on a regular basis.

upgrading - is a good thing...don't upgrade just to do so but when there's an advantage to doing so.

version - to find out what version of the software you're using open up your program and click "help" then "about..."

working with opened Windows - when you no longer need to use a window close it ... not only does this save screen space but it also frees up memory allowing your computer to run faster ... also if you are using a program but you don't need to use it at the moment minimize it ... minimizing unused windows will let you easily get to the Desktop when you need to.

write it down - so you don't forget something write it down into a text file and place it into a folder you're likely to remember it in such as "My Documents" or put it onto your desktop ... it would be a good idea to name it something like "tips", "notes", etc.

your documents - when you buy a pc you should keep all documents for future use and update them when you add a new component.

for fun ...

Customer: "You've got to fix my computer. I urgently need to print a document, but the computer won't boot properly."

Vipul: "What does it say ?"

Customer: "Something about an error and non-system disk."

Vipul: "Look at your machine. Is there a floppy inside ?"

Customer: "No, but there's a sticker saying there's an Intel inside."

Vipul: "Just call us back if there's a problem. We're open 24 hours."

Customer: "Is that Eastern time ?"

Vipul: "Ok, now click your left mouse button."

Customer: (silence) "But I only have one mouse."

Customer: "Excuse me can I use this disk ? It has a hole in it."

Vipul: "Do you have 3 1/2 inch diskettes ?"

Customer: "No, I only have 3 of them."

Vipul: "I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop."

Customer: "Ok."

Vipul: "Did you get a pop-up menu ?"

Customer: "No."

Vipul: "Ok. Right click again. Do you see a pop-up menu ?"

Customer: "No."

Vipul: "Ok, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this point ?"

Customer: "Sure, you told me to write 'click' and I wrote 'click'."

Customer: "Now what do I do ?"

Vipul: "What is the prompt on the screen ?"

Customer: "It's asking for 'Enter Your Last Name.'"

Vipul: "Ok, so type in your last name."

Customer: "How do you spell that ?"

• VIPUL PATEL is Sales and Marketing Executive with AfricaOnline Mombasa.