Source: Computer Question – Why Do You Have to Restart Your Computer? from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

This question was asked by Paul Prior. Paul wrote saying, “Out of curiosity, after updates I get a message saying to restart my computer, which I always do. What’s the reason for this?” Transcription begins: This is a pretty simple thing to understand when you think about it the right way. First off, the updates he’s talking

Source: Four Basic Computer Training Kindle Books Available on Amazon from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

I’m happy to announce that the first four of a series of books covering computer basics and online privacy & security advice are now available to order from Amazon.com (and on the overseas “local branches” of Amazon) for Kindle. You can see cover images and titles for the books – clicking them will take you to

Source: Simple Computer Tips That Will Make Your Life Easier from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

Computer users have a wide range of experience and levels of understanding of their computers. The great majority of users have just learned the most basic features of a few of the thousands of programs out there. It really can be a help for you to learn computer basics that you may have been taught. But

Source: Video Tour of Computer Training App for iPhone & iPad from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

Yesterday I announced the release of my new app for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad – learn computers with the Basic Computer Training & Tips app Computer Basics App  This iOS app, along with 2 others I’ll be announcing as soon as Apple approves them, is the first version of what may become the main “delivery system” for

Source: Learn Computer Basics & More With New iPhone & iPad App from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

I’m very happy to announce the release of my new app for iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad – Basic Computer Training & Tips iOS app: Computer Training AppThe app includes hours of my quick & easy video and audio computer lessons that teach you basic computer terms and show you step-by-step how to use the computer

Source: Tips on How to Use a Search Engine the Right Way from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

I thought I’d share the following infrographic (Image courtesy of HackCollege) which gives you tips on how to use Google and other search engines more effectively. The guide has a bunch of good tips, many of which I share in my related video lessons in my Easy Internet course (see links below image).  I do have

Source: What is a USB Flash Drive – Computer Terms in Plain English from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

In this audio lesson & transcript, I’m going to take a question from Mark. He writes and asks, “What’s a flash drive?”   Transcript of computer lesson begins: A flash drive is a type of storage device for a computer. A storage device is the broad or general term for anything that is used to store data or

Source: Computer Question: What is a Bookmark – Basic Computer Term Explained from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

This computer question comes from Mahakali Ramesh Kumar, who writes: “Dear Worth Godwin, I want to know what is Bookmark in internet or in computers. Thanking you, Yours faithfully Mahakali” TRANSCRIPT BEGINS: That’s a pretty simple thing to answer. A bookmark is sometimes also known as a favorite, although originally it was known as a bookmark in most web browsers. Those

Source: Computer Question About Ubuntu and Free Open Source Software from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

I received a computer question by email from a subscriber named Willa Valdez, who is wondering what I think about Ubuntu and Open Source software in general. Here’s her question: “Dear Worth, Mahalo Nui Loa for your Newsletters. Your computer lessons have helped me tremendously. I am thinking of purchasing a netbook. They

Source: Computer Question: What is Grounding & Can Electrostatic Damage Hurt Your Electronics? from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

This time I’m going to take a question from someone who asks, “What is grounding? I’ve heard it phrased in so many places but don’t know what it is.” Use the audio player above to listen to the plain English explanation of this computer term, or read the transcription of the audio below: – Compute training audio

Source: What is a Video Card – Computer Terms Explained in Plain English from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

Video Lesson Transcription Begins Here: I want to explain the computer term “video card.” I’m answering a newsletter subscriber’s question about what a video card is. I’m going to explain to you what a video card is and what it basically does. I’m also going to give you a few suggestions on choosing the right video

Source: Computer Question About How To Find And Work With Pictures on Your Computer from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

Today I want to answer another computer question, this one coming from Leslie G. who writes: “Dear Mr. Godwin, I have been enjoying and learning a lot from you, I wonder if you can help me. I used to be a very good photographer.  Not a pro but I liked taking pictures.   I would love to mess

Source: Password Safety Tips – Audio Lesson & Transcript from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

The following audio & transcript are from a live computer Q&A event I recorded back in 2008, discussing a topic which is just as important today as it was then. This segment is a lesson giving a few tips on choosing a safe password, and also explaining a why it’s important to use strong passwords

Source: What Does the Computer Term Default Mean in Plain English from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

In this audio computer training lesson I answer a question from Vasilis who writes wanting to know just what the computer term “default” means.  Click the triangle play button below to listen to this computer question and my Plain English answer: As I explain in the audio lesson, the computer term “default” is one that confuses

Source: Computer Question: Why is This Hard Drive So Cheap? from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

The following is a computer question I was sent by ‘AlainAiso’ who wrote with a question about why a new hard drive they bought was so cheap and whether this was because there was a problem with the drive.  Click the player below to listen to this computer question and my Plain English answer: “Question about

Source: Video: How to Make a Bootable Lion Install DVD or USB Drive from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

If you’re upgrading your Mac to OS X Tiger it’s a good idea to make a bootable USB drive or DVD install disc to keep you covered in case of  problems, and to save time downloading when upgrading multiple Macs. Click the image below to watch the video lesson where I show you exact steps

Source: Computer Question Why Can’t My Older Computer Open Newer Programs from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

This computer question comes from a student named Edward, who writes: “Dear sir, I have followed your comments on here with great interest and find them very helpful.  I have a problem I am trying to sort out first with an Apple iBook. My problem is I cannot download applications, and when I do they will not

Source: Online Security Video How to Avoid Trojan Credit Card Scams from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

There is an online threat which has been common on Microsoft Windows computers for years now, but which is now becoming a real problem for Apple’s Macs as well. Click the image below to watch the video lesson: The threat involves a scam where a you encounter a

Source: iPhone Tips & Video Tutorials in Plain English – Video Preview of Easy New App from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

I’ve been meaning to post this for a few days – as mentioned in a previous post on my site, I’ve brought my style of quick & easy, Plain English video lessons to help you learn how to use the iPhone.  Beginning with over 150 short step-by-step videos, you get iPhone basics, iPhone tips &

Source: What is Metadata – Can Hidden Information in Photos and Other Files Risk Your Privacy from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

A lot of people are unwittingly publishing information about themselves online when they share photos and videos online. This information is revealed in something called “metadata” which you can think about as “data about the data”, or info about the information (data) in the file. This information about the file can be

Source: Computer Question: Is My Internet Connection Slow Because of My Router? from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

This latest computer question comes from someone named Morgan who writes: I have a question for you. My internet seems to be very slow. I am not sure if it is because of the ISP that our family uses or if it could be a problem with the modem or router. Our basement flooded and water

Source: Computer Question What Is a Torrent Site and Are They Dangerous? from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

In this article I’ll answer a question sent in by a student named Daniel McClutchy who writes: “Hi Worth:  Your CDs have helped a great deal to understand the internet and computer basics. Thanks. I have a question for you.  Can you explain what a torrent site is? I followed a recommendation of a co-worker and logged on

Source: What is a Hard Drive & What is Ram Video Lesson from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

Here is one of my early video lessons (please excuse the video quality) where I use one of my Plain English explanations of computer terms — explaining what a hard drive is and what RAM is, and what they do in your computer.  Many people confuse those two terms with each other, and many people

Source: Internet Tips: How to Avoid a Common Web Browsing Mistake from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

Here is a simple thing to learn but is a big time saver you really need to know about when using the Internet. I see many rookie, and even experienced computer users making this blunder (and remember, I’m not being critical; it’s not your fault if you’re making this computer mistake) Don’t use a search engine like

Source: Why Trusting Your Files to “The Cloud” Could Be a Really Bad Idea from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

In this article I’m going to help you understand a computer term you’ve probably heard but may not have understood, and give you some advice that will protect you from a computer mistake. There was a rumor floating around that Facebook was shutting down for good on March 15th of 2011. This is obviously not

Source: How to Back Up Windows or Mac – Video Lesson from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

In this video lesson I explain the two general methods of backing up your important files, namely incremental backup (a.k.a. versioned backup) and “cloning” backup. I also give specific suggestions about how to do either one or both to protect the important files on your computer. Failing to back up is perhaps the biggest single computer

Source: Computer Question Does Turning on Wifi on Your Phone Mean Free Internet from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

In this computer question & answer audio lesson I’m taking a question from user brandang17 who asks: “So because I have wireless internet an stuff with my phone when I turn WiFi on does that mean I am getting free Internet or am I still paying for it though my plan? Thank you” Use the player to

Source: Don’t Let Heat Damage Ruin Your Computer and Other Electronics from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

Heat is one of the most damaging things for electronics. People are often not aware of this and are causing their computers and other devices to fail long before their time because they’re not doing what they need to do to keep them cool. You’ve probably noticed that computers typically have fans which you can spinning

Source: Computer Basics – Tips to Understand Forms & Use Them More Easily from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

In this video computer lesson I want to share some tips to help you understand how forms work (including order forms, surveys, newsletter signup forms, etc.).  This covers a lot of fundamentals that more basic computer users often need help with, but also includes tips for how you can use your keyboard and mouse together

Source: Video: How to Use Amazon Wish List – Makes it Easy to Give Gifts from Worth Godwin's Computer Training

Around this time of year people are doing a lot of shopping to buy gifts for others. One of the challenges when buying a gift (or receiving one!) is knowing the right thing to get a person. With some people it’s easy, but for others it can be a real pain to figure out