Q. I installed several apps on my iPad, but after using them, I decided that I don't want to keep them. How can I delete them?
A. To uninstall an application purchased or otherwise installed from the iPad Apps Store, press your finger on any Home Screen icon until all icons begin to shake and jiggle. (If you begin to shake and jiggle, call 9-1-1.)
Tap the X that appears in the upper left-hand corner of the icon for the app you want to remove. Tap the Delete button to delete the selected app.
To prevent the app from re-syncing to your iPad, plug the iPad into your computer. Under the iPad > Applications tab in iTunes, remove the check mark from the app in the Sync Applications list. That's all there is to it.
I've got oodles (it's a technical term) of additional, easy-to-use iPad tips waiting for you on amazon.com at http://amzn.to/nw7pjf, or simply search for “Mr. Modem.”
Q. When I create an Excel spreadsheet with grid lines, the lines appear very faint when
printed. Is there a way to make the grid lines darker?
A. Try using borders instead of grid lines. Highlight the area within which this is to apply, then click Format > Cells > Border tab, where you can select the thickness and style of the lines, as well as the color. Then click Outline and Inside, followed by OK to apply your selections.
Q. Sometimes people I send email to tell me that when they open my message, their computer freezes and they have to restart it. I'm sending you one of my emails that did this. Can you tell me what I'm doing wrong that might be causing this?
A. The email you sent me contains eight graphical animations, including four animated closings, “Goodbye,” “Adios,” “CUL8TR,” and “Sayonara.” While I understand that “cutesy” is in the eyes of the beholder, I would encourage some measure of restraint when it comes to email enhancements of this type for several reasons:
First, the graphics and animations you're including increase the size of your email exponentially, turning what should be a simple message into an unwanted, bloated presence -- not unlike my Uncle Rudy. For recipients with older systems or PCs with a minimal amount of memory, attempting to open your graphically intensive message can be overwhelming to the system, resulting in the freeze.
Graphical animations are also notorious carriers of malware and will be summarily blocked by some email systems. Depending on the email program being used, these items may not even be displayed as a safety precaution for the recipient.
While cutesy graphics, animations, dancing cherubs, winking smiley faces, etc. are fine to use with close friends and family, I would avoid including them in any professional or less-familial correspondence.
If you can't help yourself and feel compelled to include numerous graphics with your messages, you can't go wrong if you extend the courtesy of asking your intended recipients if it's okay to include animations. If they decline, don't take it personally. Simply thank them for their response and honor their request.
If you remove the graphics and animations from your message and re-send it, individuals who previously experienced a computer freeze should be able to open and view it without any problem.
Mr. Modem’s DME (Don’t Miss ‘Em) Sites of the Month
Elderpost
Think of Elderpost as a Craig's List for Senior Care. This is a site where seniors, care-givers, and families can post ads for, or search for, anything and everything having to do with seniors, care-giving and aging. Service and product providers, as well as individuals seeking employment are invited to post ads. There are categories for government and nonprofit listings, articles, blogs, information on aging, eldercare and more. www.elderpost.com
The Name Engine
Here you will find the correct pronunciations (including audio) of names of athletes, entertainers, politicians, news makers, and hundreds of other individuals you've never heard of. Even well-known names are often pronounced in different ways, leaving you to wonder what the correct pronunciation is. For years I've struggled with the pronunciation of Zydrunas Ilgauskas and like everybody else, I've always wondered, “Is it ZY-drunnas” or “zy-DRUN-es”? Turns out it's neither. It's “zih-DROON-ess,” with the traditional pronunciation of Ilgauskas. Go figure. www.thenameengine.com
TryPhone.com
This novel site provides the ability to try various electronics items before purchasing. Use the interactive online virtual handsets to test-drive mobile devices, cell phones, applications, content and services, as well as watch demonstrations from the comfort and convenience of your own computer. No pressure, no hovering salespeople, no features you don't understand. Try it, then possibly buy it. www.tryphone.com
“Mr. Modem's Top 50 Computing Tips,”a sweeping five-ebook epic series is available on amazon.com! Each volume features 50 of Mr. M.'s favorite computing tips, all written in Mr. Modem's entertaining and occasionally informative style.