Ask
Ask Mr. Modem! – July 2008
www.MrModem.com
“Help! My PC Won’t Start”
Q. I recently moved my desktop computer. When I tried to start it, nothing
happened. It won’t turn on. Any help would be appreciated, Mr. M.
A. First, remove then plug the power cord into the back of the computer. Make
sure it’s inserted securely. Likewise, make sure it’s plugged into the AC or
power strip or whatever your source of power is. Also, be sure that the outlet
it is plugged into is functional. Try plugging in a lamp to confirm that it is.
Do the same thing if you’re using a power strip or surge protector, just to be
certain everything is functioning independently.
Next, check the back of the computer in the area where you plugged in the power
cord. Look for a switch with a little horizontal line on one end and a little
circle on the other. The line means “On,” so make sure that it is turned on.
It’s very easy, when moving a computer, to accidentally toggle that switch to
the “Off” position.
If the power switch is on, and everything is plugged in securely, the electric
outlet is working, as is any power strip or surge protector, and you still can’t
start your PC, then it’s time to contact a reputable computer repair service and
have them check it out. It may require something as simple as replacing the
system’s power supply unit.
Q. Is there a way to configure Word so it will automatically leave two blank
spaces after a period at the end of a sentence?
A. Yes, you can do that, though one space after a period is the standard these
days. Years ago, it was two spaces, but for most publications today, one space
is preferred.
Microsoft Word does not provide an ATS (automatic two-space) setting, but you
can configure Word's grammar checker to note any spacing anomalies. To do that,
click Tools > Options > Spelling & Grammar tab > Settings button. Use the
“Spaces required between sentences” drop-down list to establish how many spaces
you would like between your sentences, followed by OK to close the Grammar
Settings dialog box, then OK to close the Options dialog box.
The grammar checker will flag any sentences that do not conform to your spacing
preference by displaying a green wavy underline. When you right-click that line,
you’ll be able to correct the spacing for that occurrence.
Q. I know this is probably a stupid question, but what does “URL” stand for?
A. First and foremost, there are never any stupid or silly questions here in Mr.
Modemville. For most of us, Geekspeak is not our native tongue, so if you
encounter a word and you’re just not sure what it means, “Ask Mr. Modem.”
Having said that, depending who you ask, URL stands for either “Uniform Resource
Locator” or “Universal Resource Locator.” I was always a uniform kind of guy
since my days in the Boy Scouts, so I prefer “Uniform Resource Locator.” A URL
is the unique address of a resource on the Internet. A “www” URL, commonly
called a Web address, appears in the Address bar near the top of a Web browser.
For example, the full URL or Web address for my Web site is
http://www.MrModem.com,
though URLs are typically shortened to
www.MrModem.com or even
MrModem.com.
Mr. Modem’s DME (Don’t Miss ‘Em) Sites of the Month
Craftzine
A project-based, online magazine dedicated to do-it-yourself crafts. The
Projects section gives crafting a modern makeover, mixing traditional art with
modern elements such as technology, recycling, the use of creative materials,
and toxic waste (just kidding). Lots of free information is available on the
site, though visitors are encouraged to enter a paid subscription.
www.craftzine.com
Historic Tale Construction Kit
Whether you are a history buff or just trying to look busy at work, this site
lets you create your own story from the Middle Ages, complete with warriors,
beasts, and shamans. When finished, you can submit it to the site so others can
view it, or email it to annoy as many friends as possible. The process is a bit
like writing your own comic strip in individual frames.
http://tinyurl.com/t3xe
New York Public Library Digital Gallery
You don’t have to live in the Big Apple to experience one of the most impressive
libraries in the world. The New York Public Library Digital Gallery Web site
provides visitors with free access to half a million digitized items from its
collection.
http://digitalgallery.nypl.
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