Accurate Data Networks: Your Computer Networking Specialists

Tips & Tricks

Quick Internet Security Check:
In less than 5 minutes you can get a general idea of how secure or insecure your T1, DSL or Cable modem connection is. Here's how: Point your Internet browser to www.grc.com
Select Shields UP
Scroll down and find the link Shields Up
Run both tests: Test my Shields and Probe My Ports. If the results return as Stealth, your network seems to be protected. If you see open ports then verify that there is a good reason to keep these ports open. If you have any questions regarding the results, please call us for assistance.

Internet Speed:
Did you want to know how fast (or slow) your Internet connection is? Here is a simple way to test it:
Point your browser to www.speakeasy.net/speedtest
Choose Los Angeles, CA server to start the test
The test will run and when completed you will have your download and upload speed.

Close or Move "High-Riding" Windows:
Have you ever had to deal with windows that ride above the top of your monitor screen? This makes it impossible to get to the title bar of the window to drag the window down. Here are two things you can do to move or close these windows:

Right click on the window's icon in the taskbar. Click Move and then use the down arrow key on the keyboard to move the window down. If you want to close the window, just click Close.

Or try this: click anywhere in the window that's riding high. Hold down the ALT key and then press the SPACEBAR. The control dialog box pops up. Click the Move command and then the arrow keys to move the window. When you can see the title bar, click on it to stop moving the window.

Add Entries to your "Send To" List:
Windows XP has a cool little feature called "Send to" that you can access by right clicking on a file. By default, the Send To menu allows you to send the file to a Compressed Folder, your Desktop, a mail recipient, the My Documents folder, a floppy disk, or a CD drive. It's easy to add more options to this list. Here's how:

1. Click the Start button, and then click the Run command.

2. In the Run dialog box, type SENDTO in the Open text box. Click OK.

3. Create a shortcut and add that shortcut to the SENDTO folder. You can add a shortcut using one of a couple of methods, including:
* Drag-and-drop using the right mouse button, and then click Create Shortcuts Here.

* Right Click on the location, then click Create Shortcut.
* Point to New on the File menu, and then click Shortcut.
For example, open the My Computer applet. Right click on a drive letter and click Copy. Now right click on an empty space in the SENDTO folder and click Paste Shortcut.

The new entry will show up on the Send To menu immediately. You don't need to restart.