The Lowdown on Steps to Highlight an Entire Page of Text

Q.: I use Microsoft Word to create documents for work. I often have to clip or copy text from e-mails and Web pages. I know you’ve talked about highlighting an entire page, but I need to know how it’s done. Can you fill me in?

--Forest L., Downey

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A.: It’s easy to highlight an entire page of text. Place your cursor at the very beginning of the text, then use one of these methods.

* Ctrl, Shift, End (with the cursor at the beginning of the text).

* Ctrl, A (the cursor can be anywhere in the document for this set).

* Triple-click in the left margin (your cursor changes to an arrow).

* Hold down the Ctrl key and click anywhere in the left margin (the cursor changes to an arrow).

Speeding Up a Modem

Q.i My modem seems to be slow when it comes to dialing. Is there a way I can make the modem dial faster?

--Margaret G., Los Angeles

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A.: Yes. Double-click on My Computer, then on Control Panel. Double-click on the Modem icon, then select your modem by clicking on it. Click on the Properties button, then click on the Connection tab. Click on the Advanced button, and in the “Extra settings” box type S11-35. Click on OK, and then again on OK. Now click on Close. Restart your computer so Windows can read the change you made. Your modem will now dial more quickly.

Surrounded by Sound

Q.: I have several good speakers that I want to use to create surround sound for DVD movies and games. Can I set up my computer to use surround sound?

--Keith S., Agoura

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A.: Yes. Double-click on My Computer, then on Control Panel. Double-click on Multimedia. On the Audio tab, click on Advanced Properties in the Playback section. On the Speakers tab, click on the down arrow that appears in the “Speakers Setup:” dialog box. Select Surround Sound Speakers and click on OK. Click OK again, then close any open windows. Restart your computer so Windows can read the changes. Now you can enjoy surround sound on your computer.

Backing Up Addresses

Q.: I have a large number of entries in my Microsoft Outlook address book. If my computer crashes, I’m in trouble. Is there a way to back up my address book?

--Joan A., Covina

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A.: You can back up your address book by creating a .CSV file. Here’s how to do it. Open your address book, then click on File on the menu bar at the top of your screen. Now click on Import and Export. Select “Export to a file,” then click on Next. Select Comma Separated Values (Windows) and then click on Next. The “Select folder to export from:” dialog box will open and Contacts (your address book) will be highlighted. Click on Next. In the “Save exported file as:” box, type a file name and a location. For example, if you want to save the exported file to your floppy disk drive, insert a blank floppy in the drive and then type myinfo (or any name of up to eight characters).

Windows will locate your address book backup file in the My Documents folder. Click on Finish in the “Export to a File” dialog box. This works with both Office 97 and Office 2000. Windows may ask you to insert your Office CD-ROM disk if the export feature is not installed. Windows will install it for you.

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Jeff Levy hosts the “On Computers” radio talk show from 9 a.m. to noon Sundays on KFI-AM (640). He can be reached at jefflevykfi@hotmail.com.