How to Customize Internet Explorer Appearance

Microsoft Internet Explorer has several features to customize the appearance and improve the browser’s layout. Here are some basic commands to modify the default settings in IE:

Add/Delete Toolbars
1. Scroll to the menu bar at the top of the browser.
2. Right-click to reveal the Toolbar menu options.
3. Select which Toolbars to show or hide within the menu.

Adjust Text Size
There are two methods for adjusting the text size in IE. The first example is using the View option on the Menu toolbar. The second is to use the Command Bar.

Using Menu toolbar:
1. Click on View.
2. Select Text Size.
3. In the menu, choose which text size that you prefer: Largest to Smallest.

Using Command Bar:
1. Click on Page.
2. Select Text Size.
3. Choose value from Largest to Smallest.

Zoom
Similar to adjusting text, the Zoom feature can be changed under the View menu or Command Bar.

For View option:
1.  In Menu toolbar, click View.
2. Select Zoom.
3. Choose a Zoom size option. IE offers preset Zoom sizes or customized Zoom.

For Command Bar:
1. Click on Page.
2. Select Zoom.
3. Choose a Zoom option.

Resize IE’s Icons
1. Right-click on the menu bar.
2. Scroll to Customize.
3. Select Use Large Icons.

For more tips on customization, go to Microsoft Support: http://bit.ly/Revq6

32 or 64-bit?

A common question that we get here at Tech Support is: how can I tell if my computer is 32 or 64-bit? To find out what type of system that you have is easy. Go to My Computer on your Desktop. Right-click on the icon and select Properties. Under the System component list, look for the System type. The menu should state whether your computer is 32-bit or 64-bit Operating System. An alternate way to get to this menu is to go to Control Panel -> System. The information that is listed is the same.

Once you know what type of system that you have, it is critically important when selecting the type of software to install. Many manufacturers offer both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of their programs, so before you buy, you need to have this information handy. You cannot run a 64-bit program on a 32-bit computer, because the system lacks the processor speed and memory. But, you may be able to run a 32-bit program on a 64-bit machine depending on the manufacturer's specifications.  For more on 32-bit and 64-bit Windows, go to Microsoft Support: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/compare/32-bit-64-bit-faq.aspx

How to Use the Phishing Filter in IE

It is that time of year where many of us will rely on online shopping to help us through the holidays. Before you click the checkout button, you should be aware of some new features in IE that can help you have a safer shopping experience online. With the launch of Internet Explorer version 7, Microsoft introduced a new feature that blocks phishing sites from your browser. Phishing is a type of malware in which criminals use a fake website in order to collect your personal information. The new IE phishing filter evaluates each web site against a database of known malware sites to let you know if it is valid or not. For more information on malware prevention, watch Tech Support's video on Internet Security: http://youtu.be/yfp7Ajzky9E

Or to modify the Phishing Filter feature in IE, click here for instructions: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/930168