Put those downloaded fonts to use

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BY ERIN PHEIL
special to the daily
December 23, 2007

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Computer Tip of the Week: Installing new fonts onto your computer
OK. So you've downloaded a bunch of free fonts from sites like www.simplythebest.net/fonts and www.urbanfonts.com, but now they're all just sitting on your desktop. And they're not doing anything. How can you tell your computer to recognize these fonts so you can start using them in programs like Word and Publisher?

On a PC, the first thing you need to do is open your Fonts folder by going to Start Menu > Control Panel > Fonts. Now (keeping in mind that font files usually have extensions like .ttf, .pfa, .pfb and .otf), simply drag your font files into this folder and ... that's it. They're installed.

Close your fonts folder and open up any program where you're allowed to choose what fonts you wish to use. The fonts you use will now show up in that program's fonts drop-down list.

Q& A of the Week: Can you suggest a good learning resource?
Reader-submitted question:

For several reasons I've decided that it's time for me to learn at least the basics of Microsoft Word. I don't want to have to buy any CDs and when I try to search for help there are so many results I feel overwhelmed. If you could suggest something for me that would be appreciated.

Answer:

I'd be happy to suggest a site; it's actually one that a reader sent to me a while back and commented on how helpful it was for her. I hadn't gotten around to writing about it though, so your question provides me with a perfect opportunity to share this site with others.

Microsoft Word in Pictures is the name of the site, and you can visit it at http://inpics.net/word.html. Follow the step-by-step explanations and you'll feel comfortable with Word in no time.

For those of you who aren't neophytes with Word, the site also offers visual walk-throughs of various tasks such as using tables, inserting page breaks, printing envelopes and labels, and employing templates.

Grab Bag: Five Links of the Week
• http://tinyurl.com/3agafr - Loooooove this article - it's the beginner's guide to search engines and search engine ranking. If you're looking for a low-tech explanation of why results show up in search engines the way they do, make sure you read this blog post.

• http://tinyurl.com/y5gedn - Make the most out of your tabbed browsing in Firefox.

• http://tinyurl.com/24c65k - How to spot fake listings on Craigslist and eBay.

• http://www.earth911.org - A great website with a mission of delivering actionable local information on the environment "that empowers people to act locally, live responsibly and contribute to sustainability."

• http://tinyurl.com/38o54z - Moving? Trade, buy, or sell reusable boxes and shipping supplies here.

And that's it for today, everyone. Have a great week, and see ya next Monday.

Based in Frisco, eRin pheiL is the primary creative force behind timeforcake (www.timeforcake.com). She can be reached via phone at (970) 668-0709 or e-mail at info@timeforcake.com.