PRINT THE CONTENTS OF ANY DIRECTORY 
I archive my computer files onto CDs, and I would like to print a list of the files so I can catalog them easily. But I can’t figure out a way to print a directory listing from Windows Explorer. Can that be done?

For example, not only can it print the name of a file, it also can include its size, date and time of last modification and attributes (Read-Only, Hidden, System and Archive). And it can even sort the list in any of those choices.

COPY ERROR MESSAGES INTO YOUR BROWSER TO SEARCH FOR A SOLUTION 
 I’m a sole proprietor, and I’m having problems with my computer. I’ve been writing down the error messages that pop up and using that information to google for solutions. But it’s a real pain writing out all those error-message codes. Is there an easier way to do a search?

 First of all, congratulations for trying to fix the problem yourself. The search technique you’re using—googling for specific help—is a very effective way to get answers. Although your search may be time-consuming, in the long run what you’re doing is a good investment because it enhances your computer knowledge so you can use your computer more effectively.

Now to address your problem, rather than just jotting down the error message, highlight it with your mouse then copy it (Ctrl+C) to your Clipboard . Then, when you’re at your browser, just paste it (Ctrl+V) into your search engine. Good luck.

TAME CRANKY TRACK CHANGES AND LEARN HOW TO CUSTOMIZE SHORTCUTS 
I’ll concede that Track Changes is a very useful Microsoft Word tool, especially when several people are reviewing and editing a document. But, as good as it is, it’s also quite pesky—especially when you accidentally turn it on by pressing Ctrl+Shift+E and then you try to toggle it off. Sometimes it just seems to hang on like chewing gum stuck to the bottom of your shoe. Suggestions?

 I don’t suggest turning it off; it’s much too useful. I think what you may want to do is disable the shortcut and just use Tools , Track Changes as the way to launch it. Disabling the shortcut is not only easy, but you may want to use this procedure to customize other shortcuts as well. As you’ll see, it’s a very useful technique.

Begin by clicking on Tools, Customize. Then, on the Commands tab, choose Tools in the Categories list and click on Keyboard, which is at the bottom of the screen, and once again click on Tools.

In the adjoining Commands column, move your cursor down until you get to ToolsRevisionMarksToggle . You should see the Ctrl+Shift+E shortcut appear in the Current keys box.

Select the shortcut in the Current keys box and click on Remove. Finally, close the dialog boxes. That’s all it takes to disable a shortcut.

SHOULD YOU KEEP YOUR LAPTOP PLUGGED IN OR NOT? 
My primary computer is a laptop. I keep it plugged in all the time so when I travel I just pull the cables and I’m off with a fully-charged battery. But I worry that by leaving it plugged in I may be shortening the battery’s life. I’ve asked tech-support people about that. Some say it’s definitely bad for the battery, and others say that’s hogwash. What’s the straight story?

 Before lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries replaced the old nickel-cadmiums (NiCad) and became the standard for laptops, it surely was unwise to leave the battery plugged in for long periods. That was because if a NiCad was not nearly fully drained periodically and then recharged, it would lose its ability to ever become fully charged; that was called the “memory effect.” Li-Ion batteries overcame that shortcoming, but the hazard common to both batteries is heat, which degrades their capacity. Not only do batteries generate their own heat when they’re in use or being charged, but the computers they power also radiate heat. Typical temperature levels in a battery-powered laptop reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Be aware, too, that the electronic components of an always-on computer also degrade somewhat from exposure to continuous heat—whether on battery or AC power.

The other issue is charge-cycle times. Li-Ion batteries have a typical life cycle of around 400 charges, so after about a year of typical use, it will degrade to about 80% of its original capacity. But if it’s plugged in all the time—thus continually being topped off—that adds to the number of recharge cycles and hours of continuous heat exposure.

So what can you do? Let’s address the heat problem first. You can’t eliminate the generation of heat, but you can do things to alleviate it. For example, if your laptop sits flat on your desk, cool air cannot circulate under it. But if you elevate the rear of the laptop so it’s tilted toward you, the warm air can escape. Do an Internet search for laptop cooling and you’ll see a wide assortment of devices—from simple stands that elevate the rear of the laptop to fan-powered grills that circulate air under the computer (see screenshot at left). These devices provide a bonus: Slightly elevating the rear of the laptop improves access to the keyboard.

So I would suggest this strategy: If your laptop is going to be plugged into AC power for long periods, remove the battery after it’s fully charged. Then, every month or two, install the battery and let it recharge because even when it’s not in use, its power slowly drains. When it’s full, remove it again.

To check a battery’s power level (if the power meter icon is not already in your taskbar—see screenshot), go to Control Panel , Power Options and access the meter. With that strategy you will always have a fully charged battery available for travel.

EXCEL SHORTCUTS
Ctrl+Shift+! formats a number in comma format.
Ctrl+Shift+$ formats a number in currency format.
Ctrl+Shift+# formats a number in date format.
Ctrl+Shift+% formats a number in percentage format.
Ctrl+Shift+@ formats a number in time format.
Ctrl+5 adds a strikethrough to any number.

Stanley Zarowin is a contributing editor to the JofA. His e-mail address is stanley.joatech@gmail.com.

©2008 AICPA