Q. What keyboard shortcuts can I use to create the symbols for copyright © and trademark ™? I’m using a laptop computer, so I don’t have the numeric keypad that is usually needed for making these symbols. Can I make them with a laptop?

A. If you're using a laptop computer or a keyboard that doesn't have a numeric keypad, you're not out of luck. You can still use the integrated Windows Character Map for that purpose. You'll find the Character Map under Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Character Map. Whew!

First, using the Character Map grid, locate the symbol you want to use. Double-click the symbol, which will cause it to appear in the Characters to Copy field. Next, click the Copy button.

To paste a symbol, minimize the Character Map window, or drag it out of the way, and go to the document in which you want to insert the symbol. Position your cursor where the symbol is to appear, then click Edit > Paste or using the keyboard, press CTRL + V to paste (insert) the symbol into your document. That’s all there is to it.

Using a numeric keypad, whether integrated or external, is the easiest way to create special characters and symbols. For additional information about this method, please review my Special Characters article at http://tinyurl.com/7tfxu.

Q. You previously explained how to address envelopes using Microsoft Word, but how do I save addresses that I print on a monthly basis, without having to retype them each time?

A. Here’s how I handle that digital dilemma: I created a folder in My Documents and named it Address Book. I then create a separate file within that folder for each address that I use frequently, and name each file with the addressee’s name, such as Smith, Bob.doc. When I need to print an envelope, I insert the envelope in my printer (a vitally important part of this process), select the file with the appropriate address, and in Word I click Tools > Envelopes and print the envelope.

To create an Address Book folder in My Documents, double-click the My Documents icon on your Desktop, then click File > New > Folder. Type “Address Book” in the Name field and you’re done. To create the individual address files, simply open a new Word document, enter the name and address, then click File > Save (or click the Save button) and in the Save In field that appears, give the file a name (using the addressee’s name), and save it to your Address Book folder.

Mr. Modem's Sites of the Week:

Copyscape
If you have a Web site and you’re concerned that others might be using your content without permission, Copyscape to the rescue! This site is dedicated to defending your copyright protections and helping you fight online plagiarism and content theft. Enter a URL (Web address) and Copyscape will identify sites that may have “borrowed” your original content without permission. (Just make sure you didn’t “borrow” the content first.)
www.copyscape.com

The 2-Variable Intuition Test
This alternative IQ Test presents a series of questions designed to determine your levels of scientific and emotional intuition. Caution: Some of the questions may be perceived as a bit coarse or inappropriate, so if you are easily offended, overly sensitive, or subject to spontaneous weeping, it would be best not to participate.
http://tinyurl.com/daarm

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