How to create an Email Distribution List

I was asked recently by a customer how to create an email distribution list using Microsoft Outlook.

Here are the steps:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook;

2. Select Address Book;

3. Select File New Entry;

4. Select New Distribution List and Click OK;

5. Choose a name for the new Distribution List;

6. Select Select Members and add from your address book;

7. Once members added select Save & Close;

8. Now you can send to this distribution list by selecting it as the addressee when composing a new email, rather than typing or adding a selection of individual names and/or email addresses;

9. To ensure the members of your distribution list are not known to other members send as a bcc message. The sent message will show you as both the sender and receiver of the email.

Compliments to Apple Support

Today, after installing some Apple updates, my iBook would not restart.

I called Apple Technical Support (133 622 – Select Option 2 and Option 2 again) for assistance, and they ran through various steps to get my system back up and running, which it did and with no loss of data or settings.

There are many things that could have caused my problem, which I will never find, despite my natural curiosity for an explanation.

During the call to Apple, whilst I was put on hold so that the support agent could seek assistance from higher level support, the line dropped out (this seems to often occur when you are put on hold). I then called back, but impressively, the Apple representative had tried to call me back, finding that my line was engaged. For this, as well as their professional support, they deserve high praise. Not all Support Help Desks would or do call you back, if for any reason your call to them drops out. And we all have experienced delays in getting through to these technical assistance lines. Once is bad enough. Having to do it a second time or more… So anything that reduces the time spent waiting to get through to a person on the other end gets high marks from me.

Other technical support lines could take a leaf from Apple and call you back if the connection drops out.

Lastly, it is issues such as I have just experienced that makes an investment at the time of your Apple computer purchase of Applecare that makes the expense worthwhile.

2007 Microsoft Office Suite Service Pack 1 (SP1)

Microsoft yesterday released the 2007 Office Suites Service Pack 1 (SP1). For a full description visit http://support.microsoft.com/kb/936982. It will not currently automatically update via Windows and/or Microsoft Updates, so if you wish to optionally download it now visit http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=9EC51594-992C-4165-A997-25DA01F388F5&displaylang=en. It is a large download – 218.3 MB.

Although I am generally happy with the performance of Office 2007, there are some minor issues I find frustrating at at times, particularly Outlook 2007, which often performs very sluggishly. So if this Service Pack does what Microsoft states and ‘improves stability and performance’ of these Office applications then it is likely to be a useful update.

You may wish to wait for further reviews before downloading this pack.

Exetel Usage Meter Windows Vista Gadget & Exetel Usage Meter (Windows XP) from “The Toids World”

If you are an Exetel Broadband Internet Customer you may wish to check your usage in real-time with this gadget/application, rather than having to access your User Facilities page at Exetel.

This small gadget (113kb) for Windows Vsta can downloaded via this page http://home.exetel.com.au/amurgshere/xtlmetergadget.phtml#Download. Scroll down to the bottom of the page.

Once installed enter your phone number and/or username plus your password and the gadget will start recording your usage.

There is also the Exetel Usage Meter for Windows XP (1.01MB). Download from this link http://home.exetel.com.au/amurgshere/xtlusage.phtml. 

Blackberry 8707 from Optus

I have long used a Blackberry device, and it is by far my most oft-used and useful gadget, mainly for accessing my emails.

I recently upgraded the operating system to the latest version (v4.2.1.105). As with everything Blackberry the upgrade went smoothly. The automated process first backed up all my existing data (the recommended setting). This version has some nice new enhancements such as being able to access my Facebook profile from my Blackberry.

The only thing I didn’t like was the rearranging of the icons on my Blackberry screen, which I wished to change.

I knew I had done this previously, but could neither remember nor find anything in the help section as to how to go about it.

In actual fact it is rather simple.

Highlight the icon you wish to move by holding the ALT button and simultaneously click the trackwheel. This brings up options to either MOVE ICON, HIDE ICON, SHOW ALL or SWITCH APPLICATION. This last option SWITCH APPLICATION is a useful addon that can be used whilst in any application, enabling quick navigation from one to another.

Select MOVE ICON and then with the trackwheel move the icon to where you wish to place it and then click the trackwheel once done.