Expert Zone > Meet the Experts

Previous Columns by Joli Ballew

Joli Ballew

Joli Ballew is a technology trainer and writer in the Dallas area. She holds several certifications including MCSE, A+, and MCDST. In addition to writing, she teaches computer classes at the local junior college, and works as a network administrator and Web designer for North Texas Graphics. Joli has almost 20 books available, including Degunking Windows (voted best computer book of the year by the Independent Publishers Book Awards in 2005), Degunking Your PC, Degunking Your Mac, and Degunking Your Mac Tiger Edition (Paraglyph Press), Hardcore Windows XP (McGraw-Hill), and Windows XP: Do Amazing Things (Microsoft Press). Joli also writes for Microsoft's Windows XP Expert Zone, is a Microsoft blogger, and has written a textbook for Microsoft's MCDST certification. In her free time, Joli enjoys golfing, yard work, and teaching her cat, Nikko, new tricks. Joli can be contacted at Joli_Ballew@hotmail.com.

•Preparing for an Upgrade to Windows Vista

Columnist Joli Ballew explains how to prepare for a clean installation of a new operating system by backing up your software, media, and personal data.
(September 5, 2006)

•Windows Vista Parental Controls

Joli Ballew explains how monitoring and managing your children's computer privileges just got easier with the use of Parental Controls.
(May 23, 2006)

•Previewing Five Windows Vista Features

Joli Ballew visited Microsoft to see what was new in Windows Vista; this article highlights the five features she found most impressive.
(April 11, 2006)

•Create your own group with MSN Groups

Columnist Joli Ballew introduces you to MSN Groups and shows you how to create a group of your own.
(September 26, 2005)

•How to have a video conversation with MSN Messenger

Joli explains how to install MSN Messenger, set up a webcam and microphone, and have video conversations.
(July 11, 2005)

•Using forums to answer questions about Windows XP

Columnist Joli Ballew explains how to successfully search for solutions and post questions in non-Microsoft discussion groups.
(May 16, 2005)

•Share your photos on a portable device using Photo Story 3

Columnist Joli Ballew explains how to use Photo Story 3 to create a Photo Story appropriate for e-mailing or showing on a Windows Mobile-based Pocket PC.
(March 7, 2005)

•Upgrading your Internet speed: Making the move from dial-up to broadband

Columnist Joli Ballew explains the steps involved in upgrading dial-up service to a broadband Internet connection.
(February 14, 2005)

•How a Media Center PC works as a family organizational tool

Columnist Joli Ballew explains how to share a calendar and family data on a Media Center PC.
(January 25, 2005)

•How to Troubleshoot RAM Installations

Columnist Joli Ballew explains why RAM is one of the most crucial elements installed on a computer, and discusses how you can go about figuring out how much you can add, what type you need, where to buy it, and how to install it.
(September 21, 2004)

•How to use command line shortcuts

Columnist Joli Ballew introduces new users to the command line interface, and offers some surprising command-line shortcuts for advanced users.
(March 1, 2004)

•Communicate with Outlook Express 6 in Windows XP

If you're trying to decide whether Outlook Express is right for you or if you should purchase Outlook 2003 instead, Columnist Joli Ballew provides some direction.
(February 2, 2004)

•Getting the most from Windows Update

Columnist Joli Ballew gives advice on the easiest ways to get critical updates if you don't have the bandwidth and haven't been installing them regularly.
(January 12, 2004)

•Communicate with MSN Messenger 6

Columnist Joli Ballew takes MSN Messenger 6 for a spin and finds it easy to download, a snap to configure, and great fun to use.
(August 11, 2003)

•GPS and your Windows XP-based laptop

Columnist Joli Ballew talks about Global Positioning System technology, including what kind of GPS hardware and software might work for you and why it's important to choose Windows XP as your traveling companion.
(May 27, 2003)

•Windows XP System Restore is easy to use

Columnist Joli Ballew describes how to use the System Restore Wizard to recover from a system failure and when to use other troubleshooting techniques.
(May 19, 2003)

•Guide to user groups for Windows XP enthusiasts

Columnist Joli Ballew explains how to find a local user group and the benefits you'll gain from membership.
(February 24, 2003)

•Finding help online for new Windows XP users

Where to find free self-training, self-support, and good online sources of Windows XP help. Joli Ballew explains how to go beyond the Help and Support Center.
(August 19, 2002)