QUICKLY HIDE ALL OPEN TABS IN "GOOGLE CHROME"
IF you Don't want others seeing which web sites you are browsing in Google Chrome? Press the panic button!
Tired of others snooping around and looking to see what you are doing on your computer? Don't want others to know you are taking a quick break to check Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, or other web sites via Google Chrome?
The PanicButton extension offers a one-click option to quickly hide your open tabs. Just press the exclamation point in the red circle that is added to the right of Google Chrome's address bar and all open tabs become hidden. By default, the circle is replaced with a green circle and the number of closed tabs, though this can be changed.
Tired of others snooping around and looking to see what you are doing on your computer? Don't want others to know you are taking a quick break to check Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, or other web sites via Google Chrome?
The PanicButton extension offers a one-click option to quickly hide your open tabs. Just press the exclamation point in the red circle that is added to the right of Google Chrome's address bar and all open tabs become hidden. By default, the circle is replaced with a green circle and the number of closed tabs, though this can be changed.
SHORTCUT KEYS FOR "MOZILLA FIREFOX"
Mozilla Firefox short keys
* CTRL+A Selects the all items on active page
* CTRL+B Display the "Organize Bookmarks" dialog box
* F5 Refresh the active web page
* F7 activate the cursor to move with keyboard
* ALT+Home Use to open the home page of Internet explorer
* ALT+Left Arrow Go to previous page of active page
* ALT+Right Arrow Go to next page of active page
* ALT+B Go to Mozilla Firefox Favorites Menu
* ALT+D Go to address bar of current Firefox page
* ALT+E Go to Mozilla Firefox Edit Menu
* ALT+F Go to Mozilla Firefox File Menu
* ALT+S Go to Mozilla Firefox History Menu
* ALT+T Go to Mozilla Firefox Tools Menu
* ALT+V Go to Mozilla Firefox View Menu
* CTRL+SHIFT+DEL Use to clear all Private Data history
* CTRL+SHIFT+D Use to Bookmarks all Firefox Tabs
* CTRL+Tab Move to next Tab in Mozilla Firefox
* CTRL+ - decrease the font size
* CTRL++ increase the font size
* CTRL+R Use to reload the active web page
* CTRL+T Display a new Tab
* CTRL+U View the source code
* CTRL+W Closes the Mozilla Firefox window
* CTRL+I Display the Bookmarks pane
* CTRL+H Display the History sidebar
* CTRL+N Use to open new Mozilla Firefox page
* CTRL+P Use to print the active web page
* CTRL+A Selects the all items on active page
* CTRL+B Display the "Organize Bookmarks" dialog box
* F5 Refresh the active web page
* F7 activate the cursor to move with keyboard
* ALT+Home Use to open the home page of Internet explorer
* ALT+Left Arrow Go to previous page of active page
* ALT+Right Arrow Go to next page of active page
* ALT+B Go to Mozilla Firefox Favorites Menu
* ALT+D Go to address bar of current Firefox page
* ALT+E Go to Mozilla Firefox Edit Menu
* ALT+F Go to Mozilla Firefox File Menu
* ALT+S Go to Mozilla Firefox History Menu
* ALT+T Go to Mozilla Firefox Tools Menu
* ALT+V Go to Mozilla Firefox View Menu
* CTRL+SHIFT+DEL Use to clear all Private Data history
* CTRL+SHIFT+D Use to Bookmarks all Firefox Tabs
* CTRL+Tab Move to next Tab in Mozilla Firefox
* CTRL+ - decrease the font size
* CTRL++ increase the font size
* CTRL+R Use to reload the active web page
* CTRL+T Display a new Tab
* CTRL+U View the source code
* CTRL+W Closes the Mozilla Firefox window
* CTRL+I Display the Bookmarks pane
* CTRL+H Display the History sidebar
* CTRL+N Use to open new Mozilla Firefox page
* CTRL+P Use to print the active web page
FOLDER OPTIONS NOT SHOWING
How to get folder option back
Its a silly virus which modify your registry files and remove the folder option from tools menu. Today at free computer tips I will teach you how you can get Folder Options back.
Open Start menu and from there select Run type gpedit.msc and hit enter now in the Group Policy window, from the left pane, select user configuration-> Administrative Templates-> windows components-> Windows Explorer by high lighting it with the mouse cursor and now in the right side you will see an option which says "Removes the Folder Options menu item from the Tools menu right click on this option and select properties now in the properties under Setting tab, select Disabled and hit OK
Alternate Method
Open run and type gpedit.msc user configuration >> administrative templates >> system disable "prevent access to registry editing tools".
Its a silly virus which modify your registry files and remove the folder option from tools menu. Today at free computer tips I will teach you how you can get Folder Options back.
Open Start menu and from there select Run type gpedit.msc and hit enter now in the Group Policy window, from the left pane, select user configuration-> Administrative Templates-> windows components-> Windows Explorer by high lighting it with the mouse cursor and now in the right side you will see an option which says "Removes the Folder Options menu item from the Tools menu right click on this option and select properties now in the properties under Setting tab, select Disabled and hit OK
Alternate Method
Open run and type gpedit.msc user configuration >> administrative templates >> system disable "prevent access to registry editing tools".
HOW TO INCREASE COMPUTER PERFORMANCE
If you have 512MB or 1GB memory, you can increase system performance
by having the core system kept in memory.
It will disable the memory used by paging execution and eventually your memory will rise.
click at start button then select RUN and type Regedit
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\Session Manager\Memory Management\DisablePagingExecutive
by having the core system kept in memory.
It will disable the memory used by paging execution and eventually your memory will rise.
click at start button then select RUN and type Regedit
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Contro l\Session Manager\Memory Management\DisablePagingExecutive
HOW TO BLOCK SITES IN COMPUTER
you can block any site in your computer without using any software. This is very useful technique and with this technique you can block almost all type of adult site and you can save your children and other family members from viewing adult material.
How To Block Websites Without Software
* click on start , go to run and type C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc
* Here search and Find the file named "HOSTS"
* double click on it and OPEN with the notepad
* You will see in the end of the notepad something like this "127.0.0.1 localhost"
* Now write below the "127.0.0.1 localhost" 127.0.0.2 www.sitenameyouwantblocked.com ,
How To Block Websites Without Software
* click on start , go to run and type C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc
* Here search and Find the file named "HOSTS"
* double click on it and OPEN with the notepad
* You will see in the end of the notepad something like this "127.0.0.1 localhost"
* Now write below the "127.0.0.1 localhost" 127.0.0.2 www.sitenameyouwantblocked.com ,
SHORTCUT FUNCTION KEYS IN EXCEL
Here is a list of shortcut keys in Microsoft Excel.
1. F1: Opens a help task pane
2. F1 + Ctrl: Opens or closes the help window
3. F2: To edit the text in the active cell
4. F2 + Shift: To write a comment in the active cell
5. F2 + Alt: Opens the save as dialog box
6. F3 + Shift: opens the insert dialog box
7. F3 + Ctrl: Opens the define name dialog box
8. F3 + Shift + Ctrl: Opens the create name dialog box
9. F4: To redo the last command
10. F4 + Ctrl: To close the workbook window
11. F4 + Alt: To close the excel program
12. F5: Opens the Goto dialog box
13. F5 + Ctrl: brings back to the first level of workbook
14. F6: To shift between help taskbar and the excel window
15. F6 + Shift: To goto the previous square in the open worksheet
16. F6 + Ctrl: If more than one workbook is open to switch between them
17. F7: To open spelling correction window
18. F7 + Ctrl: When workbook window is not maximised it will move the window
19. F8: To activate / deactivate extended mode
20. F9: Will calculate all the worksheets in all open workbooks
21. F9 + Shift: Will calculate the active worksheet
22. F9 + Ctrl: To Minimise the workbook window
23. F10: Will select the menu bar
24. F10 + Ctrl: To open minimised window
25. F11: Will create a chart using the current range
26. F11 + Shift: To select a new worksheet
27. F11 + Alt: To switch between visual basic editor and the worksheet
28. F11 + Alt + Shift: Opens microsoft script editor
29. F12: Opens save as dialog box
30. F12 + Shift: Saves the active workbook
31. F12 + Ctrl: To open the Open dialog box
32. F12 + Ctrl + Shift: Opens the print dialog box
1. F1: Opens a help task pane
2. F1 + Ctrl: Opens or closes the help window
3. F2: To edit the text in the active cell
4. F2 + Shift: To write a comment in the active cell
5. F2 + Alt: Opens the save as dialog box
6. F3 + Shift: opens the insert dialog box
7. F3 + Ctrl: Opens the define name dialog box
8. F3 + Shift + Ctrl: Opens the create name dialog box
9. F4: To redo the last command
10. F4 + Ctrl: To close the workbook window
11. F4 + Alt: To close the excel program
12. F5: Opens the Goto dialog box
13. F5 + Ctrl: brings back to the first level of workbook
14. F6: To shift between help taskbar and the excel window
15. F6 + Shift: To goto the previous square in the open worksheet
16. F6 + Ctrl: If more than one workbook is open to switch between them
17. F7: To open spelling correction window
18. F7 + Ctrl: When workbook window is not maximised it will move the window
19. F8: To activate / deactivate extended mode
20. F9: Will calculate all the worksheets in all open workbooks
21. F9 + Shift: Will calculate the active worksheet
22. F9 + Ctrl: To Minimise the workbook window
23. F10: Will select the menu bar
24. F10 + Ctrl: To open minimised window
25. F11: Will create a chart using the current range
26. F11 + Shift: To select a new worksheet
27. F11 + Alt: To switch between visual basic editor and the worksheet
28. F11 + Alt + Shift: Opens microsoft script editor
29. F12: Opens save as dialog box
30. F12 + Shift: Saves the active workbook
31. F12 + Ctrl: To open the Open dialog box
32. F12 + Ctrl + Shift: Opens the print dialog box
How To Change Name Of Second Window In Dual Boot
If you have installed 2 Windows in your system and want to change the name of Windows when system boots, here is the method.
First search for boot.ini file in C drive.
You can use this simple search engine to search fast and easily.
Open boot.ini file with Notepad and you can make changes by editing Microsoft Windows XP Professional to whatever you want.
First search for boot.ini file in C drive.
You can use this simple search engine to search fast and easily.
Open boot.ini file with Notepad and you can make changes by editing Microsoft Windows XP Professional to whatever you want.
How To Display Control Panel As Menu In Windows XP
Here is a simple method to display Control Panel as Menu in Windows XP. It saves time as we can directly open file/folder from Control Panel without opening it.
Method:
Simply right click on Taskbar and select Properties, click on Start Menu at the top menu bar and put a check on Start Menu and then click on Customize.
Now select Advance in the top menu bar and under Control Panel put a check on Display As A Menu and click on OK. Now press Apply and then OK...
Method:
Simply right click on Taskbar and select Properties, click on Start Menu at the top menu bar and put a check on Start Menu and then click on Customize.
Now select Advance in the top menu bar and under Control Panel put a check on Display As A Menu and click on OK. Now press Apply and then OK...
How to Find and Remove Spyware, Trojans and Viruses
There are general 3 steps to removing malware which should be done in SAFE Mode. If you unsure about how to boot your windows into SAFE Mode only, when you first boot your computer before you see the Windows Logo press and hold down the F5 key and you will be given the option to boot your PC into a minimal boot configuration of the OS so you can do your investigation without being connected to the internet. Always remember to make a backup of your registry (use the system Restore checkpoint tool) before you do any of these changes.
Step 1.
The first step is to stop the malware that is currently running and starting up automatically every time you login to windows. We need to stop and kill the process of it running and prevent it from starting up again.
There are 2 areas that are useful for checking what is "Starting up" and "Running". These 2 areas are the System Configuration accessed using MSCONFIG and the Task Manager which is accessed by doing a CTRL+ALT+DEL.
Within these existing tools in Windows you can get the details on a suspicious EXE file starting up or a process running in the background hidden from view and disable it.
Step 2.
Though you might be successful in disabling temporarily the malware from running by doing Step 1, this does not solve the problem long term because most malware (Spyware, trojans and viruses) can put them selves back and re-enable themselves once you reboot because the registry still has entries that reference them and start them up.
This means that before you restart your computer and immediately after you have done step 1, you need to go into the windows REGISTRY (as shown in the video tutorial) and remove the references of the suspicious malware executables from there.
The windows registry has specific area where you can specify programs to start automatically or associate themselves as something else or hide. Searching the registry for these references and deleting them ensure that they do not startup again.
In the registry malware places itself in the startup here:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\
Step 3.
The last thing that you would do is delete the actual malware files. Once you have found the filenames and locations (based on our findings in the MSCONFIG and REGISTRY) you can navigate using Windows Explorer and delete the actual files from your hard drive.
Though this is not 100% fool proof and malware files can make copies of themselves and duplicate themselves, removing as much as possible will in most cases break the cycle of allowing the malware to run. Some common areas where you will find Spyware , Trojans and Virus hiding are as follows:
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\
C:\windows\system32\
C:\WINDOWS\Prefetch
In these folders when you sort by date your files and folder you can see what has recently been touched, added or changed. Malware will try to discuse itself as a DLL file or an EXE file, usually they have odd file names with no real meaning and you can seach online for that file name to get details on its origine and if its a threat or not. Sometimes they try to take on filenames similar to actual real system files such as rundll32 .
If you saw something called rundll33 then you know that for sure is a threat and should be deleted.
Step 1.
The first step is to stop the malware that is currently running and starting up automatically every time you login to windows. We need to stop and kill the process of it running and prevent it from starting up again.
There are 2 areas that are useful for checking what is "Starting up" and "Running". These 2 areas are the System Configuration accessed using MSCONFIG and the Task Manager which is accessed by doing a CTRL+ALT+DEL.
Within these existing tools in Windows you can get the details on a suspicious EXE file starting up or a process running in the background hidden from view and disable it.
Step 2.
Though you might be successful in disabling temporarily the malware from running by doing Step 1, this does not solve the problem long term because most malware (Spyware, trojans and viruses) can put them selves back and re-enable themselves once you reboot because the registry still has entries that reference them and start them up.
This means that before you restart your computer and immediately after you have done step 1, you need to go into the windows REGISTRY (as shown in the video tutorial) and remove the references of the suspicious malware executables from there.
The windows registry has specific area where you can specify programs to start automatically or associate themselves as something else or hide. Searching the registry for these references and deleting them ensure that they do not startup again.
In the registry malware places itself in the startup here:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\
Step 3.
The last thing that you would do is delete the actual malware files. Once you have found the filenames and locations (based on our findings in the MSCONFIG and REGISTRY) you can navigate using Windows Explorer and delete the actual files from your hard drive.
Though this is not 100% fool proof and malware files can make copies of themselves and duplicate themselves, removing as much as possible will in most cases break the cycle of allowing the malware to run. Some common areas where you will find Spyware , Trojans and Virus hiding are as follows:
C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings\Temp\
C:\windows\system32\
C:\WINDOWS\Prefetch
In these folders when you sort by date your files and folder you can see what has recently been touched, added or changed. Malware will try to discuse itself as a DLL file or an EXE file, usually they have odd file names with no real meaning and you can seach online for that file name to get details on its origine and if its a threat or not. Sometimes they try to take on filenames similar to actual real system files such as rundll32 .
If you saw something called rundll33 then you know that for sure is a threat and should be deleted.
REDUCE THE OVERHEAD
You can get rid of all kinds of programs that run in the background that you may not need. The easiest way to do this is with the System Configuration Utility, otherwise known as Msconfig. Launch it by clicking the Start button and then Run, typing MSCONFIG into the text box, and hitting Enter.
Click on the Startup tab and look at the contents.
This is a list of things that start when the computer boots up. All of these little goodies run in the background, eating up memory and resources and slowing your system down.
Uncheck those in the list that are not required such as itunes, quicktime, autoupdate features, and so on, reboot and see if any of your programs or hardware devices lose functionality. If they do, run the System Configuration Utility again and recheck entries that you suspect to be the programs your system needs, rebooting between each attempt until you narrow it down. Leave everything that doesn't affect normal use of your system unchecked. This will speed the Windows boot process and clear up system resources.....
Click on the Startup tab and look at the contents.
This is a list of things that start when the computer boots up. All of these little goodies run in the background, eating up memory and resources and slowing your system down.
Uncheck those in the list that are not required such as itunes, quicktime, autoupdate features, and so on, reboot and see if any of your programs or hardware devices lose functionality. If they do, run the System Configuration Utility again and recheck entries that you suspect to be the programs your system needs, rebooting between each attempt until you narrow it down. Leave everything that doesn't affect normal use of your system unchecked. This will speed the Windows boot process and clear up system resources.....
Windows XP Faster Boot-UP
Make Windows XP bootup faster with a quick registry tweak.
Start - Run - REGEDIT
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControl Set\Control\ContentIndex
Change the Decimal value of the Startupdelay key to 40000 and restart the Computer.
Start - Run - REGEDIT
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControl Set\Control\ContentIndex
Change the Decimal value of the Startupdelay key to 40000 and restart the Computer.
Share Files and Printers between Windows 7 and XP
If you have a home network and are running Windows 7 and have XP on other PC(s) you might want to share files between them. Today we will look at the steps to share files and hardware devices like a printer.
Sharing Files In Windows 7 and XP
Sharing folders between two Windows 7 machines with the new HomeGroup feature is an easy process, but the HomeGroup feature is not compatible with Vista or XP. For this tutorial we are using Windows 7 x64 RC1 and XP Professional SP3 connected through a basic Linksys home wireless router.
First make sure both machines are members of the same Workgroup which by default is named Workgroup.
On the Windows 7 machine go into Control Panel \ All Control Panel Items \ Network and Sharing Center then click on Change advanced sharing settings.
You will want to verify the following settings under Advanced Sharing Settings for the Home or Work and Public profile.
If you want any user to have access the public shares turn off password protection. This is located in Advanced Sharing Settings toward the bottom of the list.
If you want to keep it enabled make sure there is a log in account for the other XP machines and they have a password.
Now if you go into Network in Windows 7 you should see your XP machine and the Windows 7 as well which in this case is Mysticgeek-PC.
To share the printer on the Windows 7 machine go into Devices and Printers from the Start menu and double click on the printer icon.
Next double click on “Customize your printer”.
In the Properties screen click on the Sharing Tab and check the box to share the printer and type in its share name.
If your XP machine is an x86 OS you can install Additional Drivers before setting up the XP machine.
To find the shared folders and devices double click on the Windows 7 machine icon under Network. Here you can see the printer connected to my Windows 7 machine is shared and also the Users Folder.
Continue into the Users folder and Public to see the shared folders, here I also created a folder called XP Share just to keep everything in central location.
Over on your XP machine open up My Network Places to find the Windows 7 (mysticgeek-pc) shared folder.
Double click on the Share folder to find a list of shared folders in the Public folder on Windows 7. If you have password protection enabled you will need to type in the username and password of the user account on the Windows 7 machine first.
Setup XP With Shared Printer
To set up the shared printer in XP you will need to go into Printers and Faxes from the Start menu and kick off the Add Printer Wizard.
Now select “A network printer, or a printer attached to another computer” then hit Next.
Next select “Connect to this printer…” and type in the path for the printer connected to the Windows 7 machine and click next.
Now click Yes to the confirmation message.
Then click Finish the printer to install and complete the Wizard.
In some cases you will need to install the x86 XP drivers for the shared printer because the Windows 7 drivers are not compatible with XP. When everything is installed open up Printers and Faxes to find the shared printer.
This should help you get started with sharing your files and other devices with your Windows 7 machine. When I first started I was able to see the printer on XP right away because I had a HomeGroup set up, but once I deleted it I needed to share the printer like you would for a workgroup. You might also have to do a couple restarts of the XP machine for it to see the shared resources on Windows 7.
Sharing Files In Windows 7 and XP
Sharing folders between two Windows 7 machines with the new HomeGroup feature is an easy process, but the HomeGroup feature is not compatible with Vista or XP. For this tutorial we are using Windows 7 x64 RC1 and XP Professional SP3 connected through a basic Linksys home wireless router.
First make sure both machines are members of the same Workgroup which by default is named Workgroup.
On the Windows 7 machine go into Control Panel \ All Control Panel Items \ Network and Sharing Center then click on Change advanced sharing settings.
You will want to verify the following settings under Advanced Sharing Settings for the Home or Work and Public profile.
If you want any user to have access the public shares turn off password protection. This is located in Advanced Sharing Settings toward the bottom of the list.
If you want to keep it enabled make sure there is a log in account for the other XP machines and they have a password.
Now if you go into Network in Windows 7 you should see your XP machine and the Windows 7 as well which in this case is Mysticgeek-PC.
To share the printer on the Windows 7 machine go into Devices and Printers from the Start menu and double click on the printer icon.
Next double click on “Customize your printer”.
In the Properties screen click on the Sharing Tab and check the box to share the printer and type in its share name.
If your XP machine is an x86 OS you can install Additional Drivers before setting up the XP machine.
To find the shared folders and devices double click on the Windows 7 machine icon under Network. Here you can see the printer connected to my Windows 7 machine is shared and also the Users Folder.
Continue into the Users folder and Public to see the shared folders, here I also created a folder called XP Share just to keep everything in central location.
Over on your XP machine open up My Network Places to find the Windows 7 (mysticgeek-pc) shared folder.
Double click on the Share folder to find a list of shared folders in the Public folder on Windows 7. If you have password protection enabled you will need to type in the username and password of the user account on the Windows 7 machine first.
Setup XP With Shared Printer
To set up the shared printer in XP you will need to go into Printers and Faxes from the Start menu and kick off the Add Printer Wizard.
Now select “A network printer, or a printer attached to another computer” then hit Next.
Next select “Connect to this printer…” and type in the path for the printer connected to the Windows 7 machine and click next.
Now click Yes to the confirmation message.
Then click Finish the printer to install and complete the Wizard.
In some cases you will need to install the x86 XP drivers for the shared printer because the Windows 7 drivers are not compatible with XP. When everything is installed open up Printers and Faxes to find the shared printer.
This should help you get started with sharing your files and other devices with your Windows 7 machine. When I first started I was able to see the printer on XP right away because I had a HomeGroup set up, but once I deleted it I needed to share the printer like you would for a workgroup. You might also have to do a couple restarts of the XP machine for it to see the shared resources on Windows 7.
Use the Homegroup Feature in Windows 7 to Share Printers and Files
The new HomeGroup feature makes sharing files and printers between Windows 7 machines very easy. Today we will take a closer look at this new feature to show how easy the sharing process is.
Setting up your HomeGroup
There are several ways to access the HomeGroup feature, go to Control Panel and click on “Choose homegroup and sharing options” or just type “homegroup” without quotes into the start menu search bar.
Next click on the Create a homegroup button.
In the Create a HomeGroup screen select what you want to share with the other machines.
After the group is created you will get a password to access it from the other computers.
After you get the Password you’re brought back to the HomeGroup screen where you can make additional changes if you want.
Connecting to your HomeGroup
On the other Windows 7 computer(s) go into the HomeGroup feature and click to join the group you just created.
Enter in the password that was created for the HomeGroup.
When the password is accepted the connection will take place and your finished.
If you don’t want to use a password at all go into the Network and Sharing Center under advanced options and turn off password protected sharing.
Another thing you might want to do is create a shortcut to the HomeGroup. I just go into Network and copy the icon to my desktop by Right-Clicking and dragging it. A more direct approach is to create shortcuts directly to the shared public folders but of course it’s completely up to you.
To share a printer make sure to select Printers when creating the group and when you go into Devices and Printers on the Start menu you should see it and can set it as the default if you wish.
This should help get you started sharing files and printers between your Windows 7 machines on your home network
Setting up your HomeGroup
There are several ways to access the HomeGroup feature, go to Control Panel and click on “Choose homegroup and sharing options” or just type “homegroup” without quotes into the start menu search bar.
Next click on the Create a homegroup button.
In the Create a HomeGroup screen select what you want to share with the other machines.
After the group is created you will get a password to access it from the other computers.
After you get the Password you’re brought back to the HomeGroup screen where you can make additional changes if you want.
Connecting to your HomeGroup
On the other Windows 7 computer(s) go into the HomeGroup feature and click to join the group you just created.
Enter in the password that was created for the HomeGroup.
When the password is accepted the connection will take place and your finished.
If you don’t want to use a password at all go into the Network and Sharing Center under advanced options and turn off password protected sharing.
Another thing you might want to do is create a shortcut to the HomeGroup. I just go into Network and copy the icon to my desktop by Right-Clicking and dragging it. A more direct approach is to create shortcuts directly to the shared public folders but of course it’s completely up to you.
To share a printer make sure to select Printers when creating the group and when you go into Devices and Printers on the Start menu you should see it and can set it as the default if you wish.
This should help get you started sharing files and printers between your Windows 7 machines on your home network
Speedy Video Access
Want faster access to your Videos folder? Windows 7 now lets you add it to the Start menu.
Just right-click the Start orb, click Properties > Start Menu > Customize, and set the Videos option to "Display as a link".
If you've a TV tuner that works with Windows 7 then you'll appreciate the new option to display the Recorded TV folder on the Start menu, too.
Just right-click the Start orb, click Properties > Start Menu > Customize, and set the Videos option to "Display as a link".
If you've a TV tuner that works with Windows 7 then you'll appreciate the new option to display the Recorded TV folder on the Start menu, too.
Right-click everything
At first glance Windows 7 bears a striking resemblance to Vista, but there's an easy way to begin spotting the differences - just right-click things.
Right-click an empty part of the desktop, for instance, and you'll find a menu entry to set your screen resolution. No need to go browsing through the display settings any more.
Right-click the Explorer icon on the taskbar for speedy access to common system folders: Documents, Pictures, the Windows folder, and more.
And if you don't plan on using Internet Explorer then you probably won't want its icon permanently displayed on the taskbar. Right-click the icon, select "Unpin this program from the taskbar", then go install Firefox, instead.
Right-click an empty part of the desktop, for instance, and you'll find a menu entry to set your screen resolution. No need to go browsing through the display settings any more.
Right-click the Explorer icon on the taskbar for speedy access to common system folders: Documents, Pictures, the Windows folder, and more.
And if you don't plan on using Internet Explorer then you probably won't want its icon permanently displayed on the taskbar. Right-click the icon, select "Unpin this program from the taskbar", then go install Firefox, instead.
How to Enable Sidebar & Desktop Gadgets with Disabled/Turned Off UAC in Windows 7
1. Click on start and type regedit on search bar
2. Now navigate to follow registry key in left pan of registry editor
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Sidebar\Settings
3. Right Click in right pan of registry editor to Create A New DWORD(32 Bit Value) with name “AllowElevatedProcess” and set value as “1”.
4. Now close registry editor
5. Right click on desktop and add desktop gadgets to confirm Desktop gadget and sidebar working properly
2. Now navigate to follow registry key in left pan of registry editor
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Sidebar\Settings
3. Right Click in right pan of registry editor to Create A New DWORD(32 Bit Value) with name “AllowElevatedProcess” and set value as “1”.
4. Now close registry editor
5. Right click on desktop and add desktop gadgets to confirm Desktop gadget and sidebar working properly
QUICK SHUTDOWN YOUR COMPUTER
This trick can be used when Lots of applications are opened on PC and
you are in hurry to go somewhere. (But don’t use this trick regularly
its not a proper way to shutdown)
Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete or by right clicking on
Task Bar.
Then Task Manager window will open.
On Task Manager Menu bar click on
Shutdown.
Then hold Ctrl key and click turn off in about 3 Seconds.
PC will be Shutdown
you are in hurry to go somewhere. (But don’t use this trick regularly
its not a proper way to shutdown)
Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete or by right clicking on
Task Bar.
Then Task Manager window will open.
On Task Manager Menu bar click on
Shutdown.
Then hold Ctrl key and click turn off in about 3 Seconds.
PC will be Shutdown
RUN COMMANDS FOR SMART WORK
Program: Run Command
Accessibility Controls:- access.cpl
Accessibility Wizard:- accwiz
Add Hardware Wizard:- hdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs appwiz.cpl
Administrative Tools control admintools
Adobe Acrobat ( if installed ) acrobat
Automatic Updates wuaucpl.cpl
Basic Media Player mplay32
Bluetooth Transfer Wizard fsquirt
Calculator calc
Character Map:- charmap
Check Disk Utility:- chkdsk
Command Prompt:- cmd
Component Services: - dcomcnfg
Computer Management:- compmgmt.msc
Control Panel:- control
Date and Time Properties:- timedate.cpl
Device Manager:- devmgmt.msc
Direct X Control Panel ( if installed ):- directx.cpl
Direct X Troubleshooter:- dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility:- cleanmgr
Disk Defragment:- dfrg.msc
Disk Partition Manager:- diskmgmt.msc
Display Properties:- desk.cpl
Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility:- drwtsn32
Event Viewer:- eventvwr.msc
Files and Settings Transfer Tool:- migwiz
File Signature Verification Tool:- sigverif
Findfast:- findfast.cpl
Game Controllers:- joy.cpl
Group Policy Editor:- gpedit.msc
Help and Support:- helpctr
Hyperterminal:- hypertrm
Indexing Service:- ciadv.msc
Internet Connection Wizard:- icwonn1
Internet Properties:- inetcpl.cpl
Internet Setup Wizard:- inetwiz
IP Configuration:- ipconfig /all
Local Security Settings:- secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups:- lusrmgr.msc
Logs You Out of Windows:- logoff
Malicious Software Removal Tool:- mrt
Microsoft Chat:- winchat
Microsoft Excel ( if installed ):- excel
Microsoft Diskpart:- diskpart
Microsoft Movie Maker:- moviemk
Microsoft Management Console:- mmc
Microsoft Paint:- mspaint
Microsoft Powerpoint:- powerpnt
Microsoft Word ( if installed):- winword
Microsoft Syncronization Tool:- mobsync
Mouse Properties control:- mouse
Mouse Properties:- main.cpl
MS-Dos Editor:- edit
Network Connections:- ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard:- netsetup.cpl
On Screen Keyboard:-osk
Paint:- pbrush
Performance Monitor perfmon.msc
Power Configuration:- powercfg.cpl
Regional Settings:-intl.cpl
Registry Editor:- regedit
Registry Editor regedit32
Remote Access Phonebook rasphone
Remote Desktop:-mstsc
Removable Storage:- ntmsmgr.msc
Services:- services.msc
Shared Folders:- fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows:- shutdown
Sounds and Audio:- mmsys.cpl
System Configuration Utility:- msconfig
System File Checker Utility ( Scan Immediately ):- sfc /scannow
System File Checker Utility ( Scan Once At Next Boot ):- sfc /scanonce
System File Checker Utility ( Scan On Every Boot ):- sfc /scanboot
System File Checker Utility ( Return to Default Settings):- sfc /revert
System File Checker Utility ( Purge File Cache ):- sfc /purgecache
System File Checker Utility ( Set Cache Size to Size x ):- sfc /cachesize=x
System Information:- msinfo32
System Properties:- sysdm.cpl
Task Manager:- taskmgr
Telnet Client:-telnet
User Account Management:- nusrmgr.cpl
Utility Manager:- utilman
Volume Control:-sndvol32
Windows Address Book Import Utility:- wabmig
Windows Backup Utility:- ntbackup(xp), backup(win7)
Windows Explorer:- explorer (xp)
Windows Firewall:- firewall.cpl
Windows Installer Details:- msiexec
Windows Magnifier:- magnify
Windows Management Infrastructure:- wmimgmt.msc
Windows Media Player:- wmplayer
Windows Messenger:- msnsgs
Windows System Security Tool:- syskey
Windows Script host settings wscript
Widnows Update Launches:- wupdmgr
Windows Version ( shows your windows version ):- winver
Zoom Utility:-igfxzoom
Accessibility Controls:- access.cpl
Accessibility Wizard:- accwiz
Add Hardware Wizard:- hdwwiz.cpl
Add/Remove Programs appwiz.cpl
Administrative Tools control admintools
Adobe Acrobat ( if installed ) acrobat
Automatic Updates wuaucpl.cpl
Basic Media Player mplay32
Bluetooth Transfer Wizard fsquirt
Calculator calc
Character Map:- charmap
Check Disk Utility:- chkdsk
Command Prompt:- cmd
Component Services: - dcomcnfg
Computer Management:- compmgmt.msc
Control Panel:- control
Date and Time Properties:- timedate.cpl
Device Manager:- devmgmt.msc
Direct X Control Panel ( if installed ):- directx.cpl
Direct X Troubleshooter:- dxdiag
Disk Cleanup Utility:- cleanmgr
Disk Defragment:- dfrg.msc
Disk Partition Manager:- diskmgmt.msc
Display Properties:- desk.cpl
Dr. Watson System Troubleshooting Utility:- drwtsn32
Event Viewer:- eventvwr.msc
Files and Settings Transfer Tool:- migwiz
File Signature Verification Tool:- sigverif
Findfast:- findfast.cpl
Game Controllers:- joy.cpl
Group Policy Editor:- gpedit.msc
Help and Support:- helpctr
Hyperterminal:- hypertrm
Indexing Service:- ciadv.msc
Internet Connection Wizard:- icwonn1
Internet Properties:- inetcpl.cpl
Internet Setup Wizard:- inetwiz
IP Configuration:- ipconfig /all
Local Security Settings:- secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups:- lusrmgr.msc
Logs You Out of Windows:- logoff
Malicious Software Removal Tool:- mrt
Microsoft Chat:- winchat
Microsoft Excel ( if installed ):- excel
Microsoft Diskpart:- diskpart
Microsoft Movie Maker:- moviemk
Microsoft Management Console:- mmc
Microsoft Paint:- mspaint
Microsoft Powerpoint:- powerpnt
Microsoft Word ( if installed):- winword
Microsoft Syncronization Tool:- mobsync
Mouse Properties control:- mouse
Mouse Properties:- main.cpl
MS-Dos Editor:- edit
Network Connections:- ncpa.cpl
Network Setup Wizard:- netsetup.cpl
On Screen Keyboard:-osk
Paint:- pbrush
Performance Monitor perfmon.msc
Power Configuration:- powercfg.cpl
Regional Settings:-intl.cpl
Registry Editor:- regedit
Registry Editor regedit32
Remote Access Phonebook rasphone
Remote Desktop:-mstsc
Removable Storage:- ntmsmgr.msc
Services:- services.msc
Shared Folders:- fsmgmt.msc
Shuts Down Windows:- shutdown
Sounds and Audio:- mmsys.cpl
System Configuration Utility:- msconfig
System File Checker Utility ( Scan Immediately ):- sfc /scannow
System File Checker Utility ( Scan Once At Next Boot ):- sfc /scanonce
System File Checker Utility ( Scan On Every Boot ):- sfc /scanboot
System File Checker Utility ( Return to Default Settings):- sfc /revert
System File Checker Utility ( Purge File Cache ):- sfc /purgecache
System File Checker Utility ( Set Cache Size to Size x ):- sfc /cachesize=x
System Information:- msinfo32
System Properties:- sysdm.cpl
Task Manager:- taskmgr
Telnet Client:-telnet
User Account Management:- nusrmgr.cpl
Utility Manager:- utilman
Volume Control:-sndvol32
Windows Address Book Import Utility:- wabmig
Windows Backup Utility:- ntbackup(xp), backup(win7)
Windows Explorer:- explorer (xp)
Windows Firewall:- firewall.cpl
Windows Installer Details:- msiexec
Windows Magnifier:- magnify
Windows Management Infrastructure:- wmimgmt.msc
Windows Media Player:- wmplayer
Windows Messenger:- msnsgs
Windows System Security Tool:- syskey
Windows Script host settings wscript
Widnows Update Launches:- wupdmgr
Windows Version ( shows your windows version ):- winver
Zoom Utility:-igfxzoom
Converting Quicktime to Movie Maker
ShareQuickTime movies, or MOVs, are common video files for PC and Mac users, although they are generally associated with QuickTime Player, a program from Apple.
Users may want to convert their MOVs to a Windows Movie Maker-friendly format for editing and storing on their hard drive, or for uploading to the Internet.
Since Windows Movie Maker can only convert and save WMV or AVI videos, you cannot use Windows Movie Maker directly for conversions. Unfortunately, there are no native programs with your PC that will perform these conversions, so you must download software that can convert MOVs to WMVs or AVIs. Please note that converting MOVs may result in loss of video quality due to WMV and AVI compression settings.
Instructions:-
1.Open your video file in the desired program after you have downloaded and installed your conversion software. Let your video load in the player window.
2.Choose an AVI or WMV setting from the list of export options, generally located under the “File” menu. If using HandBrake, you will find the AVI export setting located under the “Output Settings” drop-down menu in the middle of your screen. Choose an audio and video codec setting (codecs work to compress your video while saving and decompress the video during playback so it plays smoothly). These programs will automatically choose standard codecs for you, so it may be best to leave them alone.
3.Choose your picture size. Rename your file and choose its output destination (where your computer will save your file). Export or save your video. After conversion, launch Windows Movie Maker and import your video.
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Users may want to convert their MOVs to a Windows Movie Maker-friendly format for editing and storing on their hard drive, or for uploading to the Internet.
Since Windows Movie Maker can only convert and save WMV or AVI videos, you cannot use Windows Movie Maker directly for conversions. Unfortunately, there are no native programs with your PC that will perform these conversions, so you must download software that can convert MOVs to WMVs or AVIs. Please note that converting MOVs may result in loss of video quality due to WMV and AVI compression settings.
Instructions:-
1.Open your video file in the desired program after you have downloaded and installed your conversion software. Let your video load in the player window.
2.Choose an AVI or WMV setting from the list of export options, generally located under the “File” menu. If using HandBrake, you will find the AVI export setting located under the “Output Settings” drop-down menu in the middle of your screen. Choose an audio and video codec setting (codecs work to compress your video while saving and decompress the video during playback so it plays smoothly). These programs will automatically choose standard codecs for you, so it may be best to leave them alone.
3.Choose your picture size. Rename your file and choose its output destination (where your computer will save your file). Export or save your video. After conversion, launch Windows Movie Maker and import your video.
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How to Configure Gmail in Microsoft Outlook?
Configuring your Gmail account in Microsoft Outlook would become as easy as 1, 2, 3 for you after reading the below mentioned step by step process. Gmail messages can now be retrieved with the help of any device or client which can provide POP support and Microsoft Outlook is one of those clients that offer POP support to their users. Just concentrate and read the every step carefully to understand the whole process:
POP Option Enabling in Gmail:
First of all login to your Gmail account
Then click on “Settings” option which can be seen on right top of your screen
There you will find “Forwarding and POP / IMAP” option, click on it
There an option i.e. “Enable POP for All Mails” or “Enable POP for Mail” should be clicked
Now an action would be asked to choose after getting POP access from Gmail. Choose appropriate one that suits your need
Check “Configure your POP client” and then a button saying “Save Changes” should be pressed
Configuration in Microsoft Outlook 2007
We consider that you have already opened Microsoft Outlook 2007, click Tools Menu
Click an option “E-mail Account” There you will see an option “Add a new e-mail account” select it and then click on the button “New”
There you will be asked by the system to select server type. POP3 or POP option must be selected ….. then click on the option “Next”
Now system will ask for necessary setting. Put on your desired / required setting including email address and password of your email
Write “pop.gmail.com” as your incoming mail server and as the settings of outgoing mail server “smtp.gmail.com” must be written in the required field
Then click on the button that says “More Settings . . .”
Then click on the tab saying “Outgoing Server” and an option saying “My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication” must be checked by you. It will increase security and a password will be required to even send a single email from this Microsoft Outlook in addition to receiving email
Then on the same screen, you will see a tab saying “Advanced”, click on it
Here you will have to change port numbers for your incoming and outgoing mail server but first you need to check the appropriate box before assigning any value
Incoming server should be set a port value as “465” and “995” port number should be set to outgoing mail server
That’s it. You are done and finally have set up Gmail in Microsoft Outlook 2007
POP Option Enabling in Gmail:
First of all login to your Gmail account
Then click on “Settings” option which can be seen on right top of your screen
There you will find “Forwarding and POP / IMAP” option, click on it
There an option i.e. “Enable POP for All Mails” or “Enable POP for Mail” should be clicked
Now an action would be asked to choose after getting POP access from Gmail. Choose appropriate one that suits your need
Check “Configure your POP client” and then a button saying “Save Changes” should be pressed
Configuration in Microsoft Outlook 2007
We consider that you have already opened Microsoft Outlook 2007, click Tools Menu
Click an option “E-mail Account” There you will see an option “Add a new e-mail account” select it and then click on the button “New”
There you will be asked by the system to select server type. POP3 or POP option must be selected ….. then click on the option “Next”
Now system will ask for necessary setting. Put on your desired / required setting including email address and password of your email
Write “pop.gmail.com” as your incoming mail server and as the settings of outgoing mail server “smtp.gmail.com” must be written in the required field
Then click on the button that says “More Settings . . .”
Then click on the tab saying “Outgoing Server” and an option saying “My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication” must be checked by you. It will increase security and a password will be required to even send a single email from this Microsoft Outlook in addition to receiving email
Then on the same screen, you will see a tab saying “Advanced”, click on it
Here you will have to change port numbers for your incoming and outgoing mail server but first you need to check the appropriate box before assigning any value
Incoming server should be set a port value as “465” and “995” port number should be set to outgoing mail server
That’s it. You are done and finally have set up Gmail in Microsoft Outlook 2007
HOW TO SECURE / HIDE FOLDERS ON PC
Today tip is very helpful to hide and secure your personal data from other users, particularly on home computer. Just imagine if multiple users are using the same computer at home or in office environment then there is no any 100% secure method to protect your personal files. You may be used any third party tools to protect your folders but it is not recommended by Microsoft to use such kinds of tools. Using built-in windows (XP, 2003, Vista) Attrib commands option, you can change the attributes of a folder (Read only, Hidden and System attributes) and safe your data.
Follow the given steps to edit the folders attributes to secure your data:
To enable this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.
Now create a folder that you want to hide on any computer drive. (For example, you have created a folder on D drive with the name Data.)
First click on Start button and type CMD in Run box then press Ok button to display the windows command prompt.
Now type the command "attrib +s +h D:\Data" without quotation marks and press Enter button to execute it.
This command will hide your "Data" folder from D drive and now you can verify it.
Any one cannot unhide this folder using windows "Show hidden files and folders" option also.
When you want to unhide this folder, again open command prompt and type the command "attrib -s -h D:\Data" and press Enter button. If you want to hide files then simply move all these files to this "Data" folder.
Follow the given steps to edit the folders attributes to secure your data:
To enable this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.
Now create a folder that you want to hide on any computer drive. (For example, you have created a folder on D drive with the name Data.)
First click on Start button and type CMD in Run box then press Ok button to display the windows command prompt.
Now type the command "attrib +s +h D:\Data" without quotation marks and press Enter button to execute it.
This command will hide your "Data" folder from D drive and now you can verify it.
Any one cannot unhide this folder using windows "Show hidden files and folders" option also.
When you want to unhide this folder, again open command prompt and type the command "attrib -s -h D:\Data" and press Enter button. If you want to hide files then simply move all these files to this "Data" folder.
DISABLING THE ABILITY TO CLICK ON MY COMPUTER
You can restrict any user to access your system drives if you disable the click feature on My Computer. User will get no any changes when he will try to open My Computer.
By editing the windows registry keys, you can disable the click feature on My Computer. But always export or backup the whole windows registry keys on backup drive before editing. Because any mistake in Registry can cause serious problem in your computer to run properly.
Follow the given steps to disable My Computer setting.
First click on Start button then type Regedit in Run option.
In registry editor panel search the value
20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D
May be you will find this value on path HKey_Classes_Root \ CLSID section.
Here delete the entire section of this value.
Now close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.
By editing the windows registry keys, you can disable the click feature on My Computer. But always export or backup the whole windows registry keys on backup drive before editing. Because any mistake in Registry can cause serious problem in your computer to run properly.
Follow the given steps to disable My Computer setting.
First click on Start button then type Regedit in Run option.
In registry editor panel search the value
20D04FE0-3AEA-1069-A2D8-08002B30309D
May be you will find this value on path HKey_Classes_Root \ CLSID section.
Here delete the entire section of this value.
Now close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.
DISPLAYING A TEXT NOTICE BEFORE LOGON
You can create a funny message or legal warnings for others just before logon to your computer. This is very useful if you want to give a message to new user about the use of computer. Edit the value of registry keys to create a banner message.
Click Start button then type regedit in Run option then press Enter for next.
Here locate the location to:
HKeyLocalMachine \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Win Logon
Here in right side panel, right click to create a new string value LegalNoticeCaption and give it a value you want to see in the menu bar
Now again right click to create a new string value called LegalNoticeText and change the value you want to see in the dialog box
Now close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.
Click Start button then type regedit in Run option then press Enter for next.
Here locate the location to:
HKeyLocalMachine \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Win Logon
Here in right side panel, right click to create a new string value LegalNoticeCaption and give it a value you want to see in the menu bar
Now again right click to create a new string value called LegalNoticeText and change the value you want to see in the dialog box
Now close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.
DISABLE DRIVES IN MY COMPUTER FROM UNKNOWN USER
If you want to prevent any users to access your computer or network shared drives using My Computer then you can hide the all drives for example C:/, D:/ and save your data from any unknown user. But next time you can turn on the display of these drives using registry editor. Now edit the computer registry to turn off the display of drives, but be careful to work with computer registry.
Follow the given steps to hide computer drives:
First click on Start button then type Regedit in Run option.
Here locate the location to:
HKey_Current_User \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows
\ Current Version \ Policies \ Explorer
Here right click on right side of Registry editor panel and add new DWORD then put its value 3FFFFFF.
Now close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.
Follow the given steps to hide computer drives:
First click on Start button then type Regedit in Run option.
Here locate the location to:
HKey_Current_User \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows
\ Current Version \ Policies \ Explorer
Here right click on right side of Registry editor panel and add new DWORD then put its value 3FFFFFF.
Now close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.
Power off completely after shut down your Computer.
Normally when you are trying to shut down your windows XP and some time you may receive the message “it's now safe to power off the machine”. Here you should change your system Advanced Power Management setting or edit your system registry to solve this problem and power off completely.
Follow the given steps to solve this problem with Advanced Power Management.
First click on Start button then go to Control Panel.
Open the Performance and Maintenance option in control panel then click on Power Options.
Here Click on APM tab then select the option Enable Advanced Power Management Support box and press Ok.
Now follow the given steps to solve this problem by editing system registry.
First click on Start button then type Regedit in Run option.
Here locate the location to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Here in right side panel, double click on PowerdownAfterShutdown and set its value 1 to power down.
Now close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.
Follow the given steps to solve this problem with Advanced Power Management.
First click on Start button then go to Control Panel.
Open the Performance and Maintenance option in control panel then click on Power Options.
Here Click on APM tab then select the option Enable Advanced Power Management Support box and press Ok.
Now follow the given steps to solve this problem by editing system registry.
First click on Start button then type Regedit in Run option.
Here locate the location to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
Here in right side panel, double click on PowerdownAfterShutdown and set its value 1 to power down.
Now close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.
PREVENT CHANGES TO THE START MENU
To prevent any changes to the Start Menu, even a right click:
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
Add a DWORD called NoChangeStartMenu
Give it a value of 1
Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer
Add a DWORD called NoChangeStartMenu
Give it a value of 1
AUTOMATIC SCREEN REFRESH TIPS
When you are working on your local computer and want to refresh any changes in your system automatically. For example some times you are watching sports results, online Stock Exchange rates and any changes to your hard drive but these changes are not usually refreshed until you press the F5 key on your keyboard.
To refresh your screen automatically you should edit your system Registry. But the best technique to edit the windows registry keys, always export or backup the whole windows registry keys on backup drive before editing. Because any mistake in Registry can cause serious problem in your computer to run properly.
Follow the given steps to change the updates automatically.
First click on Start button then type Regedit in Run option.
In Registry Editor panel go to the path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE / System / CurrentControlSet /
Control / UpdateMode
Here in right hand side panel edit the DWORD value to be between 1 and 5.
Now restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.
To refresh your screen automatically you should edit your system Registry. But the best technique to edit the windows registry keys, always export or backup the whole windows registry keys on backup drive before editing. Because any mistake in Registry can cause serious problem in your computer to run properly.
Follow the given steps to change the updates automatically.
First click on Start button then type Regedit in Run option.
In Registry Editor panel go to the path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE / System / CurrentControlSet /
Control / UpdateMode
Here in right hand side panel edit the DWORD value to be between 1 and 5.
Now restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.
How to add Items to the Start Button using Registry?
The best technique to edit the windows registry keys, always export or backup the whole windows registry keys on backup drive before editing. Because any mistake in Registry can cause serious problem in your computer to run properly.
Follow the given steps to change the Start button setting.
First click on Start button then type Regedit in Run option.
In Registry Editor go to left hand panel, and find HKey_Classes_Root / Directory / Shell
Here Right click on Shell folder option and add any new key with descriptive name and Press Enter.
Now Right click on that key and give the full path of that program you are interested to add in start button. For example if you want to add MS excel, then full path may be C:\program file\msoffice\msexcel.EXE.
Now close all open programs and check the changes in your computer Start button.
Follow the given steps to change the Start button setting.
First click on Start button then type Regedit in Run option.
In Registry Editor go to left hand panel, and find HKey_Classes_Root / Directory / Shell
Here Right click on Shell folder option and add any new key with descriptive name and Press Enter.
Now Right click on that key and give the full path of that program you are interested to add in start button. For example if you want to add MS excel, then full path may be C:\program file\msoffice\msexcel.EXE.
Now close all open programs and check the changes in your computer Start button.
HOW TO ACCESS THE SHARING DATA OFFLINE
Access the shared data offline allows you to keep using your shared files, folders and software programs when disconnected from the data server. When you reconnect to your data server, all files will be synchronized to the files on the network.
There are two types of configurations required to set the access shared folders offline available, one for data server and other for client computer.
Configuration on Data Server.
First locate the folders that you would like to share or make new folders then share these folders so they can be accessible to any one on the network.
Now right click on that folder and click on the option "Sharing and security".
A small dialog box will appear with the title "data properties". Under the "Sharing" tab, select the check box "Share this folder on the network" under the "Network sharing and security".
Now set the share level permissions that you want to give the users on every folder. Enable cache of share folders by click on cache button (by default it will be enabled).
Configuration on Client Computer
On the client computer, first open My Computer then click on Tools.
In Tools menu bar, click on Folder Options, a window will appear with the title Folder Options.
Under the Offline File tab, check the option Enable Offline File. Here you can choose the synchronization process "Synchronize all offline files when logging on", "Synchronize all offline files before logging off" and others.
Click on Apply button to save the settings and then Ok button to close this window.
Now sitting on the client computer, try to access the shared folder from the data server.
First Right click on the shared folder and Click on Make available offline.
To synchronizing the offline work from client computer to data server, again open My Computer then click on Tools. Click on Synchronize then click on synchronizing button.
After that down to data server and then try to access share folders by give the UNC (Universal Naming Convention) path of data server. But it will be accessible weather the server is down or up.
There are two types of configurations required to set the access shared folders offline available, one for data server and other for client computer.
Configuration on Data Server.
First locate the folders that you would like to share or make new folders then share these folders so they can be accessible to any one on the network.
Now right click on that folder and click on the option "Sharing and security".
A small dialog box will appear with the title "data properties". Under the "Sharing" tab, select the check box "Share this folder on the network" under the "Network sharing and security".
Now set the share level permissions that you want to give the users on every folder. Enable cache of share folders by click on cache button (by default it will be enabled).
Configuration on Client Computer
On the client computer, first open My Computer then click on Tools.
In Tools menu bar, click on Folder Options, a window will appear with the title Folder Options.
Under the Offline File tab, check the option Enable Offline File. Here you can choose the synchronization process "Synchronize all offline files when logging on", "Synchronize all offline files before logging off" and others.
Click on Apply button to save the settings and then Ok button to close this window.
Now sitting on the client computer, try to access the shared folder from the data server.
First Right click on the shared folder and Click on Make available offline.
To synchronizing the offline work from client computer to data server, again open My Computer then click on Tools. Click on Synchronize then click on synchronizing button.
After that down to data server and then try to access share folders by give the UNC (Universal Naming Convention) path of data server. But it will be accessible weather the server is down or up.
Virus in Windows System Registry
It's hard to remove the virus in the Windows System Registry, because it's not easy to find where the virus hides. Also, it's danger to edit the data inside the registry. If you enter or delete wrong key, data or value, Windows might be unable to run after that. Here we just show you how to check any unwanted program loaded into the memory when Windows start.
To change the registry data needs to run Microsoft Registry Editor - RegEdit.exe. You can click the Start Button, then select Run... item. When the Run Window will appear, then type 'RegEdit' into Open: textbox and click OK button.
You might be unable to RegEdit, because the virus blocks the doorway. In this case, you need to bring up your Windows in Safe Mode to run the RegEdit. Sometimes, you need to login the Administrator account. Therefore, make sure you know your Administrator account's password when you own the new computer.
Microsoft System Configuration Utility MSConfig.exe keeps entries of Start-Up programs. Besides that, System Registry has Run, RunOnce and RunOnceEx entry nodes to manage which program can run while Windows is starting.
First, you should check any starting programs inside the HEKY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
Go down to the node in HEKY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion, then look for program entry inside the Run, RunOnce and RunOnceEX. If you find something you don't know, then you type the program name .exe name into the following Search box to find out what's that. If the .exe name is the virus or spyware, then you can delete it.
It's same that you need to check any starting program inside the HEKY_CURRENT_USER.
Go down to the node in HEKY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion, then look for unwanted .exe programs inside the Run, RunOnce and RunOnceEX. If you find something, then delete them.
Some virus will restore the entry later or reboot, even you delete the entry from System Registry Editor. Those virus needs special tools to kill them.
To change the registry data needs to run Microsoft Registry Editor - RegEdit.exe. You can click the Start Button, then select Run... item. When the Run Window will appear, then type 'RegEdit' into Open: textbox and click OK button.
You might be unable to RegEdit, because the virus blocks the doorway. In this case, you need to bring up your Windows in Safe Mode to run the RegEdit. Sometimes, you need to login the Administrator account. Therefore, make sure you know your Administrator account's password when you own the new computer.
Microsoft System Configuration Utility MSConfig.exe keeps entries of Start-Up programs. Besides that, System Registry has Run, RunOnce and RunOnceEx entry nodes to manage which program can run while Windows is starting.
First, you should check any starting programs inside the HEKY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
Go down to the node in HEKY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion, then look for program entry inside the Run, RunOnce and RunOnceEX. If you find something you don't know, then you type the program name .exe name into the following Search box to find out what's that. If the .exe name is the virus or spyware, then you can delete it.
It's same that you need to check any starting program inside the HEKY_CURRENT_USER.
Go down to the node in HEKY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion, then look for unwanted .exe programs inside the Run, RunOnce and RunOnceEX. If you find something, then delete them.
Some virus will restore the entry later or reboot, even you delete the entry from System Registry Editor. Those virus needs special tools to kill them.
What are Computer Viruses?
Computer viruses are programs written by "mean" people. These virus programs are placed into a commonly used program so that program will run the attached virus program as it boots, therefore, it is said that the virus "infects" the executable file or program. Executable files include Macintosh "system files" [such as system extensions, INITs and control panels] and application programs [such as word processing programs and spreadsheet programs.] Viruses work the same ways in Windows or DOS machines by infecting zip or exe files.
A virus is inactive until you execute an infected program or application OR start your computer from a disk that has infected system files. Once a virus is active, it loads into your computer's memory and may save itself to your hard drive or copies itself to applications or system files on disks you use.
Some viruses are programmed specifically to damage the data on your computer by corrupting programs, deleting files, or even erasing your entire hard drive. Many viruses do nothing more than display a message or make sounds / verbal comments at a certain time or a programming event after replicating themselves to be picked up by other users one way or another. Other viruses make your computer's system behave erratically or crash frequently. Sadly many people who have problems or frequent crashes using their computers do not realize that they have a virus and live with the inconveniences.
What Viruses Don't Do!
Computer viruses can not infect write protected disks or infect written documents. Viruses do not infect compressed files, unless the file was infected prior to the compression. [Compressed files are programs or files with its common characters, etc. removed to take up less space on a disk.] Viruses do not infect computer hardware, such as monitors or computer chips; they only infect software.
In addition, Macintosh viruses do not infect DOS / Window computer software and vice versa. For example, the Melissa virus incident of late 1998 and the ILOVEYOU virus of 2000 worked only on Window based machines and could not operate on Macintosh computers.
One further note-> viruses do not necessarily let you know they are present in your machine, even after being destructive. If your computer is not operating properly, it is a good practice to check for viruses with a current "virus checking" program.
How do Viruses Spread?
Viruses begin to work and spread when you start up the program or application of which the virus is present. For example, a word processing program that contains a virus will place the virus in memory every time the word processing program is run.
Once in memory, one of a number of things can happen. The virus may be programmed to attach to other applications, disks or folders. It may infect a network if given the opportunity.
Viruses behave in different ways. Some viruses stay active only when the application it is part of is running. Turn the computer off and the virus is inactive. Other viruses will operate every time you turn on your computer after infecting a system file or network.
How to Prevent a Virus Invasion!
Load only software from original disks or CD's. Pirated or copied software is always a risk for a virus.
Execute only programs of which you are familiar as to their origin. Programs sent by email should always be suspicious.
Computer uploads and "system configuration" changes should always be performed by the person who is responsible for the computer. Password protection should be employed.
Check all shareware and free programs downloaded from on-line services with a virus checking program.
Purchase a virus program that runs as you boot or work your computer. Up-date it frequently.
Trojan Horses
A trojan horse is not a virus. It is a program that you run because you think it will serve a useful purpose such as a game or provides entertainment. Like a "trojan horse" it serves not as it claims, but to damage files or perhaps plants a virus into your computer. A trojan horse does not replicate or spread like a virus. Most virus checking programs detect trojan horses.
A virus is inactive until you execute an infected program or application OR start your computer from a disk that has infected system files. Once a virus is active, it loads into your computer's memory and may save itself to your hard drive or copies itself to applications or system files on disks you use.
Some viruses are programmed specifically to damage the data on your computer by corrupting programs, deleting files, or even erasing your entire hard drive. Many viruses do nothing more than display a message or make sounds / verbal comments at a certain time or a programming event after replicating themselves to be picked up by other users one way or another. Other viruses make your computer's system behave erratically or crash frequently. Sadly many people who have problems or frequent crashes using their computers do not realize that they have a virus and live with the inconveniences.
What Viruses Don't Do!
Computer viruses can not infect write protected disks or infect written documents. Viruses do not infect compressed files, unless the file was infected prior to the compression. [Compressed files are programs or files with its common characters, etc. removed to take up less space on a disk.] Viruses do not infect computer hardware, such as monitors or computer chips; they only infect software.
In addition, Macintosh viruses do not infect DOS / Window computer software and vice versa. For example, the Melissa virus incident of late 1998 and the ILOVEYOU virus of 2000 worked only on Window based machines and could not operate on Macintosh computers.
One further note-> viruses do not necessarily let you know they are present in your machine, even after being destructive. If your computer is not operating properly, it is a good practice to check for viruses with a current "virus checking" program.
How do Viruses Spread?
Viruses begin to work and spread when you start up the program or application of which the virus is present. For example, a word processing program that contains a virus will place the virus in memory every time the word processing program is run.
Once in memory, one of a number of things can happen. The virus may be programmed to attach to other applications, disks or folders. It may infect a network if given the opportunity.
Viruses behave in different ways. Some viruses stay active only when the application it is part of is running. Turn the computer off and the virus is inactive. Other viruses will operate every time you turn on your computer after infecting a system file or network.
How to Prevent a Virus Invasion!
Load only software from original disks or CD's. Pirated or copied software is always a risk for a virus.
Execute only programs of which you are familiar as to their origin. Programs sent by email should always be suspicious.
Computer uploads and "system configuration" changes should always be performed by the person who is responsible for the computer. Password protection should be employed.
Check all shareware and free programs downloaded from on-line services with a virus checking program.
Purchase a virus program that runs as you boot or work your computer. Up-date it frequently.
Trojan Horses
A trojan horse is not a virus. It is a program that you run because you think it will serve a useful purpose such as a game or provides entertainment. Like a "trojan horse" it serves not as it claims, but to damage files or perhaps plants a virus into your computer. A trojan horse does not replicate or spread like a virus. Most virus checking programs detect trojan horses.
SPEED UP YOUR COMPUTER
Do you want to speed up computer, this article will provide you with some simple and easy windows tweaks to speed up your computer without upgrading your hardware.
First let’s understand what affects the computers speed. The 2 key factors for your computer speed are processor (CPU) utilization and RAM utilization. CPU utilization is the % of processor that is being used by your Computer when it’s running (Max 100%).
Optimize windows settings for performance
This is one tip which very few actually use, Windows has a feature where you can set the computer to be setup for better appearance or performance, by default it is set for better appearance. If your computer has a lot of RAM (2 GB) then you can set it up for Appearance and the performance would still be fine. But if you are short on RAM, to speed up computer configure windows settings to be optimized for performance.
Uninstall programs you do not use to speed up computer
Uninstall any programs that you don’t use:
A lot of programs come pre-loaded with the computer which you may never use. There may be several programs you installed but don’t use them anymore. These programs use disc space and load a lot of programs into the memory at start up. To speed up computer simply remove all the programs you do not use.
Remove un-necessary startup programs
The next step towards to speed up computer would be to remove un-necessary programs that get loaded at startup of windows, if your computer takes very long to start up then this may be because there are too many programs in the start up. Nowadays nearly every programs that is installed, installs itself to startup on Windows startup. Remove the un-necessary start up programs to speed up computer performance.
Don’t clutter your desktop
A very common thing that I have seen with friends and colleagues is that they save every file on the desktop, a huge reason to slow up the computer; it’s best to save only shortcuts on the desktop. This won’t be a problem if you have a huge amount of RAM on your computer like 2 GB of RAM. If not, it is important to know that the desktop is the active area of the Computer and gets loaded onto the RAM when windows load up. To speed up computer remove all the files from the desktop, instead add these files in a folder and add a shortcut to the folder on the desktop.
Free up more space on the C drive to speed up computer
Windows uses the C Drive space to store data when it is out of space on the RAM, if the C drive is short on space then Windows needs to do a lot more swapping of data hence slowing down the computer. To speed up computer performance atleast 3 GB space free on your C drive.
It is a good practice to have a separate partition for the C Drive and put all your personal documents, multimedia and data on the partition drive like a D or E drive, and leaves the C drive totally for Windows. This is also helpful if the C drive crashes, then all your data would be intact on the D or E drive.
Defrag your hard drive
Defragmentation is another thing you can do to speed up computer. Let’s understand the basics of a hard disk to understand why it is important to defrag the hard drive. The hard drives are made up of blocks of data, and the hard drive maintains an index to the blocks of data. Whenever we access anything on the computer the hard drive looks-up the index and accesses the block of data and presents the data to us.
Now any data that we access will be spread across several blocks of data. If the data that we access is stored across a row of continuous blocks of data then the hard drive gets all the data together block after block. But, if the data is fragmented over non-continuous data blocks then the hard drive accesses a data block and then needs to go back to the index to get the location of the next data block, hence slowing the process of data access. Defragmentation aligns the blocks of data in continuous order so that the access speed would be faster.
Clean up registry to speed up computer
The registry is the information database for Windows. Windows stores all information in regard to windows components, installed applications, services, start-up programs, and every feature that is present in Windows in the System Registry. As the system is used over time and software applications and windows components are installed and uninstalled, the windows registry keeps growing larger and it becomes more time consuming to find information. This would slow down your computer, hence it is advisable to clean-up your registry every once in a while to speed up computer performance.
Prevent and Remove Trojans, Spyware, Malware
Another cause of concern for your computers performance is Trojans, Spyware and Malware. What these unwanted programs do is find a way into your computer through the internet, network backdoors and security loophole in windows and sit on your computer, transmitting data from your computer to people who designed these software’s.
Trojans, Spyware and Malware mainly come in through network, internet, flash drives, warez sites and warez programs. Whenever your computer is connected to a network or internet then your computer is accessible to the rest of the world connected to the network or internet. Now there are tons of hackers who are trying to get something out of your computer.
To speed up computer have your windows firewall on and use a good anti-virus and spyware program to keep your computer safe.
First let’s understand what affects the computers speed. The 2 key factors for your computer speed are processor (CPU) utilization and RAM utilization. CPU utilization is the % of processor that is being used by your Computer when it’s running (Max 100%).
Optimize windows settings for performance
This is one tip which very few actually use, Windows has a feature where you can set the computer to be setup for better appearance or performance, by default it is set for better appearance. If your computer has a lot of RAM (2 GB) then you can set it up for Appearance and the performance would still be fine. But if you are short on RAM, to speed up computer configure windows settings to be optimized for performance.
Uninstall programs you do not use to speed up computer
Uninstall any programs that you don’t use:
A lot of programs come pre-loaded with the computer which you may never use. There may be several programs you installed but don’t use them anymore. These programs use disc space and load a lot of programs into the memory at start up. To speed up computer simply remove all the programs you do not use.
Remove un-necessary startup programs
The next step towards to speed up computer would be to remove un-necessary programs that get loaded at startup of windows, if your computer takes very long to start up then this may be because there are too many programs in the start up. Nowadays nearly every programs that is installed, installs itself to startup on Windows startup. Remove the un-necessary start up programs to speed up computer performance.
Don’t clutter your desktop
A very common thing that I have seen with friends and colleagues is that they save every file on the desktop, a huge reason to slow up the computer; it’s best to save only shortcuts on the desktop. This won’t be a problem if you have a huge amount of RAM on your computer like 2 GB of RAM. If not, it is important to know that the desktop is the active area of the Computer and gets loaded onto the RAM when windows load up. To speed up computer remove all the files from the desktop, instead add these files in a folder and add a shortcut to the folder on the desktop.
Free up more space on the C drive to speed up computer
Windows uses the C Drive space to store data when it is out of space on the RAM, if the C drive is short on space then Windows needs to do a lot more swapping of data hence slowing down the computer. To speed up computer performance atleast 3 GB space free on your C drive.
It is a good practice to have a separate partition for the C Drive and put all your personal documents, multimedia and data on the partition drive like a D or E drive, and leaves the C drive totally for Windows. This is also helpful if the C drive crashes, then all your data would be intact on the D or E drive.
Defrag your hard drive
Defragmentation is another thing you can do to speed up computer. Let’s understand the basics of a hard disk to understand why it is important to defrag the hard drive. The hard drives are made up of blocks of data, and the hard drive maintains an index to the blocks of data. Whenever we access anything on the computer the hard drive looks-up the index and accesses the block of data and presents the data to us.
Now any data that we access will be spread across several blocks of data. If the data that we access is stored across a row of continuous blocks of data then the hard drive gets all the data together block after block. But, if the data is fragmented over non-continuous data blocks then the hard drive accesses a data block and then needs to go back to the index to get the location of the next data block, hence slowing the process of data access. Defragmentation aligns the blocks of data in continuous order so that the access speed would be faster.
Clean up registry to speed up computer
The registry is the information database for Windows. Windows stores all information in regard to windows components, installed applications, services, start-up programs, and every feature that is present in Windows in the System Registry. As the system is used over time and software applications and windows components are installed and uninstalled, the windows registry keeps growing larger and it becomes more time consuming to find information. This would slow down your computer, hence it is advisable to clean-up your registry every once in a while to speed up computer performance.
Prevent and Remove Trojans, Spyware, Malware
Another cause of concern for your computers performance is Trojans, Spyware and Malware. What these unwanted programs do is find a way into your computer through the internet, network backdoors and security loophole in windows and sit on your computer, transmitting data from your computer to people who designed these software’s.
Trojans, Spyware and Malware mainly come in through network, internet, flash drives, warez sites and warez programs. Whenever your computer is connected to a network or internet then your computer is accessible to the rest of the world connected to the network or internet. Now there are tons of hackers who are trying to get something out of your computer.
To speed up computer have your windows firewall on and use a good anti-virus and spyware program to keep your computer safe.
COMPUTER THREATS
It is imperative that you keep your PC protected as best you can at all times!
When the Internet first caught on with the general public in the mid 1990s it was a relatively safe place. Since then some dangerous places have sprung up within it. With worldwide reach and virtual anonymity it has attracted many destructive, dishonest people. Some of them create viruses, worms, spyware, adware, keyloggers and the other forms of virulent, invasive code known as malware that cause computer problems. Some of them use this code and various techniques to secretly steal your identity by gaining access to your personal information!
Annoying pop-ups, machine slowdowns and PC crashes are often a result of malware. Hackers monitor Internet traffic and look for unprotected PCs that they can infect.
Even worse if your PC is compromised it can without your knowledge become a slave machine that further spreads these malware programs to other unprotected PCs!
What can you do? .... A number of things!
1-ver send Personal Information in Emails
2-stall an Antivirus Program
3-ock Spyware and Adware
4-move Spyway and Adware
5-ndows users - keep your Critical Updates current
6-stall a Firewall
7-e a browser other than Internet Explorer
8-e care when downloading 'free' software
When the Internet first caught on with the general public in the mid 1990s it was a relatively safe place. Since then some dangerous places have sprung up within it. With worldwide reach and virtual anonymity it has attracted many destructive, dishonest people. Some of them create viruses, worms, spyware, adware, keyloggers and the other forms of virulent, invasive code known as malware that cause computer problems. Some of them use this code and various techniques to secretly steal your identity by gaining access to your personal information!
Annoying pop-ups, machine slowdowns and PC crashes are often a result of malware. Hackers monitor Internet traffic and look for unprotected PCs that they can infect.
Even worse if your PC is compromised it can without your knowledge become a slave machine that further spreads these malware programs to other unprotected PCs!
What can you do? .... A number of things!
1-ver send Personal Information in Emails
2-stall an Antivirus Program
3-ock Spyware and Adware
4-move Spyway and Adware
5-ndows users - keep your Critical Updates current
6-stall a Firewall
7-e a browser other than Internet Explorer
8-e care when downloading 'free' software
KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS IN WINDOWS 7
Windows 7 supports several useful new keyboard shortcuts.
Alt+P
Display/ hide the Explorer preview pane
Windows Logo+G
Display gadgets in front of other windows
Windows Logo++ (plus key)
Zoom in, where appropriate
Windows Logo+- (minus key)
Zoom out, where appropriate
Windows Logo+Up
Maximise the current window
Windows Logo+Down
Minimise the current window
Windows Logo+Left
Snap to the left hand side of the screen
Windows Logo+Right
Snap to the right hand side of the screen
Windows Logo+Home
Minimise/ restore everything except the current window
Alt+P
Display/ hide the Explorer preview pane
Windows Logo+G
Display gadgets in front of other windows
Windows Logo++ (plus key)
Zoom in, where appropriate
Windows Logo+- (minus key)
Zoom out, where appropriate
Windows Logo+Up
Maximise the current window
Windows Logo+Down
Minimise the current window
Windows Logo+Left
Snap to the left hand side of the screen
Windows Logo+Right
Snap to the right hand side of the screen
Windows Logo+Home
Minimise/ restore everything except the current window
CONFIGURE YOUR FAVOURITE MUSIC
The Windows 7 Media Centre now comes with an option to play your favourite music, which by default creates a changing list of songs based on your ratings, how often you play them, and when they were added (it's assumed you'll prefer songs you've added in the last 30 days). If this doesn't work then you can tweak how Media Centre decides what a "favourite" tune is- click Tasks > Settings > Music > Favourite Music and configure the program to suit your needs.
PROTECT YOUR DATA IN WINDOWS 7
USB flash drives are convenient, portable, and very easy to lose. Which is a problem, especially if they're carrying sensitive data. Fortunately Windows 7 has the solution: encrypt your documents with an extension of Microsoft's BitLocker technology, and only someone with the password will be able to access it. Right-click your USB flash drive, select Turn on BitLocker and follow the instructions to protect your private files.
PROTECT YOUR DATA: Your USB flash drives can easily be encrypted with BitLocker
PROTECT YOUR DATA: Your USB flash drives can easily be encrypted with BitLocker
ENABLE VIRTUAL WI-FI
Windows 7 includes a little-known new feature called Virtual Wi-Fi, which effectively turns your PC or laptop into a software-based router. Any other Wi-Fi-enabled devices within range - a desktop, laptop, an iPod perhaps - will "see" you as a new network and, once logged on, immediately be able to share your internet connection.
This will only work if your wireless adapter driver supports it, though, and not all do. Check with your adapter manufacturer and make sure you've installed the very latest drivers to give you the best chance.
Once you have driver support then the easiest approach is to get a network tool that can set up virtual Wi-Fi for you. Virtual Router (below) is free, easy to use and should have you sharing your internet connection very quickly.
If you don't mind working with the command line, though, maybe setting up some batch files or scripts, then it's not that difficult to set this up manually
This will only work if your wireless adapter driver supports it, though, and not all do. Check with your adapter manufacturer and make sure you've installed the very latest drivers to give you the best chance.
Once you have driver support then the easiest approach is to get a network tool that can set up virtual Wi-Fi for you. Virtual Router (below) is free, easy to use and should have you sharing your internet connection very quickly.
If you don't mind working with the command line, though, maybe setting up some batch files or scripts, then it's not that difficult to set this up manually
GET A POWER EFFICIENCY REPORT
If you have a laptop, you can use the efficiency calculator to get Windows 7 to generate loads of useful information about its power consumption. Used in the right way, this can help you make huge gains in terms of battery life and performance. To do this you must open a command prompt as an administrator by typing 'cmd' in Start Search, and when the cmd icon appears, right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
Then at the command line, just type in 'powercfg -energy' (without quotes) and hit Return, and Windows 7 will scan your system looking for ways to improve power efficiency. It will then publish the results in an HTML file, usually in the System32 folder. Just follow the path it gives you to find your report.
Then at the command line, just type in 'powercfg -energy' (without quotes) and hit Return, and Windows 7 will scan your system looking for ways to improve power efficiency. It will then publish the results in an HTML file, usually in the System32 folder. Just follow the path it gives you to find your report.
CALCULATE MORE
At first glance the Windows 7 calculator looks just like Vista's version, but explore the Mode menu and you'll see powerful new Statistics and Programmer views. And if you're clueless about bitwise manipulation, then try the Options menu instead. This offers many different unit conversions (length, weight, volume and more), date calculations (how many days between two dates?), and spreadsheet-type templates to help you calculate vehicle mileage, mortgage rates and more.
Don't take any Windows 7 applet at face value, then - there are some very powerful new features hidden in the background. Be sure to explore every option in all Windows applets to ensure you don't miss anything important.
CALCULATE MORE: The new Calculator is packed with useful features and functionality
Don't take any Windows 7 applet at face value, then - there are some very powerful new features hidden in the background. Be sure to explore every option in all Windows applets to ensure you don't miss anything important.
CALCULATE MORE: The new Calculator is packed with useful features and functionality
PROHIBITED DUBIOUS SOFTWARE
Take control
Tired of the kids installing dubious software or running applications you'd rather they left alone? AppLocker is a new Windows 7 feature that ensures users can only run the programs you specify. Don't worry, that's easier to set up than it sounds: you can create a rule to allow everything signed by a particular publisher, so choose Microsoft, say, and that one rule will let you run all signed Microsoft applications. Launch GPEDIT.MSC and go to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Application Control Policies > AppLocker to get a feel for how this works.
Tired of the kids installing dubious software or running applications you'd rather they left alone? AppLocker is a new Windows 7 feature that ensures users can only run the programs you specify. Don't worry, that's easier to set up than it sounds: you can create a rule to allow everything signed by a particular publisher, so choose Microsoft, say, and that one rule will let you run all signed Microsoft applications. Launch GPEDIT.MSC and go to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Application Control Policies > AppLocker to get a feel for how this works.
Boost Windows Xp Speed Upto 60%
Whenever you start your computer, you are faced with a few moments of thumb twiddling while Windows XP boots and prompts you to log on. Although you should expect to wait for a few moments, sometimes Windows XP seems to boot rather slowly. In fact, you may notice that over a period of time the PC that used to roar to life seems a bit sluggish instead. Fortunately, you can perform several techniques that help Windows XP get the bootup speed you want. This chapter explores how to put these techniques to work.
Stopping Unneeded Startup Services
Along with the core operating system and programs that Windows XP runs when it starts, there is also a host of services involved. Many of these services are necessary for Windows XP to operate correctly. However, many of them are for features in Windows XP that you may not use at all. You can peruse the services and disable any service that you do not want to run. The fewer services that run, the more quickly Windows XP will boot.
Caution:
Exercise caution when stopping services. If you do not know what a service does or are unsure of the ramifications of stopping the service, leave it alone. Some services are critical to Windows XP's operations, so make sure you understand what the service is before you disable it.
To reduce the number of services that start on bootup, you can access two different areas of Windows XP. The first is the System Configuration Utility. The Services tab shows you the services that start when the computer boots.
You can stop a service from starting by simply clearing the check box next to the service and clicking OK. However, before you do so, there is another way to disable services that you may prefer because the interface gives you more information about the service in question.
Open Control Panel/Administrative ToolsServices or else select Start/Run, type services.msc, and click OK. Either way, you see the Services console.
I prefer to use the Services console instead of the System Configuration Utility because it describes what the service does. Additionally, you can double-click a service and examine its properties.
Notice the Startup Type column in Figure 4-2. This information lists whether the service is automatic or manual. Manual services are only started in Windows XP when you start a process that requires the service. Some other process may require the service that has a "dependency" relationship with it; in this case, the dependency service will start, as well. Because these services do not start automatically when you boot Windows XP, you do not need to do anything with manual services.
However, all services listed as automatic start when Windows XP boots. These are the services that increase boot time. As I have mentioned, many of them are necessary and important, so you should not stop automatic services from booting unless you are sure of the ramifications. You can get this information by looking at the Description column. Here's a quick look at common services you may want to live without:
Automatic Updates:
This service enables Windows XP to check the Web automatically for updates. If you don't want to use
Automatic Updates, you can disable the service. You can always check for updates manually at the Windows Update Web site.
Computer Browser: If your computer is not on a network, you don't need this service. If you are on a network, leave it alone.
DHCP Client: If you are not on a network, you do not need this service. If you are on a small workgroup, you can still increase boot time by configuring manual IP addresses (which I explore later in this chapter).
DNS Client:
If you are not on a network, you do not need this service. If you are, leave it alone.
Error Reporting and Event Log:
You don't have to use these services but they can be very helpful, so I would leave them configured as automatic.
Fax:
If you don't use your computer for fax services, you can disable this one. Help and Support: If you never use the Windows XP
Help and Support Center (found on the Start menu), you can disable this service.
IMAPI CD-Burning COM:
This service enables you to burn CDs on your computer. If you never burn CDs, you can disable the service.
Indexing Service:
Your computer keeps an index of files but if you rarely search for files, the service is just a resource hog. You can stop it and turn the service to manual.
Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing:
If you do not use these features, you can disable them.
Infrared Monitor: If you do not use infrared devices, you can disable this service.
Messenger:
This service sends alert messages on a local area network (it is not the same as Windows Messenger). If you are not on a network, you can disable this service.
Print Spooler:
If you do not do any printing from the computer, you can disable this service. If you print, make sure you leave it as automatic.
Remote Registry:
This service allows remote users to modify the Registry on your computer. If you are not on a network, you can disable this service.
System Restore Service:
This service allows you to use System Restore. If you have turned off System Restore anyway, you do not need to turn off the service. If you do, you turn off System Restore.
Themes:
If you do not use themes, you can disable this service.
Windows Image Acquisition:
If you do not use scanners or digital cameras, you can disable this service.
Wireless Zero Configuration:
If do not use wireless networking devices, you can disable this service.
You may have a number of other automatic services, depending on software and other configurations on your computer. So it's a good idea to look through the services and learn more about them. If you double-click a service, a Properties dialog box appears
Notice that on the General tab, you see a Startup Type drop-down menu. If you want to change an automatic service to manual, select Manual here and click OK. As a general rule, don't disable a service unless you are sure you will never use it.
However, manual configuration allows the service to be started when you find it necessary, thus speeding up your boot time. However, before you change a service to manual, look at the Dependencies tab (see Figure 4-4). This tab shows you which other services depend upon the service you are considering changing.
Keep in mind that services are necessary for the vast functionality you get with Windows XP. Change only those services that you understand and do not use. How you use your Windows XP computer should be the best guide in terms of optional startup services.
Tips:
The Indexing service and the System Restore service take up a lot of disk space and system resources across the board.
You can live without the Indexing service but I suggest that you keep using System Restore. It works great when you are in a bind and this is one case where the loss of speed may not be worth the ramifications of not using System Restore. Speed Tips and Tricks for Windows XP Startup Aside from startup programs, services, and the Prefetch folder, there are a number of other startup procedures and issues you can modify to help Windows XP start faster. The following sections explore those tips and tricks. Manual IP Addressing on Small Office/Home Networks Windows XP is configured to help you take care of networking. It uses the TCP/IP protocol for networking in workgroups, or what you might call small office or home networks that do not use a dedicated server. The problem is that automatic IP addressing can be slow. When your computer boots, it has to query the network to see what IP addresses are already in use and then assign itself one. If you want to speed up the boot time a bit, consider manually assigning IP addresses to all computers on the network. This way, the network computers do not have to worry about locating an automatic IP address. Because one is manually configured, the operating system doesn't have to spend time solving this problem. This isn't a networking book, however, so I won't delve into the implications of using a manual IP address, but if you are using a computer that functions as a host computer to the Internet (using Internet Connection Sharing [ICS]), you can get into connectivity problems if you change the configuration of the IP address. However, you can still work around this problem by starting with the ICS host computer. Select Start/Connect To/Show All Connections. Right-click your network adapter card and click Properties. On the General tab, select TCP/IP in the list of services and click the Properties button. In the TCP/IP properties, you can see if you use an automatic or manual IP address. In the example in Figure 4-5, I have configured a manual IP address of 90.0.0.1 and a default subnet mask. The other computers on my office network each use a different IP address in the same class, such as 90.0.0.2, 90.0.0.3, 90.0.0.4, and so on. This way, each computer has a permanent IP address, which helps increase boot time. Note that if you change the IP addresses of your computers, they must all use the same subnet mask. A default subject mask of 255.255.255.0 will keep you in good shape. Make sure you understand the implications of changing IP addresses on your network. If you have no networking experience at all, you may be wiser to leave the automatic IP addressing as is and try to gain some speed using the additional suggestions in this chapter. Disabling Recent Documents History Windows XP includes a feature that keeps track of all recent documents you have opened or used. The idea is that you can select Start/Recent Documents History and quickly reopen any document you have recently used. I use many documents each day and never use the feature myself. In my opinion, I can keep up with what I want to use without Windows XP doing it for me. The bad thing about Recent Documents History is that Windows XP has to calculate what should be put there each time you boot Windows, which can slow things down. So, if you never use the Recent Documents History, it's a good idea to disable it.
Here's how:
1. Open the Registry Editor (select Start/Run, type regedit, and click OK).
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Mcft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer.
3. Create a NoRecentDocsHistory D_WORD key. Double-click the value to open it once it is created.
4. Set the Data Value to 1 to enable the restriction.
5. Click OK and close the Registry Editor. You'll need to restart the computer for the change to take effect. Disabling the Boot Logo You can remove the boot logo that appears when you start Windows XP. This little tweak probably shaves only a few seconds off your boot time but seconds count if you are serious about trying to get Windows XP up and running as quickly as possible. The only negative is that if you remove the boot logo, you will also not see any boot messages, such as check disk. (But if you are not having problems with your computer, this isn't such a big deal.)
To remove the boot logo, follow these steps:
1. Select Start/Run, type msconfig, and click OK.
2. In the System Configuration Utility, click the BOOT.INI tab.
3. On the BOOT.INI tab, click the NOGUIBOOT check box option. Click OK. Removing Unwanted Fonts One trick that increases your boot time a bit is to lose any fonts in the Fonts folder in Control Panel that you never use. The more fonts you have, the more processing Windows XP has to do to prep all of those fonts for use. You must be a bit careful here to not remove fonts that you might want, but there is a good chance that you can live without many of them. For instance, you may have foreign language fonts and other symbol fonts (such as Wingdings) that you never use. To delete unneeded fonts, follow these steps:
1. Open the Fonts folder in Control Panel.
2. Select Edit/Select All and then Edit/Copy.
3. Create a new folder on your desktop, open it, and select Edit/Paste.
4. In this new folder, delete any of the fonts you do not want.
5. Return to the Fonts folder in Control Panel. Right-click the selected fonts and click Delete.
6. Go back to your new desktop folder and click Edit/Select All.
7. Return to your Fonts folder and click Edit/Paste. You now have only the desired fonts in the Fonts folder. Tip: You can directly delete fonts from the Fonts folder without creating the secondary folder. However, I recommend the preceding steps to help ensure that you do not make a mistake in the deletion process. Stopping Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop Sharing In Windows XP Professional, you have two remote networking features called Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop Sharing. These remote networking features are very helpful in a variety of situations but if you don't use them, it is good idea to disable them to save boot time. You can always enable them later if you want to use them. Note: If you are interested in using Remote Desktop or Remote Assistance, see my book Windows XP for Power Users: Power Pack published by John Wiley & Sons.
1. Open the Start menu, right-click My Computer, and choose Properties.
2. Click the Remote Tab.
3. Clear both check boxes to disable Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop. Speeding Up the Dual-Boot Timeout If you dual-boot your computer with Windows XP and another operating system, you see an operating system selection menu on startup. If you typically boot into Windows XP and not the other operating system, you can speed up the dual-boot timeout value so that you do not wait so long for the boot process to select your default operating system and continue with the boot process. The default timeout value is 30 seconds but you can change this setting to 10. This gives you enough time to select the alternate operating system if you want but also speeds up the boot process. You can skip this section if you do not use a dual-boot configuration.
Follow these steps:
1. Locate the boot.ini file on your computer. It is a hidden file by default; mine is located in C:\boot.ini.
2. Open the file with Notepad (which is what opens it by default).
3. Change the Timeout value to 10 (see Figure 4-11).
4. Select File/Save and close Notepad. Speeding Up Your PPPoE Connection If you use a Point-to-Point Protocol connection over Ethernet (PPPoE), you may notice a delay in using the PPPoE connection after startup. By default, there is a 120 second delay but you can stop this behavior by manually configuring an IP address for the network adapter card. If you do not use a PPPoE connection, you can skip this section.
1. Select Start/Connect to/Show All Connections.
2. Open the TCP/IP properties for your LAN network interface card.
3. Manually set the IP address on the TCP/IP properties to an appropriate IP address and subnet mask for your network. Reducing the Wait Time When you start to shut down Windows XP, it has to quit, or "kill," any live applications or processes that are currently running. So close all applications first. However, some applications and processes are always running in the background. You can reduce the amount of time that Windows XP waits for those applications and processes to close before Windows XP kills them. Edit three different Registry settings to change this:
1. Open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop. Select WaitToKillAppTimeout and set the value to 1000.
3. Select the HungAppTimeout value and set it to 1000 as well. 4
. Navigate to HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop. Set the WaitToKillAppTimeout and set the value to 1000. Select the HungAppTimeout \newline value and set it to 1000 as well.
5. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Contro l. Select the WaitToKillServiceTimeout value and set it to 1000.
6. Close the Registry Editor. Automatically Killing Tasks on Shutdown You know the drill. You start to shut down the computer, you wait a few moments, and then you see a dialog box asking if you want to kill an application or service that is running. Instead of prompting you, you can make Windows XP take care of the kill task
automatically. Here's how:
1. Open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop.
3. Highlight the value AutoEndTasks and change the value to 1.
4. Close the Registry Editor.
Stopping Unneeded Startup Services
Along with the core operating system and programs that Windows XP runs when it starts, there is also a host of services involved. Many of these services are necessary for Windows XP to operate correctly. However, many of them are for features in Windows XP that you may not use at all. You can peruse the services and disable any service that you do not want to run. The fewer services that run, the more quickly Windows XP will boot.
Caution:
Exercise caution when stopping services. If you do not know what a service does or are unsure of the ramifications of stopping the service, leave it alone. Some services are critical to Windows XP's operations, so make sure you understand what the service is before you disable it.
To reduce the number of services that start on bootup, you can access two different areas of Windows XP. The first is the System Configuration Utility. The Services tab shows you the services that start when the computer boots.
You can stop a service from starting by simply clearing the check box next to the service and clicking OK. However, before you do so, there is another way to disable services that you may prefer because the interface gives you more information about the service in question.
Open Control Panel/Administrative ToolsServices or else select Start/Run, type services.msc, and click OK. Either way, you see the Services console.
I prefer to use the Services console instead of the System Configuration Utility because it describes what the service does. Additionally, you can double-click a service and examine its properties.
Notice the Startup Type column in Figure 4-2. This information lists whether the service is automatic or manual. Manual services are only started in Windows XP when you start a process that requires the service. Some other process may require the service that has a "dependency" relationship with it; in this case, the dependency service will start, as well. Because these services do not start automatically when you boot Windows XP, you do not need to do anything with manual services.
However, all services listed as automatic start when Windows XP boots. These are the services that increase boot time. As I have mentioned, many of them are necessary and important, so you should not stop automatic services from booting unless you are sure of the ramifications. You can get this information by looking at the Description column. Here's a quick look at common services you may want to live without:
Automatic Updates:
This service enables Windows XP to check the Web automatically for updates. If you don't want to use
Automatic Updates, you can disable the service. You can always check for updates manually at the Windows Update Web site.
Computer Browser: If your computer is not on a network, you don't need this service. If you are on a network, leave it alone.
DHCP Client: If you are not on a network, you do not need this service. If you are on a small workgroup, you can still increase boot time by configuring manual IP addresses (which I explore later in this chapter).
DNS Client:
If you are not on a network, you do not need this service. If you are, leave it alone.
Error Reporting and Event Log:
You don't have to use these services but they can be very helpful, so I would leave them configured as automatic.
Fax:
If you don't use your computer for fax services, you can disable this one. Help and Support: If you never use the Windows XP
Help and Support Center (found on the Start menu), you can disable this service.
IMAPI CD-Burning COM:
This service enables you to burn CDs on your computer. If you never burn CDs, you can disable the service.
Indexing Service:
Your computer keeps an index of files but if you rarely search for files, the service is just a resource hog. You can stop it and turn the service to manual.
Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing:
If you do not use these features, you can disable them.
Infrared Monitor: If you do not use infrared devices, you can disable this service.
Messenger:
This service sends alert messages on a local area network (it is not the same as Windows Messenger). If you are not on a network, you can disable this service.
Print Spooler:
If you do not do any printing from the computer, you can disable this service. If you print, make sure you leave it as automatic.
Remote Registry:
This service allows remote users to modify the Registry on your computer. If you are not on a network, you can disable this service.
System Restore Service:
This service allows you to use System Restore. If you have turned off System Restore anyway, you do not need to turn off the service. If you do, you turn off System Restore.
Themes:
If you do not use themes, you can disable this service.
Windows Image Acquisition:
If you do not use scanners or digital cameras, you can disable this service.
Wireless Zero Configuration:
If do not use wireless networking devices, you can disable this service.
You may have a number of other automatic services, depending on software and other configurations on your computer. So it's a good idea to look through the services and learn more about them. If you double-click a service, a Properties dialog box appears
Notice that on the General tab, you see a Startup Type drop-down menu. If you want to change an automatic service to manual, select Manual here and click OK. As a general rule, don't disable a service unless you are sure you will never use it.
However, manual configuration allows the service to be started when you find it necessary, thus speeding up your boot time. However, before you change a service to manual, look at the Dependencies tab (see Figure 4-4). This tab shows you which other services depend upon the service you are considering changing.
Keep in mind that services are necessary for the vast functionality you get with Windows XP. Change only those services that you understand and do not use. How you use your Windows XP computer should be the best guide in terms of optional startup services.
Tips:
The Indexing service and the System Restore service take up a lot of disk space and system resources across the board.
You can live without the Indexing service but I suggest that you keep using System Restore. It works great when you are in a bind and this is one case where the loss of speed may not be worth the ramifications of not using System Restore. Speed Tips and Tricks for Windows XP Startup Aside from startup programs, services, and the Prefetch folder, there are a number of other startup procedures and issues you can modify to help Windows XP start faster. The following sections explore those tips and tricks. Manual IP Addressing on Small Office/Home Networks Windows XP is configured to help you take care of networking. It uses the TCP/IP protocol for networking in workgroups, or what you might call small office or home networks that do not use a dedicated server. The problem is that automatic IP addressing can be slow. When your computer boots, it has to query the network to see what IP addresses are already in use and then assign itself one. If you want to speed up the boot time a bit, consider manually assigning IP addresses to all computers on the network. This way, the network computers do not have to worry about locating an automatic IP address. Because one is manually configured, the operating system doesn't have to spend time solving this problem. This isn't a networking book, however, so I won't delve into the implications of using a manual IP address, but if you are using a computer that functions as a host computer to the Internet (using Internet Connection Sharing [ICS]), you can get into connectivity problems if you change the configuration of the IP address. However, you can still work around this problem by starting with the ICS host computer. Select Start/Connect To/Show All Connections. Right-click your network adapter card and click Properties. On the General tab, select TCP/IP in the list of services and click the Properties button. In the TCP/IP properties, you can see if you use an automatic or manual IP address. In the example in Figure 4-5, I have configured a manual IP address of 90.0.0.1 and a default subnet mask. The other computers on my office network each use a different IP address in the same class, such as 90.0.0.2, 90.0.0.3, 90.0.0.4, and so on. This way, each computer has a permanent IP address, which helps increase boot time. Note that if you change the IP addresses of your computers, they must all use the same subnet mask. A default subject mask of 255.255.255.0 will keep you in good shape. Make sure you understand the implications of changing IP addresses on your network. If you have no networking experience at all, you may be wiser to leave the automatic IP addressing as is and try to gain some speed using the additional suggestions in this chapter. Disabling Recent Documents History Windows XP includes a feature that keeps track of all recent documents you have opened or used. The idea is that you can select Start/Recent Documents History and quickly reopen any document you have recently used. I use many documents each day and never use the feature myself. In my opinion, I can keep up with what I want to use without Windows XP doing it for me. The bad thing about Recent Documents History is that Windows XP has to calculate what should be put there each time you boot Windows, which can slow things down. So, if you never use the Recent Documents History, it's a good idea to disable it.
Here's how:
1. Open the Registry Editor (select Start/Run, type regedit, and click OK).
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Mcft\Windows\ CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer.
3. Create a NoRecentDocsHistory D_WORD key. Double-click the value to open it once it is created.
4. Set the Data Value to 1 to enable the restriction.
5. Click OK and close the Registry Editor. You'll need to restart the computer for the change to take effect. Disabling the Boot Logo You can remove the boot logo that appears when you start Windows XP. This little tweak probably shaves only a few seconds off your boot time but seconds count if you are serious about trying to get Windows XP up and running as quickly as possible. The only negative is that if you remove the boot logo, you will also not see any boot messages, such as check disk. (But if you are not having problems with your computer, this isn't such a big deal.)
To remove the boot logo, follow these steps:
1. Select Start/Run, type msconfig, and click OK.
2. In the System Configuration Utility, click the BOOT.INI tab.
3. On the BOOT.INI tab, click the NOGUIBOOT check box option. Click OK. Removing Unwanted Fonts One trick that increases your boot time a bit is to lose any fonts in the Fonts folder in Control Panel that you never use. The more fonts you have, the more processing Windows XP has to do to prep all of those fonts for use. You must be a bit careful here to not remove fonts that you might want, but there is a good chance that you can live without many of them. For instance, you may have foreign language fonts and other symbol fonts (such as Wingdings) that you never use. To delete unneeded fonts, follow these steps:
1. Open the Fonts folder in Control Panel.
2. Select Edit/Select All and then Edit/Copy.
3. Create a new folder on your desktop, open it, and select Edit/Paste.
4. In this new folder, delete any of the fonts you do not want.
5. Return to the Fonts folder in Control Panel. Right-click the selected fonts and click Delete.
6. Go back to your new desktop folder and click Edit/Select All.
7. Return to your Fonts folder and click Edit/Paste. You now have only the desired fonts in the Fonts folder. Tip: You can directly delete fonts from the Fonts folder without creating the secondary folder. However, I recommend the preceding steps to help ensure that you do not make a mistake in the deletion process. Stopping Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop Sharing In Windows XP Professional, you have two remote networking features called Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop Sharing. These remote networking features are very helpful in a variety of situations but if you don't use them, it is good idea to disable them to save boot time. You can always enable them later if you want to use them. Note: If you are interested in using Remote Desktop or Remote Assistance, see my book Windows XP for Power Users: Power Pack published by John Wiley & Sons.
1. Open the Start menu, right-click My Computer, and choose Properties.
2. Click the Remote Tab.
3. Clear both check boxes to disable Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop. Speeding Up the Dual-Boot Timeout If you dual-boot your computer with Windows XP and another operating system, you see an operating system selection menu on startup. If you typically boot into Windows XP and not the other operating system, you can speed up the dual-boot timeout value so that you do not wait so long for the boot process to select your default operating system and continue with the boot process. The default timeout value is 30 seconds but you can change this setting to 10. This gives you enough time to select the alternate operating system if you want but also speeds up the boot process. You can skip this section if you do not use a dual-boot configuration.
Follow these steps:
1. Locate the boot.ini file on your computer. It is a hidden file by default; mine is located in C:\boot.ini.
2. Open the file with Notepad (which is what opens it by default).
3. Change the Timeout value to 10 (see Figure 4-11).
4. Select File/Save and close Notepad. Speeding Up Your PPPoE Connection If you use a Point-to-Point Protocol connection over Ethernet (PPPoE), you may notice a delay in using the PPPoE connection after startup. By default, there is a 120 second delay but you can stop this behavior by manually configuring an IP address for the network adapter card. If you do not use a PPPoE connection, you can skip this section.
1. Select Start/Connect to/Show All Connections.
2. Open the TCP/IP properties for your LAN network interface card.
3. Manually set the IP address on the TCP/IP properties to an appropriate IP address and subnet mask for your network. Reducing the Wait Time When you start to shut down Windows XP, it has to quit, or "kill," any live applications or processes that are currently running. So close all applications first. However, some applications and processes are always running in the background. You can reduce the amount of time that Windows XP waits for those applications and processes to close before Windows XP kills them. Edit three different Registry settings to change this:
1. Open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop. Select WaitToKillAppTimeout and set the value to 1000.
3. Select the HungAppTimeout value and set it to 1000 as well. 4
. Navigate to HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Desktop. Set the WaitToKillAppTimeout and set the value to 1000. Select the HungAppTimeout \newline value and set it to 1000 as well.
5. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Contro l. Select the WaitToKillServiceTimeout value and set it to 1000.
6. Close the Registry Editor. Automatically Killing Tasks on Shutdown You know the drill. You start to shut down the computer, you wait a few moments, and then you see a dialog box asking if you want to kill an application or service that is running. Instead of prompting you, you can make Windows XP take care of the kill task
automatically. Here's how:
1. Open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop.
3. Highlight the value AutoEndTasks and change the value to 1.
4. Close the Registry Editor.
Trick to Show Your name after time in taskbar
Try this trick to add up ur name in place of AM and PM beside time
Its simple
Step-1:- Navigate to -> Start -> Control Pannel -> Regional and Language Option -> Click on Customize -> Go to TIME Tab -> Change AM symbol and PM symbol from AM and PM to ur name -> Apply -> Ok ...
Did It change? If not, follow step-2 below.
Step2:- Now go to time in taskbar and Double Click it to open "Date and time property" ...Look place where time changes in digital form i.e. 02:47:52 AM , click to arrow to cnage the AM or PM by selecting and press arrow. It will Show ur name or name that was entered by u, Apply -> OK
Its simple
Step-1:- Navigate to -> Start -> Control Pannel -> Regional and Language Option -> Click on Customize -> Go to TIME Tab -> Change AM symbol and PM symbol from AM and PM to ur name -> Apply -> Ok ...
Did It change? If not, follow step-2 below.
Step2:- Now go to time in taskbar and Double Click it to open "Date and time property" ...Look place where time changes in digital form i.e. 02:47:52 AM , click to arrow to cnage the AM or PM by selecting and press arrow. It will Show ur name or name that was entered by u, Apply -> OK
Customizing the Desktop Environment
The desktop environment can help a user be more productive by providing easy access to the most used resources, or it can hinder productivity by being cluttered, disorganized, and difficult to locate icons when you need them. When you customize the desktop environment, you will focus on making access to resources as easy and efficient as possible.
Four areas that you can customize are the:
Start menu
Startup folder
Taskebar
My Documents folder
Customizing the Start Menu
Clicking Start displays a menu that enables users to easily gain access to the most used items on the computer. The following sections describe the organization of the Start menu and provide instruction about how to customize it.
Examining the Windows XP Professional Start Menu
The right frame of the Start menu consists of three sections that display standard folders and utilities. The left frame also consists of three sections. The top section displays the pinned programs, which are programs that are manually attached to the top left of the Start menu. The default e-mail program and browser always appear in pinned programs. Beneath the pinned programs, recently used programs appear.
The Start menu is color-coded. The white area of the Start menu is user-based, while the light blue area is operating-system-based. The light blue area can only be customized in limited ways. When customizing the different sections of the Start menu, you have the choice of customizing it for the user who is currently logged on, or for all users on the computer.
Customizing the Start Menu for All Users
When you customize the Start menu for all users, you are adding an item that anyone logged on to the computer can use.
You can add a submenu to the Start menu for easy access to a group of programs. For example, if everyone who uses a computer performs the same job function, you might want to add a submenu that contains the programs that the employees use most. You can also add to the Start menu a shortcut to a specific program or resource, or drag a frequently used item in a submenu onto the main Start menu.
Adding a Submenu for All Users
To add a submenu for all users, perform the following steps:
Right-click Start, and then click Open all Users.
Double-click the folder to which you want to add the submenu
If you place the submenu in the Start Menu folder, it becomes pinned to the top of the All Programs menu. If you place the submenu in the Programs folder, it will be placed alphabetically in the list of programs.
On the File menu, point to New, and then click Folder.
Type a name for the folder, and then press ENTER.
In My Computer or Windows Explorer, drag any programs or shortcuts that you want to appear on the menu into the folder that you just created.
Adding a Shortcut for All Users
To add a shortcut for all users, perform the following steps:
Right-click Start, click Open All Users, click File, point to New, and then click Shortcut.
Type the location of the item for which you want to create a shortcut, or click Browse to locate the item, and then click OK.
Click Next, type a name for the shortcut, and then click Finish.
Customizing the Start Menu for Individual Users
There may be instances when you will want to customize the Start menu for a particular user only. You can add shortcuts and submenus, and pin programs to an individual’s Start menu.
Adding a Submenu for an Individual User
The process for adding a submenu to an individual’s Start menu is similar to adding a submenu for all users. The difference between the two procedures is the first step of the process, which changes as follows:
Right-click Start, click Explore All Users, expand the folder of the user whose Start menu that you want to customize, and then click Start Menu.
Adding a Shortcut for an Individual User
To add a shortcut to an individual’s Start menu, perform the following steps:
Right-click the object for which you want to create a shortcut, and then click Create Shortcut.
Drag, or cut and paste, the shortcut into the individual’s Start menu or Programs folder.
Changing Start Menu Properties
You can alter the properties of the Start menu; for example, you can change whether items are displayed as links or menus or not displayed at all. When you make this type of alteration, the change affects only the logged on user.
To make changes to Start menu properties, perform these steps:
Right-click Start, click Properties, click Customize, make desired changes on the General and Advanced tabs, and then click OK twice.
Note: You can use the Start menu that is used in previous versions of Microsoft Windows instead of the Start menu in Windows XP by changing the properties of the Start menu.
Pinning a Program to the Start Menu
Programs are the only items that you can pin to the Start menu. When you pin a program to the Start menu, it applies only to the user that is currently logged on. To accomplish this task:
Right-click the program that you want to pin to the Start menu, and then click Pin to Start menu.
Customizing the Startup Folder
If users always use a particular program or programs as soon as they log on, it is convenient to have those programs automatically start when the user logs on. To enable a program to start automatically when a user logs on, place a shortcut to that program in the appropriate Startup folder. You can customize the Startup folder for all users or individual users.
To enable programs to start automatically upon logon, perform the following steps:
Right-click Start, and then click Explore All Users.
Expand either All Users or a specific user.
Expand Start Menu, and then click Programs in the left pane.
In the right pane, copy the shortcut for the programs that you want to start automatically upon logon.
Expand Programs, right-click Startup, and then click Paste.
The shortcuts to the desired programs will now appear in the Startup folder. When the user whose Startup folder you have customized next logs on, the programs will automatically start.
Customizing the Taskbar
The taskbar in Windows XP Professional is substantially different than it is in previous versions of Windows.
Adding Programs to the Quick Launch Toolbar
To add frequently used icons to the Quick Launch toolbar for easy, one-click access, perform the following steps:
Right-click an empty area of the Quick Launch bar, and then click
Open Folder.
On the File menu, click New, and then click Shortcut.
Type the location of, or browse to, the desired program, click Next, and then click Finish.
Alternately, you can drag any program icon onto the Quick Launch toolbar, which will automatically create a shortcut to the program.
Customizing Taskbar Properties
You can easily customize the properties of the taskbar. For example, you can control whether the taskbar is automatically hidden, whether inactive icons are hidden, and when individual icons should display in the notification area. To customize taskbar behavior:
Right-click an empty area on the taskbar, and then click Properties.
Make desired changes on the Taskbar tab, click Customize, make desired changes to individual notification icons, and then click OK twice.
Adding Toolbars to the Taskbar
There are a number of different toolbars that you can add to the taskbar. The following table delineates the functionality of those toolbars, and how to customize them.
Toolbar Function To customize
Address Provides a Web browser address bar into which you can type the URL (uniform resource locator) to a Web site that you want to open. Each time you type a URL into this toolbar, that URL will become part of a list from which you can choose.
Links Provides a quick way to open Web pages, shortcuts, and other items. Drag the Web page’s icon from the Address bar directly to the Links bar. Or drag any link from a Web page, your Favorites bar, or your desktop onto the Links bar.
Desktop Provides easy access to all items on the desktop. Because this toolbar shows all items on the desktop, you can change what is available on the toolbar by adding or removing items from the desktop. Users who do not like a crowded desktop can hide all items on the desktop and open them from this toolbar.
Language Band Provides easy access to text tools such as IMEs and writing and speech recognition programs. It also provides a way to switch between languages and keyboard layouts. This bar automatically displays when you have any of the appropriate programs installed. The buttons displayed depend on which programs are installed.
New Toolbar Provides a quick link to any folder or network place on your computer. Right-click the taskbar, point to Toolbars, click New Toolbar, move to the desired resource, and then click OK. The toolbar will be named the same as the resource, and you will be able to gain access to everything within that resource from the toolbar.
Customizing the My Documents Folder
My Documents is a commonly used folder for storing a user’s data. Customizing this folder can improve a user’s productivity by enabling that user to more easily and efficiently store and gain access to data.
A user’s My Documents folder is by default available only to that user and administrators when on an NTFS file system partition. However, My Documents can be shared, and another user can be given specific permissions to the folder.
You can change the default properties of the My Documents folder. To gain access to these configurable properties, click Start, right-click My Documents, and then click Properties.
Changing Folder Location
You can change the location of the My Documents folder from its usual position within Documents and Settingsuser_nameMy Documents (where user_name is the user’s logon name). You may want to change the location of the folder when you want to move the storage of documents to:
A local drive other than the one on which programs reside, so that programs and user data are stored separately.
A network share, to prevent the loss of data if the local disk becomes corrupted.
Note: If you choose to remove My Documents to a server, be sure that both the local computer and the server are configured for caching.
To change the location of the My Documents folder:
Click Start, right-click the My Documents folder, and then click Properties.
On the Target tab, click Move.
In the Select a Destination dialog box, browse to the desired location, and then click OK twice.
Customizing Folder Attributes
The My Documents folder, like all other folders, has four important attributes that can be customized:
To change the attributes of the My Documents folder:
Click Start, right-click the My Documents folder, and then click Properties.
On the General tab, click Advanced, select or clear the desired attributes, and then click OK twice. (The Advanced button does not appear on drives formatted with a FAT file system).
If you do need to configure security parameters at the folder level, use the Security tab in the My Documents Properties sheet.
Four areas that you can customize are the:
Start menu
Startup folder
Taskebar
My Documents folder
Customizing the Start Menu
Clicking Start displays a menu that enables users to easily gain access to the most used items on the computer. The following sections describe the organization of the Start menu and provide instruction about how to customize it.
Examining the Windows XP Professional Start Menu
The right frame of the Start menu consists of three sections that display standard folders and utilities. The left frame also consists of three sections. The top section displays the pinned programs, which are programs that are manually attached to the top left of the Start menu. The default e-mail program and browser always appear in pinned programs. Beneath the pinned programs, recently used programs appear.
The Start menu is color-coded. The white area of the Start menu is user-based, while the light blue area is operating-system-based. The light blue area can only be customized in limited ways. When customizing the different sections of the Start menu, you have the choice of customizing it for the user who is currently logged on, or for all users on the computer.
Customizing the Start Menu for All Users
When you customize the Start menu for all users, you are adding an item that anyone logged on to the computer can use.
You can add a submenu to the Start menu for easy access to a group of programs. For example, if everyone who uses a computer performs the same job function, you might want to add a submenu that contains the programs that the employees use most. You can also add to the Start menu a shortcut to a specific program or resource, or drag a frequently used item in a submenu onto the main Start menu.
Adding a Submenu for All Users
To add a submenu for all users, perform the following steps:
Right-click Start, and then click Open all Users.
Double-click the folder to which you want to add the submenu
If you place the submenu in the Start Menu folder, it becomes pinned to the top of the All Programs menu. If you place the submenu in the Programs folder, it will be placed alphabetically in the list of programs.
On the File menu, point to New, and then click Folder.
Type a name for the folder, and then press ENTER.
In My Computer or Windows Explorer, drag any programs or shortcuts that you want to appear on the menu into the folder that you just created.
Adding a Shortcut for All Users
To add a shortcut for all users, perform the following steps:
Right-click Start, click Open All Users, click File, point to New, and then click Shortcut.
Type the location of the item for which you want to create a shortcut, or click Browse to locate the item, and then click OK.
Click Next, type a name for the shortcut, and then click Finish.
Customizing the Start Menu for Individual Users
There may be instances when you will want to customize the Start menu for a particular user only. You can add shortcuts and submenus, and pin programs to an individual’s Start menu.
Adding a Submenu for an Individual User
The process for adding a submenu to an individual’s Start menu is similar to adding a submenu for all users. The difference between the two procedures is the first step of the process, which changes as follows:
Right-click Start, click Explore All Users, expand the folder of the user whose Start menu that you want to customize, and then click Start Menu.
Adding a Shortcut for an Individual User
To add a shortcut to an individual’s Start menu, perform the following steps:
Right-click the object for which you want to create a shortcut, and then click Create Shortcut.
Drag, or cut and paste, the shortcut into the individual’s Start menu or Programs folder.
Changing Start Menu Properties
You can alter the properties of the Start menu; for example, you can change whether items are displayed as links or menus or not displayed at all. When you make this type of alteration, the change affects only the logged on user.
To make changes to Start menu properties, perform these steps:
Right-click Start, click Properties, click Customize, make desired changes on the General and Advanced tabs, and then click OK twice.
Note: You can use the Start menu that is used in previous versions of Microsoft Windows instead of the Start menu in Windows XP by changing the properties of the Start menu.
Pinning a Program to the Start Menu
Programs are the only items that you can pin to the Start menu. When you pin a program to the Start menu, it applies only to the user that is currently logged on. To accomplish this task:
Right-click the program that you want to pin to the Start menu, and then click Pin to Start menu.
Customizing the Startup Folder
If users always use a particular program or programs as soon as they log on, it is convenient to have those programs automatically start when the user logs on. To enable a program to start automatically when a user logs on, place a shortcut to that program in the appropriate Startup folder. You can customize the Startup folder for all users or individual users.
To enable programs to start automatically upon logon, perform the following steps:
Right-click Start, and then click Explore All Users.
Expand either All Users or a specific user.
Expand Start Menu, and then click Programs in the left pane.
In the right pane, copy the shortcut for the programs that you want to start automatically upon logon.
Expand Programs, right-click Startup, and then click Paste.
The shortcuts to the desired programs will now appear in the Startup folder. When the user whose Startup folder you have customized next logs on, the programs will automatically start.
Customizing the Taskbar
The taskbar in Windows XP Professional is substantially different than it is in previous versions of Windows.
Adding Programs to the Quick Launch Toolbar
To add frequently used icons to the Quick Launch toolbar for easy, one-click access, perform the following steps:
Right-click an empty area of the Quick Launch bar, and then click
Open Folder.
On the File menu, click New, and then click Shortcut.
Type the location of, or browse to, the desired program, click Next, and then click Finish.
Alternately, you can drag any program icon onto the Quick Launch toolbar, which will automatically create a shortcut to the program.
Customizing Taskbar Properties
You can easily customize the properties of the taskbar. For example, you can control whether the taskbar is automatically hidden, whether inactive icons are hidden, and when individual icons should display in the notification area. To customize taskbar behavior:
Right-click an empty area on the taskbar, and then click Properties.
Make desired changes on the Taskbar tab, click Customize, make desired changes to individual notification icons, and then click OK twice.
Adding Toolbars to the Taskbar
There are a number of different toolbars that you can add to the taskbar. The following table delineates the functionality of those toolbars, and how to customize them.
Toolbar Function To customize
Address Provides a Web browser address bar into which you can type the URL (uniform resource locator) to a Web site that you want to open. Each time you type a URL into this toolbar, that URL will become part of a list from which you can choose.
Links Provides a quick way to open Web pages, shortcuts, and other items. Drag the Web page’s icon from the Address bar directly to the Links bar. Or drag any link from a Web page, your Favorites bar, or your desktop onto the Links bar.
Desktop Provides easy access to all items on the desktop. Because this toolbar shows all items on the desktop, you can change what is available on the toolbar by adding or removing items from the desktop. Users who do not like a crowded desktop can hide all items on the desktop and open them from this toolbar.
Language Band Provides easy access to text tools such as IMEs and writing and speech recognition programs. It also provides a way to switch between languages and keyboard layouts. This bar automatically displays when you have any of the appropriate programs installed. The buttons displayed depend on which programs are installed.
New Toolbar Provides a quick link to any folder or network place on your computer. Right-click the taskbar, point to Toolbars, click New Toolbar, move to the desired resource, and then click OK. The toolbar will be named the same as the resource, and you will be able to gain access to everything within that resource from the toolbar.
Customizing the My Documents Folder
My Documents is a commonly used folder for storing a user’s data. Customizing this folder can improve a user’s productivity by enabling that user to more easily and efficiently store and gain access to data.
A user’s My Documents folder is by default available only to that user and administrators when on an NTFS file system partition. However, My Documents can be shared, and another user can be given specific permissions to the folder.
You can change the default properties of the My Documents folder. To gain access to these configurable properties, click Start, right-click My Documents, and then click Properties.
Changing Folder Location
You can change the location of the My Documents folder from its usual position within Documents and Settingsuser_nameMy Documents (where user_name is the user’s logon name). You may want to change the location of the folder when you want to move the storage of documents to:
A local drive other than the one on which programs reside, so that programs and user data are stored separately.
A network share, to prevent the loss of data if the local disk becomes corrupted.
Note: If you choose to remove My Documents to a server, be sure that both the local computer and the server are configured for caching.
To change the location of the My Documents folder:
Click Start, right-click the My Documents folder, and then click Properties.
On the Target tab, click Move.
In the Select a Destination dialog box, browse to the desired location, and then click OK twice.
Customizing Folder Attributes
The My Documents folder, like all other folders, has four important attributes that can be customized:
To change the attributes of the My Documents folder:
Click Start, right-click the My Documents folder, and then click Properties.
On the General tab, click Advanced, select or clear the desired attributes, and then click OK twice. (The Advanced button does not appear on drives formatted with a FAT file system).
If you do need to configure security parameters at the folder level, use the Security tab in the My Documents Properties sheet.
How to manage startup or booting applications?
Microsoft Windows use different places for booting processes and application. Microsoft Windows use Windows Registry, Boot.ini and Start up Menu for booting or start up applications.
To manage all start up applications is not an easy task but I will tell you an easy task. Microsoft Windows has built in utility for managing start up applications.
Open Run Command, type msconfig and press enter.
System Configuration Utility will load.
Note: Microsoft Windows 2000 does not support this utility.
After loading this utility click on Startup tab and manage all starting applications. If you want to disable any startup process then un check that process and click OK.
Windows will ask to reboot Windows. You can reboot your Windows.
To manage all start up applications is not an easy task but I will tell you an easy task. Microsoft Windows has built in utility for managing start up applications.
Open Run Command, type msconfig and press enter.
System Configuration Utility will load.
Note: Microsoft Windows 2000 does not support this utility.
After loading this utility click on Startup tab and manage all starting applications. If you want to disable any startup process then un check that process and click OK.
Windows will ask to reboot Windows. You can reboot your Windows.
Hide or Show Run Command from Start Menu
You can easily hide or show run command from Start menu of Windows. First of all you have to log in from user who have Administrative rights and then load Windows Registry Editor by typing “regedit” in Run Command without quots.
If you want to hide Run Command only for logged on user then open this path.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
If you want to hide Run Command for every user of Windows then open this path.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
After opening this path. Create a new key. NoRun (String Type) and enter value 1 in it.
Regedit Create Key
After creating this key restart or log off your Windows to take effects. If you are using Microsoft Windows 98 then you have to restart your windows. After restarting or logging again your windows you can’t see Run Command in your Start menu.
If you want to show again Run Command in Start menu then remove key from Registry which you created above.
If you want to hide Run Command only for logged on user then open this path.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
If you want to hide Run Command for every user of Windows then open this path.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
After opening this path. Create a new key. NoRun (String Type) and enter value 1 in it.
Regedit Create Key
After creating this key restart or log off your Windows to take effects. If you are using Microsoft Windows 98 then you have to restart your windows. After restarting or logging again your windows you can’t see Run Command in your Start menu.
If you want to show again Run Command in Start menu then remove key from Registry which you created above.
Hide or Show File Search Command in Start Menu?
Posted in Windows Registry Tips | August 7th, 2010
Hiding or Showing Windows File Search Command in Start Menu is easy as ABC. You can do this by using Registry Editor. First of all open Registry Editor by typing “regedit” in Run Command or Creating short cut on Desktop using “regedit” command line.
Open this key if you want to hide Search File Command for current logged user only.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Open this key if you want to hide Search File Command for every user of Windows.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
After opening this key in Registry Editor. Create new key “NoFind” as String value and enter value 1 in it.
Regedit Create Key
After adding this key Log Off or restart your windows. If you are using Microsoft Windows 9x then you should restart your windows and open Start Menu. You can not see File Search command any more. File search command is hidden now.
If you want to show again File Search Command then delete key from Registry which you created above.
Hiding or Showing Windows File Search Command in Start Menu is easy as ABC. You can do this by using Registry Editor. First of all open Registry Editor by typing “regedit” in Run Command or Creating short cut on Desktop using “regedit” command line.
Open this key if you want to hide Search File Command for current logged user only.
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Open this key if you want to hide Search File Command for every user of Windows.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
After opening this key in Registry Editor. Create new key “NoFind” as String value and enter value 1 in it.
Regedit Create Key
After adding this key Log Off or restart your windows. If you are using Microsoft Windows 9x then you should restart your windows and open Start Menu. You can not see File Search command any more. File search command is hidden now.
If you want to show again File Search Command then delete key from Registry which you created above.
How to use Bluetooth in Windows XP?
Bluetooth functionality is found almost all the latest models of laptops and it does not matter that whatever the manufacturer of that laptop is. This technology is getting fame within the community of laptop users rapidly as now several devices are using the way of Bluetooth to connect them with any kind of computer, laptop or any other device which has Bluetooth enabled in it.
If your laptop also supports the same wireless technology and you want to get benefit from it but do not know how to install or use this technology if there is a version of Windows XP in your laptop? Then do not worry and just keep reading to get as maximum as possible detail about installing and using Bluetooth in Windows XP of your laptop. We suppose that your version of XP is included the Service Pack 2.
All you need to do is to following the step by step information provided below in order to install and use Bluetooth device with your laptop if it is running XP on it:
We are considering that your laptop is on. Now first step is to click on “Start” button
A pop-up will be in front of you immediately. Here you will see several options in two columns. Click on the option saying “Control Panel” and it will be seen in the right column.
You will see several options within the window of “Control Panel”. You need to find and click on the option of “Bluetooth Devices”.
Another pop-up window will be in front of you. Click on the tab saying “Devices”.
Here you need to click on “Add” button which can be seen on the left bottom side
A wizard will be in front of your eyes which will help you to install Bluetooth
Now before stepping up to the “Next” button, make sure your Bluetooth is powered on
An option saying “My device is set up and ready to be found” must be checked before clicking on the “Next” button
Then a device search will be performed by the Windows and your device will be shown in the same pop-up windows if it is found in this search
Click on your device to highlight it before hitting the button “Next”
Then a Passkey will be asked by the system. It should be set if there are more than 1 Bluetooth devices in your use or if you are living in an area where other may also use their Bluetooth devices. It is really helpful to increase security of your Bluetooth device.
Bluetooth
You have done it. Now this Bluetooth device can be used with any application, software or hardware device like your mobile phone, video game console etc.
If your laptop also supports the same wireless technology and you want to get benefit from it but do not know how to install or use this technology if there is a version of Windows XP in your laptop? Then do not worry and just keep reading to get as maximum as possible detail about installing and using Bluetooth in Windows XP of your laptop. We suppose that your version of XP is included the Service Pack 2.
All you need to do is to following the step by step information provided below in order to install and use Bluetooth device with your laptop if it is running XP on it:
We are considering that your laptop is on. Now first step is to click on “Start” button
A pop-up will be in front of you immediately. Here you will see several options in two columns. Click on the option saying “Control Panel” and it will be seen in the right column.
You will see several options within the window of “Control Panel”. You need to find and click on the option of “Bluetooth Devices”.
Another pop-up window will be in front of you. Click on the tab saying “Devices”.
Here you need to click on “Add” button which can be seen on the left bottom side
A wizard will be in front of your eyes which will help you to install Bluetooth
Now before stepping up to the “Next” button, make sure your Bluetooth is powered on
An option saying “My device is set up and ready to be found” must be checked before clicking on the “Next” button
Then a device search will be performed by the Windows and your device will be shown in the same pop-up windows if it is found in this search
Click on your device to highlight it before hitting the button “Next”
Then a Passkey will be asked by the system. It should be set if there are more than 1 Bluetooth devices in your use or if you are living in an area where other may also use their Bluetooth devices. It is really helpful to increase security of your Bluetooth device.
Bluetooth
You have done it. Now this Bluetooth device can be used with any application, software or hardware device like your mobile phone, video game console etc.
How to Configure Gmail in Microsoft Outlook?
Configuring your Gmail account in Microsoft Outlook would become as easy as 1, 2, 3 for you after reading the below mentioned step by step process. Gmail messages can now be retrieved with the help of any device or client which can provide POP support and Microsoft Outlook is one of those clients that offer POP support to their users. Just concentrate and read the every step carefully to understand the whole process:
POP Option Enabling in Gmail:
First of all login to your Gmail account
Then click on “Settings” option which can be seen on right top of your screen
There you will find “Forwarding and POP / IMAP” option, click on it
There an option i.e. “Enable POP for All Mails” or “Enable POP for Mail” should be clicked
Now an action would be asked to choose after getting POP access from Gmail. Choose appropriate one that suits your need
Check “Configure your POP client” and then a button saying “Save Changes” should be pressed
Configuration in Microsoft Outlook 2007
We consider that you have already opened Microsoft Outlook 2007, click Tools Menu
Click an option “E-mail Account”
There you will see an option “Add a new e-mail account” select it and then click on the button “New”
There you will be asked by the system to select server type. POP3 or POP option must be selected ….. then click on the option “Next”
Now system will ask for necessary setting. Put on your desired / required setting including email address and password of your email
Write “pop.gmail.com” as your incoming mail server and as the settings of outgoing mail server “smtp.gmail.com” must be written in the required field
Then click on the button that says “More Settings . . .”
Then click on the tab saying “Outgoing Server” and an option saying “My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication” must be checked by you. It will increase security and a password will be required to even send a single email from this Microsoft Outlook in addition to receiving email
Then on the same screen, you will see a tab saying “Advanced”, click on it
Here you will have to change port numbers for your incoming and outgoing mail server but first you need to check the appropriate box before assigning any value
Incoming server should be set a port value as “465” and “995” port number should be set to outgoing mail server
That’s it. You are done and finally have set up Gmail in Microsoft Outlook 2007.
POP Option Enabling in Gmail:
First of all login to your Gmail account
Then click on “Settings” option which can be seen on right top of your screen
There you will find “Forwarding and POP / IMAP” option, click on it
There an option i.e. “Enable POP for All Mails” or “Enable POP for Mail” should be clicked
Now an action would be asked to choose after getting POP access from Gmail. Choose appropriate one that suits your need
Check “Configure your POP client” and then a button saying “Save Changes” should be pressed
Configuration in Microsoft Outlook 2007
We consider that you have already opened Microsoft Outlook 2007, click Tools Menu
Click an option “E-mail Account”
There you will see an option “Add a new e-mail account” select it and then click on the button “New”
There you will be asked by the system to select server type. POP3 or POP option must be selected ….. then click on the option “Next”
Now system will ask for necessary setting. Put on your desired / required setting including email address and password of your email
Write “pop.gmail.com” as your incoming mail server and as the settings of outgoing mail server “smtp.gmail.com” must be written in the required field
Then click on the button that says “More Settings . . .”
Then click on the tab saying “Outgoing Server” and an option saying “My outgoing server (SMTP) requires authentication” must be checked by you. It will increase security and a password will be required to even send a single email from this Microsoft Outlook in addition to receiving email
Then on the same screen, you will see a tab saying “Advanced”, click on it
Here you will have to change port numbers for your incoming and outgoing mail server but first you need to check the appropriate box before assigning any value
Incoming server should be set a port value as “465” and “995” port number should be set to outgoing mail server
That’s it. You are done and finally have set up Gmail in Microsoft Outlook 2007.
How to use Bluetooth technology to connect laptop and cell phone?
We can use Bluetooth technology to connect laptop and cell phone. We can move videos, images, photos etc from a desktop computer or a laptop to our cell phones. In order to use Bluetooth technology to connect laptop and cell phone we need a laptop and a cell phone which support this technology.
If the laptop doesn't support it, we can use a USB Bluetooth dongle. Just plug it into the USB port of the desktop computer or laptop. Leave the rest to Microsoft Windows. It will find the driver and install it itself. If it is not supported, we can manually install it via the manufacturer's compact disk. Follow these simple steps in order to use Bluetooth technology to connect laptop and cell phone: (In this example, we are using Windows Vista.)
Turn on the Bluetooth feature on your cell phone.
Make this setting: my Phone's visibility -> Shown to all on the cell phone.
Open Bluetooth Devices by clicking on its icon in the Control Panel.
OR
Look for the Bluetooth driver in the Device Manager and double-click on its icon.
Click on the Add button in Bluetooth Devices dialog box.
Check the box for "My devices is set up and ready to be found" in the Add Bluetooth Device Wizard dialog box.
Click on the Next button.
This device wizard will display the name of the found Bluetooth device close by.
Click on the device name that you would like to add and click on Next.
Select "Let me choose my own key" or "Choose a passkey for me" and click on Next.
It will now display the passkey. Key this into the cell phone. Now the laptop is initiating to install the Bluetooth device. (Click Yes as you see the prompt message on the cell phone to allow connection with the laptop.)
Click on the Finish button to close the dialog box of Add Bluetooth Device Wizard.
The Bluetooth device (the cell phone) is now displayed in Bluetooth Devices dialog box. Select the Bluetooth device and click on the Properties button.
The Properties dialog box for the device will become visible. Choose the Services tab.
Check the boxes for the services you want.
In the end you can launch the items of the cell phone. Transfer photos, videos etc to cell phone via Bluetooth technology.
This method can also be used to connect laptop to Bluetooth devices like Bluetooth mouse, Bluetooth keyboard, Bluetooth headset, etc.
If the laptop doesn't support it, we can use a USB Bluetooth dongle. Just plug it into the USB port of the desktop computer or laptop. Leave the rest to Microsoft Windows. It will find the driver and install it itself. If it is not supported, we can manually install it via the manufacturer's compact disk. Follow these simple steps in order to use Bluetooth technology to connect laptop and cell phone: (In this example, we are using Windows Vista.)
Turn on the Bluetooth feature on your cell phone.
Make this setting: my Phone's visibility -> Shown to all on the cell phone.
Open Bluetooth Devices by clicking on its icon in the Control Panel.
OR
Look for the Bluetooth driver in the Device Manager and double-click on its icon.
Click on the Add button in Bluetooth Devices dialog box.
Check the box for "My devices is set up and ready to be found" in the Add Bluetooth Device Wizard dialog box.
Click on the Next button.
This device wizard will display the name of the found Bluetooth device close by.
Click on the device name that you would like to add and click on Next.
Select "Let me choose my own key" or "Choose a passkey for me" and click on Next.
It will now display the passkey. Key this into the cell phone. Now the laptop is initiating to install the Bluetooth device. (Click Yes as you see the prompt message on the cell phone to allow connection with the laptop.)
Click on the Finish button to close the dialog box of Add Bluetooth Device Wizard.
The Bluetooth device (the cell phone) is now displayed in Bluetooth Devices dialog box. Select the Bluetooth device and click on the Properties button.
The Properties dialog box for the device will become visible. Choose the Services tab.
Check the boxes for the services you want.
In the end you can launch the items of the cell phone. Transfer photos, videos etc to cell phone via Bluetooth technology.
This method can also be used to connect laptop to Bluetooth devices like Bluetooth mouse, Bluetooth keyboard, Bluetooth headset, etc.
What is a Web Server?
Learn Web server software overview, how to configure, how it works, apache, tomcat. Web server is a computer including a software package that provides the specific services to the client computers. Web server delivers the web pages. Every web server has an IP address and a domain name. If you sends a request through your browser for this website http://www.networktutorials.info, the request goes to the server whose domain name is networktutorials.info.
The server fetches the index or main page of the website and sends it to your browser. Web-based servers are used for hosting the websites. One web server can hosts thousands for one sites. But in the hosting companies there are number of the web servers for load balancing and sharing the other services.
The web hosting companies offer different types of hostings services including Ecommerce hosting, CPanel hosting, PHP hosting and reseller hosting.
A computer can be act as a web server by installing and configuring the server software and connecting the computer to the Internet. Normally, web server computers have to be turn on (online) for almost all the day.
There are many software applications that are used as the web server like IIS, Apache web server, Tom Cat web server. A web server typically accepts thousands of the concurrent incoming requests for the specific domain, that it hosts.
In case if the server is down for any reason, the websites that are hosted on this server cannot be accessed. So the downtime is a biggest negative thing for the web hosting companies. Many hosting companies have to mention the uptime of their servers for the client’s satisfactions like 99.9 % uptime. You may have seen this percentage on many hosting companies’ websites.
The web servers serves the objects in the form of html documents, plain text, images, sounds, video and some other form of the data. Many of the data types may not be placed in the static form but they are shown on the run time by the software programs, that are installed on the web server and the CGI scripts are the most common form of these programs.
Web servers and the browsers such as internet explorer, Firefox, Netscape, Opera etc communicate with the web server by using the HTTP protocols (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). This is very effective method of requesting the data over the Internet. Web servers are in various shapes and sized and run under different operating systems like Windows, Linux, and Unix etc. They are also range differently in prices and working.
The server fetches the index or main page of the website and sends it to your browser. Web-based servers are used for hosting the websites. One web server can hosts thousands for one sites. But in the hosting companies there are number of the web servers for load balancing and sharing the other services.
The web hosting companies offer different types of hostings services including Ecommerce hosting, CPanel hosting, PHP hosting and reseller hosting.
A computer can be act as a web server by installing and configuring the server software and connecting the computer to the Internet. Normally, web server computers have to be turn on (online) for almost all the day.
There are many software applications that are used as the web server like IIS, Apache web server, Tom Cat web server. A web server typically accepts thousands of the concurrent incoming requests for the specific domain, that it hosts.
In case if the server is down for any reason, the websites that are hosted on this server cannot be accessed. So the downtime is a biggest negative thing for the web hosting companies. Many hosting companies have to mention the uptime of their servers for the client’s satisfactions like 99.9 % uptime. You may have seen this percentage on many hosting companies’ websites.
The web servers serves the objects in the form of html documents, plain text, images, sounds, video and some other form of the data. Many of the data types may not be placed in the static form but they are shown on the run time by the software programs, that are installed on the web server and the CGI scripts are the most common form of these programs.
Web servers and the browsers such as internet explorer, Firefox, Netscape, Opera etc communicate with the web server by using the HTTP protocols (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). This is very effective method of requesting the data over the Internet. Web servers are in various shapes and sized and run under different operating systems like Windows, Linux, and Unix etc. They are also range differently in prices and working.
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