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Sunday, May 06, 2018 – Permalink – Alphabetize Your KeyboardEat your heart out DvorakThe Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator Ever wanted to quickly and easily define your own keyboard layout for a language Microsoft doesn't support? Or define your own keyboard layout so you can quickly and easily enter your favorite symbols with a simple keystroke? Well, want no more: the Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator is here!Global Development and Computing Portal: Windows Keyboard Layouts (many different language keyboards) Belarusian keyboard Also see: Dvorak anyone? See all Topics windows Labels: Customize, Desktop, General, Hardware, Reference, Tips, Tutorials <Doug Klippert@ 8:13 AM
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Saturday, April 21, 2018 – Permalink – 100% is Not EnoughSlow machineHere are a couple of areas to look at if your machine slows down for no obvious reason. Do the three finger Vulcan salute (Ctrl+Alt+Delete) to bring up the Windows Task manager. If you see a level 100% on the performance tab try these possible solutions. If you see near 100% CPU activity on the Processes tab by an "Image name" of Cisvc.exe, you might want to turn that service off. Description: Microsoft Index Service Helper, a service that monitors the memory usage of Microsoft Indexing Service (cidaemon.exe) and automatically re-starts cidaemon.exe if it uses more than 40 MB of memory. It's needed if you've set up any of your drives or directories to be indexed. Without it running, you could potentially invite a memory "hole", as the indexing service would not clear its RAM usage, as it goes. If you are not indexing anything, there's no need for it to run 1. Go to Control Panel Administrative Tools > Services 2. Click on the "Standard" tab at the bottom of the box 3. Click on the Name label to sort by Name. Locate "Indexing Service". Double click. 4. Change the "Startup type" to 'Disabled' 5. Click on "Apply" 6. click on "Stop" Another suggestion: 100 Percent CPU Usage Occurs When You Print on an LPT Printer Port SYMPTOMS Also see What Slows Windows Down See all Topics windows Labels: General, Reference, Tips, Troubleshoot, Tutorials <Doug Klippert@ 3:33 AM
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Sunday, April 01, 2018 – Permalink – Beep CodesAn IT low pointYou know you're in computer doo-doo when you start looking for beep codes. These are the sounds your machine starts to make when it cries for help. Such as 1-2-2-3 BIOS ROM checksum Repair or replace BIOS Oh yea! Replace the BIOS. That'll start your week out on a high note. Casey Tech has put together a list of beep codes for the three largest BIOS manufacturers, AMI, Award, and Phoenix that can be folded and set up as a tent card for your desk or used as a pocket guide Beep Card Also: POST & Beep CodesWhat are those noises when a PC starts up? And: Bios Central, PC Guide.com, and PC Hell.com See all Topics windows Labels: General, Reference, Tips, Troubleshoot, Tutorials <Doug Klippert@ 3:29 AM
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Tuesday, March 27, 2018 – Permalink – Search for File NitsRefine the questionsYou can use Windows search to locate metadata information. Such as the date on the file:
Or all of the photos on your machine taken with a Canon:
Advanced Query Syntax HowToGeek - Date Search See all Topics windows Labels: Files, General, Reference, Shortcuts, Tips, Tutorials <Doug Klippert@ 3:25 AM
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Thursday, March 08, 2018 – Permalink – Tweak WindowsTune-up suggestionsThere are third party apps that you can use to improve Windows' performance. If you want to do it on your own, here are some Redmond suggestions:
Also: TweakHound See all Topics windows <Doug Klippert@ 3:39 AM
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Monday, February 26, 2018 – Permalink – Task ManagerWhen your machine has the snivelsThere's a lot of stuff going on in the background that you might want to know about. That's where the Task Manager comes in. "There are a couple of ways to show the Windows Task Manager: hold down the Ctrl and Alt keys and press the Delete key - Task Manager will then open some versions of Windows, in others you will be presented with a small dialog box that has a button you can click to open the Task Manager; alternatively you can right-click on empty space on the Taskbar and select Task Manager from the menu." Here's the Vista/Windows 7 version: From the BloodyComputer: Task Manager 1 Task Manager 2 See all Topics windows Labels: Desktop, General, Reference, Shortcuts, Tips, Tutorials <Doug Klippert@ 3:24 AM
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Monday, February 12, 2018 – Permalink – Rename FilesAdd InfoWhen you download pictures from your digital camera, they end up with incomprehensible name such as IMG_0284.JPG, or _MG_2640.CR2. To make them more useful:
See all Topics windows Labels: Customize, Files, General, Reference, Shortcuts, Tips, Tutorials <Doug Klippert@ 3:12 AM
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Tuesday, January 30, 2018 – Permalink – Change Info BoxSee all Topics windows <Doug Klippert@ 3:33 AM
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Sunday, January 21, 2018 – Permalink – Onscreen KeyboardTap or Click?If you would like to have a keyboard on your screen that can be activated with your mouse you're in luck Type osk in Start Run See all Topics windows Labels: Customize, Desktop, General, Reference, Shortcuts, Tips, Tutorials <Doug Klippert@ 3:00 AM
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Friday, January 12, 2018 – Permalink – IE Temp FilesStorage areaEvery once in awhile when the Berners-Lee pipeline clogs up, you are instructed to delete the temporary files that IE saves. You can do it with the Click of an IE Options button. Here's where those files are stored: As you see, you could move that location if you wanted to. Finding the Temporary Internet Files folder See all Topics windows <Doug Klippert@ 3:45 AM
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Friday, January 05, 2018 – Permalink – MHTMLOne file web pagesWhen a web page is created using HTML, the coding is normally contained in one file and the graphics in separate folders. The Mime HTML or MHT/MHTML format changed that. Starting with Office 2000 as an add-in and carried through XP as a "Web Archive" option, the format emerged in Office 2003 as a "Single file web page" selection in the File Save As dialog box. Here are the Save As choices available in an application such as Word:
Short Summary of the MHTML Standard See all Topics windows <Doug Klippert@ 3:07 AM
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Thursday, January 04, 2018 – Permalink – Product Key FinderSearch machineYou have a legal copy. You installed it and activated the application. Now your machine blew up and you have to install it again. Where's the Product key? Probably gone sometime in the past 10 years. "The Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder is a freeware utility that retrieves your Product Key (cd key) used to install windows from your registry. Keyfinder See all Topics windows <Doug Klippert@ 3:38 AM
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Monday, January 01, 2018 – Permalink – DOS Were the DaysTake CMDHere's an introduction to the Command Prompt: Command Line Microsoft has provided product documentation on the use of the Command line in Windows. Hopefully this won't be something you need in an emergency. Use it in good health. Details for Command line
See all Topics windows <Doug Klippert@ 3:34 AM
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Saturday, December 30, 2017 – Permalink – High Res WallpaperDetails apparentChoose from a broad selection of free pictures to use for wallpaper. Download sizes from 1920x1200 to 320x240. Free High-Resolution Widescreen Wallpaper See all Topics windows <Doug Klippert@ 3:49 AM
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Saturday, December 23, 2017 – Permalink – Custome ShortcutsHands on keysEd Bott reminds us how to set up custom keyboard shortcuts to start applications. Create custom keyboard shortcuts See all Topics windows Labels: Customize, General, Reference, Shortcuts, Tips, Tutorials <Doug Klippert@ 3:17 AM
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Sunday, December 17, 2017 – Permalink – Save the WarningEasy recordIt happens. Your machine balks and spits out an obscure warning message. You grab a pen and scribble out the error code, which typically is 90 characters long. Too much hassle! When the warning box appears, just hit Ctrl+C. The contents of the box are now on the Clipboard and can be pasted into Notepad. See all Topics windows <Doug Klippert@ 3:02 AM
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Wednesday, November 22, 2017 – Permalink – IE ShortcutsFinger flicksA selection of keyboard shortcuts for IE. Here are a few:
Browser shortcuts See all Topics windows Labels: Explorer, General, IE, Reference, Shortcuts, Tips, Tutorials <Doug Klippert@ 3:11 AM
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Wednesday, November 08, 2017 – Permalink – Windows Check BoxesSelect checksAdd check boxes to file views to make it easier to select several files at once, which can be useful if it is difficult for you to hold the CTRL key while clicking to select multiple files. Step 1: Go to Control Panel>Appearance and Personalization>Click Folder Options. Step 2: Click View tab and under Advanced Settings, Select Use Check boxes to select items Change folder views and behavior See all Topics windows <Doug Klippert@ 3:32 AM
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Wednesday, November 01, 2017 – Permalink – Task Manager - Big Boy StyleIn depth system examinationHere's a free gadget from Microsoft: "Ever wondered which program has a particular file or directory open? Now you can find out. Process Explorer shows you information about which handles and DLLs processes have opened or loaded. "Process Explorer works on Windows XP +, Server 2003, and 64-bit versions of Windows for x64 and IA64 processors" Process Explorer See all Topics windows <Doug Klippert@ 3:17 AM
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Monday, October 16, 2017 – Permalink – Synch TimeTime ServerThings I've forgotten or never knew.
You can type the name of a time server if you want to use one that is not listed. Only time servers that use the Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) will work. Inserting an Internet address that uses the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) will not work. The time server time.windows.com is operated by Microsoft. The time server time.nist.gov is operated by the U.S. government. Other time servers provided by your computer's manufacturer might also be listed. Also: Time Flies Like an Arrow See all Topics windows Labels: Customize, General, Reference, Time, Tips, Tutorials <Doug Klippert@ 3:13 AM
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Monday, October 09, 2017 – Permalink – Clippy and FriendsOffice AssistantsThey were in the background, waiting to pounce. Chris Pratley was there in the beginning: Clippy and User Experiences Stanford University: Bob and the assistants Social science research influences computer product design ..."They have found that to a very considerable extent people treat their computers and other computer-driven technology in the same ways that they treat people - as if the computer possessed reason, feelings, etc. People also treat pictures on screens as real objects, rather than as representations of real objects. This is relevant to anyone who wants to design technology or content that is as effective as it can be ..." Also see: Microsoft Bob Clippy's Revenge See all Topics windows <Doug Klippert@ 3:18 AM
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Thursday, October 05, 2017 – Permalink – Screen Capture GearBetter than PrtScnYou can add graphics to instructions using the built in PrtScn button, but there's not much versatility. WritersUA by WinWriters, Inc has a discussion on some available apps that can help. "Almost all of us need to include screen captures in our user assistance from time to time. Capture Tools See all Topics windows <Doug Klippert@ 3:47 AM
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Sunday, September 24, 2017 – Permalink – Put IE Back on the DesktopRegedit ahead
Internet Explorer Desktop icon missing See all Topics windows Labels: Desktop, Explorer, General, Reference, Shortcuts, Tutorials <Doug Klippert@ 3:26 AM
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Sunday, September 03, 2017 – Permalink – Attention GrabberFor Print Screen or lost spectaclesThose Apple type people have a gadget called "Mouseposé". You might have seen it in videos demonstrating applications. It darkens the screen and puts a spotlight on the point of interest. Those of us who use real machines have a similar add-in. It's not from Boinx. It's the magnifier or "Dragnifier" from Ed Halley. See all Topics windows <Doug Klippert@ 3:38 AM
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Tuesday, August 29, 2017 – Permalink – Folder TreeDOS is back"To find out how many folders there are on your hard disk, you can open a Command Prompt and use the Tree command. You'll get a very nice looking graphical tree structure showing all the folders on your hard disk. Import Tree command into Word (Open Command Prompt as Administrator. Rather than "Insert>File", open the file with Word and choose the MS-DOS format)) Tree command See all Topics windows Labels: Files, General, Reference, Shortcuts, Tips, Tutorials <Doug Klippert@ 3:26 AM
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Tuesday, August 22, 2017 – Permalink – BIOS BiasA bootstrap scriptWay down deep in the innards of a PC there lives a tiny control freak named the Basic Input/Output System. And that's just the beginning. "The BIOS software has a number of different roles, but its most important role is to load the operating system. When you turn on your computer and the microprocessor tries to execute its first instruction, it has to get that instruction from somewhere. Here are a couple of links for more information: How BIOS Works Wikipedia-BIOS What is BIOS See all Topics windows <Doug Klippert@ 3:38 AM
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Saturday, August 19, 2017 – Permalink – Slashed ZeroOh!øThere is a discussion of the slashed zero at: How to Insert a Slashed Zero (0 Overlaid with a /) You can also download the Monaco font that has a slashed ø (Monaco is an embeddable font) Andale.ttf (Mono) has a dotted 0 Seagullscientific.com has a font called Crystal Windows has a free font editor. Type eudcedit on the Start>Run line. Vic Laurie has a description of the Private Character Editor- Eudcedit You could also use the EQ field to create a strike through and assign it to an AutoCorrect entry. {EQ \o (0,/)} The easiest is, probably Alt+0216 or Alt+0248 It's a Latin "oh" with stroke, but it looks close. The HTML character code is ø ø See all Topics windows Labels: Customize, Fonts, General, Reference, Tips, Tricks, Tutorials <Doug Klippert@ 3:38 AM
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Tuesday, August 15, 2017 – Permalink – DNS CacheDown the drainInternet connection problems can, sometimes, be traced to a corrupted DNS cache. Flushing this cache is an easy fix to many of these problems. Here is how to fix that corrupted DNS cache.
See all Topics windows <Doug Klippert@ 3:30 AM
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Wednesday, August 09, 2017 – Permalink – Icon Tile OpacitySee throughTo make the background of desktop icons transparent, go to: Control Panel > System > Advanced Click Settings in the Performance section. On the Visual Effects tab, check "Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop". See all Topics windows Labels: Customize, Desktop, General, Reference, Tips, Tutorials <Doug Klippert@ 3:38 AM
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Sunday, July 16, 2017 – Permalink – All Programs SortAlpha my AdobeAfter a while, the list of programs on the All Programs list can get out of order. Here's the super tech way to fix it: Right click on the Programs menu and select Sort by Name. Thank you very much. See all Topics windows <Doug Klippert@ 3:18 AM
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Sunday, July 09, 2017 – Permalink – Make Your Own FontsNo molten lead requiredNot satisfied with the billions of available typefaces for free or pay? Do it yourself. "Okay. Fine. I'll let the secret out. This tutorial explains my personal font-making technique. It may not be the academically approved typographic design process, but it works for me, and it can be done on any Mac or PC with the proper software installed. You've been working with the alphabet since you were a small child. Now you can make a font of your own." How to Make Your Own Fonts See all Topics windows Labels: Customize, Fonts, General, Reference, Tips, Tutorials <Doug Klippert@ 3:21 AM
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