Up close and free!

ZoomIn is a screen magnification program allowing you to view any area of your screen under magnification. ZoomIn allows you to control the amount of zoom, view a pixels location and color, and save it as a bitmap.

ZoomIn is a very simple program to use. Place your mouse over the main window and click and hold the mouse button then drag the "zoom" window over the area of the screen to enlarge. The scrollbar controls the zoom amount.

As an alternative to using a mouse, you can use the arrow keys to scroll the "zoomed" view, and the plus and minus keys control the zoom. Once you have selected the area of the screen, release the mouse button.

By placing your cursor over the pixel in ZoomIn you can see the pixels coordinates as well as the color (in RGB format).

Briscola

a very famous Italian card game. Play against the computer in this one-on-one card game. There is included help with the rules of the game, for those who have never played Briscola before.

Dropper

allows you to get the exact color of any pixel on the screen and converts it to commonly used representations.

Plus a number of others.

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Labels: Add-in

Install more

A small amount of sample clip art images was included The 2007 Office systems and Office 2003 and is part of the "local collection" that is searched when you do not have Internet access to the Microsoft Office Online Clip Art and Media Web site. Office 2003 no longer included a media content CD with additional clip art. However, the Microsoft Office XP Media Content CD can still be installed locally or on a network share.

The Office XP Media Content CD contains approximately 35,000 clips that are a subset of the clips that are available on the Microsoft Office Online Clip Art and Media Web site. The Office XP Media Content CD was included with Microsoft Office XP Professional, Microsoft Office XP Standard, and Microsoft Publisher 2002 Deluxe Edition.

To install the contents of the Office XP Media Content CD on a computer, follow these steps:

1. Exit all programs that are running
   
   
2. Insert the Office XP Media Content CD into the CD drive or into the DVD drive
   (Hold down the SHIFT key to prevent the program from automatically starting. If Microsoft Windows Installer automatically starts, click Cancel)
   
   
3. Click Start, click Run, type the following command, and then click OK:
   

   msiexec.exe /i CD_drive:\CAG.MSI ADDLOCAL=ALL /qb

(CD_drive is the letter of the drive that contains the Office XP Media Content CD)

Labels: Add-in, General

Universal

What is Update Notifier?
The Update Notifier is a small utility that scans your computer for installed software and displays a list of updates. Also you can see the latest updates for applications from your Watch List.

Labels: Add-in, Troubleshoot

Windows XP answers

"The Windows XP frequently asked questions section contains some of the more popular tips/tweaks. Obviously, this section will be updated pretty regularly so do keep visiting to check what new FAQ's have been added. All FAQ replies are supplied 'as is' I am unable to accept any responsibility resulting from the use of any of the FAQ replies. You use them at your own risk!'

• How Do I Enable Show Hidden Files and Folders
  
  
• How Do I Get XP To Empty The Temporary Internet File Folder When My Browser Closes (UPDATED)
  
  
• How Do I Hide Icons In The Notification Area
  
  
• How Do I Add/Remove 'Supplied By From Internet Explorer Title Bar
  
  
• How Do I Replace a lost, broke or damaged Windows XP CD
  
  
• How Do I Delete An Undeletable File
  
  
• How Do I Create A Desktop Shortcut To The Windows Disk Defragmenter
  
  
• How Do I Enable Single Clicking Of Icons To Open An Application
  
  
• How Do I Disable The Windows XP Splash Screen
  
  
• How Do I Change The Default Location Of The My Document Folder
  
  
• How Do I Backup The Registry In Windows XP

Labels: Troubleshoot

Why's A 65?

"The Absolute Minimum Every Software Developer Absolutely, Positively Must Know About Unicode and Character Sets (No Excuses!)"

Free utility

" My experience with teaching has made it clear that a lot of people simply refuse to do anything on a computer that involves more than a few simple steps."

Labels: Backup, Tips

Umpty ump definitions and references — maybe even a googol.

"Every File Format in the World"

This is a list of file name extension or suffixes that indicate the format or usage of a file and a brief description of that format.

KAR

MIDI file (text+MIDI) (Karaoke)

Labels: General, Reference

That was no font, that was my typeface

Words into Type

Stop Stealing Sheep & Find Out How Type Works

The Elements of Typographic Style

by Robert Bringhurst ISBN 0881791326

A font can be defined as a collection of characters with the same style and size. A typeface is the design of the characters regardless of size or style. The terms are used interchangeably today.

Labels: Fonts

Change your company

1. Go to the Start button and open up the Control Panel
   
2. Select User Accounts and click on the account that you wish to Change
   
3. Click the "Change my name" option

1. Go to Start>Run
   
   
2. Type: regedit
   
   
3. Find:
   HKEY_Local_Machine\Software\Microsoft\WindowsNT\Current Version
   
   
4. On the right pane, look for 'RegisteredOwner'
   
   
5. Right click the RegisteredOwner key to edit it
   
   
6. Right click the entry and select Modify
   
   
7. You could also change the RegisteredOrganization.

Labels: Customize, Regedit, Tips

Turn off pop-ups

Balloon pop-ups typically appear when new programs and hardware are installed, when disk space becomes limited. If you do not want balloon pop-ups to appear, you can prevent them by setting values in the registry.

1. Go to Start>Run, type Regedit
   
   
2. In the Root list, select HKEY_CURRENT_USER
   
   
3. Find Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
   
   
4. For EnableBalloonTips, the value 2 enables balloon pop-ups and the value 0 disables them.
   For Start_NotifyNewApps, the value 1 enables balloon pop-ups and the value 0 disables them.
   
   
5. Click OK

Note When EnableBalloonTips is disabled, enabling Start_NotifyNewApps has no effect.

1. Right-click the Start button
   
2. Choose Properties
   
3. Choose the tab Start Menu and then the Customize button
   
4. Select the Advanced tab
   
5. Remove the check by "Highlight newly installed programs"
   
6. Then OK your way out

Labels: Customize, Regedit, Tips

Mouse-less motions

Labels: Shortcuts

Opening notice

1. Registry Key:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
   
   
2. Modify or Create the Value Name
   [LegalNoticeCaption]
   
   
3. Data Type:
   REG_SZ [String Value]
   
   
4. Value Name:
   LegalNoticeCaption
   
   
5. Value Data for LegalNoticeCaption:
   [Type the Caption for the Dialog Box]

---

1. Modify or Create the Value Name
   [LegalNoticeText]
   
   
2. Data Type:
   REG_SZ [String Value]
   
   
3. Value Name:
   LegalNoticeText
   
   
4. Value Data for LegalNoticeText:
   [Type the Data for the Legal Notice]

Labels: Customize, Regedit, Tips

Still sign on, or not

Note If you have not created a password reset disk, and you have also forgotten the password for all user accounts, you cannot log on to your existing Windows installation for security reasons. This information applies to starting Windows XP typically, to safe mode, and to Recovery Console. In this case, you must perform a "clean" installation of Windows XP, re-create all user accounts, and then reinstall all your programs.

Labels: General, Password, Tips, Troubleshoot, Vista

Brand your own Explorer

Labels: Customize, General, IE, Tutorials

Be empowered

"Control Panel provides a set of special-purpose administrative tools so that users can configure the Windows, applications, and services environment. It includes default items in Control Panel for common tasks, for example, Display and Add Hardware. User-installed applications and services can also insert their own icons into Control Panel.

There are two view options for Control Panel: Category View and Classic View.

Category View displays Control Panel icons according to the type of task that the user wants to perform.

Classic View displays Control Panel icons in a view that is familiar to users of previous versions of Windows."

1. Click Start, and then Settings
   
   
2. Click Control Panel.
   
   
3. Click Appearance and Themes, and then click Folder Options.
   
   
4. Open Folder Options.
   
   
5. Under Tasks, click "Show common tasks in folders", and then click OK.
   
   
6. In the Control Panel box in the upper-left corner of Control Panel, click "Switch to Category" or "Switch to Classic View".

• Accessibility Options
• Add Hardware
• Add or Remove Programs
• Administrative Tools
• Date and Time
• Display
• Folder Options
• Fonts
• Game Controllers
• Internet Options
• Keyboard
• Licensing
• Mouse
• Network Connections
• Phone and Modem Options
• Power Options
• Printers and Faxes
• Regional and Language Options
• Scanners and Cameras
• Scheduled Tasks
• Sounds and Audio Devices
• Stored User Names and Passwords
• Speech
• System

Labels: General, Tutorials

Space image wallpaper

Labels: Customize, Desktop, General

What does it all mean

• Security Glossaries
  
• Multimedia Glossaries
  
• Partner and Business Glossaries
  
• Technical Glossaries
  
• Non-English Language Glossaries

Labels: General

Private Character Editor

Using Private Character Editor (PCE), you can create up to 6,400 unique characters (such as special letters and logos) for use in your font library. PCE contains basic tools for creating and editing characters, along with more advanced options.

If you want to create a new private character using an existing character as your model, you can copy the existing character to the Edit grid and then modify it to suit your needs, or you can display the existing character in a Reference window alongside your Edit grid for use as a visual reference. You can use any character from any font that is installed on your computer.

The Private Character Editor is accessed at Start>Run and enter "Eudcedit" without the quotes.

After you have constructed and saved the design of your choosing, you can access it from the Character Map by selecting Start>Run "Charmap".

Drop the Font selection list down and choose All Fonts (Private Characters), then click on the character you have created, copying and pasting it into any document.

Hermann Zapf designed some of the 20th century's most important fonts, including Palatino and Optima. He also produced a collection of decorative symbols called "dingbats", modeled after the accidental lead drippings collected by old style typesetters.

Also:
Private Character Editor — Eudcedit
By Vic Laurie

Keyboard Utilities for Windows
Alan Woods




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windows

Labels: Customize, Fonts, Tips

Logon, Logoff, Startup and Shutdown Status Messages

To turn on:

Locate and then click the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.

Type verbosestatus, and then press ENTER.

Double-click the new key that you created, type 1 in the Value data box, and then click OK.

Quit Registry Editor.

NOTE: Windows does not display status messages if the following key is present and the value is set to 1:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\DisableStatusMessages

Verbose Status Messages




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windows

Labels: Customize, General, Regedit

Just a quick note

Labels: Shortcuts

Accessibility Shortcuts

Several resources are available to help increase speed and effectiveness for keyboard users. Here are keyboard shortcuts for leading Microsoft products that help save time and effort and provide an essential tool for some people with mobility impairments.

• Internet Explorer 7/6/5/4
  
• Office (2007/2003/XP/2002/2000/97)
  
• PhotoDraw
  
• PowerPoint
  
• Producer
  
• Publisher
  
• Windows (Vista/2003/XP/2000/98/ME/NT)
  
• Windows Media Player
  
• Windows Movie Maker
  
• Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005

Labels: Tips, Tricks

"Free keyboard layouts — called Dvorak layouts — are available for people who type with one hand or finger. These layouts make the most frequently typed characters on a keyboard more accessible to people who have difficulty using the standard keyboard layout (called the "QWERTY" layout).

Dvorak keyboard layouts reduce the amount of motion required to type common English text. Use of these layouts may also help avoid some types of repetitive strain injuries associated with typing.

Studies have also shown an increase in typing speed and accuracy when using the Dvorak layout for two hands. The left-hand or right-hand keyboard layouts can also be useful for people who type with a wand."

Introducing the Dvorak Keyboard
By Marcus Brooks

A Brief Primer
by Randy Cassingham




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windows

Labels: General, Hardware, History, Tutorials

Labels: Add-in

A fast way in

Labels: Customize, General, Tips

The competition grows

"A googol is the large number 10¹⁰⁰, that is, the digit 1 followed by one hundred zeroes. The term was coined in 1938 by nine-year-old Milton Sirotta, nephew of American mathematician Edward Kasner."

Labels: General, Search

Finger tricks

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Accessibility Options.
   
   
2. On the Mouse tab, under MouseKeys, select the Use MouseKeys check box.
   
   
3. To turn off MouseKeys, clear the Use MouseKeys check box.

1. Press left ALT + left SHIFT + NUM LOCK.
   
   
2. In the MouseKeys message dialog box, press SPACEBAR to clear the Turn off keyboard shortcut for this accessibility feature check box.
   
   
3. Press TAB, and then press ENTER.

Labels: Customize, General, Hardware, Tips, Tutorials

List programs

"TechTrax is a free, monthly Ezine (online magazine) published the beginning of each month. TechTrax is geared toward anyone who wants to learn more about using computers, with a highlight on Microsoft technologies. TechTrax also makes a point to focus on issues of accessibility. The range of overall subjects and user level articles here in TechTrax are far reaching to cover a wide audience. From newbie to black belt articles."

Labels: Files, Tutorials

I remember PKZip

Compressing files, folders, and programs decreases their size and reduces the amount of space they use on your drives or removable storage devices Drive compression decreases the amount of space used by all of the files and folders stored on that drive.
Windows supports two types of compression: NTFS compression and compression using the Compressed (zipped) Folders feature.

NTFS compression versus Compressed (zipped) Folders

NTFS compression

• If you do not have an NTFS drive, this option is not available. To determine whether your drive is formatted with NTFS, open My Computer, right-click a drive, and then click Properties. The file system is indicated on the General tab.
  
  
• You can compress individual files and folders using NTFS compression, as well as entire NTFS drives.
  
  
• You can compress a folder without compressing its contents.
  
  
• You can work with NTFS-compressed files without decompressing them.
  
  
• You can display NTFS-compressed file and folder names in a different color to make them easier to identify.
  
  
• You may notice a decrease in performance when working with NTFS-compressed files. When you open a compressed file, Windows automatically decompresses it for you, and when you close the file, Windows compresses it again. This process may decrease your computers performance.
  
  
• NTFS-compressed files and folders only remain compressed while they are stored on an NTFS drive.
  
  
• You cannot encrypt an NTFS-compressed file.
  
  
• NTFS file encryption is not available on Windows XP Home Edition.

Compressed (zipped) Folders

• Files and folders that are compressed using the Compressed (zipped) Folders feature remain compressed on both FAT and NTFS drives.
  
  
• You can run some programs directly from these compressed folders without decompressing them. You can also open files directly from compressed folders.
  
  
• Zipped compressed files and folders can be moved to any drive or folder on your computer, the Internet, or your network, and they are compatible with other file compression programs.
  
  
• Folders compressed using this feature are identified by a zipper icon.
  
  
• You can protect files in a zipped compressed folder with a password.
  
  
• Compressing folders using Compressed (zipped) Folders will not decrease your computer's performance.
  
  
• To compress individual files using Compressed (zipped) Folders, create a compressed folder and then move or copy the files to that folder.

"In classic Microsoft fashion, a third-party feature—file compression in this case—has become so useful and widely utilized that Microsoft has decided to include it in the operating system.
Also in classic fashion, Microsoft implements this new feature with limited functionality—just enough to tantalize you, but if you want full functionality, you still need to get the third-party product. The new compressed folders feature in Windows Server 2003 provides similar capabilities as third-party add-ons such as PKZip and WinZip. But can it be used as a replacement? If you just want to be able to compress files, yes. However, the Zip programs (particularly WinZip) provide additional features that might make it worth the cost."

"Much like Linus Torvalds, father of the Linux operating system, the name Phil Katz isn't familiar to most home computer users of today. Mention his name to anyone who's been involved with the hobby since the very beginning, however, and you'll likely get a nod of recognition and a grin. Phil's story is fascinating but cut short by tragedy.

On April 14, 2000, Phil Katz was found dead in a Milwaukee motel room. An empty bottle of peppermint schnapps was still clutched in his hand, and five more empties were scattered about the room. It was a miserable, lonely end for a man who had created a product now in use by millions of people; a product that revolutionized computer data storage and made file transfers less complicated and more efficient. He was only 37 years old when he died."

Labels: Files, General

Browser direction

Labels: General, Tips

Installation warnings

Scotia, New York, August 9th, 2005

"BillP Studios announced today that results of recent tests show WinPatrol PLUS with R.I.D. will detect 100% of the top spyware threats on a Microsoft Windows-based PC. Recent results by independent testers confirmed WinPatrol's "Real-time Infiltration Detection" methodology is effective in alerting users to newly installed software."

"WinPatrol takes snapshot of your critical system resources and alerts you to any changes that may occur without your knowledge. You'll be removing dangerous new programs while others download new reference files.

WinPatrol isn't the only software we recommend for complete safety but with Scotty on Patrol you'll find yourself informed on what's going on inside your computer. WinPatrol puts you back in control of your computer so you'll know what programs are and should be running at all times."

Labels: Troubleshoot, Virus

Is any place safe?

"One of the biggest misconceptions is that hackers will target only large companies. The truth is computers get attacked for a variety of reasons. Some of these include the following:

• Snooping: Reading private mail and other personal files.
  
• Destroying or corrupting computer data: Making files unusable, or making a whole computer unusable.
  
• Stealing computer data: Taking credit card numbers, e-mail addresses, company information and so on.
  
• Stopping computers from functioning properly: Blocking incoming traffic so that intended users cannot get access, etc.
  
• Misusing computer resources: Sending spam without you knowing it, etc.
  
• Pranks: practical jokes, breaking in just because it's a challenge.

The bottom line, don't think your network is safe just because you're not that important or well-known. Assuming that you aren't personally targeted, moderately secure networks usually cause hackers to attack elsewhere. Yet attacks can come from many different sources and your computer should be equipped to deal with each of these types of attacks."

CAN YOU EVER BE TRULY SAFE AND SECURE ONLINE

Check out your computers vulnerability at GRC.com.
(Gibson Research Corporation)

Also see:
StaySafeOnline.info



See all Topics

windows

Labels: Password, Tips, Virus