Click on the various articles below
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I thought you would want to know about this e-mail virus. Even the most advanced programs from Norton or McAfee cannot take care of this one. It appears to affect those who were born prior to 1960. 
Symptoms:
4. Causes you tosend it back to the person who sent it to you. Aha! 
IT IS CALLED THE "C-NILE VIRUS." ____________
PC TIPS: speed up windows vista Contd. July 2010
This month here are some more tips on how to speed up Windows Vista, Please use with caution!
Windows runs pretty well on its own, but there are many things you can do to increase performance.
I would recommend you make backups before making major changes to your system.
Move Search Index to a Different Physical Drive and speed up Windows Vista
If you have more than one physical drive in your computer, this guide is for you. The search index can take a considerable toll on your system drive; by moving the index to a separate drive, you can increase overall performance.
To move your search index, do the following:
1. Press Start, type index in the search bar and press Enter
2. Press the Advanced button
3. Press Select new at the bottom and select a new location on a different physical hard drive
4. Press OK. Your search index will now need to rebuild, which may temporarily slow performance.
Disable Superfetch to Save Memory and speed up Windows Vista
Windows Vista Superfetch learns your typical activities with files and application access. By learning, it predicts your computer use actions and puts your most commonly used applications in memory. This is great if you have a lot of RAM, but if you have less than 2GB, then I suggest you disable this feature - saving you from sluggish computer use.
Please Note: Even with less than 2GB of ram, you may find this doesn't help. If you notice no difference after a day or two, then you can probably re-enable Superfetch.
To disable Superfetch, do the following:
1. Press Start, type services in the search bar and press Enter
2. Locate Superfetch in the list of services, right click it, and select properties
3. Change the Startup Type dropdown box to disabled and click the stop button
4. Now click OK
Please remember, this will only help if you have less than 2GB of RAM.
Disable "Last Accessed" File Attribute to speed up Windows Vista
Every time you access a file on your computer, a Last Accessed file attribute is updated. You will likely not need this, so you can remove some overhead by following this guide.
Manually Disable Last Access File Updates and speed up Windows Vista
1. Press Start, type regedit in the search bar and press Enter (or press Winkey+R)
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem
3. Update the value of NtfsDisableLastAccessUpdate to 1
4. To undo this change, simply change the value back to 0
In order for this to take effect, you may need to restart your system.
Make Windows Shut Down Faster to speed up Windows Vista
As you install programs on your computer, it slows down - we all know that. However, what you may not
know is that the programs install what we call services. Windows is "kind" enough to patiently wait for these services to stop when you shut down your computer. It really doesn't pay off to wait. Decrease the time it takes for Windows to shut down by doing the following:
1. Click the start button and type regedit in the search bar
2. Hit the enter key
3. You will see a screen like the one below. Find your way to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control in the left menu
4. In the right window you will see a key called WaitToKillServiceTimeout, with a default value of 20000 (20 seconds.)
5. Right click on the key and select Modify...
6. Change the value from 20000 to 5000. This can potentially reduce your shut down time by 15 seconds.
Please note: I do not advise setting this value to less than five seconds.
Please be careful in the registry as you can kill your system if you incorrectly change anything!
For help or advice call Paul on 600 224 428
or email: ebropc@gmail.com
web: www.ebrovalley-computers.cc
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PC TIPS: speed up windows vista June 2010
This month here are some tips on how to speed up Windows Vista, Please use with caution!
How to speed up Windows Vista?
Windows runs pretty well on its own, but there are many things you can do to increase performance.
I would recommend you make backups before making major changes to your system.
Enhance SATA Disk Performance and speed up Windows Vista
This guide will help you improve the performance of your SATA hard drive by enhancing write caching.
If you are not sure whether or not you have an SATA drive in your computer, please check with your manufacturer.
A quick warning: If you turn this setting on and your computer is not connected to a battery backup, losing power increases you risk of data loss or corruption. If you are using a laptop, the chances of this are unlikely as you have a battery in the laptop that will act as a power source if there is electrical shortage.
1. Click on the Start Button and type in Device Manager in the search box
2. Hit Enter
3. Click on the + Next to Disk Drives
4. Right click on your hard drive and select Properties
5. Select the Policies tab and check Enable advanced performance
6. Now click OK and close Device Manager
Speed up Your External Hard Drives to speed up Windows Vista
The default setting in Windows Vista disables write caching for external drives. This is done so that you can eject the drive at any time without data loss. If you are willing to eject your drive each time, you can increase the performance of your external hard drives.
To turn write caching back on and activate advanced performance, do the following:
1. Click on the Start Button and type in Device Manager in the search box and hit enter
2. Click on the + Next to Disk Drives
3. Right click on your external hard drive and select Properties
4. Select the Policies tab and select Optimize for performance
5. Check Enable write caching on the disk and Enable advanced performance
6. Click OK and reboot your computer
Move Page File to Different Physical Drive and speed up Windows Vista
If you have more than one physical drive in your computer, this guide is for you. The page file can take a considerable toll on your system drive; by moving the page file to a separate drive, you can increase overall performance. Learn how to move the Windows Vista page file to another drive in this guide.
1. Press Start, right click on Computer, and select Properties
2. In the left-hand pane, select Advanced System Settings
3. Click the Advanced tab and under Performance, select Settings...
4. Click the Advanced tab and under Virtual Memory, select Change...
5. Uncheck "Automatically Manage Paging File Size for All Drives"
6. Select the different physical drive that you want your paging file to now be stored on (e.g. D) and select System managed size and press Set. (make sure this is the first partition on the second drive)
7. Select the drive that contains your paging file (usually C), select the Custom Size option, set the original and maximum size, and press Set Your page file will now need to rebuild on the new drive - this may temporarily slow performance.
Note: The reason for keeping around 1GB on the OS drive is because Windows Vista still needs some pagefile space there.
Rebuild the Page File to speed up Windows Vista
Windows Vista creates a pagefile, which essentially acts as RAM on your hard drive. This page file speeds up access to commonly used programs and becomes fragmented over time. Rebuilding the pagefile eliminates fragmentation; learn how to rebuild the pagefile in this guide.
1. Press Start, right click on Computer and select Properties
2. In the left-hand pane, select Advanced System Settings
3. Click the Advanced tab and under Performance, select Settings...
4. Click the Advanced tab and under Virtual Memory, select Change...
5. Uncheck Automatically Manage Paging File Size for All Drives
6. Select the drive that contains your paging file (usually C) and select the Custom size option
7. Edit the minimum and maximum page file size to 0 and press set
8. Now restart your computer
9. Now follow steps 1-5 and replace step 6 with System managed size and press Set
10. Press OK to save and after a brief period of sluggishness, while the computer rebuilds the page file, you should notice improved speeds.
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PC TIPS: Windows 7 secrets May 2010
PC TIPS, Please use these tips with caution!! Here you will find some of the hidden features in Windows 7 that Microsoft programmers made when they were bored!/ (Some of them also work with Vista...)
Playing God With Windows 7
Buried deep inside Windows 7 is a very handy little feature that brings together a host of settings for the way the operating system looks and works. The so-called ‘God Mode’, which first appeared in Vista (32-bit only). It isn’t enabled by default, but if you want to take charge of your Win 7 (or Vista) PC all you have to do is right-click on desktop, click New > Folder and rename it thus:
GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
Now all you have to do is double-click on the new folder and assembled before your very eyes will be a long list of options that previously you had to dig around to find, in Control Panel and well-hidden configuration menus. Be warned, though, playing God is not to be taken lightly so if you are going to have a fiddle, change only one thing at a time then reboot and make sure it doesn’t mess anything up!
Hidden Talents in Windows 7 System Restore
Windows System Restore has got me and I suspect a lot of you out of trouble following a major crash or messed up installation but in Windows 7 it goes even further. A little known feature in Win 7 System Restore (and Windows Backup), called Previous Versions, can recover just about any file stored on your PC. However, in order for it to work System Restore, and this facility must be enabled, so if you are not sure press Windows key*one with the flag + Break/Pause, select System Protection then click the Configure button and make sure Restore system settings and previous versions of files is checked. Click OK and if System Restore wasn’t on click the Create button to set a new Restore Point (RP). Follow the prompts to give it a name, close the dialogue boxes and you are all set. If something unfortunate happens and you need to recover a lost or corrupted file all you have to do is open Windows Explorer, right click on the folder where it is/was kept and select Restore Previous Versions. After a few moments it should list by date all of the saved versions of the file you are after.
Windows 7 Shares Your Problems
The next time an application in Windows 7 starts playing up there’s an easy way to find out when and how things started to go wrong. It’s called the Problem Steps Recorder or PSR and basically what it does is log everything that happens when you are using a program, including keystrokes and menu selections. All this is saved in a compressed file, along with screengrabs, which can then be used to diagnose the problem, either by you, or by someone knowledgeable in the ways of the program concerned. It’s really easy to use too, all you have to do is go to Search on the Start menu and type ‘PSR’ (without the quotes), click the Start Record button then do whatever it is that’s causing the problem and every action will be faithfully recorded.
For help or advice call Paul on 600 224 428
or email: ebropc@gmail.com
web: www.ebrovalley-computers.cc
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PC TIPS: Power saving with windows vista April 2010
For those of you who run on solar systems one way to save Energy around the home is to reduce your PC running costs. It is quite common for some people to leave their computer running 24 hours a day, along with the connecting peripherals. If for example you have a high end PC and LCD monitor, you could be using up to 350W under heavy load and 200W when idle. If you have an old CRT monitor these figures could be even higher. Assuming that the average load is 275W and you leave your PC on 24/7, the cost per year would be around £250 (at £0.10/kWH) if you’re running from the national grid. This figure doesn’t even include optional extras that may be left on permanently, such as routers.
There are plenty of tips for reducing your PC power consumption, some obvious and others you might not know about. The power management tools on modern hardware and operating systems make it quite easy to reduce the cost of running your PC.
Reduce power consumption when not in use. Many people will leave their PC on overnight, just to keep a few documents open till the next morning. Fortunately, there are two simple methods you can use to get round this.
1. Hibernation mode creates a backup of your current memory contents (i.e. your computer state at a moment in time) and saves them to the hard disk. Once the backup is complete, your PC will power off exactly as it would if you shut down normally. However, when you turn your computer back on it will resume the previous state, allowing you to continue working on documents where you left off.
2. Sleep mode is a way of temporarily putting your computer into a low power state – sometimes called “stand-by”. This will still consume some power, but all non essential components are powered down (excluding the RAM). This is an ideal alternative to a screen saver, as the system state is preserved and normal operation can resume within a few seconds.
If you need to leave your PC on because you download files, then you can try using a download manager such as File Download Manager Downloadable from http://www.freedownloadmanager.org/ or UTorrent Downloadable from http://www.utorrent.com/ (for BitTorrent files). Both of these have an automatic shutdown option so you can leave your PC downloading overnight, but once this is complete your computer will automatically power off.
Use the Windows XP Vista Or Windows 7 Power Options. Most desktop users would be best suited by the “balanced” plan, perhaps with some additional customisation. To do this, click on “change plan settings”:
You can then configure when the monitor is put into standby mode, and when the PC goes into sleep mode. If you often leave the PC for long periods of time it may be worth automatically putting the computer in to sleep mode after 30 minutes, as this will save a large amount of power and allow you to resume working from where you left off upon returning.
There are power saving operations going on behind the scenes, as some CPUs support throttling.
This means that if you are doing a non CPU intensive task (such as playing FreeCell), then you don’t need the full power of the processor. The speed will be automatically adjusted in the background to switch between different speeds depending on the power required at any particular time. The power savings from this do add up, especially when it comes to longevity of laptop batteries.
Be selective when buying hardware. Each piece of hardware comes with a different power requirement. Just looking at the PSU rating will not give a clear picture of the overall power usage, but you can make smart purchases to make sure you have the most efficient devices. Monitors are one component where there can be a huge variation in power consumption, as older style CRT monitors use far more power than an LCD alternative. It might even be cost effective (over period of several years) to swap frequently used CRTs for a modern LCD monitor.
Consider peripheral items. Most computers will have plenty of external hardware devices, such as routers, printers and speakers. Although they are only used at the same time as a computer, they are frequently left switched on permanently. The combined power consumption of all these devices in standby mode may only come to around 20W, not a very big saving, but it is “free” money just for the flick of a switch. Also here in Spain dust in your pcs especially fans being a big factor, causing them to overheat and fail, so to save yourself time and money, switch it off when you’re not using it!
For help or advice call Paul on 600 224 428
or email: ebropc@gmail.com
web: www.ebrovalley-computers.info
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PC TIPS: Back Up your PC March 2010
This month after helping several people with failed hard drives, I thought it would be a good idea to mention a way of backing up all of your important data securely and online and for Free should your PC Ever fail, be stolen etc....
Although there are lots of paid services available Microsoft can supply you free of charge 25GB of online storage. To sign up all that you need is a Windows live ID that you can sign up for from here:- http://login.live.com/ and the a Sky Drive from here:- http://skydrive.live.com
Then to map to your Skydrive through windows explorer Download Skydrive Explorer from:- http://www.cloudstorageexplorer.com/download.php
If all has gone to plan you now have an account with Windows Live SkyDrive, you can now map it to your Windows Explorer and use the 25GB free space available from your desktop. SkyDrive Explorer is a free and easy-to-use yet very powerful extension for Windows Explorer. With SkyDrive Explorer you can make any every-day operations with your documents from Windows Live SkyDrive which offers 25GB free space.
When you connect to skydrive, you must enter the Windows Live credential into the logon box as below.
Just be careful not to backup any sensitive documents into the Public area of your Skydrive! You can now access all of your important data from any computer.
For help or advice call Paul on 600 224 428 or email: ebropc@gmail.com/web: www.ebrovalley-computers.info
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PC TIPS: NEW access to British TV Feb 2010
Following Decembers article about accessing BBC Iplayer from Spain, The So Called FreeVpn Service that I recommended has now started charging for their connection to the United Kingdom, Due to misuse of their system (Nice of them to Cut it off over Christmas!).. Another way of accessing the UK to watch British TV is to use an application called TOR Which you can download from http://www.torproject.org/download.html.en Which works, although not quite as easily as FreeVPN. This application enables you to surf the internet anonymously and installs Firefox as your default internet application.
Please again use this program with caution as it also redirects your internet traffic through unknown servers around the globe. If you’re not technically able please don’t try it! Additionally I am currently working on a way to automate the process below which when correctly tested I can provide for a small donation. Please email me if this would be of interest.
Anyway for those of you who wish to try, firstly download the Tor Bundle with firefox included from the link above and follow the installation instructions from the torproject website, then follow the guide below to force it to connect to a UK Server.
Tor is a very useful application when it comes to access country-restricted websites. I am going to show how to configure Tor to mask your point of origin as though it is coming from a specific country.
Tor uses a distributed network of relays run by volunteers all around the world and picks a random path between you and the destination server/site. The good news is that the exit node (the one that is visible by the destination server) can be specified. Such that you can specify a certain location for your visible IP address.
Here is how to do it.
Step 1. Install Tor with the Vidilia Bundle from the website above, if you don’t have it yet.
Step 2. Connect to the TOR Network and Go to https://torstatus.blutmagie.de/index.php?SR=CountryCode&SO=Asc for a complete list of all available nodes. When selecting your node take a look to: country, speed and node type. You should choose only high-speed exit nodes.
Step 3. Once you’ve found an exit node from the right country, click on it to go to the node’s details page.
Step 4. Copy the Router Name.
Step 5. Go to Vidalia Control Panel (double-click on Tor icon in the icon tray)
Step 6. Go Vidalia’s Advanced settings tab and see the path to your Tor Configuration File. This is where we’re going to specify our exit nodes.
Step 7. Open the configuration file (TORRC) and select to edit it with Notepad, and at the top of this file, paste the following two lines, with fingerprint1, fingerprint2 and fingerprint3 substituted by the Router Name(s) from Step 4.
ExitNodes fingerprint1, fingerprint2, fingerprint3
StrictExitNodes 1
Step 8. After restart, Tor will try to access one of those servers as an exit node.
You can now access BBC iPlayer, 4OD & ITV Player from outside the UK, or play games that aren’t available here in Spain.
This method is indeed quite complex and not as easy as FreeVPN. I will keep you posted when I have automated as much of this process as possible.
For help or advice call Paul on 600 224 428 or email: ebropc@gmail.com/web: www.ebrovalley-computers.info
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PC TIPS: Speeding up Windows, (All Versions) JAN 2010
The easiest way to quickly clean up and speed up your pc is to download the program mentioned below, although normally I would not recommend downloading any program to aid with system performance as usually they are a con of some description or install spyware or adware. This one is in fact pretty good and best of all its free!
To Keep your PC Running smoothly, Simply download the free application called CCleaner from http://www.ccleaner.com/ CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less than a second to run and contains NO Spyware or Adware!)
Running the application is simple. After downloading and installing simply click the shortcut on your desktop, and click Run Cleaner. This will automatically delete all internet history cookies and anything dodgy on your computer
Under the registry section of the program you can run the cleaner in exactly the same way and CCleaner will remove any entries in your systems registry that shouldn’t be there! This will help your machine run at optimal performance. For more information take a look at www.ccleaner.com
For help or advice call Paul on 600 224 428 or email: ebropc@gmail.com / web: www.ebrovalley-computers.info
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PC TIPS: How to watch BBC iplayer, itv and channel 4 in spain DEC 09
One Question often asked here in Spain is how to be able to watch BBC iplayer, ITV And Channel 4 on demand, These are basically blocked as they all detect your location from your IP Address due to TV licensing. However, you can get round this by connecting to a proxy or VPN server in the UK which you can do for free or there are premium sites to which you can subscribe to be able to use these services. If you download the following piece of software you can happily watch as much UK TV through your PC for free As long as you like.
However, please do this with caution as it will re-route your internet traffic through an unknown server somewhere in the UK! So only connect when you intend to watch TV and always disconnect it when you are done, also make sure that you have a valid TV License. If you still want to proceed with installing please go to my website at http://www.ebrovalley-computers.info/bbc.html and download freevpn using the link and follow the simple setup instructions.
Once installed you will have a new shortcut on your desktop called Freevpn. Simply click this before opening BBC IPLAYER and tell it to connect and select one of the VPN Servers in the UK, then open the websites for BBC iplayer, 4OD, or ITV Player and watch as much TV as you like! When finished Follow the same procedure to disconnect. Please note the only known problem with this software is that it will change your internet home page each time you connect with freevpn which is annoying but I think free UK TV Outweighs this annoyance. To set your Homepage back to normal after using simply open internet explorer and click on tools then type your homepage eg: www.google.co.uk then click ok.
For help or advice call Paul on 653 408 962 or email: ebropc@gmail.com web: www.ebrovalley-computers.info
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PC TIPS: Tips On how to convert a new Windows Vista PC into English. NOV 09
With the Cost of Computers here in Spain now almost on a par with the UK, it now makes more sense to buy a PC Over here rather than go back to England to get one. My advice is to buy a Spanish PC and simply obtain the English language pack instead of getting hold of an English copy of Microsoft Vista as what Microsoft doesn't make widely available is that you can download and install free of charge Language packs direct from Microsoft’s website.
However Microsoft have tried to make it so that it isn’t that straightforward by locking the operating system to one Parent language, however some bright spark has now found a way to unlock the language barrier without breaking any copyright laws. If you follow the steps below you should have your shiny new vista pc talking to you in English, Spanish, Catalan or Welsh in no time!
What you will need to do first is to download the following Software.
The Software is called Vistalizator Freely Downloadable from http://www.ebrovalley-computers.info/Vistalizator.exe this is a very simple program to use, simply download and save it to your downloads folder on your pc (or descargas folder in spanish). Once you have downloaded it simply double click the executable Vistalizator.exe, upon clicking the application a warning window will appear prompting you to allow permission to run it, click ok, then on the first window that appears look at the version of windows that you are running listed as system e.g. Vista Home Basic 32-bit RTM
Once you have found which version of windows that you are running visit http://www.ebrovalley-computers.info/Tips&Tricks.html and download the corresponding language pack to match your version. Once you have downloaded the language pack to your downloads folder or descargas folder (Which takes a while so a good time to get a beer or something!)
Once the language pack has downloaded which should be named something like this lp-en-us_c38cb05f3146b642c95743633998808fa5229875.exe simply open Vistalizator again and click add language And point it to your newly downloaded language in your downloads folder (or descargas folder) Once the English language appears in the list highlight it and click change language. You will then be asked to reboot your machine after the reboot your default language should then be in English.
Please note that you attempt this language conversion at your own risk and should not be attempted if you’re not confident in your IT Skills!
For help or advice call
Paul on 653 408 962 or email: ebropc@gmail.com
web: www.ebrovalley-computers.info
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PC TIPS: CLEAN OUT AND CLEAN UP FILES OCT 2009
Introduction
The more you use your PC, the more it will collect junk files that you no longer need, taking up unnecessary disk space. It is therefore a good idea to regularly clean out your system, getting rid of the files you no longer need to make space for new ones. You can also run maintenance programs which can 'defrag' your files – in other words clean up and arrange them in a way which makes it easier for your PC to find. By doing this, you can improve the speed at which Windows runs programs.
The Recycle Bin
When you delete a file, usually this just means it has been moved to the Recycle Bin. If you do not regularly empty your Bin, the files inside may take up valuable disk space.
Double click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop to see which files are currently stored in there. If there are any files in the Bin that you want to keep and put back in the original place you deleted them from, right-click on the files and select Restore. If you are happy you no longer require any of the files in the Recycle Bin, you can remove them from your computer completely by right-clicking the Recycle Bin icon and selecting Empty recycle bin.
You should empty your Recycle Bin regularly, at least once a week..
Remove Temporary Files
Temporary or junk files are left over by programs and are usually no longer needed. They waste space and that may eventually slow your PC down.
Internet Explorer stores many of the files used on the web pages you visit so that next time you go to a site it doesn’t have to download the same files again. However, this can build up over time and take up a lot of disk space.
In Internet Explorer 6 click on Tools then Internet Options. Under the section Temporary Internet Files on the General tab, click Delete Files. Tick Delete all offline content and click OK. When finished, click OK to exit the Internet Options window.
In Internet Explorer 7 click on Tools then Internet Options and look for the section Browsing History and click the Delete button underneath. Next Click the Delete Files button next to Temporary Internet Files.
The System Restore facility is a useful safety feature but it can also use up a lot of space, so occasionally it is worth clearing out the old restore points.
To do this, go to Control Panel, click on System then on the System Restore tab. Tick to turn off System Restore and click Apply, this will clear out all old restore points. Now un-tick to turn System Restore back on and use the slider to specify the amount of disk space you want it to use for future restore points.
Disk Cleanup
The Disk Cleanup system tool allows you to clean out Windows components and programs you no longer need, and remove temporary files.
From the Start menu, click on Programs> Accessories> SystemTools> Disk Cleanup.
The main Disk Cleanup window shows two tabs - Disk Cleanup and More Options. In the Disk Cleanup tab window, put a tick in the following boxes if you wish to clean out these unnecessary files:
* - Downloaded program files
* - Temporary internet files
* - Recycle bin
* - Temporary files
Click on the More Options tab and you can choose to get rid of unwanted Windows components, remove installed programs you no longer use, and remove all but the most recent System restore point.
When you have selected everything you want to clean up, click on OK then Yes to confirm you want to begin the Disk Cleanup process.
Defragmenting Your Hard Disk
Disk Defragmenter helps Windows arrange files on your Hard Disk in a way that makes it easier and faster for it to find your programs.
From the Start menu, click on Programs> Accessories> SystemTools> Disk Defragmenter.
It is recommended that you read the Defragmenter Help manual before beginning the defragmentation process. Click on Help from the menu at the top of the Disk Defragmenter window.
Defragmenting can take anything from a few minutes to several hours depending how fragmented the disk is, during which time you should not run any other programs.
Disk Defragmenter requires 15% of free space on your hard disk to work with. If you do not have enough space you will need to delete some files. To start the defragmentation process, click the volume that you want to defragment, and then click Defragment.
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How to Send an Email to Undisclosed Recipients in Windows Mail, Outlook Express-AUG 2009
Mary and Her Friends Meet Mary. Mary has friends, many friends — friends all over the world. And Mary has stories, ideas, impressions, jokes and adventures to share. She shares eagerly, and she does it via email. Now, not every friend of Mary is also a friend of Mary's other friends. Most do not know half of their second-degree acquaintances.One thing people like about Mary is her considerate nature. Mary would never share the private email addresses of her friends, for example, not even with other friends. Then how does she send her emails to any group of her friends in one go?
It's easy. In her Windows Mail, Mary uses Bcc: recipients and cleverly puts herself in as the main recipient to send her emails to "undisclosed recipients" — a bumpy title for sure, but it works well.
Create an Address Book Entry for "Undisclosed recipients"
First, we'll create a convenient address book entry that makes sending emails to undisclosed recipients a lot easier:
Windows Mail:
* Select Tools | Windows Contacts... from the menu in Windows Mail.
* Click New Contact.
* Type "Undisclosed" in the First: field.
* Type "recipients" under Last:.
* Enter your email address under E-mail:. * Click OK.
Outlook Express:
* Select Tools | Address Book... from the menu.
* Click the New button in the toolbar and select New Contact....
* Type "Undisclosed" in the First: field.
* Type "recipients" under Last:.
* Type your email address under E-Mail Addresses:. * Click Add. * Now click OK.
Send an Email to Undisclosed Recipients in Windows Mail or Outlook Express
To compose and deliver an email message to a group of undisclosed recipients in Windows Mail or Outlook Express: * Start with a new message.
* Click on the To: button with the address book icon.
* Highlight your "Undisclosed recipients" entry. * Click To: ->.
* Highlight all other desired recipients.
* Click Bcc: ->. * Click OK.
* Now you can add any additional recipients in the Bcc: field.
* Make sure you separate recipients by semicolons.
* If you do not see the Bcc: field, select View | All Headers from the menu.
* Compose and eventually send your message.
Remember also to delete any addresses already listed in the email if you are forwarding it on. This will not only keep peoples emails addresses private but also shorten the email! Tell all your friends
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HOW TO SET UP OUTLOOK EXPRESS-JULY 09
Before you can use Outlook Express to send and receive e-mail, you need to set up an account. You can have more than one account—for business, online shopping, and so on—and each person who uses your computer may have their own, completely separate account. Outlook Express gracefully handles it all.
Start Outlook Express
There are many ways to start Outlook Express, but here's a sure-fire way to find and start it.
1. Click the Start button.
2. Point to All Programs.
3. Click Outlook Express.
4. If asked whether you'd like to open this particular account automatically every time you start Outlook Express, click Yes (if you do) or No (if you don't).
If you don't want to be asked this question again, click to check the Always perform this check... box.
5. Check When Outlook Express starts, go directly to my Inbox. Outlook Express directs all incoming mail to the Inbox, so it makes sense to bypass this opening page.
If you don't see the list of folders and contacts on the left, click Layout on the View menu. Click Contacts and Folder List to check them, and then click OK.
Tip:Quick start. You'll notice that when you use Outlook Express regularly, Windows XP will put the Outlook Express icon on the Start menu (along with other programs you've used recently). In that case, just click the Outlook Express icon in the Start menu to open the program.
Set Up an Outlook Express E-Mail Account
The Internet Connection Wizard makes short work of setting up your online mailbox by walking you through each step for every e-mail account you set up.
1. Before you get going, make sure you know your email address along with the following information. (You may need to contact your ISP, Internet Service Provider, to get it.)
First, information about the e-mail servers:
• The type of e-mail server you use: POP3 (most e-mail accounts), HTTP (such as Hotmail), or IMAP
• The name of the incoming e-mail server
• For POP3 and IMAP servers, the name of the outgoing e-mail server (generally SMTP)
Second, information about your account:
• Your account name and password
• Find out if your ISP requires you to use Secure Password Authentication (SPA) to access your e-mail account—yes or no is all that's required.
2. Start Outlook Express, and on the Tools menu, click Accounts.
If the Internet Connection Wizard starts up automatically, skip ahead to step 4.
3. Click Add, and then click Mail to open the Internet Connection Wizard.
4. On the Your Name page of the wizard, type your name as you want it to appear to everyone who gets e-mail from you, and then click Next.
Most people use their full name, but you can use any name—even a nickname—that people will recognize.
5. On the Internet Explorer Address page, type your e-mail address, and then click Next.
6. On the E-mail Server Names page, fill in the first block of information that you gathered from your ISP in step 1, and then click Next.
Note: If you chose HTTP as your incoming e-mail server—as for a Hotmail or MSN account—this wizard page changes slightly so you can identify your HTTP mail service provider.
7. On the Internet Mail Logon page, type your account name and password.
Note: If you're concerned about break-ins to your e-mail, click to clear the check in the Remember Password box. You'll then be prompted for the password each time you send or retrieve mail.
8. Click Next, and then click Finish.
You're ready to send your first e-mail!
Tip:Unsure if your new e-mail account is working? Send an e-mail message to a friend. If they get the message, your account is ready to roll! But if you run into problems setting up your account, Outlook Express offers help. Search for troubleshooting topics from Contents and Index on the Help menu.
Set Up a Web-based E-Mail Account. The e-mail that you get in a Hotmail account and other Web-based accounts is not stored on your hard disk, but is kept on the account-provider's computer. That's what makes it possible to access your account from any computer in the world over the Internet. Here's how you set yourself up.
1. Go to the Web site and follow the setup instructions—for example, http://www.hotmail.com/ for Hotmail.
2. Set up Outlook Express to use the account, by following the instructions above in Set up an Outlook Express e-mail account.
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TIPS FOR BROWSING THE WEB JUNE 09
My browser window opens too small. Your web browser remembers the size it was last used at, so if you or a web site have changed the size it will appear like this the next time you start your browser.
To set the correct size, start your browser and hold your mouse over the corner of the window until you see the resize arrows, then click and drag to change the size, then close the browser. When you next start your browser the window should open at the same size.
Some Web sites do not display correctly. If particular web sites are not displaying correctly - with errors, missing buttons or images, links that do not work, incorrect layouts - this may be due to your browser security settings, which can block parts of a web site it decides are potentially unsafe (though there may be nothing wrong with them, it is just being cautious).
To change security settings in Internet Explorer click on the Tools menu then Internet Options, but be careful as changing to a low security setting might let unsafe content through to the PC.
There may just be a problem with the web site itself, in which case try again later.
Web page text is too small. You can increase the size of text on a web page by clicking on the View menu (Page in Internet Explorer 7) at the top of the browser window, then select Text Size and choose a larger size. This should work with most text on web pages though not all.
My browser address bar has disappeared. Click on View from the menu at the top (or Tools in Internet Explorer 7) then Toolbars. Click to tick the Address Bar option and it should reappear.
How can I get rid of pop-up adverts? To stop adverts opening in new windows you need a pop-up blocker. Both Internet Explorer 6 and Firefox have built-in pop-up blockers. In IE go to Tools > Pop-up blocker to turn it on or change your settings.
How can I tell if a web site is secure before buying? To know whether a site is secure before you give your credit card details, look at the address bar and make sure the web address begins with https://
There should also be a padlock symbol on the address bar (or at the bottom of the page in older versions of Internet Explorer) to indicate the site is secure.
How do I print only certain text or images from a web page. Rather than printing out a whole web page, you can select the particular text you want and copy it to a Word document, and then print it out.
Start Microsoft Word and minimise it by clicking on the minimise button at the top-right of the window. Now open your web browser window and click and drag your mouse pointer across the text you want to highlight it. Right-click and Copy. Return to Word by maximising it from the taskbar, right-click and Paste. You can repeat this process as many times as you like to get all the text you want into one Word document.
You can copy and paste most images in the same way by right-clicking on the image and clicking Copy. Alternatively you can choose Save As to save a picture to somewhere on your PC, for example the Desktop or My Documents. Then in Word, click Insert then Picture From File. Click to select the picture you have saved then click Insert.
You can then Print your document. By using Word you also have the ability to rearrange, edit and resize text and images before printing.
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WINDOWS XP AND VISTA BOOT TIME...
If you're running Windows XP or Vista with a computer that has a multiple core processor such as the Intel Core 2 duo you can increase how fast your computer boots up by having it use multiple processors for its boot sequence. Following the below steps to have Windows do this for you.
1. Click Start and Run (for XP) and type: msconfig and press enter.
2. Click the BOOT.INI or BOOT tab.
3. XP users highlight the line beginning with "multi" if not already selected and click the Advanced Options button.
4. In the Advanced Options Window for /NUMPROC= or Number of Processors change it to 2.
5. Reboot the computer.
Speed up the display load time of Microsoft Windows Explorer by disabling the feature to search for network printers and folders. By default each time Windows Explorer is opened it'll attempt to locate any network printer or folder on your computer network. If your computer is not on a network and/or you have no network printers, folders, or shares disable this option by following the below steps.
1. Open Windows Explorer
2. Click the Tools drop down menu and then Folder Options
3. Within the Folder Options tab click the View tab
4. Uncheck "Automatically search for network folders and printers"
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WINDOWS XP INTERFACE TIPS CONTD.APRIL 09
Welcome to this months computer guide. In these articles I will be giving some advice on how to make windows behave in the way you would prefer. This makes using your PC more enjoyable and efficient. These tips are for Windows XP, and although some of them are relevant, I will provide specific advice for Windows Vista in the future. Continued from last month:
6. Show Control Panel as a Menu
For quicker access to the Windows XP control panel's assortment of applications, you can set the control panel to appear as a submenu in the start menu, similar to the existing 'accessories' submenu.
To do this Right click on the 'start' button and choose 'properties.' Select the 'customize' button to the right of the 'start menu' option. Choose the 'advanced' tab and then in the 'start menu items' box, find 'control panel' and select the 'display as menu' option.
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7. Associate and Un-Associate Applications from certain file types. File associations are what tells Windows XP which applications should open which type of files. Every file type has or will acquire a default program to open it (as long as one is available on the machine) and will then use this program every time. Since many programs will change these file associations when they are installed (to make themselves the default software), it's quite possible to end up with an application you do not want opening your pictures or documents.
To change this, you will need to open an explorer window such as 'my computer' then go to 'tools\folder options.' From the folder options, select the 'file types' tab, and wait while Windows builds the list of file types present on your PC
Scroll through the 'registered file types' box until you find the file extension of the file type you wish to change; JPEG, JPG or JPE for JPEG graphic files, for example. Highlight it and hit the 'change' button below to select a new application to open this file type by default.
As an alternative, you can also right click any file; go to 'properties.' And click the 'change' button to choose your application. Scroll through the 'registered file types' box until you find the file extension of the file type you wish to change; JPEG, JPG or JPE for JPEG graphic files, for example. Highlight it and hit the 'change' button below to select a new application to open this file type by default.
As an alternative, you can also right click any file; go to 'properties.' And click the 'change' button to choose your application.
I hope this provides a useful introduction to configuring Windows XP. If you have any questions on this or any other technical matters please feel free to contact me.
Colm Blake Tel: 660 600 636
E-mail info@dovepcsoluciones.com
www.dovepcsoluciones.com
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WINDOWS XP INTERFACE TIPS CONTD. MARCH 09
Welcome to this months computer guide. In these articles I will be giving some advice on how to make windows behave in the way you would prefer. This makes using your PC more enjoyable and efficient. These tips are for Windows XP, and although some of them are relevant, I will provide specific advice for Windows Vista in the future. Continued from last month:
4. When navigating and handling files in Windows Explorer, the right click 'context' menu is extremely useful.
The 'send to' command on the context menu is a great way to move files around quickly, but by default it doesn't contain very many useful destinations. Fortunately there's an easy way to add more shortcuts, making 'send to' a quick and powerful way to move files where you want them most in Windows.To add 'send to' destinations go to 'c:\documents and settings\(your user name)\send to' . Note that this is a hidden folder by default, and you will have to have enabled the 'show hidden files and folders' option in the 'tools\folder options\view' menu of explorer before you can see it. This folder contains the shortcuts that the 'send to' command uses for its list of destinations. Simply create a shortcut for the directory or program you want to use and drag-and-drop it into the 'send to' folder to add that destination.
5. To create a shortcut in Microsoft Windows, follow one of these steps.
Create a shortcut within the folder where the program resides. One of the easiest methods of creating a shortcut is to create the shortcut in the folder that the program resides and then copy and paste or move that shortcut to where you want it. To do this, open the folder or directory that contains the program you wish to create a shortcut for. Right-click on the program and click "Create Shortcut". This will create a shortcut named "Shortcut to <your program>" in the directory you are in. If you wish to rename this shortcut, right-click the file and click rename. Once the above steps have been completed, you can copy or cut this shortcut and paste it anywhere to execute this program. Create a shortcut using Microsoft's wizard. Move to the location or folder you wish to create the shortcut, right-click on an empty location of the folder or screen and click New and then Shortcut. Once in the shortcut wizard window, you will be able to browse to and select the location of the file( i.e. my pictures folder) that you want the shortcut to.
I hope this provides a useful introduction to configuring Windows XP. If you have any questions on this or any other technical matters please feel free to contact me.
Colm Blake Tel: 660 600 636
E-mail info@dovepcsoluciones.com
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WINDOWS XP INTERFACE TIPS...FEB 09
Welcome to this months computer guide. In the next few articles I will be giving some advice on how to make windows behave in the way you would prefer. This makes using your PC more enjoyable and efficient. These tips are for Windows XP, and although some of them are relevant, I will provide specific advice for Windows Vista in the future.
1. Increase the Amount of Frequently Used Programs Displayed on the Start Menu
The Windows XP user interface has some learning features, whereby it will customize itself to fit your computing style. One of the most obvious examples of this is the frequently used programs section on the bottom left side of the start menu, where shortcuts for the programs you have most recently used are displayed. Normally, this section only has room for about six program icons, but it's a fast and handy way to access your software, so why not add more?
To increase the amount of icons in the frequently used programs list right click on the start menu and choose 'properties'. Select the 'customize' button to the right of the 'start menu' option.
Change the 'select an icon size for programs' option to 'small icons' and in the 'number of programs on start menu' counter below, enter a new value based on how many icons you would like to see. Realistically, depending on your desktop resolution you are not likely to be able to fit more than 15 or so icons here, but enter a higher number if you wish. The system will cut off what it can't display. Hit 'ok' and enjoy your newly useful start menu.
2. Stop Automatic Grouping of Taskbar Programs
If you're not fond of the way that Windows XP groups similar icons together into a single entry on the taskbar (a group of Internet Explorer Windows for example), you can restore the default taskbar behaviour of previous versions of Windows quite easily.
I find that the default setting annoys me to no end, so this is something that I employ personally. Right click on an empty area of the taskbar or start button and click 'properties.' Choose the 'taskbar' tab and uncheck the 'group similar taskbar buttons' option. There, all done!
3. Close Multiple Desktop Windows Fast
If you've opened several related windows, there's an easy way to close all of them fast.
Simply hold down the SHIFT key as you click on the X button to close the most recent of the windows. This will close all the windows related to the one you clicked on. This is great for getting rid of all those windows that seem to generate when working with email and on the internet.
I hope this provides a useful introduction to configuring Windows XP. If you have any questions on this or any other technical matters please feel free to contact me.
Colm Blake E-mail info@dovepcsoluciones.com Tel: 660 600 636
www.dovepcsoluciones.com
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INTERNET PRIVACY
This months computer tips takes a look at how you can protect your identity whilst on the net, as well as ensuring your transactions made on the net are secure.
There are many reasons people have for wanting to surf the net anonymously. These can range from simple paranoia in terms of protecting personal data to buying that special present for a loved one. The most obvious need for anonymous browsing for most people is through use of a computer in an internet café.
Each of the main browsers, Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, offer similar levels of privacy incorporated within their applications. *These privacy options mean that at a press of a button you can clear your browsing history, cookies and other traces of your recent internet browsing.
This option leads people to think "I just enable this great privacy mode and nobody will see what I am doing on the net, nobody will know where I am coming from, nobody will be able to steal my private data", however, unfortunately this is not entirely true and anonymous browsing goes one step further.
Previously, secure surfing on the Internet was only available to corporate employees, i.e. those with the available money to pay for it and the technical 'savvy'.
However, there is now a free application available to download named ‘OperaTor’ that ensures your browsing is private and secure. It creates an encrypted connection to a server so you can browse the internet, make secure payments and feel confident that your data cannot be intercepted by any other malicious users. Basically, it provides a buffer between you and the internet.
The one drawback is that you need to use the unfamiliar Opera Browser. I would suggest though that you use your usual browser (Internet Explorer or Firefox), except for instance, when you wish to shop or use your internet banking so that your important information is kept secure.
I hope this provides you with a useful introduction to browsing the internet in a secure and anonymous way. If you have any questions on this or any other technical matters please feel free to contact me.
Colm Blake
E-mail: info@dovepcsoluciones.com
Tel: 660 600 636
www.dovepcsoluciones.com
*FIREFOX
Click on Tools in your Firefox menu located at the top of your browser. When the drop-down menu appears, scroll down and click on the Clear Private Data choice. At this point, you will see the "Clear Private Data" dialog box overlaying your browser window.
The user is given several options at this point regarding what types of data he or she would like to delete. If the box next to a menu option is checked, that particular data type will be cleared upon clicking the Clear Private Data Now button.
INTERNET EXPLORER
Click on the Tools menu, located at the far right hand side of your browser's Tab Bar. When the drop-down menu appears, select the Delete Browsing History + any other areas you require... option. The Delete Browsing History window should now be visible, overlaying your main browser window.
The first section in this window deals with Temporary Internet Files. To remove all of these temporary files from your hard drive, click on the button labeled Delete files.... A message dialog will then appear asking Are you sure you want to delete all temporary Internet Explorer files? Click on the Yes button. All of your temporary Internet files have now been permanently removed.
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INTERNET TRIVIA...?
http://www.santagames.net/calendar/index.htm
Christmas Advent Calendar : count down to Christmas Day with Online Games, holiday animations, activities for children, and Christmas surprises...
http://www.braingle.com/brainteasers/teaser.php?op=2;id=19567;comm=0
Christmas Time. Trivia brain teasers have some element of trivia in them, ...
December Mindbenders from http://www.stewartsplace.org.uk/mindbenders/2003_12_q.html
Christmas Wrapped Up
Mr and Mrs Black have just started their Christmas shopping and wrapping. So far they have bought a present for each of their four children, wrapped each in a different colour of paper, and spaced them equally in a line in front of the Christmas tree.
Determine whose present is which in the line, and what colour each is wrapped in, from the following clues:
1. Helen’s present is immediately right of the one wrapped in gold paper.
2. Eve’s present is further left than the one in red paper.
3. Peter’s present is further from the one in silver paper than the blue-papered one is.
4. Bernard has the girls’ presents immediately either side of his own.
Quick and Easy
1. You reach the camp just as it gets dark. You have no electricity, and when you open your matchbox, you find that there is only one match left. There is a log fire, a paraffin lamp and a gas stove. What should you light first?
2. New Year’s Day is always a week after Christmas. In 1979, Christmas Day was a Tuesday. What day was New Year in that year?
3. From the street, the name of a hairdresser’s shop appears in large cut-out letters stuck to the window. Inside, I look diagonally at one of the mirrors on the side wall, and see the name reflected in the mirror. Does the name appear the right way round, or reversed?
The Tree - What number goes at the top of the tree?.
SEE ANSWERS BELOW:
Christmas Wrapped Up- In their order in the line, they are:
Child Eve Bernard Helen Peter
Paper Silver Gold Blue Red
the Tree-The number is 16, from 2 × 8. Each number is the product of the numbers two rows below it and horizontally either side.
Quick and Easy- 1. The match.|2. Monday, 358 days beforehand.|3. The right way round. The name is backwards in the window from inside the shop, and the mirror reverses it again.
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WOT NO INTERNET
ADVERTORIAL
You’ve bought your dream finca, you’ve moved in and found the corkscrew. The pc is switched and you’re longing to email your friends all about your move.. but wait... ‘Where do I plug in to the internet...?’
This is a common question and the right answer can be difficult to find.
For internet outside of any of the villages or towns the choice depend on various factors and the price you pay for your internet can vary incredibly, as can its reliability.
There are several options available, but depending where you live the options may be limited.
Telefonica have a phone for use in rural locations called a ‘TRAC’ phone. If you manage to get one of these (some people have waited 3 or more years for one) it operates on their mobile network and provides you with a Spanish landline number and a dial up internet connection. It is, in many cases, pretty unreliable and is very sensitive to the type of modem you have. It is dial up so has a limited speed and many people find it incredibly frustrating as it has a habit of dropping the connection and having many connection problems.
GPRS (General Packet Radio Services ) via a G3 mobile phone or plug in USB adaptor. Various mobile phone companies (Movistar, Orange, Vodafone) have an internet package that operates over their mobile phone network. Availability depends on the strength of the mobile signal you have in your area (Burga valley, forget it!) Data volume tends to be limited and connection rate can be quite variable.
One way satellite. Both the Telefonica and GPRS systems can be improved by using a ‘hybrid’ system, such as the one from a company called SkyDSL (not affiliated with SKY TV!). As most users of the internet send small amounts of data but receive large amounts (such as web pages, pictures and so on) it is possible to use a system that uses satellite for receive only. Using this system the connection is made to the internet via the telephone and all outgoing data is sent via the phone, received data comes back via satellite. This improves the receiving data speed but still relies on, and is subject to, the difficulties of the Telefonica or GPRS connection.
Iberbanda is the best and lowest cost for a decent internet solution. They have various packages; the most common comprises an internet connection plus telephone with a Spanish phone number (300 minutes of free calls to Spanish landline numbers are included in the package). The internet speed is in the process of being upgraded in Cataluña and their basic entry package now has a speed of 1Mb and costs 45 euros a month. Data volume (the amount you can send/receive) is unlimited. Iberbanda works on microwave frequencies so relies on line-of-site to the closest aerial. You need a small ‘dish’, about the size of a dinner plate, pointing towards their aerial. If you can’t see one of their aerials (sorry people in the Burga valley and Benifallet) it won’t work.
2 way satellite systems can provide internet almost anywhere (as long as you have clear sight of the satellite). There are numerous providers of 2 way satellite in Spain and prices have, in the past, been extremely expensive, costing 3000 euros or more. Systems have now come down in price with the advent of lower cost communications satellites, and a SatDSL system from AstraCom can be installed and connected for as little as 690 euros. The newer systems are now able to handle both internet and voice calls and, for many locations, this is the only possible solution. A system comprises of a special satellite dish with a transmitter/receiver and one or two boxes to talk to the satellite. The system needs to be professionally installed and aligned to the satellite to ensure reliable connection. Data speeds and volumes can be selected from a number of possible options and monthly charges start from as low as 10 euros.
If you would like an internet connection or want more information then please contact me, Nigel Morton, on 620 353 138 – I am an agent for SkyDSL, Iberbanda and AstraCom
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MICROSOFT WINDOWS & EXPLORER TIPS
Microsoft Windows
Quickly get to the Microsoft Windows Desktop by pressing the Windows key and D at the same time on the keyboard.
Create a customized looking folder in Microsoft windows by saving one of the images or a copy of an image in the folder as folder.jpg. Once this has been done if you're viewing the folders in Thumbnail view that folder will display the folder.jpg image on top of the traditional folder.
How can I change how files are displayed in Windows Explorer?
1. Open My Computer or Explorer.
2. Click View at the top of the window.
3. Select Icons, Large Icons, Small Icons, List, Details, Tiles, or Thumbnails to change to the type of view you wish to see. We recommend "Details" for users not sure what to choose. Below is additional information about each of these types of views. Keep in mind each version of Windows is different and all of the below types of views are not available in all versions of Windows. If you do not see one of the below listed under view, your version of Windows does not support that type of view.
* Details - Our recommend type of view, details lists all the files in an easy to read format and also displays the size, type, and date modified in columns.
* Large Icons / Tiles - Display large icons of the files and folders with their names. Windows XP named this "Titles", in all previous versions of Windows this is named "Large Icons."
* Small Icons / Icons / List - Display small icons of the files and folders with their names. Windows XP named this "Icons", in all previous versions of Windows this is named "Small Icons."
* Thumbnails - Display large pictures of each of the files and folders in the directory. If the type of file is a image, movie, or other type of file that supports auto preview, you will see a picture of the file without even opening it. This is great for a directory containing photos.
Technical support phone calls
When calling technical support or customer service it's often frustrating having to go through each of the voice prompts just to reach a human who can assist you, which is why this months tip is a link to gethuman. This site is a database of 500 of the top companies, their phone numbers and how to get directly to a human.
http://gethuman.com
For example, when calling Dell Technical Support you would press 3; say "agent" at each additional prompt, ignoring messages to get directly to someone who can assist you with your problem.
Calculator - Use the Google Search engine as a calculator by typing a math problem in the search. For exam
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MICROSOFT INTERNET EXPLORER
Quickly bookmark any web page in all major browsers by pressing CTRL + D on your keyboard. Pressing these two keys together will open the bookmarks or favorites for your browser and allow you to quickly place a bookmark for the page you're currently at.
Internet browser favorites
Sort your Internet browser favorites or bookmarks in alphabetical name order by following the below steps.
Internet Explorer: Click Favorites and within the favorites click your right mouse button and select Sort by Name.
Quickly scroll using the space bar
Quickly scroll one page at a time in Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox by pressing the spacebar. Move backup a page at a time by pressing shift + spacebar.
Full screen Internet
Make your Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox the full screen without all the toolbars by pressing the F11 key. To restore the window back to how it was press F11 again.
Move forwards and backwards on web page with mouse wheel
Quickly move forwards and backwards between web pages by holding down the shift key and scrolling up or down on your mouse.
Determine the last update of a page your visiting
Determine the exact date and time when a website was last updated or modified by inserting the below string into the address bar.
javascript:alert(document.lastModified)
Print only sections of a web page
Save on your printer ink by selectively printing in Windows programs such as Microsoft Word, Internet Explorer, WordPad, Outlook, etc. To do this highlight portions of text you wish to print and click print. In the printer dialog window under Page Range choose the option Selection. It is important to realize that not all programs or printer drivers support this feature.
Increase decrease size of font with wheel on mouse
Quickly increase and decrease the size of a font on a web page by holding down the CTRL key on the keyboard and scrolling up or down with the wheel on a wheel mouse.
Save an Internet picture as your desktop picture
Quickly save a picture as your wallpaper by right-clicking on an image and choosing set as wallpaper.
Quickly move forward and backwards between pages
Pressing ALT + the forward or back button will take the user forward or back one page.
When increasing your color to 16-bit color you will notice an increase of picture quality on images viewed over the Internet.
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SATdsl Connect, the new satellite based internet service
Are you, like so many in our beautiful Catalunya, still deprived of a normal fixed line phone connection or a decent broadband connection?? Then here is you answer.
SATdsl, the Central European based satellite service provider is introducing as of 1 September this year, their new SATdsl-Connect service. This satellite based service provides true broadband internet access starting at 10 Euro per month (excl VAT).
The service provides downlink speeds ranging from 256 Kb/s to 2 Mb/s and uplink speeds from 64 kb/s to 512 Kb/s.
In addition it is also possible to have a quality VoIP phone connection with a Spanish inbound number.
It is being investigated whether also IP-TV channels can be part of the scope of services
Interested?
Please send us an e-mail at info@satdsl.cz or give us a call +420 234690444
Local installation companies can do the installation for you
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WINDOWS TIPS
Gain faster access to your drives, printers, programs, etc., by customizing your "Send To" menu
You can easily send files to floppy drives, printers, briefcases, and certain Windows programs by right clicking on it and selecting a destination from "Send To" menu. But, did you know that it's possible to add almost any kind of device and/or program to the "Send To" menu to make it easier to transfer files to most frequently used destinations?
1. Run Windows Explorer.
2. Select your Windows directory (C:\Windows for example).
If you're running Windows 95, select "SendTo" folder.
If you're running Windows NT, select "Profiles\Default User\SendTo" folder.
3. Now, simply create shortcuts inside the SendTo folder as usual to the devices and programs you want to have access to from the "SendTo" menu. For example, to add your WORK folder on your zip drive (D:\Work for example) to the SendTo menu:
* Right click inside the SendTo folder and select "New | Shortcut"
* Type "D:\Work" without the quotes and click on "Next"
* Type a name for the newly created SendTo item ("My Work Folder" for example) and click on "Finish"
Now when you right click on files, you'll see "My Work Folder" appear as an option in the SendTo menu.
TOO MANY FOLDERS?
By default Windows will open a new window every time you click on a folder icon / shortcut. If this makes your desktop harder to manage, you can ask Windows to keep using the same folder window to display folders.
* Open "My Computer" folder
* Select "View | Options..."
* Change to the "Folder" tab
* Select "Browse folders by using a single window that changes as you open each folder"
* Click on "OK"
WHO'S CONNECTED TO YOU?
If you're running any TCP/IP services (such as WWW service, FTP service, POP3/SMTP services, or even just NetBIOS over TCP/IP) on your computer, you may want to find out who's connected to your computer and from where at a given time. This information is easy to obtain using NETSTAT command.
* Go to the "DOS Prompt" or "Command Prompt"
* Type
NETSTAT <number of seconds>
For example, if you want to redisplay the TCP/IP connections every 10 seconds, type:
NETSTAT 10
* Press ENTER
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MOZILLA FIREFOX INTERNET TIPS
- Quickly bookmark a web page
Bookmark any web page form field and quickly access it from the browser address bar. Below is an example of how you could bookmark the Computer Hope search and quickly search for help anytime .
1. Right-click on the search box in the top left portion of this window.
2. Click "Add a keyword for this search".
3. In the Add bookmark window, type any name or leave it blank and for the keyword make it something simple and easy to remember. For example, "CH" for "Computer Hope" and click Ok.
Now in your address bar you can type: "CH " and then anything you need help with. For example typing: "CH motherboard" would open the search results for motherboard.
- Undo closed tab
Oops did you mistakenly close a tab you didn't want to close? Press CTRL + Shift + T to undo a close tab. Pressing this more than once will undo multiple closed tabs.
- Quickly bookmark a web page
Quickly bookmark any web page in all major browsers by pressing CTRL + D on your keyboard. Pressing these two keys together will open the bookmarks or favorites for your browser and allow you to quickly place a bookmark for the page you're currently at. For example, pressing the two keys now would bookmark this page.
- Internet browser bookmarks
Sort your Internet browser favorites or bookmarks in alphabetical name order by following the below steps.
Firefox: Click Bookmarks and within bookmarks click your right mouse button and select Sort by Name.
- Bookmark search engines
Bookmark almost any search engine and have the capability of using it anywhere by following the below simple steps.
1. Right-click within the text box you wish to bookmark and click "Add a keyword for this Search.."
2. Enter a name for the bookmark and then a keyword you wish to use. For example, if you were doing this in computer hope you could type "ch" as your keyword and then click Ok to create the bookmark.
3. Once created in the URL bar type your keyword and what you wish to search for. For example, if you used "ch" as your keyword and wanted to search for Firefox you'd type: "ch firefox".
- Get to the address bar using your keyboard
Quickly get to the address bar in Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox by pressing the F6 key on the top of your keyboard. Opera users can press the F8 key to get to the address bar.
- Mozilla Firefox
Quickly save any media including embedded content to an alternate source by right-clicking on a page click "View Page Info", click the Media tab, locate the media file you wish to save and click the Save As button.
- Mozilla Firefox
Some quick tips for Mozilla Firefox users. First, quickly access the full configuration menu in Firefox by typing "about:config" in the address bar. In this window you can change a lot of different settings. Second, quickly open a new tab by pressing CTRL + T. Third, press and hold CTRL + # where # is 1 - 9 to switch between tabs in the open window. Finally, hold down CTRL while clicking a link to open that link in a tab or hold SHIFT while clicking a link to open that link in a new window.
- Quickly scroll using the space bar
Quickly scroll one page at a time in Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox by pressing the spacebar. Move backup a page at a time by pressing shift + spacebar.
- Full screen Internet
Make your Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox the full screen without all the toolbars by pressing the F11 key. To restore the window back to how it was press F11 again.
- Mozilla Firefox
Open all your daily visited web pages in two clicks. First, create a folder in your bookmarks that contains the web pages you visit daily. Once created you can right-click that folder and click "Open in Tabs" to get all your favorites in the folder opened in a new tab in the current window.
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COMMON COMPUTER PROBLEMS
Windows
My PC has stopped responding! What do I do?
If a program or window on your PC seems to have frozen up and you cannot close it by clicking the X (Close) button in the top-right corner, hold down the CTRL and ALT keys together and tap DELETE once.
In Windows Task Manager click on Applications which shows all the programs that are currently running. You can usually tell which program has frozen or crashed as its Status will appear as Not responding. Click to highlight that program on the list then click on End Task. The PC will now attempt to close it. If it is successful you can then close Task Manager and the PC should be able to carry on as normal.
If Task Manager does not appear, try holding down CTRL, ALT and DELETE and keeping all three keys held. This will restart your PC, which will often fix the problem. If these keys don’t work, you will have to press and hold the power switch or turn the plug off. Turn the PC back on. Your PC should be alright but always try to avoid switching off without shutting down properly first.
File won’t open
Sometimes when you double-click a file, nothing happens or the program that is usually used to open that type of file can’t run it. Instead, right-click the file and use Open With.. to choose a different program to try to open it with. I’m running out of disk space.
I have deleted a file by mistake! What can I do?
First check the Recycle Bin on your Desktop to see if it is in there. Deleted documents go there first, so if you find it there and want to put it back where it was, right-click it and select Restore.
Once items are deleted from the Recycle Bin you will need special software to retrieve them, such as Recover My Files.
I can’t find a particular file or folder but I know it’s on my PC somewhere!
Click on the Start menu and Search all files and folders. Type in the name of the missing file or folder and Windows will try to find it.
I can’t see any system files or folders! Where are they?
Important system files and folders are usually hidden to prevent accidental deletion. They still exist but will not be visible.
To see them, open any folder and click on Tools then Folder Options. Click on the View tab and under the Advanced Settings list tick Show hidden files and folders. Also un-tick Hide protected operating system files. Now click OK.
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Internet Tips
Internet Explorer shortcut keys.
If you are familiar with internet explorer shortcuts keys, you can increase your browsing speed and can handle many online browsing restrictions very easily.
Here are some common internet explorer shortcut keys.
* Press F5 to refreshes the webpage.
* Press Backspace button back to the previous page.
* Press Alt+Home button same time to go home page of the website.
* Press any time Ctrl+N to open the new browser windows.
* Press F11 key to view any webpage in full-screen view and then again press for normal view.
* Press Ctrl+P keys to send the print command for current whole page.
* Press Ctrl+H keys to view your browsing history.
* Press Ctrl+w keys to close the current browser window.
* Press Esc button to stop any page browsing.
*Press Ctrl+Enter Windows will automatically add both “www” and “.com”. For example, if we type
computerfreetips
in an address bar and then press Ctrl-Enter, Windows will take us to the www.computerfreetips.
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TELEFONICA ANSWER MACHINE IN ENGLISH
Published 17 November, 2007 Business and Industry , Entertainment , Malaga News , Spain News
This service is not available in all areas and cannot be used on all telephones to check if you can use this service in your area and with your phone you must first activate the service. Pick up your receiver and press * 10 # replace your receiver. Your answering machine (if available) should now be activated. To check this pick up your receiver and wait about 5-10 seconds. If the service has been activated you should hear a lady speaking (in Spanish of course) this means that the service is available to you if not ring telefonica on 1004.
TO CHANGE THE LANGUAGE
Pick up the receiver and wait 5-10seconds until the lady stops speaking………………………….press the number 1 on your phone
When she stops speaking again ………………….press 4
When she stops speaking again…………………..press 0000
(See * below)
When she stops speaking again ………………….press 1
When she stops speaking again ………………….press
1 for English 2 for French 3 for German
To confirm the chosen language press. ……………Press 1 when she stops speaking
Replace receiver when she finishes talking. To test that you have done all correct just pick up your receiver and wait 5-10 seconds for her to start talking hopefully in chosen language
To de-activate the service pick up the receiver and press #10# to reactivate *10# you can do this as often as you wish.
* Your personal code - this has been installed as 0000 but you can if you wish change this
To pick up messages just lift the receiver and wait for 5-10secs if there are no messages you will be told there are no messages. To hear a message again press 1 press 2 to save the message or 3 to erase the massage.
Any problems call telefonica on 1004(free phone) for help and advice.
Telefonica´s free phone number 1004 (English speakers are available)
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Useful telephone numbers
EMERGENCIES
- FIRE DEPARTMENT 085
- CAMBRILS FIRE DEPARTMENT 977 795 080
- REUS FIRE DEPARTMENT 977 770 080
- TARRAGONA FIRE DEPARTMENT 977 549 959
- GENERAL EMERGENCIES 112
- CIVIL GUARD 977 380 106
( GUARDIA URBANA) 062
-CATALAN AUTONOMOUS POLICE 088(24hr)
- MOSSOS DESQUADRA (MUNICIPAL GUARD)
TARRAGONA 977 635 300 OR 088
- CITY POLICE 977 309 212 OR 092
-NATIONAL POLICE 091
-SEA RESCUE 900 202 202
- LIFEGUARDS & WATER RESCUE 657818023-657818021
- WATER RESCUE, TARRAGONA 977216203-977216215
- MEDICAL EMERGENCIES 061
- HOSPITAL JOAN XXIII, TARRAGONA 977 295 800
- HOSPITAL SANT JOAN, REUS 977 310 300
Citizens advice bureau: 012
• Traffic emergencies: 088
• Consumer information: 012
Lost credit cards in Spain
VISA and Mastercard: 915 196 000
American Express: 915 720 320
Other cards: 902 114 400
Lost credit cards / international
VISA: 900 974 445
Mastercard: 900 971 231
EMBASSIES AND CONSULATES
Barcelona British Consulate-General
Avenida Diagonal, 477, 13º
08036 Barcelona
Tel.: 933 666 200
Fax: 933 666 221
British Embassy Spain
C/ Fernando el Santo, 16
28010 Madrid
Tel.: 91 700 82 00 - 91 319 0200
Fax: 91 700 82 72
The Embassy of Ireland:
Ireland House
Paseo de la Castellana 46-4
28046 Madrid
Telephone: 00 34 91 436 4093
Fax: +34-91-435-1677
Email: embajada@irlanda.es
Irish Honorary Consul General
Gran Via Carlos III, 94
08028 Barcelona
Telephone: 00 34 93 491 5021
Fax: 00 34 93 490 09 86
Email: cons.irl@webcat.es
Generalkonsulat Deutschland
Passeig de Garcia, 111
08008 Barcelona
Telephone: 932 921 000
Fax: 932 921 002
Generalkonsulat Schweiz
Gran Via de Carlos III, 94
08028 Barcelona
Telephone: 933 309 211
Generalkonsulat Osterreich
Calle Mallorca,214
08008 Barcelona
Telephone: 934 537 294
Fax:934 534 980
Nederlandse Ambassade
Avenida Comandante Franco, 32
28016 Madrid
Telephone: 913 537 500
Fax: 913 537 565
HOLIDAYS
Public holidays in Catalonia:1 January: New Year’s Day; 6 January / Epiphany (Feast of the Three Kings);
March-april: Good Friday;March-april: Easter Monday; 1 May: Labour Day; 24 June: Saint John (midsummer);
15 August: Asumption of Mary; 11 September: Catalan National Day; 12 Octobre: Feast of the Hispanic Peoples; 1 November: All Saints’ Day, 6 December: Constitution Day; 8 December: Immaculate Conception of Mary; 25 December: Christmas; 26 December: Saint Stephen (Boxing Day).
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