"Bad Stuff" coming?

Please take note of the item that is attached below. If you have the "bad stuff", it has been installed without your knowledge. You may never know that it's even on your system until July 1st when your internet access may be cut off, and it's very difficult to make any correction with no internet access. Go to the link below, from the information page that comes up, choose the language and area link (in Canada it's "English-French" ) and here's the link to run your test. If your computer is clean of this item you will be presented with a green banner advising you of this. If you have the nasty stuff on your computer, you will be presented with a red banner and you'll need to do the followup suggested in order to clean your system. This piece of nastiness also has the ability to disable some security systems, so it's vitally important that you check your system periodically until July 1st has come and gone without incident. Please pass this info and the accompanying link on to your friends who may be unaware that this threat exists.

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 soon!

Be advised that Microsoft will be issuing "Windows 7 Service Pack 1" in the near future. In order for this service pack and future items to install properly, Microsoft has already issued, through Windows Update, the following item "KB976902". You should check your already downloaded and installed Windows Updates for item "KB976902". If you have been updating through Windows Update as you should daily, you probably have this update already installed. If not, then you will have to run a Windows Update and see if it appears for installation. If not and you don't already have it, further information is available here.

Note that without this item already installed, Windows Update will NOT give you notification that Windows 7 Service Pack 1 is available for installation, and that this and future service packs will NOT install properly without it.

The actual date of the release to the public is still uncertain (perhaps as early as Tuesday, January 18 some have speculated) but if you wish to update to Windows 7 Service Pack 1, it is imperative that these preparations by made. If you already have KB976902 installed, then you can just sit back and wait for Windows Update to make "Service Pack 1" available to you.

You may wish to forward this advice on to other Windows 7 users that you know so they can be assured they are prepared also.

Activate Your Navigation Pad

Tips on how to activate your navigation pad!

Ever wanted to use your keyboard instead of your mouse to highlight text or move your cursor?



Try out our tips on how to activate these functions so that you can navigate through documents and webpages by using your keyboard!

Press Alt+Left shift key (the one below the caps lock key) and the Num Lock key to turn the numeric keypad into a navigation pad.

Once your navigation pad is active, you will be able to use the following functions on your keyboard.

Keypad Functions

You may use the keypad to move the mouse cursor:

7	8=Up	9
4=Left	5	6=Right
1	2=Down	3

Now try out these useful functions:

1. Press 5 to simulate a left click on your mouse
2. Press 0 and move your cursor left or right to highlight text
3. Pressing - and then pressing 5 simulates a right click on your mouse
4. Use tab key to go to the next field in when using excel sheets
5. Use the spacebar to get to the bottom of the page

If you want to deactivate your keypad and want go back to using your mouse, all you have to do is the starting combination again: Alt+Left shift key (the one below the caps lock key) and the Num Lock key.

(Thanks to http://www.liutilities.com for this information.)

Ten Handy Keyboard Shortcuts.

Step away from the mouse! Here are ten useful keyboard shortcuts for things you can do without using the mouse.

CTRL + C will copy text after it has been highlighted.
CTRL + V will paste text that you have copied.
CRTL + Z will undo any change that you have done.
CTRL + ESC will bring up the Start Menu.
SHIFT + F3 will turn all capitalized text into lowercase.
SHIFT + DELETE will delete an item immediately without placing it in the Recycle Bin.
ALT + TAB will bring up a Window with a list of icons representing programs which are currently running on your computer.. While holding the ALT key, press and depress the TAB button to cycle between each icon task.
ALT + ESC will switch to the next task running on your computer. Hold down the ALT before pressing and depressing the ESC key to cycle to the next task.
CTRL + ALT + DELETE will bring up Task Manager and allow you to end a process (terminate a program) if it has crashed or has stopped responding. Select the process which has stopped responding, and then press "END PROCESS''.
SHIFT + INSERT will paste any text that is in your clipboard. Your cursor must also be placed in an area that will accept keyboard input for this to work.

Microsoft "Fix It" Beta!

Here's a "follow-up" on my previous item about "automatic" "Fix It" programs. Having a few problems with your computer and getting little satisfaction by talking to an "overseas" service agent? This may be of some help to you without all the bother and fuss. Microsoft has just released the "Beta" version of their new program called "Microsoft Fix It Center Online". It can be found for your use by clicking here. Keep in mind that this program is still in it's "Beta" stages and thus still under development. Those that have tried it have told me it does quite a good job but will not be able to solve every problem.

How about a little "Automatic Fix It"?

This is just for your information. Microsoft has several automatic "fix it" programs available for use. They will check your computer and offer to automatically repair any errors they find. Choosing to allow the Microsoft "Fix it" programs to do the repairs is entirely up to you. Just in case you might be interested, here's a link to them - http://support.microsoft.com/gp/cp_fixit_main/#tab0

Satisfy your "Burning" desire!

Got a "burning desire" to make an .ISO, or copy a CD, or make a data only CD or some such thing? The answer may be closer (and cheaper) than you think. I have had much success with CDBurnerXP which is a fairly simple to use but effective FREE program (and free is good). In spite of it's name, this simple download is not just for XP. It seems to work on just about any Windows operating system (including Windows 7) and the specifications say this is the case. By the way, this program will also do HD-DVD's and Blu-Ray discs. I note that it is also downloadable in just about any language including some I've never heard. Some parts of the program have a little "learning curve" to them, but nothing too difficult. If you get confused there are very clear downloadable instructions (with pictures) to get you going again. Can't ask for more than that. I've been using this for some time now and I find it quick and relatively simple to use and does just about all the basic "burning" chores that the average person might want to do. It's available for download here. Have fun with this!

Windows 7 Upgrade (smooth as silk)

I have just completed an "in-place" upgrade from Vista to Windows 7 and I am very surprised to say that it all went without incident. The upgrade took a little over four hours and, sure enough, all my programs and settings were intact and usable when I was finally able to boot into Windows 7 for the first time.

I suspect that it all went so well because I took all the necessary steps prior to starting the process. This means scanning your Vista system using Microsoft's Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor and updating where it advises that you should. In my case that was a webcam driver and two items from my graphics card which Windows "suggested" should be uninstalled and then reinstalled again after the upgrade was complete. Since these were classified as "suggestions", I let them stay as they were with no negative effects. All in all, a very uneventful operation if one has made the necessary preparations to ensure their system is ready for the upgrade.

Sadly, it's not so easy for those folks trying to upgrade from Windows XP to Window 7. In that case, it will require a "clean install" which means formatting your hard drive and losing all your programs and settings, so preparing a complete backup of those items is a godsend when you have to start re-installing them all. Make sure you have as many of the "install discs" as you can find and be prepared to redownload the rest from the internet.

That being said there is an alternative method (costing about $20). It's called "PC Mover" and the "Upgrade" version can be found here. It claims to be able to accomplish an "in place" upgrade to Windows 7 from Windows XP and several other Windows operating systems. I have not tried this out myself but I've been told that it works very well. I'd still most certainly do a complete backup (just in case).

Recycle or Renew?

If your computer has failed you and you're wanting to re-install your operating system OR you want to do a "clean install" of a new operating system (like Windows 7) OR you're getting rid of an older computer, then you will need to remove all the old data from your current hard drive. Removal of all the previous data ensures that there is no opportunity for identity theft from easily accessed "old" information. There are many programs that can do this, but one of the best and easiest is Darik's Boot and Nuke, a freeware program that is available online for download. DBAN, as it is called, can safely and completely overwrite a hard drive using the same data destruction techniques as the RCMP, for example. There are many tutorials online with instructions on how to do this. (Note- Be sure that you don't have any data on any connected hard disks that you want to recover because DBAN will delete all the drives it detects.)

If you don't feel comfortable using this program after reading all the "on-line" info, the next best thing is simple to remove the hard drive and destroy it manually. This, of course, means that you will have to acquire a new hard drive for your computer.

Are you ready for Windows 7?

Windows 7 is coming! This is the operating system that folks say Vista should have been but wasn't. If you already have Vista, Microsoft is pre-selling Windows 7 Upgrades now for those of you who might want Windows 7 but want to avoid the rush. For those with Windows XP, a full and clean installation is required and these can also be pre-ordered. The actual program will be delivered when Windows 7 is officially released on October 22, 2009. Both of these items were being pre-sold at about half price, but this offer expired on July 11th, so now it's full price for both of them.

Wondering if your computer can handle Windows 7 or not? Generally speaking, if you're already successfully running Vista, you're "probably" all set to go. To be sure, you can download and install the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor from here . If anything, you might have to update a driver or two. It's important that all your peripherals be plugged in so the Upgrade Advisor program can scan these too. In my case, that meant one webcam driver needed upgrading. In the rare event that an upgraded item is not available, it's still possible to run these items in "compatibility mode" as it has been previously.

Of course, most computer manufacturers already have the Windows 7 Final Release so that their new computers will come with the OEM version of Windows 7 already installed, and any new computer from most of the main manufacturers which are sold from now on with Vista already installed, will be entitled to a free upgrade to the identical edition in Windows 7 when it is released on October 22nd. There's all sorts of additional information available online to answer any other questions you may have. Will you go "Windows 7", or not?

Vista - Service Pack 2

Service Pack 2 for Vista has just been released. I installed it in about half an hour with no problems whatsoever. Just make sure that Windows Update is right up to date. You will probably be offered a couple of minor updates that you should install. In my case, after I did those installations THEN I was presented with a page advising that there was yet another uninstalled update, and when I clicked on it there was "Vista Service Pack 2". If all is up to date, the install will only download the files that will actually be changed so the package is much smaller and the install is completed quite quickly (about 1/2 hour). If all is not up to date, then the whole service pack is downloaded and the install time is much longer. If, for some reason, Vista Service Pack 2 does not appear you can download the whole thing from the Microsoft site yourself OR wait a few days and see if it turns up. Apparently Microsoft is NOT releasing to everyone at the same through Windows Update.

Here is the correct download site at Microsoft:
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=a4dd31d5-f907-4406-9012-a5c3199ea2b3&DisplayLang=en

"Conficker" got you?

Did the "Conficker" worm get to your computer? Are you sure? Here's a link to a simple eyechart which will indicate whether or not you likely have "Conficker" on your computer. If not, you've kept you security software up-to-date and active. If so, all the major security companies have removal tools to get rid of it again. Although nothing much happened on April 1st as was feared, since that day "Conficker has indeed "phoned home" for instructions so nobody is out of the woods just yet. Consider this a word to the wise and save yourself a lot of grief. Always remember to update your security software, daily if you can!

Windows Update - A little bad news!

For some reason Windows Update is periodically providing as an "optional" update the following item; IdeaCom touchscreen update (PS/2). Nobody is quite sure how Windows Update has picked them for this "optional" update offer since most folks are nor even running a PS/2 on their system. The problem is that once installed this item will usually disable the touchscreen on your laptop and in the case of mice that are not installed via USB, it will also disable them. Uninstalling this is then very difficult and some registry editing may be required, otherwise it will just re-install itself and you still have the problem to contend with. To make matters worse, not all computers seem to be affected equally. My best suggestion is, if you are presented with this "optional update", do NOT install it but rather "hide" it so Windows Update will never show it again. In addition, why not Google "IdeaCom touchscreen update (PS/2)" and see how others are handling the situation. Forewarned is forearmed!

Try Vista Without Installing It!

Now you don't have to install Vista to try it out. If you're still cautious about whether or not Vista is for you, here's a chance to try it out on-line. Microsoft has provided an on-line trial site for Vista which can be found here: http://www.microsoft.com/midsizebusiness/products/windowsvista/try.aspx. Why not give it a try before you decide anything. Now you can be sure your decision is based on your actual experience with Vista. Who could ask for anything more?

Vista Keeps Changing Your Folder Icons?

If you have Vista you may know that Windows has had a habit of "forgetting" the way in which you have set up any folders on your desktop. Nothing is more frustrating than opening a desktop folder and finding it's been "re-arranged" because Windows has had a lapse and now the order is not what you wanted and/or the icon sizes are incorrect. The frustrating part is that it's always been really hard to reset your folder display properties and have Windows remember what you want for next time. Here's how you can do it and have it work (most of the time, at least). Go to the desktop folder you want to reset and right-click on it. Now choose "Properties", and then "Customize". On the page that opens you'll see "What kind of folder do you want?" and "Use this folder type as a template". Choose from the drop-down menu below these items, the type of folder you want, of the five listed. For a folder holding desktop shortcuts for instance, choose "Documents". Now place a check mark in "Apply this template to all sub-folders". Now click "Apply" then "OK". Go back to your desktop and open the folder you just modified. Right-click on the already open folder and you will get a drop-down menu giving you various ways you can choose to organize the folder items. If you had been resetting another type of folder, say music, for instance, you could have chosen one of the "Music" options and the resulting drop-down menu, as outlined above, would give you options to arrange you music according to different criteria ( song titles, artist names, etc.) You may have to do all your desktop folders one at a time, but at least it can be done.

There now, that wasn't so bad was it?

Stressed With Microsoft? WUBI-Ubuntu (Linux) Awaits!!

Wubi is an officially supported Ubuntu installer for Windows users that can bring you to the Linux world with a single click. Wubi allows you to install and uninstall Ubuntu as any other Windows application, in a simple and safe way. Are you curious about Linux and Ubuntu? Trying them out has never been easier!

No need to burn a CD. Just run the installer, enter a password for the new account, and click "Install", go grab a coffee, and when you are back, Ubuntu will be ready for you.

You keep Windows as it is, Wubi only adds an extra option to boot into Ubuntu. Wubi does not require you to modify the partitions of your PC, or to use a different bootloader, and does not install special drivers. It works just like any other application. Wubi is spyware and malware free, and being open source, anyone can verify that. Wubi keeps most of the files in one folder, and if you do not like it, you can simply uninstall it as any other application.

Wubi and Ubuntu cost absolutely nothing (free as in beer), but yet provide a state of the art, fully functional, operating system that does not require any activation and does not impose any restriction on its use (free as in freedom).
.
You can find the WUBI - Ubuntu installer for Windows here.

(Thanks to SourceForge.net for the info.)

Are Your Programs Needing An Update? Are You Sure?

If the answer to the above question is an "I'm not sure", then you may want to look at the following FREE program. It's from FileHippo and it's available here. It's quick and accurate for the programs it checks and does not use any resources until you call on it. Of course, you'll have to remember to use it. I check mine every day and I find it's invaluable for finding those items that have new updates. If an update is found, you can download directly from the FileHippo high speed server so no searching around for the correct one is required.. In addition, you can set the program to also check for "Beta" versions and even to show you the install path to where a particular program is located on your computer. All in all, a nice little program. That's the FileHippo Update Checker.

Desktop Shortcuts Reverting to Generic Icons? Refresh Them!

Refresh your icons by right clicking an empty space on your desktop. Choose 'personalize', then click on 'display settings'. Now, change 32 bit colors to 16. Click apply and okay. Now change 16 bit colors back to 32 bit, apply and okay your way out.

The generic icons should be reset back to the associated web page icons you have chosen.

(Thanks to PC Pitstop for this hint.)

Norton! Is Removal Really Necessary?

For those of you out there who believe that your Norton product may be more than you're comfortable with or you have a damaged or incomplete installation but you can't find a way to uninstall it easily, there's an answer. Symantec has on their site a little known but very effective "Norton Removal Tool". You will receive cautions about saving your registration information for a re-install if that's the way you're going. If you feel it's necessary to uninstall any Norton program, the tool can be downloaded from here . Be sure that you pick the correct tool for your particular product.

New Computer? Dump the "Bloatware"

If you've just purchased a new computer (Vista or XP) you probably already know that the manufacturer has installed all sorts of "trial" programs in an effort to get you to purchase them. This stuff is known as "bloatware" and you probably don't want it on your computer at all since is just takes up space and it's stuff that "just came with the new computer". Now, there's a program that can remove most of this junk in just one try. It's called "PC Decrapifier" and can be found here .There is a free version for general use and a commercial version for those needing a little more, but the free version should be enough for most folks. You may get a warning from your computer asking if you're sure you want to run this but it's okay to say yes. You will be presented with a screen that allows you to pick the stuff you want removed, so a word of caution, be careful what you ask for because when it's gone, it's gone!

Firefox 3.0 (finally)

After waiting for what seems like ages, Firefox 3.0 has finally been released for general use by us mere mortals. While the new version looks almost identical to previous ones, the browser is faster, has much better security features and too many new features to go into properly here. Users will find this new browser feels very familiar and comfortable to use. You may notice that some of your "old version" Firefox Extensions (Add-Ons and Themes) are not compatible with this new version, but Firefox 3.0 will check and disable the incompatible ones for you. This will give you a chance to go to the Mozilla Add-Ons site and see what's new and what's been updated for use with Firefox 3.0. Anything you can't find an updated version of yet will surely be updated soon as the creators of these add-ons come up to speed with the new version. The latest version of Firefox 3.0 can be found here. It will be well worth your while to visit the Firefox 3.0 site and catch up on all the latest improvements to this latest version of Mozilla's Firefox.

This version of Firefox has been downloaded in huge numbers since it's very recent release for general use. Mozilla maintains a download counter showing up to the minute figures of downloads as they occur, and the frequency of "downloads per minute". If you find this sort of thing fascinating, the download counter can be accessed here. Enjoy!

Vista Service Pack 1 - Not Ready for Prime Time

Vista has been around for some time now and folks either think it's okay (having worked out all the kinks for themselves) or they hate it. Now comes the long awaited Service Pack 1 and, in true Vista style, it either installs without a hitch or it drives you to drink with it's quirky installer.

For some folks, it's just another easy Windows Update but for others it's a real chore even getting Service Pack 1 to show up on Windows Update. The problem, it seems, is that the installer will not function at all unless all the "required" previous updates are already successfully installed (and these vary slightly depending on your particular version of Vista) and unless all your programs are fully compatible with this version of Vista. Also, make sure to update all your drivers as this will help a lot.

Even so, if you're lucky enough to get Service Pack 1 successfully installed you may still have odd and unusual problems. Many folks, myself included, had found it impossible to access the Vista Security page after installing Service Pack 1 because of a security feature called "DEP". If you have your own good security setup you can disable this program (DEP) quite easily. I can provide instructions how this can be done but I must add that Microsoft does not recommend this. You're on your own with that one. Incidentally, Microsoft is providing "No Charge" service until May of 2009 for Service Pack 1 problems. They couldn't help me. I had to figure it out on my own. Perhaps you'll have better luck!

In short, Service Pack 1 is problematic and not ready for the average home user yet. Good luck!

Clear your Firefox download list.

If you have been noticing that Firefox downloads have been getting slower and slower, it's probably because your list of items that Firefox has already downloaded is getting longer as time goes on. So why not clean out the list altogether. Using "Control J" will bring up a drop down menu showing all the items Firefox has previously downloaded. Just click the "Clean and Close" button and they're all gone. Now you can start fresh.

Add A Toolbar To Your Desktop

Windows XP

1. Right click an empty area on the taskbar.
2. Point to "Toolbars", then click the toolbar you want to add.
3. The new Toolbar lets you place a shortcut to a folder on the taskbar.

Note:
You can resize the toolbar or move it to another location on the taskbar by pointing to the vertical bar on the left side of the toolbar and dragging it to the left or right.

You can create a floating toolbar by dragging it from the taskbar to the desktop.

To remove a toolbar, right click on an empty area of the taskbar, Point to "Toolbars" and then remove the check mark from the toolbar you want to remove

Windows Vista

The trick in Vista is to go to the desktop and create a plain folder, then, when you drag it to the top of the desktop, it turns into a toolbar. Here's how you do it: click on the yellow folder on the desktop and now, with the left mouse, drag the folder to the very top border, then let go. Dragging the folder to the side of the desktop did not work for me. A promising sign was when the mouse displayed a plus sign(+). At that point I let go and the toolbar magically appeared.
Once the toolbar is created you can drag shortcuts into it just like any other toolbar.

What a handy way to clean up some of the extra stuff on your desktop!

Create an Emergency Rescue Disc!

Did you create a rescue disk when you installed Windows? If not,
or if you can longer locate it, you may want to make sure that you have
one on hand in case a technical problem (usually a problematic new
program which you just installed) prevents your computer from booting.
Here's how in Windows:

CREATE YOUR RESCUE DISK
1. Insert a blank (empty) formatted floppy disk in your floppy drive.
2. Open your Control Panel, accessing it through My Computer, or
through Start, Settings.
3. Double click on Add/Remove Programs.
4. Open the Startup Disk tab, and click on Create Disk.
5. Allow Windows to create your bootable floppy disk.
6. Also, open your Windows directory, and copy your Windows
registry files -- system.dat and user.dat
7. When done, label it as your bootable floppy disk.
8. For extra security, make TWO bootable rescue disks.
9. Test them out. Turn off your computer, then place your rescue
disk in your floppy drive, wait 30 seconds, then turn on your
computer again. You should be able to boot into Windows.
Enter in the SAFE mode to troubleshoot further.

Use Your Mouse to Resize Icons in Vista

Let us start with a quick, easy, yet flashy Vista tip. We are going to resize the desktop icons by holding down the Ctrl key, and scrolling the mouse wheel. See how icons such as the Recycle Bin enlarge or shrink as you turn the mouse's wheel. By scrolling you can get over 20 different sizes of icon, there is bound to be one that suits you. Incidentally, this a classic for learning a tip once, on the Vista Desktop, and then applying wherever you go, for example try Ctrl + scroll the mouse wheel when you are next in Windows Explorer.

Check PC Health in Vista

If you would like to check your PC’s health:

Open up Control Panel and click on the Performance Information and Tools icon. Than open Advanced tools from the list on the left hand side of the screen. Click on the Generate a system health report option at the bottom of the list. This will provide you with a list of any problems the system may be experiencing and some suggestions on how to correct them.

Time and Time Again (Vista)

This one’s interesting. Open up the Date and Time applet in the Control Panel. Flip to the “Additional Clocks” tab. There, you can configure two more clocks from different time zones. They’ll appear in the tooltip when you hover over the Taskbar clock. No additional software (or silly sidebar widgets) necessary. Cool!

Remember Your Info! (Firefox)

InFormEnter adds a small, clickable icon next to every input field in a web form, from where you can select the item to be inserted - no typing required. You can configure it to display your frequently used information such as name, email, address and whatever else you want to be available from the form menu.

So, if you can't remember all the bits and pieces of your info, InFormEnter is for you. This small program resides on your own computer (nothing is sent out online, for security purposes). You can add as many items to the program as you wish and this download supports multiple profiles for multiple users. To use, you just click on the new icon next any input field and then click on the item you want inserted. Note that this program works with secure sites (such as financial institutions, for example) so you will wish to use caution if your computer has one user account, but is accessible by others. This add-on is for Firefox and is compatible with Windows (up to and including Vista).

Windows Media player for Firefox, XP and/or Vista

Good news for those folks that are using Firefox (XP and/or Vista) and wish also to use Windows Media Player. A new and compatible Windows Media Player Plug-in for Firefox has just been released. Now you don't have to use Internet Explorer for all your Windows Media Player content. The new plug-in is available here or by clicking on the title line of this posting. Enjoy!

Feeling "Compatible" with Vista

One concern for Windows XP users is if their favorite software applications will run once they upgrade to Vista.

Luckily, Windows Vista uses a feature called Compatibility Mode which tells the software application that Vista is actually an older OS, specifically Windows 95, 98, Me, NT, 2000, or XP.

Here's how it works:

If your software application won't install, open or work properly, right click on the application's .exe file. Select Properties and then click the Compatibility tab. From there, pick the previous Windows operating system you were on (most likely Windows XP). If you're a system operator, you can set this up as an administrator to make it easier for your staff.

Now, don't you feel better that you know that most of your older programs will run on Vista. Note that this will NOT work on system changes (such as changing your Bootskin.) Stardock say they hope to have a Bootskin changer ready for use soon.

(Information in this tip courtesy of McGraw-Hill)

Here's a little Vista trick you can use in the meantime!

Enable Hidden BootScreen in Windows Vista

The Windows Vista BootScreen is pointless, but Microsoft decided to hide a more visually appealing boot screen that can easily be enabled with very little trouble. I’m not sure why they didn’t make the boot screen better.

1. Press Win+R, type msconfig and press Enter.
2. If User Account Control prompts you to allow the action, click on Continue.
3. In the "System Configuration" window, click on the Boot tab.
4. Select your Windows Vista installation and under "Boot options", check "No GUI boot". Press OK.
5. In the dialog that appears, check "Don’t show this message again", and then click on Restart.
6. Your computer will now reboot, and you will see the Aurora boot screen with text that says "Starting Windows Vista".

Note: You may get a Windows Defender error on the next startup. You can enable the system config utility using the tray icon and this error will go away.