Get To Know Your PC

Preventing Programs from Stealing Focus

2006-09-07T08:03:00.000-05:00

Here's a tip on how to prevent other applications in Windows XP from stealing the focus and popping up in front of other applications.

- Open Regedit and navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \ Desktop

- Change the value of the 'ForegroundLockTimeout' key to 00030d40.

Automatically Logon to Windows XP

2006-09-01T21:08:00.000-05:00

Are you tired of having to click your user name and type a password to login to Windows XP? Here are a couple of ways you can login automatically.

- Open the Start menu, click 'Run', and type "control userpasswords2".

- Uncheck the checkbox labaled "Users must enter a user name and password to use this computer."

OR

You can use Tweak UI, which comes as part of Microsoft PowerToys for Windows XP.

Disable Shared Documents

2006-08-30T17:30:00.000-05:00

Windows XP has a built-in folder which allows other users to share files. Here's how you can disable that Shared Documents folder.

- Open Regedit and navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion \Policies\Explorer

- Right click on the 'Explorer' key and choose New, DWORD Value. Name the new DWORD "NoSharedDocuments".

- Double click "NoSharedDocuments" and enter the value 1.

Network Diagnostic Utility

2006-08-28T18:25:00.000-05:00

Here's a simple way to analyze your Windows XP computer. The Network Diagnostics utility will scan your system to gather information about your hardware, software, and network connections.

- Open the Start menu and click 'Run'.

- Type "netsh diag gui"

Hiding Your Computer in Network Neighborhood

2006-08-25T17:54:00.000-05:00

Want to share files, but don't want anyone to see your Windows XP computer in Network Neighborhood?

- Open the Start menu and click 'Run'.

- Type "net config server /hidden:yes"

Desktop Cleanup Wizard

2006-08-17T19:52:00.000-05:00

Here's how to prevent the Desktop Cleanup Wizard in Windows XP from popping up every 60 days on your desktop.

- Right-click on the desktop and choose 'Properties'.
- Click on the Desktop tab.
- Click on the "Customize Desktop..." button.
- Under "Desktop cleanup", uncheck "Run Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days".
- Click Ok.

Rename the Recycle Bin

2006-08-15T18:14:00.000-05:00

Tired of the name "Recycle Bin" in Windows XP? Want to change it to "Waste Basket", or something unique? This will help.

- Open Regedit and navigate to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/CLSID/{645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E}

- Click on the 'Default' key, and change "Recycle Bin" to whatever name you want.

Command Line Utilities

2006-08-12T16:09:00.000-05:00

Here are some command line utilities in Windows XP that you may find useful. Use the Command Prompt to access them.

bootcfg - Configures, queries, or changes Boot.ini file settings.

driverquery - Displays a list of all installed device drivers and their properties.

getmac - Returns the media access control (MAC) address and list of network protocols associated with each address for all network cards in each computer.

gpresult - Displays Group Policy settings and Resultant Set of Policy (RSOP) for a user or a computer.

netsh - You can use commands in the Netsh Interface IP context to configure the TCP/IP protocol.

schtasks - Schedules commands and programs to run periodically or at a specific time.

systeminfo - Displays detailed configuration information about a computer and its operating system.

Viewing Shared Folders Info

2006-08-11T20:38:00.000-05:00

Here's how to view details about your shared folders in Windows XP, including who's connected and what files they are accessing.

- Open the Start menu, click 'Run', and type "fsmgmt.msc". A windows titled "Shared Folders" opens which lists the shared folders and their details.
   - Shares lists the currently shared folders.
   - Sessions lists the currently connected users.
   - Open Files lists the files being accessed by connected users.

Sharing Multiple Folders

2006-08-10T20:18:00.000-05:00

Want an easy way to setup a shared folder in Windows XP? Try this:

- Click on the Start menu, click 'Run', and type "shrpubw". A dialog called "Create Shared Folder" will open.

- Choose the folder you want to share, enter a share name and description, and click next.

- Choose the permissions you want to apply to the folder and click Finish.

*If you want to share another folder, choose Yes to "Do you want to create another shared folder?" after clicking Finish.

Creating a Password Recovery Disk

2006-08-08T15:59:00.000-05:00

What can you do if you forget your password for your Windows XP user login? Well, if you read the following tip beforehand, you'll have no trouble at all!

- Click the Start menu,open the Control Panel, and choose User Accounts.

- Click the user account you want to create the Recovery Disk for.

- Under 'Related Tasks', click on Prevent forgotten password.

- Follow the prompts and make sure you have a blank disk to use.

If you forget your password, click on the green arrow at the login and you will be prompted to insert the password recover disk.

Renaming Multiple Files

2006-08-06T09:15:00.000-05:00

Have you wanted to be able to rename multiple files all at once in Windows XP? Try this:

- In Windows Explorer, select all the files you want to rename.

- Right-click and select 'Rename'.

- Enter the name you want to use for the files (The files will be renamed with the name you typed, followed by (1), (2), (3), etc. Eg. Newname (1).txt, Newname (2).txt, etc.)

Common Command Console Utilities

2006-08-05T22:29:00.000-05:00

Windows XP comes with quite a few console utilities that are spread throughout the operating system. Here's a few:

Computer Management - compmgmt.msc
Disk Managment - diskmgmt.msc
Device Manager - devmgmt.msc
Disk Defrag - dfrg.msc
Services - services.msc
Event Viewer - eventvwr.msc
Shared Folders - fsmgmt.msc
Group Policies - gpedit.msc
Local Users and Groups - lusrmgr.msc
Performance Monitor - perfmon.msc
Resultant Set of Policies - rsop.msc
Local Security Settings - secpol.msc
Component Services - comexp.msc
System Configuration Utility - msconfig

IP Address Information

2006-08-03T16:26:00.000-05:00

Need to know your IP address in Windows XP? Use one of the following methods to get the details.

1. Click 'Run' on the Start menu and type "cmd" to open 'Command Prompt', then type "ipconfig".

OR

2. Go to the 'Control Panel' and open 'Network Connections'. Right-click the active connection and choose 'Status'. Under the 'Support' tab you will find the IP address information (Click the 'Details' button to find more details, such as your physical address).

No to all

2006-08-02T15:52:00.000-05:00

Have been working with multiple files in Windows XP and wanted a "No To All" as well as the "Yes To All" option on the prompt that pops up? When you get the prompt, hold down the 'Shift' key while clicking "No" and it will be applied to all.

Hiding Taskbar Icons

2006-08-01T20:49:00.000-05:00

Is your Windows XP taskbar becoming cluttered with icons? You can hide some of these icons to reclaim space on your taskbar.

- Right click on the Taskbar and choose 'Properties'.

- Make sure "Hide inactive icons" is checked and click 'Customize'.

- Choose the icon you want to change under the "Name" column and a drop-down box will appear under the "Behaviour" column where you can choose:

    - Hide when inactive
    - Always hide
    - Always show

Change Registered Windows Info

2006-07-31T17:34:00.000-05:00

Want to change the "Registered to:" information in Windows XP's 'System Properties' window? Here's how:

- Start the 'Registry Editor' (regedit)

- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion

- Change the value of 'RegisteredOrganization' or 'RegisteredOwner' to the owner and organization that you want.

Windows Startup Programs

2006-07-30T20:44:00.000-05:00

Is your computer starting slower than usual? Check which programs are being run when Windows XP starts to see if unwanted programs are causing the slowdown.

- Open the Start menu and click 'Run'.

- Type "msconfig" and press enter to open the System Configuration Utility window.

- Click on the 'Startup' tab to view a list of programs started with Windows.

- Uncheck the programs you want to disable and click Apply, then OK.

Guest Account

2006-07-28T15:25:00.000-05:00

The default Guest Account in Windows XP is best disabled if you are not using it. This can help prevent unauthorized access to your computer.

- Open the Control Panel and double-click on User Accounts

- Click "Change an account", then choose the Guest account.

- Click "Turn off the guest account".

Adding more details to the "Details" view

2006-07-26T10:13:00.000-05:00

You can add other columns to the Details view of the files contained in Windows XP folders, such as Comments, Description, Category, and many others. To add new columns:

- Right–click the column header of the files list, and then click one of the fields listed, or click More.

- In the Choose Details dialog box, you can reorganize the order of column headers, specify column widths, and add columns to display details for the files in that folder.

About Windows XP Time

2006-07-24T23:59:00.000-05:00

Is your computer's time not correct? In Windows XP, the system time can be kept up-to-date automatically if you're connected to the internet.

- Double-click on the time in the system tray.

- Under the 'Internet Time' tab, make sure that "Automatically synchronize with an Internet time server" is checked.

- Choose a time server from the "Server:" box. Then, click 'Apply'.

*You can change the time server by typing in the address of a new time server in the "Server:" box.

Change the Internet Explorer Title

2006-07-22T20:31:00.000-05:00

Here's a tip to change the default text ("Microsoft Internet Explorer") shown in your Internet Explorer window's title

- Start Regedit by clicking on 'Run' in the start menu and typing "regedit".
- Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main
- Right click on the 'Main' key and choose New, String Value. Name the new string "Window Title".
- Double click "Window Title" and enter the text you want to appear in the title bar.

*Caution! Always backup your registry before making any changes, especially if you are not familiar with Regedit.

Power User Accounts

2006-07-21T11:47:00.000-05:00

Rather than staying with the default 'Administrator' account in Windows XP, using a Power User account will provide the same flexibility, but with improved security.

Here is how to create a Power User Account:
- Right click 'My Computer', choose 'Manage'
- Choose 'System Tools', 'Local Users and Groups', then right click on 'Users' and select 'New User'.
- Type in a user name and password, then click 'Create'.
- Next, double click the new user you created in the 'Users' list.
- Under the 'Member Of' tab, click 'Add'.
- Type "Power Users" and click 'Check Names'.
- Click OK, and you've got a power user account.

Keyboard shortcuts that save time

2006-07-20T19:59:00.000-05:00

When you have multiple windows open, it can take alot of time to switch between the various windows with the mouse, especially when doing small copy-and-pastes. Try the 'Alt+Tab' keyboard shortcut to switch between the windows faster.
Hold down the 'Alt' key and press the 'Tab' key to popup a list of the active windows. Each press of 'Tab' will switch to the next window.

Start menu delay

2006-07-18T21:04:00.000-05:00

The delay before a menu pops up in the Start menu can be made faster.

- Start Regedit.
- Navigate to 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop'.
- Select "MenuShowDelay", right click, and choose Modify.
- Enter a fairly low number (150 - 300) greater than 0.

Separate Window Processes

2006-07-16T06:08:00.000-05:00

Has Internet Explorer crashed on you and closed every one of your Internet Explorer windows? The following tip causes multiple instances of the same application to execute in their own process and memory space. This will take up more of your RAM, but will allow for greater system stability.

- Open 'My Computer' (or any Explorer window)
- Select Tools
- Select Folder Options, then select the View tab.
- Scroll down, check the "Launch folder windows in separate process" box, and click 'Apply'.

PodCasting and RSS

2006-07-14T04:18:00.000-05:00

Have you heard the words "Subscribe to our Podcast" lately? What about RSS? Podcasting is new method for distributing media over the internet. Essentially, when you "subscribe" you are signing up to receive automatic downloads of content from a feed that is either in RSS or Atom syndication format. These feeds can be providing video, audio, news headlines and articles, and lots of other content. You don't need an iPod to receive podcasts, but you will need an RSS aggregator, which is software that "reads the feeds".

Here is a non-technical explanation of RSS.

Stopping Messenger Service

2006-07-13T17:48:00.000-05:00

To help stop pop up messages on your computer (the kind that pops up in front of everything with a text message), you can disable the Messenger service.

- Click Start, Settings, Control Panel
- Click Performance and Maintenance
- Click Administrative Tools
- Double click Services
- Scroll down and right click on "Messenger", then choose 'Properties'.
- Click the STOP button
- Select Manual as the 'Startup Type' and click OK.

Command Prompt

2006-07-10T17:50:00.000-05:00

Before the operating systems we use today had graphical interfaces, computers were controlled using text commands. Command prompt was essential to running a computer, and even now that we point and click our way around Windows it can still be very useful. For instance, the PING command is a handy way to test the connectivity of a computer. Try it by going to the command prompt and typing:

ping gettoknowyourpc.blogspot.com

To access the command prompt, go to the Start menu, click run, and type cmd.

Read more about the command prompt at PC Stats.

Google Pack

2006-07-08T22:45:00.000-05:00

Google Pack is a simple package of useful software that is essential. It comes with Google Desktop, Picasa, Google Toolbar, Ad-Aware, Norton AntiVirus, Adobe Reader, and a host of other optional softwares.
Check it out here!

Uninstall Hidden Windows XP Components

2006-07-08T17:48:00.000-05:00

To uninstall some specific built-in Windows Components in Windows XP, you first have to make the component visible in the Control Panel's "Add or Remove Programs" section.

Edit the file: C:\Windows\inf\sysoc.inf

Remove the word 'hide' from the specific component you want to uninstall and it will appear in the "Add/Remove Windows Components" section in the Control panel.

Tweaking Windows XP

2006-07-07T19:22:00.000-05:00

Want to have more control over the Windows XP operating system? Check out Microsoft PowerToys for Windows XP. PowerToys provides a host of tools that allow you to fine tune the ways you use XP.

Windows shortcut key

2006-07-06T22:49:00.000-05:00

The Microsoft Windows shortcut (logo) key can be used for more than just popping up the Start menu. Here are some keyboard shortcuts that may save you time:

• Windows Logo: Start menu
• Windows Logo+R: Run dialog box
• Windows Logo+M: Minimize all
• SHIFT+Windows Logo+M: Undo minimize all
• Windows Logo+F1: Help
• Windows Logo+E: Windows Explorer
• Windows Logo+F: Find files or folders
• Windows Logo+D: Minimizes all open windows and displays the desktop
• CTRL+Windows Logo+F: Find computer
• CTRL+Windows Logo+TAB: Moves focus from Start, to the Quick Launch toolbar, to the system tray (use RIGHT ARROW or LEFT ARROW to move focus to items on the Quick Launch toolbar and the system tray)
• Windows Logo+TAB: Cycle through taskbar buttons
• Windows Logo+Break: System Properties dialog box

Publishing made easier

2006-07-05T21:56:00.000-05:00

Writely is a publishing tool that allows you create new documents from scratch, upload them from popular file formats, or even e-mail them in batches! Your files are stored online so you, or your collaborators, can access them from anywhere, anytime. And with data backup every 10 seconds, your work is protected from hard drive failures and power outages that could wipe out all your hard work!

Writely gives you full control over your blog by allowing you to manage your posts in many helpful ways! You can choose who can view your works, when changes are published, how they are categorized, who edited what, and revert to older versions of your documents.

Check it out!

Windows Alternative

2006-07-05T04:03:00.000-05:00

Here's an alternative to using Microsoft Windows. Try Ubuntu Linux (www.ubuntu.com). The software and support are free of charge.

Spyware, adware, and viruses

2006-07-04T20:30:00.000-05:00

It seems today that you can't browse more than a few search results before you stumble upon popups and malicious web page components. They popup ads, add toolbars, hijack your home page, and make other changes without your permission. To remove, and most importantly prevent, these abuses you need to have the software to fight them.

Here are a couple of products that can help you keep your computer clear of a good portion of internet threats:

ewido anti-spyware (Free) - Offers a free 30-day trial version containing all the extensions of the full version. At the end of the trial, these extensions will be deactivated and the program will turn into a feature-limited freeware version.

Ad-Aware (Free) - Ad-Aware Personal is a free download that provides advanced protection from known data-mining, aggressive advertising, Trojans, dialers, malware, browser hijackers, and tracking components.

Spyware Doctor (Free) - The free trial version of Spyware Doctor is designed to scan and detect the types of unwanted files you might have on your PC such as spyware, adware and key loggers.

Spybot Search & Destroy (Free) - Search & Destroy can detect and remove spyware of different kinds from your computer.

These softwares alone won't guarantee that your computer will always be clean, but are a good start! Combined with an anti-virus program, anti-spam protection, and regular system "tune-ups" your computer should run relatively well all the time.

General Windows XP Performance

2006-07-03T03:19:00.000-05:00

Does your computer always seems to run slow when you're simply opening the Start Menu, or your My Documents folder? Try turning off some of the visual effects in Windows to increase your computer's performance.

Right click on the 'My Computer' icon on the desktop and choose 'Properties'. Go to the 'Advanced' tab and click 'Settings' under the Performance section. Picking "Adjust for best performance" will turn off all of the Windows XP effects, including the stylized taskbar and Explorer windows. I suggest leaving checkmarked, "Use visual styles on windows and buttons", and "Use common tasks in folders".

Computer Dos and Don'ts

2006-07-01T19:42:00.000-05:00

Do: Run anti-virus and general computer maintenance software regularly.

Don't: Eat or drink near the computer. Your computer doesn't need to be fed!

Do: Update your various softwares to lower the risk of viruses exploiting your computer.

Don't: Open attachments in email from a sender you don't recognize.

Do: Keep you computer clean and cool. Excessive heat from improper cooling and dust build-up can shorten the lifespan of your computer.

Don't: Open the computer case while the power plug is plugged into the computer's power supply!

Do: Use a power bar with surge protection, and even a backup power supply. Losing your data, or even the use of your computer, due to electrical problems can be upsetting!

Don't: Fill up every portion of your computer hard drive. Having very little free space will affect your computer's overall performance!

Finally, if your computer seems to be frozen or unresponsive, slowly count to 10 without pressing any keys. Programs eventually start to run slower as more of the computer's resources are used up. Giving the computer a few extra seconds, and not pressing keys (which gives the computer even more to process), will often save you some frustration.

KB vs. MB vs. Kbps

2006-06-30T22:48:00.000-05:00

When you see a file size posted as 1,000KB, it is not the same as a file size of 1MB. 1MB(megabyte) is equal to 1,024KB(kilobytes), so that means the 1MB file is actually larger than the 1,000KB file. The same applies for a 1GB(gigabyte) file equalling 1,024MB, or 1,048,576KB.
Download speeds can be different from file sizes. When downloading a file, the speed is usually given in kbps(kilobits per second), which is not the same as KB/s(kilobytes per second). 1 kilobyte is equal to 8 kilobits. So, downloading at 50KB/s will be faster than downloading at 50kbps.

Place Internet Explorer Favorites on the start menu

2006-06-28T14:52:00.000-05:00

Want to save time getting to your favorite web sites? Right click on the start button and choose 'Properties,' then hit the 'Customize' button. Choose the 'Advanced' tab and scroll down until you reach the 'Favorites menu' option. Check it and click 'OK' and your Internet Explorer favorites list will appear on the start menu.
If you're using the 'Classic Start menu', after clicking 'Customize' check the 'Display Favorites' box and click 'OK'.

Backup utility in XP Home

2006-06-28T14:36:00.000-05:00

Windows XP Home does not have the Windows backup utility installed. This utility does exist on the XP Home CD, and will work just fine once installed.
To install Windows backup on XP Home place your XP Home CD in your drive and navigate to '(CD drive letter):\valueadd\msft\ntbackup\'. Then, double click the 'NTBACKUP.MSI' file to start the installation process.

Defrag your PC?

2006-06-26T04:15:00.000-05:00

Over time, the files on your computer become scattered about on your computer's hard drive. This leaves gaps of free space, fragmented files, and generally slows the performance of your pc. Defragmenting your computer's hard drive will organize files and free space so your pc will perform better.

For details on how to use defrag in Windows XP, click here.

Welcome one and all!

2006-06-26T03:51:00.000-05:00

First of all, thank you for taking time to read this blog. I hope to post some good tips which will make your experience with your pc more enjoyable and less troublesome. Check here often to get new advice and tips!