13 Oct, 2009
Before you make any major changes in Windows, you should always set a System Restore point that you can roll back to in the event of any problems arising. Points are often created automatically for you but it never hurts to create another, just to make sure. To use System Restore in Vista, click Start and type ‘restore’ (without the quotes) into the search box. In XP, go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools and click System Restore. From here, you can manually create a System Restore point or return your computer to a previous set-up.
13 Oct, 2009
With Remote Desktop Connection you can access a computer running Windows from another computer running WIndows that is connected to the same network or to the internet. Click the Start button, select All Programs or Programs, and then click Accessories. To quickly open Remote Desktop Connection, open the Start menu, and they type ‘mstsc’ (without the quotes) in the Search box.
13 Oct, 2009
Vista’s built-in Parental Controls are accessible through the Control Panel. They let you block or allow specific programs and activities (including instant messengaging, set time limites and collect information on computer usage. The Parental Controls can be easily changed to reflect your specific needs.
12 Oct, 2009
Click the Start button, right-click Computer and then click Properties. The Windows Vista edition you are running is listed under ‘Windows edition’ at the top of the screen.
12 Oct, 2009
ClearType is technology designed to improve the readability of text on existing LCD monitors. To switch ClearType off, first right-click the Desktop and choose Personalize, then click on Window Color and Appearancc. Now select ‘Open classic appearance properties for more color options’ and, in the Appearance Settings window, click the Effects button. Uncheck the box for ‘Use the following method to smooth edges of screen fonts’ with ClearType in the drop-down list.
11 Oct, 2009
Simply right-click the picture and then click Set as Background.
11 Oct, 2009
Insert your Windows Installation disc and boot from there. At the ‘Welcome to Setup’ screen, hit R to start the Recovery Console. Once this has loaded, type ‘fixboot’ (without the quotes), hit Enter and then try rebooting your system. This should solve the problem, if it doesn’t, repeat the process but this time type ‘fixmbr’ (again, without the quotes).
11 Oct, 2009
Tap the Alt key to display the traditional menu bar. It’ll disappear again when you select a menu item.
11 Oct, 2009
Increased security measures prevent some older XP programs from running in Vista. To get round this, right-click the program icon in an Explorer window, on the Desktop or in the Start menu, and select ‘Run as administrator’.
11 Oct, 2009
Go to Start, Control Panel and open the ‘Backup and Restore Center’. Click the ‘Back up files’ button and choose where you want to save your data to. This can be another hard disk, CD or DVD, or over a network. Choose the type of files to back up (such as pictures, music or email), set how often you want Windows to do this for you (daily, weekly or monthly), then pick a day and time. Save the settings and you’re ready to make your first back-up.
