16 Apr, 2009
The free version of this tweaking tool for Vista only gives you access to some of the program’s features – you’ll need to upgrade to the Pro version to unlock them all. The available functions are split between four tabs. Tools offers system information, a Registry cleaner and a disk defragmenter. System conatins a recentitems cleaner, and system, file, network and security tools. Optimization focuses on your computer’s memory/cache and services, while Customizations covers the Start Menu, Taskbar and Media Player.
http://seriousbit.com
8 Apr, 2009
In Windows XP, you can rename multiple files simultaneously. Select all the revelant files, then right-click and select Rename. Type in your chosen title and they will be all renamed according to what you entered, with a number in brackets to differentiate between them.
8 Apr, 2009
If you need to leave your computer in hurry but want to keep documents safe from prying eyes, you can lock your Desktop by pressing the Windows key and the L key at the same time.
24 Nov, 2008
When you have three or more files opened in the same application, WIndows saves space by combining them in a single Taskbar button. To prevent this from happening, right-click the Start button and select Properties. Click the Taskbar tab and deselect the option ‘Group similar taskbar buttons’.
30 Jul, 2008
Vista can transform any spare USB flash drive or SD card into an additional memory cache. To use the ReadyBoost feature, simply plug the drive into a spare USB port (or insert your card into the slot) and when AutoPlay kicks in, select Speed Up My System. You can specify how much of the available memory it should use. Any noticeable improvement in speed will largely depend on how much memory you have installed in the first place. Lower-spec laptops will probably benefit the most.
ReadyBoost isn’t available for XP but there is a decent alternative in the shape of eBoostr (www.eboostr.com). This commercial product costs between £12 and £20 or there’s a free trial version you can use for up to four hours at a time.
18 Jun, 2008
One annoying feature of WIndows Vista is the thickness of the windows borders. They are huge, they look ugly, and they take up too much space. To get the nice, thin window borders that you got used to with XP, right-click the Desktop and select Personalize. Click ‘Windows Color and Appearance’, and then click the Advanced button. In the drop-down list of items select Active Window Border and set the size to 1. Then select Border Padding and set the size to 1. Click OK twice to apply the settings.
6 May, 2008
If you find Vista’s Start menu confusing, you can revert to the familiar Windows layer. Right-click the Taskbar and select Properties. Click the Start Menu tab and select the Classic Start menu option.
6 May, 2008
ReadyBoost turns any flash drive into an additional memory cache. Plug the drive into a spare USB port and Vista will ask if you wish to use it to speed up your system performance. You can specify how much of the memory to use.
6 May, 2008
Change which program loads when you double-click an MP3 file or a web link by clicking Start, Default Programs and selecting ‘Set Program Access and Computer Defaults’. Click the down arrow next to Custom to set a different default program.
6 May, 2008
If you’re struggling to find programs in the Start menu, you can reorder it alphabetically Just right-click any program in the menu and select ‘Sort by name’.
