PC Hints and Tips

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tap the Alt key to display the traditional menu bar. It’ll disappear again when you select a menu item.

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’.

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.

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.

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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.