if you share your PC
with another person, you know that logging off one account and logging
onto another is faster than rebooting. You also know that switching
between accounts is even faster.
But in Windows 8, the option isn't where experienced Windows users
would expect it to be. It's yet another case of Microsoft making things
easier for novice users at the expense of everyone else. The company
renamed and moved these options in a way that actually makes sense. But
for experienced Windows hands, there's a slight learning curve.
Log off is now called Sign Off. There's no longer an option called Switch user, but
there doesn't have to be; the users' names are right there to switch
to. And rather than putting these options in the Power section, they're
at the user icon.
You'll find your name, and maybe your picture, in the top-right
corner of the Start screen. Click or tap it. If there are other user
accounts on this computer, you can select one and switch. As with
earlier versions, your existing account will remain open, so you can
switch back and pick up where you left off.
Of course you'll have to enter your password.
To completely log off of one account and log onto another, click or tap your name or picture and select Sign out. You'll be prompted to log on (or perhaps I should say "sign in") as another user.
Note: I altered this article shortly after it went on line. I changed the title to better reflect the article's content.
When locked, Windows doesn't power down. Instead, it displays the logon
screen--or the screen saver of your choice. This is strictly a security
option; it doesn't save power.
You set up Windows to lock itself in the Screen Saver dialog box. To get there in Windows 7, click Start, type screen saver, and select Change screen saver. In Windows 8's Home screen, type screen saver, click or tap Settings, and select Change screen saver.
When locked, Windows doesn't power down. Instead, it displays the logon
screen--or the screen saver of your choice. This is strictly a security
option; it doesn't save power.When locked, Windows doesn't power down.
Instead, it displays the logon screen--or the screen saver of your
choice. This is strictly a security option; it doesn't save power.
To lock the screen automatically, check the On resume option and set the Wait option to an appropriate number of minutes. The default, one minute, is decidedly too short.
Sleep
When it sleeps, Windows goes into a suspended, low-energy mode which
requires only a trickle of electricity. When you press the power button,
it wakes up almost immediately, asks for your password, then takes you
back to where you left it.
To set this up in Windows 7, click Start, type sleep, and select Change when the computer sleeps. In Windows 8's Start screen, type sleep, click or tap Settings, then Change when the computer sleeps.
Once the appropriate applet is up, everything is pretty simple. If
you've got a laptop, you'll probably have separate On Battery and
Plugged In options.
Hibernation
Physically, a hibernating PC is a turned-off PC, effectively using no
power at all. Windows copies everything in RAM to the hard drive, then
shuts the PC off entirely. When you reboot, everything is loaded back
into RAM and the PC wakes up.
You'll have to do a little more work to set your PC to automatically
hibernate. In the same applet where you set up Sleep, click the Change Advanced power settings link. In the resulting dialog box, expand the Sleep section, then expand Hibernate after, and set the minutes.
By the way, you don't have to pick between these three. You can, for
instance, set up Windows to lock itself after five minutes, sleep after
20, and hibernate after 120.
USB flash drives are convenient,
portable, and very easy to lose. Which is a problem, especially if
they're carrying sensitive data. Fortunately Windows 7 Ultimate and
Enterprise have the solution: encrypt your documents with an extension
of Microsoft's BitLocker technology, and only someone with the password
will be able to access it. Right-click your USB flash drive, select Turn
on BitLocker and follow the instructions to protect your private files.
2. Minimise quickly with shake
If
you have multiple windows open on your desktop and things are getting
too cluttered, it used to be a time-consuming process to close them all
down. In Windows 7 you can use the Aero Shake feature to minimise
everything in seconds, using a cool mouse gesture. Grab the title bar of
the window you wish to keep open and give it a shake, and rejoice in a
clear desktop area.
3. Configure your favourite music
The
Windows 7 Media Centre now comes with an option to play your favourite
music, which by default creates a changing list of songs based on your
ratings, how often you play them, and when they were added (it's assumed
you'll prefer songs you've added in the last 30 days). If this doesn't
work then you can tweak how Media Centre decides what a favourite tune
is- click Tasks > Settings > Music > Favourite Music and
configure the program to suit your needs.
4. Customise System Restore(Windows problems and solutions)
There
was very little you could do to configure System Restore in Vista, but
Windows 7 improves the situation with a couple of useful setup options.
Click
the Start orb, right-click Computer and select Properties > System
Protection > Configure, and set the Max Usage value to a size that
suits your needs (larger to hold more restore points, smaller to save
disk space).
And if you don't need System Restore to save Windows
settings then choose the option to Only Restore Previous Versions of
Files. Windows 7 won't back up your Registry, which means you'll squeeze
more restore points and file backups into the available disk space.
System Restore is much less likely to get an unbootable PC working
again, though, so use this trick at your own risk.
nd this will take effect
after you next reboot.
5. Tweak PC volume
By default
Windows 7 will now automatically reduce the volume of your PC's sounds
whenever it detects you're making or receiving PC-based phone calls. If
this proves annoying (or maybe you'd like it to turn off other sounds
altogether) then you can easily change the settings accordingly. Just
right-click the speaker icon in your taskbar, select Sounds >
Communications, and tell Windows what you'd like it to do.
6. Rearrange the system tray
With
Windows 7 we finally see system tray icons behave in a similar way to
everything else on the taskbar. So if you want to rearrange them, then
go right ahead, just drag and drop them into the order you like. You can
even move important icons outside of the tray, drop them onto the
desktop, then put them back when you no longer need to keep an eye on
them.
7. Extend your battery life
Windows 7 includes new
power options that will help to improve your notebook's battery life. To
see them, click Start, type Power Options and click the Power Options
link, then click Change Plan Settings for your current plan and select
Change Advanced Settings. Expand Multimedia Settings, for instance, and
you'll see a new Playing Video setting that can be set to optimise power
savings rather than performance. Browse through the other settings and
ensure they're set up to suit your needs.
8. Write crash dump files(Windows problems and solutions)
Windows 7 won't create memory.dmp
crash files if you've less than 25GB of free hard drive space, annoying
if you've installed the Windows debugging tools and want to diagnose
your crashes. You can turn this feature off, though: browse to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\CrashControl, create
a new DWORD value called AlwaysKeepMemoryDump, set it to 1, and the
crash dump file will now always be saved.
9. Repair your PC(Windows problems and solutions)
If
Windows 7 won't start, you may not need an installation or repair disc
any more, as the repair environment is now usually installed on your
hard drive. Press [F8] as your PC starts, and if you see a Repair Your
Computer option, choose that to see the full range of Windows 7 recovery
tools.
10. Action Center(Windows problems and solutions) Version: 7 Click
the flag icon in the Taskbar's notification area to access the Action
Center. Here you can get an at-a-glance look at problems, plus launch a
series of troubleshooters to help quickly fix the problems that plague
you, without getting your hands dirty. 11. Show printer ink levels(Windows problems and solutions) Version: XP, Vista, 7
If
you've just upgraded to a new version of Windows and can't access your
printer's ink levels, the bad news is that Windows installed a basic
driver without the function.
Check the manufacturer's site for a dedicated driver and – if it exists – install that. 12. Fix Windows driver problems Version: XP, Vista, 7
Most
hardware problems can be traced to the drivers, the software that
enables them to work with Windows. When it comes to tracking down
problems, the first port of call should be Windows' own Device Manager –
here's how to troubleshoot problems using this useful tool. Step 1. Open Device Manager Press
[Windows] + [R], type "devmgmt. msc" and press [Enter]. Look for yellow
exclamation marks next to troublesome hardware devices and double-click
one. Step 2.Get error details Look
on the General tab for an error code and description of the problem –
if a troubleshoot button is present, click it to see if you can fi x the
problem easily. Step 3.Search online If
no fix is forthcoming, use the error details as part of your web search
– try a general search first, then add your hardware's make and model
if necessary. 13. Resolve ReadyBoost conflict (Windows problems and solutions)
Version: Vista, 7
Your
PC can only use one ReadyBoost device at a time, and some computers
come with built-in flash memory already configured for use with
ReadyBoost.
To resolve this conflict click Start, rightclick
Computer and select Manage, then under Storage choose "Disk Management"
to verify the existence of such a drive. Look for a program called Intel
Turbo Memory Console (type "Intel" into the Start menu's Search box)
and open this to disable the built-in drive in favour of your own. 14. Folder settings not remembered(Windows problems and solutions)
Version: XP, Vista, 7
If
you find you can no longer customise folders to look and behave how you
want, the solution involves some editing of with two Registry subkeys –
BagMRU and Bags – which are found in two separate locations: Shell and
ShellNoRoam under HKEY_ CURRENT_USER\Software\ Microsoft\Windows.
Think
this sounds like too much hassle? No problem, just open the Microsoft
Fix It Center tool (see tip three) and run the "Diagnose and repair
Windows Files and Folder Problems" wizard. This will do the hard work
for you. 15. PC keeps rebooting Version: XP, Vista, 7
If
your PC restarts unexpectedly after briefly displaying a blue screen,
then it's encountered a STOP error. If this keeps occurring you need to
identify it. In
Vista and Windows 7 you can stop Windows automatically restarting from
the Windows boot menu that should appear; if you use XP click Start,
right-click My Computer and select Properties > Advanced tab. Click
Settings under "Startup and Recovery" and untick "Automatically restart"
before clicking OK twice.
Now when the STOP error occurs you'll
see a blue screen with details of the error message; note down the
description, any files it refers to, and the STOP error code. Then
search the web for these terms to hopefully find a solution.(Windows problems and solutions)
Motherboards are often unnoticed by most computer stuff. In fact it plays a rattling serious part to develop your machine. It was the introductory feeling you requisite to be learned because it dictates the boilersuit capabilities of your grouping. This article faculty learn you how to determine wisely the good motherboard to physique your computer.(computer builder)
Here are both things to be wise in choosing the opportune motherboard
1. The maximum processor swiftness. Adjudicate what is the uncomparable modify that suits your needs and also for your ulterior counselling of upgrading it. The socket it can palm. Intel processors offers incompatible socket for their fresh free processor. It capital that you possess limitations on upgrading your method into a newer variant of their processor. Unlike AMD processors they stay the assonant to their socket. A advised mind for this is to prefer a motherboard that supports AMD processor.(computer builder)
2. The ratio of storage and what benignant of module it can concur. DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 are completely diverse and DDR3 is the fastest of them all. Another thing is the filler of remembering it can hold. Newer type of motherboards can connection up to 16GB of store and that was quite big enough. You modify select a skate that supports DDR3 and the fastest locomote the motherboard can grip.(computer builder)
3. The discussion slots. What remaining cards you can tie into it? Mostly free motherboards in the market are now having a PCI-E 16x and PCI-E 1x which is the most widely utilised increase interval time. The primo happening to do is to determine motherboard with an supernumerary sort of slots that you faculty be required for your approaching discourse.(computer builder)
4. What remaining peripherals you can join into it? The identify of SATA and ATA/IDE beam. The circumscribe of USB embrasure. Does it jibe the name ports you're feat to use including for your ulterior needs?(computer builder)
5. What are the built-in features? Built-in features are encircling game that are unsegregated into your motherboard. Any of these are strong, recording, LAN and modem. If your applications are purely part create you can hold money if you decide a motherboard having a built-in recording bill on it. But, if your applications are author on graphics I evoke you buy a part video cards.(computer builder)
6. The chipset beingness misused. Chipsets are immobile into the motherboard and it greatly affects your scheme performance. Punk motherboard mostly uses low end chipset but it doesn't will that overpriced boards utilised the unexceeded chipset out there. The someone objective to do is to conclude reviews for your chosen motherboard to jazz its performance.(computer builder)
7. The Price. Flat though if you're in a hermetic budget the motherboard is not the endmost action you acquire to kill. A great motherboard is change than a complete hunt casing.(computer builder)
Read how to decide the uncomparable computer parts for you to Frame Own Computer. Rey Basti is a computer constituent instructor for statesman than 12 years and prepared to cater you to Physique Your Machine in 8 undemanding to take steps.(computer builder)
A number of factors could be slowing down a PC. Let's look at some of
the common ones, starting with the issues that are the easiest to
detect and to fix. Defrag the Hard Drive
I'll be honest; it's been at least a decade since I've seen empirical evidence proving that a
fragmented
hard drive slows a PC. But a lot of people insist that it does, and
defragging certainly won't hurt. To defrag your hard drive:
Click Start and select Computer or My Computer.
Right-click your C: drive and select Properties.
Click the Tools tab, then the Defragment now button.
Check For Malware
A malicious program working in the background could slow down your PC
while also doing more serious damage. If your PC is infected, chances
are that your existing antivirus program is compromised. Try something
else. I recommend using the free version of either SUPERAntiSpyware or Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware. Or the AVG Rescue CD, which scans in a non-Windows--and therefore non-infected--environment. Trim Down Your Autoloaders
If you're like most Windows users, you have too many programs loading
automatically every time you boot. Turning some of them off may help.
You don't have to uninstall the programs, just keep them from loading
when you don't need them.
Of course, some autoloaders are absolutely necessary. For instance,
you must have an antivirus program running at all times. Whatever other
programs you want to autoload is up to you.
To manage your autoloaders:
Click Start (Start, then Run in XP), type msconfig, and press ENTER.
Click the Startup tab.
Uncheck some of the programs to disable their autostarting. Experiment until you're satisfied.
Here's another option: Download and install the free Glary Utilities and use its Startup Manager (which you'll find on the Optimize and Improve tab). Unlike Msconfig, it gives you useful information about the Startup programs.
You're working on an important project, and suddenly your screen is
filled with seemingly incoherent white text against a blue background.
There's nothing you can do but reboot your PC and hope that everything
important was saved to your hard drive.
Microsoft calls these stop errors, but everyone else prefers a more descriptive label: The Blue Screen of Death (BSoD).
They're not as common as they used to be, but BSoDs still happen (I
experienced one two days ago as I write this). If you get one, curse,
reboot, and hope for the best. But if you're getting them frequently,
you've got a problem that needs fixing.
The trick is to find information about your particular BSoD, and
then--since that information usually comes in an obtuse form--search the
Internet for more practical advice.
What should you look for when the BSoD is in front of you? You'll
find useful data immediately below the first paragraph, and under the
"Technical information" label near the bottom of the screen. I've
highlighted those areas on the image below.Blue Screen
Since you can't use Windows' Snipping Tool to capture a BSoD
screen, you'll need to write down the important information on paper.Blue Screen
Click for full imageBlue ScreenOr
you can use a camera or phone to photograph the screen. Just don't
expect a great-looking photo--or even an easily readable one.
You can also get information on the BSoD after you've rebooted:
If you get a "Windows has recovered from an unexpected shutdown" message, you're in luck. Click View problem details for technical information.Blue Screen
You can also click Check for solution, but don't expect much help there. In my experience, this button rarely does anything.Blue Screen
You can also get information, after rebooting, via the free and portable program BlueScreenView. This lists all of your recent BSoDs and offers the needed info.Blue Screen
However you get the info, intelligent use of a search engine can probably bring up something useful.
If it doesn't, here are some other tests you might try:
Going visiting this holiday season? If you’re staying with friends or
family members, don’t be surprised if the bed is lumpy, the room is
cold, and the Wi-Fi is locked down.
Not on purpose, of course. Nearly everyone has a home Wi-Fi network
nowadays, but not everyone remembers their network password when guests
start showing up with tablets, laptops, and phones in need of Internet.
Typically, this happens because after Uncle Rusty sets up the router,
he never has to touch it again and eventually his unbeatable password
gets forgotten. Result: No Wi-Fi for you, or any other visitor.
Wi-Fi Wizarding 101(computer tips)
Thankfully, there are a few simple tricks for solving this problem.
The fastest, quickest way to remedy a lack of Internet is to fire up
your smartphone’s hotspot option, though if you’re out in the country
(grandma does live over the river
and through the woods), the connection could be slow. Worse, streaming a
couple of Netflix movies will quickly burn through your monthly data
allotment.
No, the only smart fix here is to wrangle your host’s router, to duck
into the settings and make the network more amenable to guests. Tricky?
It might be, but I bet it'll be easier than you think.
Step one: get permission. You wouldn’t go poking around someone’s
underwear drawer without asking, and the same rules apply to fiddling
with someone’s lifeline to the Internet. In fact, you should be prepared
to pay for a tech support call if your monkeying around tanks the whole
setup—nothing ruins a holiday like busted Wi-Fi.
Next, see if there’s an easy software fix. I recommend you start by checking out NirSoft’s WirelessKeyView, a free utility designed
WirelessKeyView(computer tips)
to help recover lost WEP/WPA passwords. Just run it (with
permissions!) on your host’s computer—it requires no installation, and
in fact can run right from a flash drive toolset (you do carry a survival flash drive
filled with handy tools and utilities, right?)—then look for the
password (or “key”) associated with the network name. If it works, you
should be able to log into the network on your own laptop, tablet, or
whatever.
However, WirelessKeyView will work only if your host used Windows’ Wireless Zero Configuration service
to connect to the router. There’s probably no way to know that in
advance, but you should definitely try your luck with the utility—it
could be a 10-second solution.
If not, you’ll need to sign into the router directly, which must be
done via the Web browser on your host’s computer. But first it’s time
for a little detective work, starting with eyeballing the actual router
to determine the make and model. You need to find two key pieces of
information: the IP address and the default password.
The IP address is what you’ll enter into the browser’s address field
to establish the initial connection to the router. The vast majority of
them use one of the following:
http://192.168.0.1
http://192.168.1.1
If you type in one of those addresses and then press Enter, you
should find yourself looking at the router’s sign-in screen. If not, a
little Web searching should reveal the correct IP address. Try something
like, “Trendnet N300 default IP address.” Alternately, head to the
router manufacturer’s website and peruse the support pages. You should
be able to find an online manual for that particular router, if not a
FAQ page that lists the address.
RouterPasswords.com is an invaluable resource for accessing routers that haven't been customized.
Now it’s time to sign into the router proper. Hopefully the owner
never bothered to change the default username and password, in which
case you should head to RouterPasswords.com, select the router brand
from the drop-down menu, then click Find Password.
You’ll see a list with all the default usernames and passwords for that
brand’s models. Find the one that matches, then give it a try.
If your host did set up a unique username and password for the router
(which, remember, will probably be different from the password for the
Wi-Fi network itself, which is ultimately what you’re after), and
doesn’t have them written down or committed to memory, this may be where
you reach an impasse. Although most routers can be reset to factory
settings (again, Google it), thereby wiping all passwords, that may be
more than you want to take on during a friendly holiday visit.
If you can set up your host's router to allow guest access, you're well on your way to having a harmonious holiday.
Let’s assume, though, that you were able to sign in. Now it’s just a
matter of finding the Wi-Fi network settings, which in most router menus
are plainly labeled. (If not, the aforementioned online manual should
help you locate them.) From here you have two choices: change the
network password or enable guest access.
If you change the network password, make sure to write it down for
your host for safekeeping. Also, do the cool thing and sign back into
the network on each of his or her devices, as each one will have to
reconnect using the new password.
The better option, however, is guest access, a feature common on most
newer routers. Enabling it allows visitors like yourself to get online
while restricting access to other areas of the network, and without
revealing the primary network password. Again, make sure to clear it
with your friend or relative before setting this up. But it really is
the best option for keeping a home network private while still allowing
visitors to hit up the Wi-Fi. And once it’s set up, you’ll never again
dread spending a long weekend with those people. Well, except for the usual reasons.
