Computer Tips

How to disable shutdown button on the Log-in screen?

2009-06-22T07:58:00.001-07:00

Windows 2000 Workstation's log-in screen has a "Shutdown" button which you can use to shutdown the system without ever logging in. But you can disable Windows 2000 Workstation's "Shutdown" button on the initial log-in screen:

Run "RegEdit.exe" or "RegEdt32.exe"
Select the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\
SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\
Current Version\Winlogon
Add a value named "ShutdownWithoutLogon" of type "REG_SZ" and set it to "0".
Restart Windows

How to Disable or Enable Auto run CD in Windows XP?

2009-06-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

In windows XP you can enjoy a good feature to run CD or DVD automatically when you loaded it into you CD drives on your computer. This is a defaults feature in windows XP but you can disable and enable it according to your nature of work. In user interface mode there is no option to disable or enable this feature, you must edit the registry of windows and be careful to work registry.

Click Start button then type regedit in Run option then press Enter for next.

Here locate the location to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\Cdrom

Here you can disable or enable automatically running your CD. Change the value of Autorun to 0 for disable and change the value to 1 for enable. At the end restart your computer for this change.

How to speed up the Start Menu?

2009-06-22T07:55:00.001-07:00

If you are still working with old or slow computer but don't worry, you can give surprise your friends with making some changing in windows registry. Edit your computer registry keys to speed up your computer start menu, because the default speed of start menu is slow. After these changes your computer start menu will response like latest computer.

Follow the given steps to change the speed of Start Menu.

First click on Start button then type Regedit in Run option.
In Registry Editor panel go to the path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Control Panel \

Desktop \ MenuShowDelay

By default the value "MenuShowDelay=400", but you can set value between 0 to 400. Now put the value "MenuShowDelay"=0 to speed up.
Now close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.

How to enable the advance performance setting in windows vista?

2009-06-22T07:51:00.000-07:00

If you have noticed that the speed of your system is very slow with windows vista then today tip is very useful for you to increase the performance of windows vista. There is some default setting in vista which is used to manage the write caching on disk. By default windows enabled the write caching on disk but the advanced performance setting is disabled.

Follow the given steps to configure the advance performance setting in Windows Vista:

To enable this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

First right click on My Computer icon then select the option Manage.

Here small windows will appear with title Computer Management, now select the Device Manager option, then locate the SATA Disk under the Disk Drives.

Here select the enable advanced performance sittings on the SATA disk.

Now click on Ok button to apply the setting and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.

How to install the games software using windows XP?

2009-06-22T07:49:00.000-07:00

Normally windows XP create the problem to install many games software. You can solve these problems, if you follow the give steps before installing the game.

First check the windows version that you are using is supported by the game software, because many games are not supporting windows XP version.
Now make sure you have enough free space on the hard disk available to loading the game.
Now check your system processor speed and RAM, VGA memory size meets the minimum size requirement to run the game.
At the end turns off your system DMA (Direct Memory Access).

Follow the given steps to turn off the DMA using system Device manager.

First click on Start button, click Run and then type here “devmgmt.msc” and press Ok.

How to log off, restart and shutdown, connected computer from one location?

2009-06-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

Windows XP has a built-in feature (shutdown tools) that is used to shutdown any connected computers from any one computer. Using this feature, you can log off, restart and shutdown any computer in your network. This tip is very useful for you, if you are a Network Administrator at your company, because if you have experience to shutdown all connected computers daily in your local area network one by one, definitely that job is annoying responsibility for you.

Follow the given steps to configure shutdown tool on your computer:

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

To perform this task, first make sure your both computers are directly connected or connected to network.

Click Start button then type shutdown -i in Run option then press Enter for next.

A small windows dialog box will appear with the title "Remote Shutdown Dialog".

Here first click on "Add" button to add computer, a small Add computers window will open, here type the name or IP address of the computer (you can add many computer for same action) that you want to turned off, then press OK for next.

Now select the action "What do you want these computers to do (log off, restart or shutdown)". If you want to warn your users about this action, select the check box "Warn users of the action" then set time, display warning for 30 seconds or more.

Now select the option that describes the reason to shutdown the computers and also type some comments for users.

Now when you press the OK button, the users will see a "System Shutdown Windows "with time and comments that you had been set.

OSPF Neighbor States

2009-06-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

OSPF neighbors go through states before they can begin exchanging LSAs. You can examine the state of an OSPF neighbor with the help of following command:-

A#show ip ospf neighbor

a. DOWN STATE

This state occurs when configuration is mismatched on both sides e.g. If STUB is configured on one side only. STUB is one of the fields in HELLO packet. HELLO packet contains following information/fields:-

The Router-ID of the originating router.
The Area-ID of the originating router interface.
The address mask of the originating interface.
Authentication type and authentication information for the originating interface.
The Hello Interval of the originating interface.
The Router Dead Interval of the originating interface.
The router priority.
The Designated Router (DR) and Backup Designated Router (BDR) information.
Five flags for options.
The Router-ID of the originating router's neighbors.

This is the initial state of the neighbor which also indicates that no hellos were heard from this neighbor within the last dead time interval.

b. INIT OR ONE WAY STATE

One router (A) sent Hello packet to other router (B) and the information is matched on the other router (B). In response other router (B) sent acknowledgment, but it is in the pipeline. This state indicates that a router has seen its own Router-ID in the neighbor field of the HELLO packet that it received from the neighbor. It also means that bidirectional conversation was established and that DR and BDR election can occur.

c. TWO WAY STATE

Router-A sent HELLO Packet and Router-B sent acknowledgment, after that, Router-B sent Hello packet and Router-A sent acknowledgment in response. Then neighbor table is completed and DR/BDR Election process begins.

When an OSPF interface first becomes active, it begins to send hello packets. When two routers receive each other's hello, they place the neighbor in INIT STATUS. When a neighbor is in init status, it places its own Router-ID into the hello packet. When a router receives one of the new hellos with the Router-ID of its neighbor, it places the neighbor in a new state of 2-WAY. The 2-Way state ensures that here is a two-way communication between the routers. The routers must be in this state before they can negotiate a DR/BDR and exchange LSAs. After the routers have achieved the 2-Way state, OSPF enters into its final states:

d. EXSTART (MASTER/SLAVE)

A simple meaning of this state is "who will initialize the communication first". At this state, another election for the selection of Master and Slave Router begins. The neighbor with the highest IP address becomes the Master and other becomes the Slave to exchange LSA.

e. EXCHANGE (LSA REQUEST)

The router sends its database description packets to neighbors in the exchange state. The database description packets describe the entire link state database. The link-state database is synchronized after this phase. After synchronization, the router enters one of two final states. Every network in the routing table of a router has a corresponding sequence number. At this state, a router sends the sequence numbers to the neighbor router. In response, as acknowledgment, the neighbor router also sends its sequence numbers.

f. LOADING

The router also sends link state request packets to all neighbors that are in the loading state. The loading phase requests that more recent LSAs be sent. At this state the database table is completed.

g. FULL

At this state, SPF algorithm is applied and best path is calculated. Neighbors in this state are fully adjacent and routing table of neighbors are completed.

Break or recover the router password

2009-06-07T10:00:00.001-07:00

Turn the power switch off and back on to recycle the power.

Press the Break key or key sequence to put the router into ROM Monitor mode. The break key varies by computer or terminal software. The sequence might be CTRL-D, CTRL-Break or another combination.

At the > prompt, type 0 to record the current value of the configuration register normally 0x2102, or 0x102.

Configuration register = 0x2102 at last boot

Bit# Configuration register option settings:

15 Diagnostic mode disabled.

Type o/r 0x2142 to tell the router to boot from flash without loading the configuration in NVRAM at the next reload.

Type i to have the router reboot. The router ignores the configuration in NVRAM.

The router runs the setup dialog, Type no or press Ctrl-C to skip the initial setup Dialog.

Type enable ate the Router> prompt to go to privileged exec mode.

Copy the startup configuration to the running configuration by using the configure memory or copy startup-config running-config commands. Do not type configure terminal. If you use the configure terminal command, you overwrite the configuration stored in NVRAM.

View the configuration by typing write terminal or show running-config. View the configured line, vty and enable passwords. Any encrypted passwords need to be changed.

Enter the configuration mode by typing configure terminal. Change the line of enable passwords as necessary.

All interfaces are in a shutdown state. Issue the no shutdown command on every interface that is to be used.

Type config-register 0x2102 to return the router to normal operation at the next reloads.

Exit configuration mode by pressing Ctrl-Z

Save your changes by typing write memory or copy running-config startup-config.

Reload the router and verify the passwords.

Most commonly used Security Techniques against viruses.

2009-06-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

Virus detection and its removal are mode through an antivirus or with some other security program. Different antivirus programs are available in the market and over Internet. The most common and famous security technique against viruses is as under:

Virus Signature/ Virus Definition

Virus signature is a known pattern of code of a code of a virus program; this pattern is used by antivirus program to detect viruses and then to remove these viruses. You should update virus definition continuously by downloading updates from Internet. This ensures that your antivirus is always able to detect changing viruses.

Inoculation

Inoculation file is separate file created and maintained by antivirus program to record information like file size and file creation date. This information later on is used for virus detection and removal.

Quarantine

Quarantine is a separate area on a hard disk. It contains the infected files and folders that cannot be cleared or deleted by antivirus due to some reason, for example sharing violation or unknown virus for that antivirus.

Recovery Disk

Recovery disk is a removable disk that holds un-infected system commands and startup information. In case the boot record of actual hard disk fails, this recovery disk can be used to start the computer. Afterwards an antivirus program can be used to remove the virus.

Un-authorized access

Accessing a computer system without the knowledge or permission of its user is called unauthorized access. It is always recommended to restrict computer resources with the help of usernames and passwords. These are unique combination of characters to identify users and their secret codes respectively.

Firewall

Firewall is a security system consisting of hardware and software to prevent unauthorized access of a network or computer. Big companies use a separate computer firewall software or hardware to protect their date from unauthorized access. Firewall check outgoing and incoming traffic and manage data access to the authorized users only.

Biometric Devices

A biometric device reads personal characteristics like fingerprints hand structure, facial features, and voice recognition to authenticate a user for any further access to a computer system or other peripheral devices. A biometric device translates the personal characteristics into digital code that is matched to already store user data in that system. If the digital data matches with any of the stored data, it gives access to the person. In case of no match, the access is denied.

How to set auto shutdown for your computer?

2009-06-07T09:45:00.000-07:00

A cool tip to manage your computer shutdown process automatically. You can set your computer to shutting down at any convenient time (daily, weekly and when my computer starts) when you are not there.

A simple shutdown command set your computer to close all running applications and shutdown properly after predefined time. This tip is very useful to save energy and time. After the execution of command, a small window will appear to count time of system shutdown. You can cancel this auto shutdown process using same command.

Follow the given steps to schedule the shut down process:

Click on start button then go to Run option.

Type shutdown.exe -s -t yyyy then press ok button.

Here yyyy mean time in second, for example if you want your computer will shutdown automatically after 5 minute then the command will be shutdown -s -t 300.
But after execution you can cancel this command any time, simple type shutdown.exe -a in Run option and Press ok. Your auto shutdown command will remove and your computer will work properly.

How to move your mouse cursor without mouse?

2009-06-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

You can control your mouse pointer with keyboard keys in all windows versions. When your mouse stops working, you can enable this keyboard feature to complete your important work. This keyboard mouse can performs all tasks same like a normal mouse.

Follow the given steps to activate the keyboard mouse:

To edit this feature, first you should log onto your computer with administrative rights.

To activate this feature, press Alt+Shift+NumLock keys at once and you will receive a small MouseKey box.

To keep MouseKeys on, click on Ok button or click on cancel button to cancel MouseKeys box.

Click on Settings button, if you want to adjust the mouse cursor detail settings.

Here a new dialog box will appear with the title â€œSettings for MouseKeys", now you can manage all mouse settings for example mouse cursor speed, acceleration and some other features.

Now using Numeric keypad, you can move your mouse pointer. The controls are:

1,2,3,4,6,7,8 and 9 keys are used to move the mouse cursor into different directions.
Key 5 is used as mouse click button.
Insert key used to hold down mouse button.
+ Sign used to double click on any object.
Delete button used to release the mouse.
Click on NumLock button to disable this keyboard mouse feature.

How to create One-Click Hibernation icon on your desktop?

2009-06-07T09:41:00.000-07:00

Today tip will help you to start the quicker hibernation process with a single click on desktop icon. This is the easiest way to start the hibernation process in windows XP. A simple click on hibernation icon, close the all running applications and will start hibernation process properly. This tip is very useful to save energy and time as well. If any case this desktop shortcut does not work, then you should need to configure your computer to enable hibernation. Go on the Start button and select "Settings". Click on "Control Panel" then double-click on the "Power Options" icon. Click on the "Hibernate" tab and make sure the "Enable Hibernate" checkbox is checked.

Follow the given steps to create the shutdown icon:

To create a new shortcut, right click on any empty area of your desktop and go to New then Shortcut.

Now a small windows dialog box will appear with the title "Create Windows". In the "Create Shortcut" window, type the following command.

rundll32.exe PowrProf.dll, SetSuspendState

Click Next button to type the name of this shortcut and press Finish to close it. Now click on Hibernate icon to verify the process.

Find and fix the hard drive problems

2009-06-07T09:40:00.000-07:00

If your computer creating problems to read/write on the hard drive or may become unstable then it is possible that some lost clusters and bad sectors are on your hard drive. To check your computer hard drive for any errors, you can use scan disk utility. You should scan your hard disk on regular basis to maintain the status of missing cluster and bad sectors. In windows 2000 and XP, you can use the error-checking tools to check the health of your hard drive.

Follow the given steps to run the error- checking tools:

First open the My Computer then right click on any drive that you want to check.

On the right click menu select the Properties option.

Here select the Tool tab then run Check Now in the Error-checking dialog area.

Under check disk options you can select both check box ”Automatically fix file system errors” and “scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors” then press Start button.

This test will prompt you, if there is any problem on your hard disk and automatically fix it now.

Speed up your Broadband internet connection

2009-06-07T09:39:00.000-07:00

You can increase the speed of your broadband internet connection, if you are using windows XP on your computer. This is built-in feature of windows XP to reserve the 20 percent of bandwidth of your internet connection, but you can override of this default setting. By enabling these setting, you can use this reserve bandwidth and enjoy your speedy broadband internet connection. You can set reserve able limit from 0 to 100 percent, but if you want to enjoy 100 percent bandwidth of internet connection, you should configure bandwidth limit 0 percent.

Follow the given steps to configure bandwidth limit:

First click on Start button then type "GPedit.msc" in Run option and press Enter.
Under "Local Computer Policy" expand the "administrative templates".
Here in right side window expand the "Network" then highlight the "QoS Packet Scheduler"
Now again in right side window, double click on "limit reservable bandwidth".
Under the "Limit reservable bandwidth properties" dialog box check "enabled"™ then change the "Bandwidth limit %" to zero.
Now close the Group Policy editor and restart your compute, after any changes to go into effect.

How to create One-Click Restart icon on your desktop?

2009-06-07T09:37:00.000-07:00

Today tip will help you to enjoy the quicker restart of your computer with a single click on desktop Restart icon. You can set the time when your computer will start the restart process. A single click on Restart icon will close the all running applications and start the restart properly after predefined time. This tip is very useful to save power and time as well. After the execution of this command, a small window will appear to start count time of system restart.

Follow the given steps to create the shutdown icon:

To create a new shortcut, right click on any empty area of your desktop and go to New then Shortcut.

Now a small windows dialog box will appear with the title “Create Windows”. In the “Create Shortcut” window, type the following command.

SHUTDOWN -r -t 30

Here t 30 means time in second, for example if you want your computer will restart automatically after half minute then the command will be shutdown -r -t 30. But if you want your computer will restart without any countdown then type command as shutdown -r -t 00.

Click Next button to type the name of this shortcut and press Finish to close it.

This command starts a 30-second countdown for restart, which permits you to abort it (with a shutdown -a command).

At the end, when you click on restart icon, a windows dialog box will appear with the information” This system is shutting down. Please save all work in progress and log off. Any unsaved changes will be lost. This shutdown was initiated by administrator”.

How to eliminate the needless visual effects for better windows performance?

2009-06-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

Today tip will help you to increase the performance of your computer by eliminating the needless visual effects. By default windows XP gives you many options in the graphics fields to enjoy maximum graphics. For example, you can add pictures on folders and drop shadow on icon to give you better look but it will effect on the performance of your computer, especially on an older computer. Window XP has many default graphics which is not so useful for a common user, if you re-adjust these graphics then there is less effect on the user activities but the performance of computer will be increase tremendously. Here I will tell you how to choose:

To edit these settings, first you should log onto your computer with administrative rights.

Click Start button and type sysdm.cpl in Run box then press Ok button for next.

Here a dialog box will appear with the title "System Properties", select "Advanced" tab.

Here click on Settings button under Performance area.

When you have done then "Performance Options" dialog box will appear with different options. Here select the Visual Effects tab and choose the settings you want to use for the appearance and performance of windows on this computer.

Turns off all the visual effects in the option of "Adjust for best performance" and when you select the option "Adjust for best appearance" it will gives you opposite effect ,Everything will turns on. Selecting "Let Windows choose what's best for my computer" triggers, as you might guess, different choices on different computers. And to pick and choose individual effects yourself, choose "custom" then decide which ones you want.

Different methods through viruses may be transferred

2009-06-07T09:35:00.001-07:00

There are different methods through viruses may be transferred from one computer to another.

Now- a-days, most of the viruses spread due to receiving unknown e-mail messages that contains viruses. When a user opens such an infected message, the virus is also loaded into the computer memory. In this way, many other program files loaded into the memory are infected. This virus is also transferred to other computers when e-mail messages are sent from the infected computer to them. Due to these viruses, some time an auto generated email message from your email ID sends to your friends from your side with different virus messages. Never open unknown and attractive subject line email messages, always scan first even if you know the sender of the message.

Another way of spreading virus is by using Internet and other networks. For example, when you download infected executables files or data files from the Internet or from a shared disk on the network, viruses are transferred to your computer. It must be noted that many software are available on the Internet with free of cost. Most of that software contains viruses, for example free PHP or ASP scripts are the main source of virus, always get these scripts from reliable sources. In an LAN, if a computer contains a virus, then all the computers on the network may be infected with that virus.

One important means of exchanging data is through the use of removable media like, CDs, MP3 player, ipod and flash devices. So, when you copy the data from one computer to another by using a removable media, the viruses are also transferred.

The virus can also infect your computer by using pirated software. The software, which is installed into your computer without license is referred to as pirated software. Some companies may intentionally attach some virus programs into their software. This program will only activate when it does not find some special files like license files on your computer.

Convert FAT or FAT32 File system into NTFS

2009-06-07T09:15:00.003-07:00

You can increase the performance of your computer using NTFS (New Technology File System) hard drive volume with windows XP, because this advance file system provides some extra features, for example security, reliability, file encryption and Compression features.

But if you are still using old file systems like FAT or FAT32, you can covert it into NTFS with a simple command. The interesting thing is that you can convert your hard drive volumes file system without losing data on the drive.

Follow the giving steps to convert FAT or FAT32 partition to NTFS:

First go to Start button then click on Run option.

Now type here “CMD” and press Ok to open command prompt.

At the command prompt type convert drive letter name: /fs:ntfs

For example if you want to convert drive E to NTFS then the command will be “convert e: /fs:ntfs”.

Now restart your computer and enjoy NTFS features, but keep in mind you cannot covert back it to FAT or FAT32 again.

Turn on a screensaver with adding a shortcut

2009-06-07T09:15:00.001-07:00

You can run screensaver on your system with a single click, If you have any screensaver file like .scr extension, or first download it using Internet, there are many free sites for screensaver downloading.
If you have not any .scr file then please go to Start button, and click on Search button. Here in search windows type *.scr and search all screen saver file from your hard disk.
Here you will find a list of screensavers in the results. Pick a screensaver you want. You can preview it by double-clicking it.
Right click on the file, choose Send To, and then click Desktop (create shortcut).
To activate the screensaver, double-click the icon on your desktop.

How to download the windows latest updates automatically?

2009-06-07T09:13:00.000-07:00

Friends, I hope you are enjoying the all my tips to play with your computer secrets. My today tips will help you to download the latest windows features. All Microsoft Windows versions support to run window updates automatically but today we will discuss this feature in windows XP only.

You can enable this option to run windows update automatically when your computer will be connected to the internet. Through this service you can check the Microsoft website for downloadable improvements to the operating system and security patches also. These latest updates will protect your computer from the attacks of latest viruses and potential hackers. Windows Update is free of cost and important service that is why always makes sure its running on your computer.

Follow the given steps to enable this important feature on your computer:

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

Click Start button and go to Settings then click on Control Panel option. Now system will open the Control Panel windows with different categories.

Just click on System option, a small System Properties dialog box will appear with many options like System Restore, Remote and Automatic Updates and others.

Click on Automatic Updates tab, if it is not selected already then click on “Automatic (recommended)” box. Then this will display the different setting to continually check Microsoft’s website for updates.

Here you can pick a download and installation schedule or select the option “Download the updates automatically and notify me when they are ready to be installed” in the section of settings. Through this option you can download updates automatically and it will install the updates immediately.

If you wait a day or two before installing an updates to make sure there are not any serious bugs reported about the latest patch you can check it through Microsoft website. Now click on Ok button to finish the process.

How to enable the hidden files and folders function in XP?

2009-06-07T09:10:00.000-07:00

Today tip will help you to solve the problem with hidden files and folders in windows XP. Normally in windows XP, you can view the hidden files and folders using the path, Tool>Folder Options>View, and then check the “Show hidden files and folders" radio box. But sometime due to some spyware/trojan attacks, this radio box is unchecked automatically and you could not show the system hidden files and folders.

Follow the given steps to visible the hidden files and folders:

To edit the computer registry, first you should log onto your computer with administrative rights.

Click Start button and type regedit in Run option then press Enter for next.

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\
Advanced\Folde r\Hidden\SHOWALL

Now in right side panel, double click on the DWORD value “CheckedValue", here a small dialog box will appear with the title “Edit Dword Value".

To modify the “Value data" information as DWORD Value to 1 then click on Ok button to finish the process.

Now you can easily view the hidden files and folders using the path, Tool>Folder Options>View and then check “Show hidden files and folders" radio box.

But next time, if you want to disable this functionality then simply change the value of data box to old value.

How to create your own Run Command for any specific application? Today tip will help you to make your own Run Command (program shortcut) to run a pr

2009-06-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

Today tip will help you to make your own Run Command (program shortcut) to run a program or a document directly. No more need to navigate the location of a program or document to run it, simply click on Start button to open Run box and type the programs shortcut name to open it directly.

Follow the given steps to disable the save settings functionality for desktop:

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

Click Start button and type regedit in Run option then press Enter for next.

Here locate the location to:

Now right click on App Paths and select New > Key, title the key and name it whatever you want your run command to be. In this case, we will try to create a run command for SecueCRT application.

New > Key > SecureCRT.exe

Now select the SecureCRT.exe folder and click right on (Default) string value then click Modify at the right hand side panel.

Here enter the path of the program that you want to execute in the value data field. In our case, the path of SecueCRT application will be C:\Program Files\VanDyke Software\SecureCRT \SecureCRT.exe.

Now again in right side panel, click right to create a new String value with the name SecureCRT and its values as C:\Program Files\VanDyke Software\SecureCRT\SecureCRT.exe.

Now close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.

How to disable the unread email notification in XP welcome screen?

2009-06-07T09:08:00.001-07:00

Windows XP by default display the list of unread email on the windows welcome screen. But some time this unread email notification is irritating users and they don't want to display it on the welcome screen. They can easily disable it using the windows registry editor. Make sure before modifying your system Registry about its backup because Registry contains all information how your system runs. This backup will help you to restore Registry in case any problem occurs after modifying.

Follow the given steps to disable the email notification option:

To edit the computer registry, first you should log onto your computer with administrative rights.

First click on Start button and type "Regedit" in Run option.

Here locate the location to:

Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ UnreadMail

Here in right side panel, double click on the key MessageExpiryDays and set its value to 0.

But if MessageExpiryDays key doesn't exist, then in right side panel, click right to create a key with the name MessageExpiryDays and then set its value to 0.

Changing the Title on Windows Media Player

2009-06-07T09:07:00.001-07:00

You can change the title bar for the Windows Media Player

Start Regedit
Go to HKEY_USERS \ .DEFAULT \ Software \ Policies \ Microsoft \ WindowsMediaPlayer
Create a string value of TitleBar
Give it a value of whatever you want to appear in the title bar

How to increase the processor power of your computer?

2009-06-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

Today tip is very useful for those users who are still using computer with minimum processor speed. To increase the performance of slow computer, you can force your system to free up the idle tasks that are running in the background and sharing processor power. This end tasks method force the computer to devote its full processor resource to what you want it to do.

Follow the given steps to end the idle tasks:

To enable this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.
Click Start button and click on Run option.
In the Run box, type the command Rundll32.exe advapi32.dll,ProcessIdleTasks command and press Ok button.

Here system will take some time to end the background idle tasks.

How to show your favorite name in windows Taskbar?

2009-06-07T09:02:00.001-07:00

In windows XP, you can create a great fun for others by using this trick. You can display your name or any other favorite word in windows taskbar just beside the digital time area and you can surprise your friends to show them your name in windows taskbar. If you have some knowledge to edit the windows control panel settings then you can do it very easily and next time you can reverse these changes same as you done.

Follow the given steps to display the name in windows task bar:

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

First click on windows Start button> Setting then click on Control Panel option.

Here double click on "Regional and Language Options" to edit the Regional default settings.

Now click on Customize button under the "Standard and formats" area, here a new dialog box

title will open with "Customize Regional Options".

Select "Time" tab on the "Customize Regional Options" dialog box.

Now go to "AM symbol" & "PM symbol" and type the name that you want to display in windows

task bar and click on Apply button to affect these settings.

Now click on Ok button to end the process and enjoy you name in windows taskbar.

WAN Tips

2009-06-05T09:52:00.000-07:00

Ten Steps to a Healthy and Easily Maintainable Wide Area Network

1. Have a working modem attached to the maintenance port or console of your
networking equipment, so your maintenance provider can quickly diagnose
problems.

2. Maintain an up-to-date cable diagram and label all cables, wall jacks, etc.,
so that problems can be quickly isolated and cables can be quickly identified
and reconnected should they ever be disconnected.

3. Have WAN circuit info documented and readily available (i.e. circuit id, vendor, contact, phone numbers) for sales and trouble calls.

4. Mount equipment so it is easily accessible, front and rear.

5. Have good power. Have your electrician put in ample outlets on a dedicated circuit. Consider a UPS or surge suppressor. Always provision additional power outlets for test equipment and for ease of expansion.

6. Don't skimp on cables. Ensure that the cables and connectors you utilize
meet the specifications for the application they are being used in. Never use a cable that does not meet the specification, even if it works in the short run. In the long run , you may very well have all kinds of problems. You may save
money in the short run, but lose a lot of time later trying to isolate a intermittent cable fault.

7. Take anti-static precautions. If the floor in your comm. area is carpeted, install an anti-static mat.

8. Have a telephone within easy reach of your equipment - this can be a big
time saver in the event of a problem. Testing of WAN circuits often involves end-to-end tests, and point-to-network tests with the local RBOC and Common Carriers. These tests require a telephone near the equipment.

9. Try to have your equipment in a dry, temperature-controlled, and well-lighted area.

10. Have all cables and power cords firmly attached and/or tied down. Use plastic cable tie wraps to secure cables, and to ensure that the strain on the
cable ends is minimized. Always keep cables from areas where they might be walked on, stepped on, or otherwise damaged. Improper cable strain relief and installation procedures are a common cause of network failures.

Wireless Security Tips

2009-06-05T09:45:00.001-07:00

Wireless Security: Encryption

Encryption is widely used for security of data, including wireless network security. Encryption is where data is translated into code for transmission via the radio waves. An encryption key, similar to a password, is needed to encrypt the code for transfer. If you are only minimally concerned with security, such as in wireless home network security, you may consider WEP encryption, which some find easier to configure with their current equipment.

Wireless Security: Protecting your password

Your passwords are crucial to your wireless network security and should not be revealed to unauthorized individuals. Do not leave your password lying around or written in an obvious location. When entering your username and/or password, make sure people are not milling around and looking over your shoulder. Be very careful of responding to emails asking for passwords. Most legitimate companies do not ask for passwords via email due to the lack of security. These tips are useful for both wireless security and wired security.

Wireless Security: File Sharing

Wireless network security is important. Always make sure to require a password from users connecting to your computer. Be careful about what folders you allow others to have access to. You can also set passwords on specific folders to further increase security.

Deciding on a Firewall

The firewall you choose should be based primarily on the level of needed security, budget, reliability and the potential need to expand the wireless network. The most basic firewall, with minimal security is one that is part of a basic wireless router. The next level up is a dedicated firewall. After that comes a dedicated firewall device with a gateway. Finally, the highest level of wireless security is a dedicated firewall device (such as a computer) with a combination of proxy firewall and full packet filtering.

Wireless Security Encryption:

WEP, wired equivalent privacy, is the standard encryption security that is built into all Wi-Fi devices. WEP does not provide as good of wireless security as WPA does, but is adequate for minimal security purposes.

Wireless Security: MAC filtering

All devices on a wireless network have a MAC (media access control) address. This is a unique identification number that is part of the individual hardware. MAC filtering is where the access points on a wireless network will only speak with devices that you specify. MAC filtering is an excellent tool to use to enhance wireless security. This works great for wireless home network security, because the number of wireless devices will be manageable to work with.

Wireless Security: Firewall

A firewall is either a piece of hardware or software which is used to block outsiders from accessing a network. Firewalls are an essential part of wireless network security. It works by controlling traffic between given zones of trust. A user has the ability to determine what is trustworthy and what is not. If you are running a wireless network, you may want to consider using a firewall which is built into a wireless router.

Wireless Security: Securing your laptop

One of the benefits of a wireless network is the portability of computers. However, this can also lead to a serious wireless security risk and theft of computer. If you are traveling and using your computer in a hot spot area, do not leave it lying around outside of your eyesight. Consider investing in a cable lock, which will secure your laptop (or desktop) to a stationary object. There are higher levels of security you can look into, such as cards that sound an alarm with unauthorized movement.

Using more then one firewall

You should only run one firewall on your network. This is true for both office and wireless home network security. If you run additional firewalls, you run the risk of conflicts. However, for wireless security, you can run one hardware firewall and one software firewall. For example, you can use a wireless router for the hardware firewall and firewall software on the computer.

Wireless Security: Setting Password

Remember that your wireless home network is broadcast via radio waves, and can be accessible to anyone with range. If you do not set a password on your ad hoc network, then anyone within range can access the network. For this reason, it is crucial to set a password to protect your systems and to increase your wireless network security.

Basic Wireless Network Security

There are several basic steps that everyone should do to help ensure wireless network security. When configuring your network, change the default names on the computers and set the SSID not to broadcast. Use wired equivalent privacy (WEP) encryption at a minimum. Change all default passwords for software and hardware. Finally, make sure to run antivirus software and antispyware software on all your computers.

Choosing a good password for wireless security

There are several tips to keep in mind when choosing a good password for wireless security. Do not use your name, initials or easy to guess numbers, such as address, birthday, etc. Any password based on personal information is a poor choice. Passwords should be at least eight characters long, and includes both numbers and characters. And remember, no matter how clever your password is, if you write it down where it is easily found, it won't be very secure.

Wireless Security Encryption: WPA

WPA, Wi-Fi protected access, is an upgraded version of WEP. This newer protocol is more secure then WEP and, if you use a good password, is much tougher to crack. WPA devices are backwards compatible with WEP; however, in order to use WPA for wireless network security, all devices need to have WPA.

Wireless Security Tips

2009-06-05T09:45:00.000-07:00

Wireless Security: Encryption

Wireless Security: Protecting your password

Wireless Security: File Sharing

Deciding on a Firewall

Wireless Security Encryption:

Wireless Security: MAC filtering

Wireless Security: Firewall

Wireless Security: Securing your laptop

Using more then one firewall

Wireless Security: Setting Password

Basic Wireless Network Security

Choosing a good password for wireless security

Wireless Security Encryption: WPA

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)

2009-06-05T09:38:00.001-07:00

GPRS protocol is a packet-switch protocol; define for web applications in GSM network. In other words Internet on GSM network is standardized as GPRS network. GPRS has digital structure and this structure based on Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) technique. One TDMA frame has 8 time slots (TSs). These TSs can be allocated to users, and single TS can be shared by several active users for uplink and downlink purposes. Different coding schemes are used to enhance data rate from 9Kbps to 150 Kbps per user, and it takes 0.5 to 1 second. Security features in GPRS is provided by GSM network.

GPRS Architecture

Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) circuit-switch architecture does not support the GPRS packet-switch architecture. Thus, GPRS requires its own network architecture. Several networks and databases e.g. Mobile Station (MS), Base Station Subsystem (BSS), Home Location Register (HLR), Visitor Location Register (VLR) in existing GSM network are modified in GPRS network.

GPRS architecture introduces the following network nodes to GSM architecture.

Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)

Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)

Mobile Station (MS)

Base Station System (BSS)

Home Location Register (HLR)

Visitor Location Register (VLR)

1.Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN): In GPRS network SGSN is equivalent to MSC. Packets of data between MSC and Public Switch Data Network (PSDN) are transferred and received by SGSN.

2.Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN): GSM databases e.g. HLR and VLR are supported by GGSN. It also interacts with external packet-switch networks.

3.Mobile Station (MS): In GPRS network MS consists of Mobile Terminal (MT) and Terminal Equipment (TE). A computer attached to MT is called a ME. Through air, MT communicates with the BSS.

4.Base Station System (BSS): In BSS, Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and Base Station Controller (BSC) are modified to support GPRS channel coding schemes BTS is modified while to forward calls to Mobile Switching Centre (MSC) and data to SGSN through Packet Control Unit (PCU), is supported by BSC. One SGSN is served by one BSC.

5.Home Location Register (HLR): In GPRS, HLR contains information about routing. To map an MS to one or more GGSNs, update the SGSN and to store the Internet Protocol (IP) address, this information is accessed by both SGSN and GGSN.

6.Visitor Location Register (VLR): In GPRS. VLR contains the SGSN number and this number indicates the MS currently served by the SGSN.

GPRS Interfaces

Different interfaces are used for routing between network nodes in GPRS.

Um interface provides communication between MS and BSS.

Gb interface provides connection between BSS and SGSN.

Gn interface provides connection between SGSN and GGSN within the same GPRS network.

Gp interface provides connection between SGSN and GGSN when they are in different GPRS network.

Gi interface provides connection between GGSN and external networks.

Gs interface provides communication between MSC and SGSN.

GPRS functional Groups

The functions which are defined in GPRS are following.

Network access function: Point to point data transfer, registration of MS with packet data protocols, radio resources for MS communication and charging information about packet transmission, is provided by this function.

Packet routing and transfer function: Routing of data between an MS and destination, conversion of GPRS address to external address and forwarding of packets between an MS and GGSN, is provided by this function.

Logical link management function: The communication between an MS and the GSM network is maintained by it.

Radio resources management function: Radio communication paths are allocated by it.

Mobility management function: Current location of an MS is kept by it. When an MS is entered to a new area, all routing and location in formations are also updated by it.

Network management function: If provides mechanisms to support network functions related to GPRS.

Advantages

The major advantage of GPRS is that, to access data no dial-up connection is required. It is an inexpensive mobile data service as compared to Short Message Service (SMS) in GSM.

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)

2009-06-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

GPRS Architecture

GPRS architecture introduces the following network nodes to GSM architecture.

Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN)

Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN)

Mobile Station (MS)

Base Station System (BSS)

Home Location Register (HLR)

Visitor Location Register (VLR)

1.Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN): In GPRS network SGSN is equivalent to MSC. Packets of data between MSC and Public Switch Data Network (PSDN) are transferred and received by SGSN.

2.Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN): GSM databases e.g. HLR and VLR are supported by GGSN. It also interacts with external packet-switch networks.

3.Mobile Station (MS): In GPRS network MS consists of Mobile Terminal (MT) and Terminal Equipment (TE). A computer attached to MT is called a ME. Through air, MT communicates with the BSS.

6.Visitor Location Register (VLR): In GPRS. VLR contains the SGSN number and this number indicates the MS currently served by the SGSN.

GPRS Interfaces

Different interfaces are used for routing between network nodes in GPRS.

Um interface provides communication between MS and BSS.

Gb interface provides connection between BSS and SGSN.

Gn interface provides connection between SGSN and GGSN within the same GPRS network.

Gp interface provides connection between SGSN and GGSN when they are in different GPRS network.

Gi interface provides connection between GGSN and external networks.

Gs interface provides communication between MSC and SGSN.

GPRS functional Groups

The functions which are defined in GPRS are following.

Logical link management function: The communication between an MS and the GSM network is maintained by it.

Radio resources management function: Radio communication paths are allocated by it.

Mobility management function: Current location of an MS is kept by it. When an MS is entered to a new area, all routing and location in formations are also updated by it.

Network management function: If provides mechanisms to support network functions related to GPRS.

Advantages

The major advantage of GPRS is that, to access data no dial-up connection is required. It is an inexpensive mobile data service as compared to Short Message Service (SMS) in GSM.

Wireless Internet Tips

2009-06-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

Wireless Internet Sharing

If you plan on sharing your wireless internet access, you will need to have that option turned on in your settings. However, if you do not have other computers hooked up to the network at this time, for security purposes, you should leave the setting turned off until the need arises to share the wireless internet access.

Wireless Internet Speeds

Coming in at the slowest is Bluetooth, followed by 802.11b, 802.11a and topping the charts currently is 802.11g. 802.11b is roughly equivalent to the traditional wired 10BaseT Wired Ethernet networks. Therefore, switching to Wi-Fi should not considerably slow down your wireless internet connection.

You will need to have a wireless network card, either an adapter or integrated in your laptop. If you do not have an available slot on your PC, there are adapters you can purchase that plug into a USB port on the computer.

Finding a Wireless Internet Hot Spot

There are several stores and restaurants that offer wireless internet access, such as Starbucks. If you have a particular destination in mind, you can call the hotels to see if they offer the service. There are also hot spot directories that you can search to find wireless internet access.

Wireless internet - WiFi Standards

802.11 is the Wi-Fi standard, however there are other standards which are variations of the 802.11. These include:

802.11a

802.11b

802.11g

802.11i.

The differences among these standards includes speed, transmission frequency, and price. 802.11g is backwards compatible with previous products, but that is not the case with 802.11a. Make sure you check on compatibility issues prior to purchasing products.

Wireless Internet and Dial up

It is possible to share a wireless internet connection with dial up, but it is not a very good idea. Some access points, such as the airport extreme base station from Apple, will allow this. However, there is some slow down time with sharing a wireless internet connection, and if you decide to share a dial up connection, you won't be surfing anything fast.

Finding a Wireless Internet Hot Spot in a Chain

If you are traveling and know that you will be stopping at Starbucks, for example, and want to access the internet, you can check out their website to see what specific franchises offer wireless internet access.

Paying for Wireless Internet Access

Most likely, you will need to pay for the high speed wireless internet access when you travel. Starbucks for example uses T-mobile as their wireless internet provider. You will need to have a t-mobile account in order to access wi-fi at Starbucks. There are some restaurants that may advertise free Wi-Fi, but in general, you should expect to pay a fee.

Nationwide Wireless Internet Service

There are a plethora of national wireless high speed internet services available. AT&T, Sprint PCS, T-mobile, and Verizon are a few which offer nationwide service. You will want to check out various pricing, roaming policies and fees for the various networks.

Mixing Apples and PC's to Share Wireless Internet Connection

You can mix apple and PC on a wireless network and share a wireless internet access. For example, Apple makes an access point called the AirPort Extreme Base station. Even though it is made by Apple, it still uses the Wi-Fi standard, and PC computers with a wireless adapter on the network will be able to share the wireless internet connection

Mixing Wireless Internet and Wired Internet

You can easily share a wireless internet access while still maintaining a wired network. There are many wireless routers on the market which offer both wired and wireless network capabilities. It is also possible to add on an access point after a wired router for wireless access.

Configuring Wireless Access Point to Share Wireless Internet Connection

Once you install the drivers on your computer for the access point, you will be able to open up the configuration software that comes with the router. The IP address 192.168.0.0 is the lowest in the network and should be dedicated to the router. Make sure to follow the specific configuration instructions that come with your wireless router, as each product will be slightly different from one another.

Wireless Internet Equipment

The beauty of the WI-FI is that it set a standard for wireless networking. Because of this, you do not need to have equipment from all the same venders in order to run a successful wireless network. You will be able to share wireless internet access as well without having equipment from all the same venders.

Configuring Wireless Internet Card

You will need to use the configuration software that comes with your network card to configure your computer to work at various hot spots. Simply type in the hotspot network name (various depending on the service you are using) and state the type of network, such as access point. You can also scan available wireless broadband internet access in the area and choose which network you wish to connect with.

Wireless Internet WIFI

WI-FI, the 802.11 standard, is important for a variety of reasons. Having a standard in the industry ensures that anyone using wi-fi will be using the same standard, therefore equipment and connections are interchangeable. Having a set standard makes setting up wireless networks, sharing wireless internet access and working with wireless equipment more users friendly.

Wireless Network Equipment While Traveling

WiMAX Wireless Broadband Info

2009-06-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

WiMAX stands for World Interoperability for Microwave Access that enables the actual broadband wireless network with high speed. WiMAX operate same like WiFi but WiFi operate with some limitation like it is base band technology and cover only 100 feet radius with slow speed. WiMAX covers a radius of 50 Km and work with the speed of 70 Mbps. WiMAX is the replacement of the wired broadband. In wired broadband connection, we can transmit data with 512 Kbps to 10 Mbps speed and more, for example DSL broadband and cable broadband. In future all new desktop and notebook computers will be incorporated with WiMAX technology. With this technology you will be connected to the internet even you are driving your car with the speed of 120 Km.

Objective of WiMAX

Superior Performance
Flexibility
Advanced IP-Based Architecture
Attractive Economics

IEEE 802.16 Specifications

Range 30 mile radius from the base station for LOS (line-of-sight).
Range 4-6 miles radius from the base station for NLOS (Non-line-of-sight)
Maximum data speed supported as 70 Mbps.
Licensed frequency band: 2- 11 GHz
Un-licensed frequency band: 10- 66 GHz
Line of sight is not needed between user and the base station unless very high date rates are required at the user premises.

What is a DVR or Digital Video Recorder?

2009-06-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

If you are interested to record and save your favorite TV program with best quality (audio and video) then your choice will be a DVR (Digital video Recorder) for high quality result. A DVR you can say a latest technology after VCR, Its main functions just like a VCR. DVR offers up to 500 GB hard drive fitted to data save and also with option of 2nd hard drive for program recording.

There are many advantages to having a digital video recorder. For Example: you can recording your program with better quality and same time you can record one program and view another show. it can operate of Live, recording, playback, backup, network and copy. A normal DVR can records up to 120/100 frames per second and with built-in DVD-RW or CD-RW support. By using Digital Video Recorder you can quickly locate the show, stop, pause, play and rewind live TV shows. A DVR can supports recording mode like Manual, Schedule/ Motion detection and Sensor. You can also connect it to your network because it can work with 10/100 Base Ethernet, TCP/IP and DHCP.

If you are using digital video recorder for recording, your can easily skip the TV commercials, any unwanted part of show and forward it without disturbing your recording. Yon can run it using your native language because DVR supports many languages like English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, polish , Russian and many others. A good feature for recording you can record a program with different resolutions for example 360x240, 720x240, 720x480,
360x288, 720x288, 720x576.

How to disable the "Turn Off Computer" button in windows XP?

2009-06-05T09:13:00.000-07:00

Today tip is very useful particularly for those users who want to restrict the common users to shutdown public computer in common areas. You can disable the "Turn off Computer" button on the start menu and a common user will not "Turn Off, Restart and Stand By" a computer. Using registry editor, you can implement this task in all windows XP versions with minimum effort.

Follow the given steps to disable Turn off Computer" button on the start menu:

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

Click Start button and type regedit in Run option then press Enter for next.

Here locate the location to:

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

Here in right side panel, right click to create a new DWORD value with the name NoClose.

Now assign number 1 in value data box and close the registry editor.

Now close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.

But next time, if you want to enable "Turn Off Computer" button on start menu then simply change the value of data box to 0 or delete NoClose DWORD item.

How to apply password and compressed feature in windows XP?

2009-06-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

In windows XP, you can store your data on hard disk using less space than normal size. There is no need to install any third party software to compress or decompress your data, you can use windows built-in data compression or decompression feature to manage disk space issue.

I think many users are worried about the security of their file and folder also, so another benefit of this feature, you can protect your compressed file and folders with password.

Follow the given steps to implement the compression and password feature to mange data:

First double click on "My Computer" and locate the disk where you want to create compressed (zipped) folder. For example, if you want to create this compressed (zipped) folder on C drive, then open C drive.

Here open the "File" menu, go to "New" then click on "Compressed (zipped) Folder" option.

Rename this folder according to data information and press "Enter" button.

Now you can move (drag and drop or copy and paste) your files and folders to this compressed (zipped) folder then compression feature will implement automatically on that data.

When you want to open these compressed files, simple right click on compressed folder and click on Extract All. This extract wizard will automatically extract all these files to location you choose.

Now if you want to protect this compressed folder with password, simply open the compressed folder and go to "File" menu then here click on "Add a Password" option.

A small dialog box will appear with title "Add Password", type password in "Password" box and confirm password also then press Ok button.

Now when you will try to open your compressed files, system will prompt you a dialog box to enter password to open this file.

Using Run Command in window

2009-06-04T11:34:00.000-07:00

Go to Start Button and open Run then type the given command to run windows programs with name.

Run Commands

appwiz.cpl -- Used to run Add/Remove wizard
Calc --Calculator
Cfgwiz32 --ISDN Configuration Wizard
Charmap --Character Map
Chkdisk --Repair damaged files
Cleanmgr --Cleans up hard drives
Clipbrd --Windows Clipboard viewer
Cmd --Opens a new Command Window
Control mouse --Used to control mouse properties
Control --Displays Control Panel

Dcomcnfg --DCOM user security

Debug --Assembly language programming tool

Defrag --Defragmentation tool

Drwatson --Records programs crash & snapshots

Dxdiag --DirectX Diagnostic Utility

Explorer --Windows Explorer

Fontview --Graphical font viewer

Fsmgmt.msc -- Used to open shared folders

Firewall.cpl -- Used to configure windows firewall

Ftp -ftp.exe program

Hostname --Returns Computer's name

Hdwwiz.cpl -- Used to run Add Hardware wizard

Ipconfig --Displays IP configuration for all network adapters

Logoff -- Used to logoff the computer

MMC --Microsoft Management Console

Msconfig --Configuration to edit startup files

Mstsc -- Used to access remote desktop

Mrc -- Malicious Software Removal Tool

Msinfo32 --Microsoft System Information Utility

Nbtstat --Displays stats and current connections using NetBIOS over TCP/IP

Netstat --Displays all active network connections

Nslookup--Returns your local DNS server

Osk ---Used to access on screen keyboard

Perfmon.msc -- Used to configure the performance of Monitor.

Ping --Sends data to a specified host/IP

Powercfg.cpl -- Used to configure power option

Regedit --Registry Editor

Regwiz -- Registration wizard

Sfc /scannow -- System File Checker

Sndrec32 --Sound Recorder

Shutdown -- Used to shutdown the windows

Spider -- Used to open spider solitaire card game

Sfc / scannow -- Used to run system file checker utility.

Sndvol32 --Volume control for soundcard

Sysedit -- Edit system startup files

Taskmgr --Task manager

Telephon.cpl -- Used to configure modem options.

Telnet --Telnet program

Tracert --Traces and displays all paths required to reach an internet host

Winchat -- Used to chat with Microsoft

Wmplayer -- Used to run Windows Media player

Wab -- Used to open Windows address Book.

WinWord -- Used to open Microsoft word

Winipcfg --Displays IP configuration

Winver -- Used to check Windows Version

Wupdmgr --Takes you to Microsoft Windows Update

Write -- Used to open WordPad

Back It Up!

2009-06-04T11:26:00.001-07:00

As most of you know, I recommend backing up your computer on a regular basis. Since I'm always harping about it, I thought it might be a good idea to actually explain how to do this!

First, what exactly does it mean to "backup" your files?

To backup simply means to copy files to another disk. This can be in the form of using a program designed to do backups or just doing a straight copy from your computer to a floppy (probably a lot more than one floppy), a zip disk , or CD-RW .

For a zip disk, just copy and paste the files you want to save onto the disk. For a CD-R or CD-RW, use your CD burning software. (Note that most CD burning software and Zip drives come with some kind of backup utility you can use if you like).

If all your files will fit on a single CD or Zip disk, then you're in good shape just copying your files straight to it. If your files are too large, you're probably better off using a backup utility, since they can "split" your files up automatically and most can even compress them.

That's really all there is to it. You just take the files you want to be sure to save and copy them to a disk or CD.

Now, here's my advice for easier backups:

One question that seems to come up all the time is. "If I do a re-format and re-install every year or two, how can I be sure I get all my important files?"

I use to have a terrible time with this one. I would hunt through every folder on my hard drive searching for my data. I would still miss stuff and lose it.

Well, a long time ago, I decided to keep any file I create (documents) or want to save (i.e. downloaded software) in the My Documents folder. Then when I go to backup my info, I know it's all in one place. I back up My Documents and it's a done deal. I have it all.

I also advocate putting sub-folders into the My Documents folder. You can do this from most "Save As" dialog boxes by clicking the Ã¢â‚¬Å“New folder " icon. You can also do it from Explorer by opening the My Documents folder, right-clicking on a blank area, then selecting New, Folder from the resulting menu.

Make sure you backup your e-mail and Favorites too! You can set current versions of Outlook Express (and many other e-mail clients) to save your e-mail to a specified folder, like the My Documents folder. Doing that will insure you at least keep your e-mail.

As for the Favorites, those you'll have to work a little harder at. They are usually found under your C:\Windows folder. XP users will find them under the Documents and Settings area.

Now, here's a tip-in-a-tip:

I didn't know you could do this - kind of found out by accident- but you can actually drag your Favorites folder to your My Documents folder. I tested this on Win 98/ME/XP (I'm sure it'll work on Win 2000, not sure on 95). Each time, it worked perfectly. Explorer didn't "lose" any of the favorites and since they are in the My Documents folder now, it makes for MUCH easier backups.

What about program files?

My advice on backing up programs is not to - as long as you can re-install them. I personally back up just the stuff I have "made". You know, things like documents, web pages, pictures, graphics, etc. If I had to take time to make it and save it, I'll back it up.

If it's a program I can reinstall, then I don't back it up. After all, if I lose it, I can always reinstall Besides, many programs have files in locations other than their own directory - so it makes it hard to find everything.

Oh, and if you're backing up because you're doing a reformat of your hard drive and a reinstall of Windows here's something else to consider -

If the reason for the reinstall is poor system performance, you don't necessarily want to copy old files to the newly formatted hard drive. Sure, most of them would probably be OK, but what if you're transferring a file that was causing some of your bad performance? It's kind of like getting a new car and putting used parts on it.

Of course, there's not any kind of "fixed" rule for backing up or not backing up your program files, so use your best judgment

One final idea for our more advanced users:

If you find yourself doing the re-format thing fairly often, you may want to partition off a section of your hard drive for your data. If you keep all your information on a separate drive, you can re-format your Windows drive all you want and your data stays safe on the other drive partition.

A word of warning though. If you decide to do this, only keep data (documents, spreadsheets, pictures, etc) or downloads on the drive. If you install programs to it, you may find that when you re-format you need to re-install those programs anyway because they had DLL files that were living in the Windows System folder.

Turn on a screensaver with adding a shortcut

2009-06-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

You can run screensaver on your system with a single click, If you have any screensaver file like .scr extension, or first download it using Internet, there are many free sites for screensaver downloading.
If you have not any .scr file then please go to Start button, and click on Search button. Here in search windows type *.scr and search all screen saver file from your hard disk.
Here you will find a list of screensavers in the results. Pick a screensaver you want. You can preview it by double-clicking it.
Right click on the file, choose Send To, and then click Desktop (create shortcut).
To activate the screensaver, double-click the icon on your desktop.

How to enable the Windows Task Manager and Regedit Editor?

2009-06-04T11:16:00.000-07:00

Today tip will help you to

unlock the windows Regedit Editor and Task Manager. Normally the reason of this message is that your computer has been infected by virus, trojan, or piece of spyware and message look like" Registry editor has been disabled by your administrator" or "Task Manager has been disabled by your administrator". By default Windows Task Manager and registry editor status is enabled, but a user can also disable or enable it manually. Some time a registry hack applies on both editors to disable it. Before proceeding further, first scan your system with up-to-date antivirus, and then follow the given steps to enable it.

To enable this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

First go to the link of registry tools to access the useful script file and download it to your computer hard disk.

Now double click on this file to run this .vbs file and then a small message will appear on screen.

Here click on Open button to execute this file and you will get a confirmation message on screen.

Click on Ok button to finish the process and now you can run the both windows editors.

How to clear all windows history files with a single click?

2009-06-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

Today tip will help you to manage the all types of user history in windows operating system. This is a built-in feature of all windows keeps track the user's history, for example the websites you have visited, the documents you have opened and the keywords or files for which you've searched. However this tip is very useful for you, if you are sharing your computer with others or you do not want that the other persons know about your last visited documents history. You can clear these kinds of user's history with a single click on desktop icon named Cleanmru.reg. There is no need to clear each history file one by one. This trick will work in nearly all of the windows versions like windows 2000, XP and 2003.

Follow the given steps for configuration to clear recently opened documents automatically:

To edit the computer registry, first you should log onto your computer with administrative rights.

Here copy the following 6 lines and paste in notepad then save with the name Cleanmru.reg on your desktop.

REGEDIT4

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\TypedURLs]

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RunMRU]

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\RecentDocs]

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ComDlg32\

LastVisitedMRU]

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Search Assistant\ACMru]

When you double-click Cleanmru.reg icon to remove the windows history, a small dialog box will appear with the information "Are you sure you want to add the information in C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\desktop\Clearmru.reg to the registry?"

At the end, you will get the message "Information in C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\desktop\Clearmru.reg has been successfully entered into the registry." Click on Ok button and verify that your all history will have been clear.

How to restore the windows XP to a previous working state?

2009-06-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

Today tip is very useful to recover the windows XP problems and then restore it in previous working state. You can recover the windows critical components and return your computer to earlier state without loss of personal data using windows XP built-in system restore feature. With new programs being installed, viruses infecting and spyware creates problem in your browsers it is not unusual for your computer to suddenly stop behaving correctly. So you can perform the windows recovery process and return your computer to earlier state within a minute.

Follow the given steps to run System Restore wizard

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with

administrative rights.

First click on Start button> All programs> Accessories> System Tools then

click on System Restore.

Now a "Welcome to System Restore" wizard will start, first read the detail instruction

on left side of the page.

On right side of the page, click on "Restore my computer to an earlier time" check box

under "To begin, select the task that you want to perform" area and then click on Next button.

On the "Select a Restore Point" page, click on bold date option, but try to use a restore

date as close as possible to a time just before the problem started then click on Next

button.

Now a next page will appear with title "Confirm Restore Point Selection", to restore your

computer to this date and time then click on Next button to start the restore process.

Now system restore process recover the previous windows settings and your computer

will restart with "Restoration Complete" message, click Ok button to finish the process.

How to hide computer drives in windows XP?

2009-06-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

Today tip will help you to log off your computer automatically after some specific period of inactivity. Because most of the users left logged on their computer may represent a security threat for the company. For this purpose, first install the Winexit.scr tools that includes in Windows 2003 Resource Kit (rktools.exe) and you can free download it from Microsoft site.

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

After installing the rktools.exe setup, locate the Winexit.scr file in the following location.

C:\Program Files\Windows Resource Kits\Tools

Here right click no Winexit.scr file and select the Install option.

A Display Properties dialog box will appear, select Screen Saver tab and choose "Logoff

Screen Saver" entry under the Screen saver area.

Now click on Setting button, again a small dialog box will appear with the title "WinExit

Setup Dialog".

Here select the "Force application termination" check box under the "Force logoff"

area and type the number of seconds in "Countdown for n seconds" box under

Time to logoff area.

Now type the message that appears during the logoff countdown timer in the

"Logoff Message" box and click on Ok button.

Click on "Preview" button to verify the settings.

Here a small dialog box will appear with the title "Auto logoff in progress",

it displays the countdown timer and logoff message.

Click on Cancel then Ok button to finish the process.

How to apply password and compressed feature in windows XP?

2009-06-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

You can store your data on hard disk using less space than normal size in windows XP. There is no need to install any third party software to compress or decompress your data, you can use windows built-in data compression or decompression feature to manage disk space issue.

I think many users are worried about the security of their file and folder also, so another benefit of this feature, you can protect your compressed file and folders with password.

Follow the given steps to implement the compression and password feature to mange data:

Here open the "File" menu, go to "New" then click on "Compressed (zipped) Folder" option.

and folders to this compressed (zipped) folder then compression feature will implement automatically on that data.

When you want to open these compressed files, simple right click on compressed folder and click on Extract All. This extract wizard will automatically extract all these files to location you choose.

Now if you want to protect this compressed folder with password, simply open the compressed folder and go to "File" menu then here click on "Add a Password" option.

A small dialog box will appear with title "Add Password", type password in "Password" box and confirm password also then press Ok button.

Now when you will try to open your compressed files, system will prompt you a dialog box to enter password to open this file.

How to perform route summarization using BGP protocol?

2009-06-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

Route summarization is the process of replacing a series of routes into a summary route with subnet mask. The main purpose of summarization is to decrease the uses of bandwidth and make the size of routing table smaller. For example if you are trying to advertise four routes 194.1.17.0/24, 194.1.18.0/24, 194.1.19.0/24 and 194.1.20.0/24 from router C to router B then the only summarized address as 194.1.16.0 255.255.248.0 will be advertised in the update packet.

Today tip will help you configure BGP route summarization between two different types of routing protocols. In this case, we will try to configure three different routers with routing protocols OSPF & RIP and then advertised one summary route from router C to router B using BGP Aggregate-address command.

Follow the network topology of three different class network in given figure:

Configuration to Enable OSPF & BGP on Router B

n global configuration Mode:

B (config) # router ospf 1

(Enable ospf protocol and 1 is Autonomous number)

B (config-router) # network 40.0.0.0 0.255.255.255 area 0

(Advertised router B Serial Network 40.0.0.0)

B (config-router) # network 210.100.20.0 0.0.0.255 area 0

(Advertised router B Ethernet Network 210.100.20.0)

B (config-router) #redistribute bgp 20 subnet metric 50

(Redistribute bgp into ospf)

Now configure BGP on router B

B(config)# router bgp 20

B (config-router) # neighbor 61.1.1.2 remote-as 10

B (config-router) #end

Now run show command to display the BGP updates.

B #show ip bgp

Now verify the summarized route in router B routing table, run the command

B #show ip route

Configuration to Enable RIP & BGP on Router C

In global configuration Mode:

C (config) # router rip

(Enable rip protocol)

C (config-router) # network 210.100.30.0

(Advertised router C Serial Network 210.100.30.0)

C(config)#ip route 40.0.0.0 255.0.0.0 61.1.1.1

(Create a static route to router A to complete routing table.)

Now create four static routes and then advertised in BGP.

C(config)# ip route 194.1.17.0 255.255.255.0 null 0

C(config)# ip route 194.1.18.0 255.255.255.0 null 0

C(config)# ip route 194.1.19.0 255.255.255.0 null 0

C(config)# ip route 194.1.20.0 255.255.255.0 null 0

Now configure BGP on router C

C(config)# router bgp 10

C (config-router) # neighbor 61.1.1.1 remote-as 20

C (config-router) # redistribute static

(Advertised static routes)

C (config-router) # aggregate-address 194.1.16.0 255.255.248.0 summary-only

(summary of four static routes)

C (config-router) #end

Now run show command to display the BGP updates.

C #show ip bgp

Now verify the routes in router C routing table, run the command

C #show ip route

Configuration to Enable OSPF & BGP on Router A

In global configuration Mode:

A (config) # router ospf 1

(Enable ospf protocol and 1 is Autonomous number)

A(config-router) # network 40.0.0.0 0.255.255.255 area 0

(Advertised router A Serial Network 40.0.0.0)

A(config-router) # network 210.100.10.0 0.0.0.255 area 0

(Advertised router A Ethernet Network 210.100.10.0)

How to insert any favorite text as bullet in Word?

2009-06-04T10:18:00.000-07:00

In Microsoft Word, lists of items or important points of a specific topic are presented in the documents in a prominent way by applying default bullets and numbering. By default, word provides only few built-in bullets and numbers to prominent your important points. But if you wish to use your name or any favorite word as a bullet then you can modify the default bullets lists.

Follow the given steps to modify the default bullets with your favorite name:

First click on Start button, go to Program then click on Microsoft Word to run the word page.

Now go to File menu and click on Open option to open any word file. Then go to Format menu and click on Bullets and Numbering option.

Here a small dialog will appear with title "Bullets and Numbering", now click on one of the number formats that you are not using in the document and click on Customize button.

In the number format box, type your favorite text (in this case, we are using Tony, Google and MSN as bullets, you can set a different font if you like, or the underlying paragraph font will be used).

You can enter 30 characters in the box which should be sufficient for most of the uses to which this is likely to be put.

How to manage the compatibility issues of Office 2007 to earlier office versions?

2009-06-04T10:14:00.000-07:00

By default all Microsoft Office 2007 applications use the different files extensions than the earlier versions. All earlier Office applications used the file extensions as .doc, .xls and .ppt for

Word, Excel and PowerPoint respectively, but now Office 2007 applications uses the .docx, xlsx and .pptx file extensions for Word, Excel and PowerPoint respectively. These all new file extensions are not compatible with all previous versions of Office applications, that is why Office 2002 and Office 2003 applications cannot open and read the .docx, xlsx and .pptx file extensions.

However, you have an option in Office 2007 to save the files with in older files extensions, But if you are frequently using the older versions of the file and also if the files created by you are to be shared on other computers which have earlier versions of Office, you may want to save all your new documents in the older format, but that would create duplicate files. There is better option in Office 2007 applications to change the default saving file format to the older format and then the new file format in Office 2007 will be changed to .doc, .xls and .ppt for Word, Excel and PowerPoint respectively.

Today we will set the older file format for Word 2007 and other applications will be discussed in the next tips. Follow the given steps to set the default older file format for Word 2007:

First click on Start button, go to Program then click on Microsoft Word 2007 to run the word application.

Now click on File menu in the top left corner then click on Word Options button to change the default word options.

In the left side panel, click on Save option, and now "Customized how documents are saved" option will appear in right side panel.

Here find the "Save File in this format" option and click on drop down box to select the different format. Now you will find many options here, select the Word 97-2003 Document (*doc) option.

Now click on Ok button to save the settings and all new Word files will be created in the format you set as default.

How to configure the Cisco IOS IDS step by step?

2009-06-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

IDS stand for Intrusion Detection System. IDS use to monitor the network traffic and calculate the detail information about network attacks also. When the IDS system identifies any malicious traffic, it reports an alert to the management system (for example, kiwi Syslog service Manager). IDS generates the different types of information against network attacks (for example, alerts, Critical conditions, Debugging messages, System is unusable, Warning conditions, Normal but significant conditions and other informational messages) and then you can set the alarm or reset action against the matching signatures.

Follow the given lab for IDS to detect malicious traffic:

Configurations on Router
In global configuration Mode:

Router(config)# logging on

Router(config)# logging console

(enable logging on router console)

Router(config)# logging host 40.1.1.2

(mention the syslog server address; here we are using kiwi Syslog service Manager as a logging manager)

Router(config)# logging trap 7

(logging severity level)

Router(config)# ip audit name AGENT attack action alarm

(set the alarm action against the matching signatures, and AGENT is the name of audit specification)

Now implement the all above configurations on router inside interface.

Router(config)# interface Ethernet 0/0

Router(config-if)# ip audit AGENT in

(implementation on router inside interface)

Now you can create a network attack using ICMP service (denial of service attack), for example run a long Ping command from your laptop to remote router.

Ping 40.1.1.1 -t -l 60000
Now you can verify the detail information about this ICMP DOS attack using any syslog server, here we are using kiwi Syslog service Manager as a logging manager. In the given figure, you can view the information about the ICMP DOS attack.

How to block any installed application from lunching on your computer?

2009-06-04T09:52:00.000-07:00

How to block any installed application from lunching on your computer?

Today tip will help you to block any windows built-in applications or other third party programs from being executed on a target computer. If you want to restrict an application from running

your family members and co-workers then AppLocker provides a simple solution to do so. However this tip is very useful for you, if you are sharing your computer with others or you do not want that other persons run all installed applications. This trick will work in nearly all of the windows versions like windows 2000, XP, 2003 and 2008.

AppLocker provides us a complete solution to block any programs from being executed on a target computer. You can download this tool for any windows version using link. Download it and run the easy setup.

After installation, double click on AppLocker icon on your desktop to start the Application Locker software. Now this application will display the list of computer software programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet Explorer and many others.

Here click on any application checkbox and then click on Save button to block any software. For example, if you want to block Internet Explorer then select the checkbox of internet explorer and now after saving the change click on Internet Explorer to start it. Here you will get following message:

Now here you can add other application other than the default lock application list, you can lock other programs by clicking the “Configure” button to open the configuration window. Type the caption you want displayed on the ‘Lock application list’. Then, type the programs executable file name and click the ‘Add’ button to add new applications.

How to Backup Your Outlook Contacts to Excel File?

2009-06-03T08:48:00.000-07:00

Microsoft's Outlook is integrated into Microsoft Office 2000, 2002, 2008 and Microsoft Exchange Server. Outlook is complete e-mail manager by which you e-mail, calendaring, and contact management. Outlook enables you to filter and organize e-mail messages, integrate and manage e-mail from multiple e-mail accounts, personal and group calendars, contacts, folders, and tasks.

Using Import and Export feature in Outlook, you can create the full backup of outlook contacts. Because without backup yon can lose your e-mail accounts data any time due to virus, power failure and hard disk problem.

Follow the given steps to export your outlook contacts to Excel file:

Click on Start button, go to Program then click on Microsoft Outlook to export the contacts.

Now go to File menu and click on Import and Export option. Choose Export to a file as show in the below figure then click Next.

Now on next dialog box, choose Microsoft Excel and click Next.

Select the Contacts Folder you want to backup to Excel file as shown below then click Next.

Choose a name and location where to save the Excel file by clicking Browse button, then click Next.

Click Finish to start the back up procedure which may take little time depending on how many contacts you have.

Tips about ISP Speed Test

2009-06-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

Speeding Up Internet Access

Most of what makes the Internet slow for people in their day-to-day activities resides in people's own systems, not in their ISP. It's pointless searching for a high-speed ISP if you're connecting to it with a modem over a telephone line. To get a fast Internet experience start with your own hardware. Get a relatively high-speed, low-latency connection to the Internet like cable or DSL, and then ensure your computer is ready for the load. Connect to the modem via an Ethernet port, not serial, parallel, or USB. Finally, ensure your computer has enough memory; in most modern computers this is more a bottleneck than speed.

ISP Speed

The overall perceived speed of an ISP is determined by four key factors: the ISP bandwidth, the ISP load, server delivery rate, and the latency. Bandwidth is usually pretty constant for a given ISP. Load will vary throughout the day. Server delivery rate is attached to the service being used. Latency is largely determined by how one is connected to the ISP. All four are important. For example, a high speed ISP may score very well in a bandwidth speed test one day but be slow the next day due to a heavy load.

ISP Bandwidth

For Further Study.....

The bandwidth of an ISP determines how much data it can move. If you think of data as water, an ISP's bandwidth is based on the size of its pipes. The top speed of an ISP is set by its bandwidth, but other factors can affect its actual speed. In particular, load will impact its raw speed and latency will impact its perceived speed. ISP bandwidth is usually measured in Mbps (megabits per second), but is often advertised based on its connection type (T1, T2, T3, T4, etc.)

T1 and T3

ISPs are often connected to the Internet at large via standard cables called (most frequently) T1 or T3 or (very rarely) T1C, T2, or T4. Each of these cables delivers a certain amount of bandwidth at a particular latency. For a quick comparison, a T1 can move 1.544 Mbps and a T1C 3.152. A T2 delivers 6.312 Mbps. A T3 is capable of 44.736 Mbps and the mighty T4 274.760 Mbps. Compare this with a 56K modem which can only handle 0.056 Mbps.

ISP Speed Tests

Since effective ISP speed is based on bandwidth, load (both global and service-based), and latency, it's not the most easy thing to calculate. There is a special ISP technology for performing such measurements; it's basically a stress test. There are different tests for different ISP services. One popular one is called Apache Bench. It is used for measuring an ISP's speed for serving Web pages. Note though that these ISP speed tests are used by ISPs on themselves; using one on an unsuspecting ISP will probably be considered a denial-of-service attack and can potentially get one in legal trouble.

ISP Latency

ISP speed is based in part on latency. In fact, it has an especially huge impact on perceived ISP speed. Latency is the minimum time it takes to perform any network operation, no matter how small. It is partly determined by the distance between one's computer and the ISP server (there are speed of light restrictions, after all). The actual hardware involved at each side of the connection though has a bigger impact. Most consumer hardware tends to have poor latency, and to the person browsing the Web pretty much all the perceived slowness comes from latency.

ISP Load

The load on an ISP will have a direct impact on its speed. If you think of cars as data and street size as ISP bandwidth, load is the amount of traffic in the street. An ISP provider with a light load will be able to serve your data more quickly than one with a heavy load when all other factors are equal. An ISP's load will be mostly determined by the quantity and popularity of its customers. ISPs typically experience their heaviest loads during business hours. Note though that business hours vary around the world, and ISPs with truly international appeal may be under relatively heavy loads all the time.

Server Delivery Rate

Even if an ISP has plenty of bandwidth for its load and low latency, it can still be slow serving Web pages (or e-mail, or whatever). The reason is that each ISP service is handled by a separate program (called a daemon) and an individual daemon can get overloaded. Each daemon can only handle so many requests per second regardless of bandwidth. Basically in addition to the ISP's global load, there's also individual service load. The number of requests an ISP service can handle per second is based primarily on its server software.

How to create your own Run Command for any specific application?

2009-06-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

Follow the given steps to disable the save settings functionality for desktop:

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

Click Start button and type regedit in Run option then press Enter for next.

Here locate the location to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App paths

Now right click on App Paths and select New > Key, title the key and name it whatever you want your run command to be. In this case, we will try to create a run command for SecueCRT application.

New > Key > SecureCRT.exe

Now select the SecureCRT.exe folder and click right on (Default) string value then click Modify at the right hand side panel.

Now again in right side panel, click right to create a new String value with the name SecureCRT and its values as C:\Program Files\VanDyke Software\SecureCRT\SecureCRT.exe.

Now close the registry editor and restart your computer after any changes to go into effect.

Protecting Document with Password

2009-06-02T09:20:00.001-07:00

You can protect your document by applying password so that unauthorized person can not display as well as modify your document. You can apply two types of passwords:

Password to open the document:

If it is applied then you have to give the correct password to open the document, otherwise you cannot open the document.

Password to modify the document:

If it is applied then you have to give the correct password to modify the document, otherwise your document is opened but you cannot modify the document. It means that your document becomes read-only.

To apply a password to document, follow these steps.

* Open Save As dialog box by selecting "Save As" command from File menu.

* Click "Tools" button of Save As dialog box and choose "General Options" from drop down menu, "Save" dialog box appears as shown in figure below.

* Enter first password in "Password to open" text box and second password in "Password to modify" text box (if required) and click "Ok" button of dialog box. Microsoft Word will open "Confirm Password" dialog box for the confirmation of passwords. The maximum length of password is 15 characters.

* Re-enter the password to open and password to modify and click "Ok" button of Confirm Password dialog boxes one by one.

Useful Adobe Photoshop Shortcut Keys

2009-06-02T09:17:00.000-07:00

Shortcut keys with Ctrl+ Combination

Shortcut keys Action

Ctrl + N To open new Document
Ctrl + M Curves Dialogue Box
Ctrl + A Selects all in the currently foreground document or currently
Ctrl + D Deselects all in the currently foreground document or currently
Ctrl + J Automatically creates a duplicate of the currently selected layer
Ctrl + K Preferences Dialogue Box
Ctrl + L Levels Dialogue Box
Ctrl + F4 Closes current document
Ctrl + ' Toggles Grid Lines
Ctrl + Q Quits Photoshop altogether
Ctrl + R Toggles Rulers
Ctrl + U Hue/Saturation Dialogue Box
Ctrl + O Opens New File
Ctrl + P Print Dialogue Box
Ctrl + Z Undo last Action
Ctrl + Tab Toggle between open documents
Ctrl + Shift + C Copy Merged
Ctrl + H Toggle Extras
Ctrl + ; Toggle Guides
Ctrl + Shift + ; Toggle Snap
Ctrl + X Cut
Ctrl + Alt + Shift + X Pattern Maker
Ctrl + Shift + V Paste into selection
Ctrl + Alt + Shift + V Paste Outside
Ctrl + T Transform Tool
Ctrl + Shift + T Repeats the last performed Transform
Shift + F5 / Shift + Backspace (Key) Fill Layer Dialogue Box

Shortcut keys with Ctrl + Shift / Alt Combination

Ctrl + Shift + O Photoshop's File Browser
Ctrl + Shift + P Page Setup Dialogue Box
Ctrl + Shift + S Save As Dialogue Box
Ctrl + Shift + K Color Setting Preferences Box
Ctrl + Shift + F Fade Dialogue Box
Ctrl + Shift + X Liquify Filter Tool
Ctrl + Shift + N Create New Layer Preferences Box
Ctrl + Shift + M Launches ImageReady
Ctrl + Shift + E Merges all layers into a single layer
Ctrl + Alt + Z Step Backward
Ctrl + Shift + - Zoom Out
Ctrl + Shift + + Zoom In
Ctrl + Shift + Alt + N Creates a new empty layer
Ctrl + Shift + Alt + S Save For The Web Dialogue
Ctrl + Alt (in most Dialogue Boxes) - Changes the 'Cancel' command to 'Reset'
Ctrl + Alt (in the 'Save For Web Dialogue') - Changes the Cancel command to Rese

How to enable the Hibernation feature in windows XP?

2009-06-02T09:14:00.001-07:00

In windows environment, the hibernation is a built-in feature used to increases your work performance and also minimizes the windows startup time. For example, if you have to keep open a lot of files and windows applications then you can leave you system in hibernate mode without closing the open programs. When you restart computer after hibernation, all the running files and applications will be restore as you have left them. Windows store the all hibernated information in the Hiberfil.sys file using system root folder. The size of this file is roughly equal to the RAM of your system.

Follow the given steps to activate the hibernation in windows XP:

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

First click on Start button> Control Panel, click on Performance and Maintenance then click on Power Options.

A new "Power Options Properties" dialog box will appear, select Hibernate tab and then select the "Enable hibernation" check box to enable the hibernate feature.

If you system does not support the hibernation feature then the hibernation tab will not available there.

Now click on Apply button to implement the changes then click on Ok button to end the configuration process.

After enabling the hibernation feature click on Start button then click on "Turn off Computer". In the "Turn off Computer" dialog box, press the "Shift" for some time and click on Hibernate button. Your system will take some time to complete the hibernation process.

How to enable the Hibernation feature in windows XP?

2009-06-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

Follow the given steps to activate the hibernation in windows XP:

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

First click on Start button> Control Panel, click on Performance and Maintenance then click on Power Options.

A new "Power Options Properties" dialog box will appear, select Hibernate tab and then select the "Enable hibernation" check box to enable the hibernate feature.

If you system does not support the hibernation feature then the hibernation tab will not available there.

Now click on Apply button to implement the changes then click on Ok button to end the configuration process.

Internet Error Codes and Meaning

2009-05-31T03:15:00.000-07:00

Sometime you are browsing the internet and trying to open any website, your e-mail and any FTP sites , but you see different error codes there. You should be familiar with these error codes. You can solve these problems if you are well-known with the meaning of error codes.

Error Codes Meaning

400 This is bad request error, First check you may be typing wrong URL name and server could not understand your request.

401 You are trying to open any unauthorized access site or page. Check your username and password if you are trying to open any webpage.

402 Payment Required Error

403 You are trying to open any forbidden page and you are blocked by that domain.

404 Here you are trying to open the webpage that was removed or re-named, also check the URL spelling.

408 This is time out error. you should send the request with in time that the server set for you.

How to save your favorite Web Pages on Your PC?

2009-05-31T02:52:00.001-07:00

Today tip will help you to save any webpage on your disk in proper way. Many times you find a webpage, which want to view or read when you are not connected to the internet. It's happened to you dozens of times in a month. Here I have solution to this problem, almost all web browsers allow you to save any webpage to your computer and when you can enjoy those pages whenever you want. There are many options in web browser to save your favorite web pages.

First open your favorite web page then go to File menu in web browser to save that page. In File menu choose Save as option here. You should browse to any folder where you want to save that webpage and choose the proper format to save it in.

Webpage Complete (*.htm, *. html)

This option saves the webpage in its regular HTML format. With this format, Internet Explorer saves all the graphics of that webpage only in one folder.

Web Archive, Single file (*.mht)

Using this option, the explorer saves the webpage in a single file in a zipped format which is known as Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension HTML. There are no folders creating with this technique and it save all the graphics of webpage in only one file. If you don't want to use the code of HTML, this format is better to save any file because this option saves all the files in a single file.

Webpage, HTML only (*.htm, *. html)

With this option you can save only the HTML portion of the webpage, with this option you can save webpage without any graphics. For the next time when you will try to open the page which you have saved though it might be difficult to read because graphics are normally use to hold the pieces of webpage together. If you want to reuse the HTML in a webpage you want to create then choose this option.

Text File (*.txt)

You can save a webpage as text format (text only) with using this option. If you want to save only text from a page and you do not want about the pictures then this is good option for you.

When you want to read that saved page, open your browser and go to File menu and then browse to that folder where you have saved that pages.

How to save your favorite Web Pages on Your PC?

2009-05-31T02:52:00.000-07:00

Webpage Complete (*.htm, *. html)

This option saves the webpage in its regular HTML format. With this format, Internet Explorer saves all the graphics of that webpage only in one folder.

Web Archive, Single file (*.mht)

Webpage, HTML only (*.htm, *. html)

With this option you can save only the HTML portion of the webpage, with this option you can save webpage without any graphics. For the next time when you will try to open the page which you have saved though it might be difficult to read because graphics are normally use to hold the pieces of webpage together. If you want to reuse the HTML in a webpage you want to create then choose this option.

Text File (*.txt)

You can save a webpage as text format (text only) with using this option. If you want to save only text from a page and you do not want about the pictures then this is good option for you.

When you want to read that saved page, open your browser and go to File menu and then browse to that folder where you have saved that pages.

How you can Change The Recycle Bin's Name?

2009-05-31T02:50:00.000-07:00

You can change the name of Recycle Bin of your system if you wish. It is very easy and interesting but it require some changes in windows registry,

First click on Start button > click on Run option.
Type here regedit.exe and press enter then you will find there regedit editor.
In regedit editor you will open HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT folder, In this folder open the CLSID folder then open the {645FF040-5081-101B-9F08-00AA002F954E} folder >ShellFolder folder at last.
Here simply change the data value from "40 01 00 20" to "70 01 00 20".
After performing all above steps restart your computer then you will find option to rename Recycle name after right clicking on Recycle Bin Icon. Now you can change new name as you wish.

How to download the windows latest updates automatically?

2009-05-31T02:27:00.001-07:00

Follow the given steps to enable this important feature on your computer:

To use this feature, you will need to be logged into your computer with administrative rights.

Click Start button and go to Settings then click on Control Panel option. Now system will open the Control Panel windows with different categories.

Just click on System option, a small System Properties dialog box will appear with many options like System Restore, Remote and Automatic Updates and others.

How to set specified folder view to all Folder Views in windows XP and Vista?

2009-05-31T00:55:00.000-07:00

Today tip will help you to manage the specified view of all folders in windows XP and Vista. By default, you have options to choose the view of folders contents as thumbnails, titles, icons, list or display with details. But this change will apply on the folders that you are currently working in. On the other hand, with the just few more clicks, you can change the view of all the folders on your computer.

Follow the given steps to accomplish this task through the Folder Options dialog box.

First of all open any folder, click "View" and choose the view you would most like to use.

Now from the Tools menu, click on Folder Options" to open the Folder Options dialog box.

Here on Folder Options dialog box, select the View tab.

At the top of the dialog box, click Apply to all folders button.

Now a new confirmation message will appear as "Set all the folders on your computer to match the current folders view settings (except for toolbars and folder task)? Change will occur the next time you open them."

Click OK in the Folder Options window to save the changes.

Now all the folders on your computer should display contents in your chosen view. As before, you can still change the view in individual folders via the "View" button.

How to find a lost file on your Computer?

2009-05-31T00:43:00.000-07:00

Today tip will help you to enjoy the quick and easy way to find lost files on your computer. Here I recommends you, try to search a file with its file extensions (for example for word file, type *.doc, Excel *.xls, Acrobat *.pdf, *.ppt and *.exe for executable files. If you don't know the name of file but know that it contains a string of text then try to search for files containing specific text, type the text you want to find from any file or folder. This is time taking process but creates very precise result. In Look in, click the drive, folder, or network you want to search. To save time, always select the specified drive or location instead of whole computer.

Click Start Button, point to Search, and then click For File or Folders, a Search Results dialog box will appear. In Search for files or folders named, type the file name or folder name you want to find in containing text.

To specify additional search criteria, click Search Options, and then click one or more of the following options to narrow your search:

Select Date to look for files that were created or modified on or between specific dates.
Select Type to look for files of a specific type, such as a text or WordPad document.
Select Size to look for files of a specific size.
Select Advanced Options to specify additional search criteria.
Click Search now.