Tuesday 14 May 2013

Just type directly in Metro Start-up Screen

Many users are taken back by the completely new fangled screen that displays on first boot-up of Windows 8. But just thinking of it simply as a full-screen start button panel.

Just as with Windows 7's start button menu, you can simply start typing even though the search box is not visible, just type the name or a few letters of a program to display app names that match the letters you type. If what you're looking for isn't there, say, you want to run the control panel, switch the right-slide selector bar to Settings; if you're looking for a picture or doc, switch it to Files. Note that you can also search within any of the apps listed below these three choices.


Laptop Overheating Remedies




Have you noticed that your laptop has been getting hotter and hotter especially after leaving it on for a few hours.
Laptop's fans are notorious for collecting dirt, dust, and other chemicals in the air. Some of the things suggested in this article should help you cut down on your heat issues and keep your computer breathing better.
Laptop ventilation systems are in weird places, such as underneath the laptop, on the sides, you do not want to block the intake or exhaust areas.
Because of this here are a few tips to keep your laptop's heat down..
  1. Observe where the intake area/s are (this would be the vents where the fan/s are) and the exhaust area the vents where the warm air blows out, make a mental note of it and make sure you never block those areas.
  2. Use a can of air on your vents every few months or so. This will help expel out the dust and prevent dirt from clogging up the inside of your computer. (You can get a can of air from your local hardware store)
  3. Don't leave your laptop on a bed or couch. Because the laptop sinks in to the bed, the ventilation system can't do it's job keeping the laptop cool enough to operate. ( If the ventilation  is blocked chances are you could  'fry' your CPU, however most laptops have a protection feature in the Bios that addresses heat management, this will switch off the laptop when the CPU reaches maximum temperature. Often if this is the case and you try switch the laptop on - it will  almost immediately turn off again until CPU temperature has dropped.)
  4. During high pollen seasons, limit the time you use your laptop outdoors. These particles are nasty and clog up systems faster than anything else.
  5. Avoid smoking near computers. This will cause nicotine build up on your fans and burn them out. And a burnt out fan disables your computers ability to keep it self cool.
  6. Consider investing in a USB powered laptop cooler. I use one of these on my laptop and I've noticed a significant increase in performance when the laptop temperatures are kept cool.
  7. Put your computer into standby when your not using it. The less the computer is on, the less heat it will generate and prevent it from over heating.
Below: Typical laptop cooling system Note: some laptops have two fans a CPU & GPU fan

Below: a typical laptop with  CPU vent and exhaust vents on bottom and side. (this laptop has two exhaust outlets) 




Below: Typical Laptop cooler - helps airflow circulation.

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