Display Windows Desktop Background on Start Screen Win8.1

The Start screen feels completely alien in Windows 8. Press the Windows key and you’re whooshed from your desktop to a completely different environment with a completely different background that’s separate from your desktop background. If you want to set a custom background for your Start screen, well, you can’t — you can only choose from among the handful of weird Start screen backgrounds that Steven Sinofsky decided to give you.
Windows 8.1 deals with this by providing an option to “Show my desktop background on Start.” It sounds like a small change, but using the same background on your Start screen makes it feel much less out of place. When you go to the Start screen, it will look as if the tiles (or list of installed apps) are hovering over your desktop rather than existing in a different environment.

 Below: example of desktop background set on start screen

 

  

To enable this option: right-click the taskbar, select Properties, click the Navigation tab, and check the “Show my desktop background on Start” option.

 Below: example of desktop background set on start screen

How to add a Webpage shortcut on your Desktop

To add a shortcut to a webpage is really very simple. Below I will describe the  windows method & the easier browser method.

Windows method

Right click on your desktop a menu will appear select  'New' then select 'Shortcut'

Copy the URL from your browser address bar and paste it in the text box 'Location of the Item'

then click 'Next.'

Name the short cut to what ever name you want to call it then click 'Finish'


Browser Method
You can use your browser  whether it be Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Chrome to create a shortcut on your computer's desktop to a page you've visited:

1. Re-size your browser window so you can see both your computer's desktop and the browser window on the same screen.
2. Click on the site icon next to the location bar, i.e. where the web address (URL) is shown.
3. While still holding the mouse button down, move the pointer to the desktop, then release the mouse button. The shortcut will be created.
   
   

You can also drag and drop items to the desktop from the Bookmarks menu and the Bookmarks and History sidebar to create shortcuts.
You can then rename the shortcut to what ever you want and when you click on it your default browser will open and display the page for which you made the shortcut.

http://www.durbangeek.co.za | http://durbangeek.blogspot.com

Common functions of the Function Keys F1 through F12

Below is a short-listing of some of the common functions of the functions keys. Not all programs support function keys and may perform different tasks then those mentioned below.

F1

• Almost always used as the help key, almost every program will open the help screen when this key is pressed.
• Enter CMOS Setup.
• Windows Key + F1 would open the Microsoft Windows help and support center.
• Open the Task Pane.

F2

• In Windows renames a highlighted icon, file, or folder in all versions of Windows.
• Alt + Ctrl + F2 opens document window in Microsoft Word.
• Ctrl + F2 displays the print preview window in Microsoft Word.
• Quickly rename a selected file or folder.
• Enter CMOS Setup.

F3

• Opens a search feature for many programs including Microsoft Windows when at the Windows Desktop..
• In MS-DOS or Windows command line F3 will repeat the last command.
• Shift + F3 will change the text in Microsoft Word from upper to lower case or a capital letter at the beginning of every word.
• Windows Key + F3 opens the Advanced find window in Microsoft Outlook.
• Open Mission Control on an Apple computer running Mac OS X.

F4

• Open find window in Windows 95 to XP.
• Highlights address bar for input in Windows Explorer , Internet Explorer , Chrome
• Repeat the last action performed (Word 2000+)
• Alt + F4 will close the program window currently active in Microsoft Windows.
• Ctrl + F4 will close the open window within the current active window in Microsoft Windows.

F5

• In all modern Internet browsers pressing F5 will refresh or reload the page or document window.
• Open the find, replace, and go to window in Microsoft Word.
• Starts a slideshow in PowerPoint.

F6

• Move the cursor to the Address bar in Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and most other Internet browsers.
• Ctrl + Shift + F6 opens to another open Microsoft Word document.

F7

• Commonly used to spell check and grammar check a document in Microsoft programs such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, etc.
• Shift + F7 runs a Thesaurus check on the word highlighted.
• Turns on Caret browsing in Mozilla Firefox.

F8

• Function key used to enter the Windows startup menu, commonly used to access Windows Safe Mode.

F9

• Opens the Measurements toolbar in Quark 5.0.
• With Mac OS 10.3 or later shows all open Windows.
• Using the Fn key and F9 at the same time will open Mission Control on an Apple computer running Mac OS X.

F10

• In Microsoft Windows activates the menu bar of an open application.
• Shift + F10 is the same as right-clicking on a highlighted icon, file, or Internet link.
• Access the hidden recovery partition on HP and Sony computers.
• Enter CMOS Setup.
• With Mac OS 10.3 or later shows all open Windows for active program.

F11

• Full-screen mode in all modern Internet browsers.
• Ctrl + F11 as computer is starting to access the hidden recovery partition on many Dell computers.
• Access the hidden recovery partition on eMachines, Gateway, and Lenovo computers.
• With Mac OS 10.4 or later hides all open windows and shows the Desktop.

F12

• Open the Save as window in Microsoft Word.
• Shift + F12 save the Microsoft Word document.
• Ctrl + Shift + F12 prints a document in Microsoft Word.
• Preview a page in Microsoft Expression Web
• Open Firebug.
• With an Apple running Mac OS 10.4 or later F12 will show or hides the Dashboard.

Disabling Start-up Programs in Windows using Msconfig or Ccleaner

The more software you install on your computer, the longer it may seem to take to start up Windows. Many programs add themselves to the list of programs started when you boot your computer, and that list can get long.

Disabling Start-up Programs in Windows using Msconfig

For some programs, it’s smart to have them start with Windows, such as anti-virus and firewall software. However, for most programs, starting them at boot-up just wastes resources and extends start-up time. There is a tool installed with Windows, called Msconfig, that allows you to quickly and easily see what’s running at start up and disable the programs you prefer to run on our own after start up as needed. This tool is available and can be used to disable start-up programs in Windows XP, Vista, Win7 & Win8
Important Note: MSConfig can be used to configure several things other than just startup programs, so be careful what you do with it. If you’re not sure about using it, just follow the steps in this article and you should be fine.

If you are using Windows XP, open the Run dialog box from the Start menu, type “msconfig.exe” in the Open edit box, and click OK.

If you are using  Vista or Windows 7 click the Start Orb in the menu search box type “msconfig” (without the quotes). As you type, results display. When you see “msconfig.exe,” click on it or press Enter, if it is highlighted.

If you are using Windows 8, just type “msconfig” straight into the metro (start-up screen) and you will see msconfig.exe appear in the  results,  click on it

In XP, Vista and Windows 7 click the Startup tab on the System Configuration main window. A list of all the startup programs displays with a check box next to each one. To prevent a program from starting up with Windows, select the check box next to the desired program so there is NO check mark in the box. Click Apply once you have made your choices.

In Windows 8  clicked on the Startup tab select the link Open task Manager here you will see a list of programs however no check box. Under status you can see whether the program is disabled or enabled. to change whether the program starts up or not right click on the program in question and click disable if its enabled  or vice versa.

In XP, Vista and Windows 7 To prevent a program from starting up with Windows, select the check box next to the desired program after unchecking a program box you will have to select apply and a dialog box  will display telling you that you may need to restart your computer for the changes to take affect. Click Restart to restart your computer immediately. If are not ready to restart your computer, click Exit without restart.

 Disabling Start-up Programs in Windows using Ccleaner

The free PC-cleaning utility CCleaner also has a tool that allows you to disable startup programs. In CCleaner, click the Tools button on the left side of the dialog box and click Startup to see the list of startup programs. The Enabled column indicates whether each program is set to start with Windows. To disable a program that is enabled, select the program in the list and click Disable. You can also enable programs that have been disabled.

God Mode for Windows 8 Power Users

One of the more interesting bits of functionality hidden in Windows 8 is "God Mode," a hidden menu that allows power users access to a massive selection of administrative, maintenance, and troubleshooting utilities and features. To reveal God Mode, first bring up File Explorer and then click on the View tab. Make sure that "Hidden items" and "File name extensions" are both checked.

Then, on your desktop, create a new folder, and change that folder's name to "GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}" (omitting the quotes). The folder's icon should change. Double click on it, and Explorer will present you with a ton of options to tweak your system.

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.

The DurbanGeek website:  http://www.durbangeek.co.za   DurbanGeek Blog: http://durbangeek.blogspot.com

Improved CCleaner v4.0

Piriform has updated its CCleaner application to version 4.0. Besides improved graphics, better Windows 8  compatibility and some new features, the latest version 4.0 includes two new tools including a Duplicate File Finder.

 Ccleaner in my opinion is the best registry cleaners for Windows. It is one of the most preferred junk temp file cleaner and free registry cleaning software  for clearing disk space  and removing invalid registry entries from your Windows PC.

Features:

1.       New improved graphics and icon.
2.       Improved internal architecture for better performance.
3.       New Duplicate File Finder tool.
4.       New System and Browser Monitoring (Pro Version).
5.       Optimized and improved Registry Cleaning.
6.       Added cleaning for Avast Anti-Virus 8, Adobe Photoshop CS6, Samsung Kies & Real Player.
7.       Improved Drive Wiper performance.
8.       Optimized Startup item detection algorithm.
9.       Optimized 64-bit builds on Windows 7 and 8.
10.    Many performance improvements and bug fixes.

Windows 8 Windows Key Shortcuts

• Win : switch between the Start screen and the last-running Windows 8 app
• Win + C : displays the Charms: the Settings, Devices, Share and Search options
• Win + D : launches the desktop
• Win + E : launches Explorer
• Win + F : opens the File Search pane
• Win + H : opens the Share pane
• Win + I : opens Settings
• Win + K : opens the Devices pane
• Win + L : locks your PC
• Win + M : minimises the current Explorer or Internet Explorer window (works in the full-screen IE, too)
• Win + O : toggles device orientation lock on and off
• Win + P : switch your display to a second display or projector
• Win + Q : open the App Search pane
• Win + R : opens the Run box
• Win + U : open the Ease of Access Centre
• Win + V : cycle through toasts (notifications)
• Win + W : search your system settings (type POWER for links to all power-related options, say)
• Win + X : displays a text menu of useful Windows tools and applets
• Win + Z : displays the right-click context menu when in a full-screen app
• Win + + : launch Magnifier and zoom in
• Win + - : zoom out
• Win + , : Aero peek at the desktop
• Win + Enter : launch Narrator
• Win + PgUp : move the current screen to the left-hand monitor
• Win + PgDn : move the current screen to the right-hand monitor
• Win + PrtSc : capture the current screen and save it to your Pictures folder
• Win + Tab : switch between running apps

Drag a Folder or File Name to the DOS Prompt in Windows 7

 If you are  working in DOS prompt in Windows 7 and need to add the name of a file or folder to the command line with its complete path, you can save some typing by opening an Explorer window and navigating to the desired file or folder. Left-click it and hold, then drag the file to your prompt and it will instantaneously appear.
As a bonus, if the folder or file contains a space, the inserted value will be placed inside quotes.

click on image to enlarge.

Solid State Drive (SSD) vs Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Is your pc running slow? Do you need an upgrade? Have you considered a Solid State Drive (SSD)?

You’re probably familiar with USB memory sticks??

A SSD can be thought of as an oversized and more sophisticated version of the humble USB memory stick.  Like a memory stick, there are no moving parts to an SSD, information is stored in microchips.  Meanwhile, a hard drive uses a mechanical arm with a read/write head to move around and read information from the right location on a storage platter.  This difference is what makes SSD so much faster.  

 Contact the DurbanGeek for more info contact: info@durbangeek.co.za  or Kenny on 0711035273

How do I get the start button back in Windows 8?

This is the most commonly asked question about Windows 8 since its release

The link below describes the how you can get the start button back through 3rd party software.
Although i am a power user and use the windows + x key, i did try out the classic shell 3rd party software and it worked well.

 http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch001374.htm

Using the Search Box in Windows 7

Find and run anything in Windows by using the Windows 7 search box. Click the Start Orb (that is the little circle on the bottom left of the task bar with the windows flag / logo in it) or press then Windows key and type the name of the program you wish to run or file you wish to edit. Windows 7 does a very good job at finding an exact match and simply pressing enter will execute that program or open that file. If more than one match is found, use the up and down arrow keys to select the file you wish to open and then press Enter.

 Running as administrator: Some programs may require administrator mode in order to function properly. You can run any program as administrator from the search box by typing the name of the program you want to run and then instead of pressing Enter to run the program press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to run as administrator. If you want to click and run a program as administrator hold down the Ctrl+Shift and then click the icon.