Computer Hope's most recent computer tips

Open Windows explorer for the current Windows command line directory

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

Use the below start command to open Windows Explorer window for the current directory you're viewing in the Windows command line. For example, if you were in the C:\Windows> directory, typing in the below command would open the Windows folder in Windows Explorer.

Open web page from Windows command line.

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

Use the below start command to open a web page from the command line. For example, the below command would open the Computer Hope web page from the command line.

View Windows command line history

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

While in the Windows command line, press the F7 key to view a history of all the commands that have been entered in that window. Below is a picture of what the Windows command line history box will look like when open.

Open command window here

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

Open the Windows command line directory of any folder in Windows by holding down the Shift key on the keyboard, right-clicking on a folder, and choosing the Open command window here option from the menu that appears. Using this tip you can quickly open any folder in the Windows command line without having to use the Windows command line commands to navigate to that directory. In the picture to the right, is an example of what this menu looks like when done properly. Keep in mind, if you do not hold down the Shift key this option will not be visible. Open Windows explorer for the current Windows command line directory.

Clear the clipboard through the command line

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

Clear anything in the Windows clipboard using the below command in the Windows command line.

Turn on/off Windows Explorer preview pane

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

The preview pane (as shown below) can be very useful for viewing and finding pictures while in Windows Explorer, however, can also be a real burden when working with other files. Quickly enable and disable the Windows preview pain by using the Alt + P shortcut key. With this shortcut key you can make sure the preview pane is only seen when it is really needed.

Use the Windows Magnify to zoom in on parts of your screen.

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

The Windows Magnifier is a great accessibility tool that will allow you to zoom into any portion of your screen you find hard to read. This feature can be found in the Control Panel under the Ease of Access Center, however, can also be quickly accessed by holding down the Windows key and pressing the + (plus) key to zoom in or - (minus) key to zoom out. When enabled the Magnifier box and the current magnification will be shown, as seen in the picture to the right.

View website services tracking you while on a site

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

Each time you visit a page on the Internet its a good change that a service on that page is tracking you. Below is a listing of some of the common ways a web page will track you when its being viewed. To view how a website is tracking you, block services, and get a better understanding about each tracking services install Ghostery, a free tool that displays all tracking services and gives you additional details about each service. In the picture to the right, is an example of a Ghostery window being displayed for the CNN website, in this example this page normally has eight services tracking the visit, however, six of the services have been disabled.

Enabling Windows GodMode

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

Microsoft Windows Vista (32-bit version) introduced a new hidden feature called GodMode that allows you to view and adjust all settings within Windows. To create a shortcut to the GodMode in Windows Vista (32-bit) or any version of Windows 7 follow the below steps. Anywhere on your computer create a new folder.

See what and who is on your wireless network

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

If you've ever wanted to see who and what devices are connected to your wireless network, try using the free Wireless Network Watcher utility. This utility will display the IP address, Device Name, Mac Address, and other information about each of the devices that are connected to your wireless network. In addition to being able to scan your network for all devices connected to your wireless network if you run this tool in the background it can also notify you any time a new device connects to your network.

Add a Recycle Bin to your Flash Drive

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

While working on another computer and using your own Flash Drive as a place to store and copy files, if a file is deleted it's sent to the Windows Recycle Bin. If you'd like the extra security and peace of mind, use the iBin utility to have all deleted files sent to a Recycle Bin folder on the Flash Drive.

Turn your monitor off using your keyboard

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

Using the Monitor Off Utility is a quick and easy way to turn off your monitor when you step away from your computer. As can be seen in the below screenshot, this utility allows the user to setup any HotKey to turn off their monitor from anywhere in Windows. In addition to being able to shut off the monitor, this utility can have a shortcut key start a screen saver and lock the workstation as an extra form of security.

Keep any window on top of others

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

There can be several different reasons why you may want to keep a window always on top of all other open windows. For example, having a video always show while working in another program, keeping a chat always visible, or keeping your most important web page on top at all times. Although some programs may have an always on top feature other programs such as Internet browsers do not support this feature. However, downloading the free PowerMenu utility will allow you to have any window always on top as well as specify the transparency of open windows.

MS-DOS and Windows command line tips

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

Reference Tip MS-DOS Definition and related links on MS-DOS and the Windows command line. Secret Secret and undocumented MS-DOS commands. Top 10 MS-DOS Top 10 commands TIP99 Copy command line output to clipboard. TIP175 View command history and quickly repeat DOS commands. TIP176 Use tab to auto complete commands in the command line. TIP183 Open command window here. TIP184 Clear the clipboard through the command line. TIP187 Open Windows explorer for the current Windows command line directory. TIP188 Open web page from Windows command line. TIP189 View Windows command line history. Software Listing of MS-DOS and Windows command line questions and answers.

View command history and quickly repeat DOS commands.

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

While at the MS-DOS prompt or in the Windows command line you can quickly repeat any previously entered command and view a history of commands by using the arrow keys. For example, if you previously used the dir command to list the files in the current directory press the up arrow key to repeat that command. Continuing to press the up arrow will scroll though a listing of commands that have been previously entered.

Use tab to auto complete commands in the command line.

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

When at the MS-DOS, Windows command line, or a Linux or Unix shell typing in long file names or directories can become a burden. Use the tab key to auto complete the names of directories and files while in the command line. Below, are a few examples of how this can be done.

If this then that online service

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

The web service if this then that (ifttt) is a fantastic free online service that allows you setup tasks that will occur when another specified task occurs. For example, if the weather for your area reports that it is going to rain you could setup an if this then that recipe to send a text message to your phone to pack an umbrella. This services works with dozens of other popular online services including Craigslist, Facebook, Twitter, Dropbox, Gmail, Flickr, Foursquare, and many more. Below is a listing of some of the popular recipes currently listed on the site. Every time you are tagged in a photo on Facebook, it will be sent to Dropbox

View more Send to options in Windows

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

By default Windows will have a few of the more commonly used programs and locations on your computer to send a file or folder to when choosing the Send to option in the right-click menu. However, if you want even more locations to send a file or folder hold down the Shift key when right-clicking the file or folder to get additional options. As seen in the picture to the right, all folders after the Drobo (E:) are new folders that will appear when holding down the Shift key.

Paste text without formatting

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

When copying rich-text from a web page, Word document, e-mail, or other program the formatting of that text will remain with that copied text. For example, if you were to copy this paragraph of text, "This is bold" would remain bold when pasted into Word or another document that supports rich-text. Although many programs including Microsoft Word include a Paste Special feature to paste text without formatting, anyone who does this frequently finds that without a universal shortcut key, it can really slow you down.

Detect if your username has been hacked

Wed, 23 May 2012 12:36:33 MST

Every day it seems like another webpage or online service has been hacked. If you use the same password on more than one web page, make sure your account details have not been compromised by entering your e-mail address into the ShouldIChangeMyPassword.com website. This website has a database of several hundred thousand publicly posted hacked accounts and will report if your e-mail address is contained in its database. How can I protect myself while online?