Tech Tips - Technology Made Simple

Does your Android device suddenly have annoying pop-up ads

2019-03-05T09:01:00.001-08:00

I had this happen to me and after searching online couldn't find a solution any where to disable this annoying issue.

I finally found it myself and decided to share it

Solution 1:
1. Go to Settings on the phone
2. Select the Apps section
3. Find Chrome
4. Scroll down and turn off Apps that can appear on Top and Apps that can change System Settings and turn them off as shown.

If the above fails do the following

Solution 2:

The other option is to Disable Chrome and Google and then download Firefox

1. Go in to the Apps Section

2. Select Chrome and disable it will giving you warning that Apps might not work that is

fine

3. Click the Disable button

Screens shown below it is shows first as Enabled

Click the Disable option again the phone will still work fine. Some some Google features will not work but it can always re-enable and disable. I tested and you can't add a gmail mail account

*** Some some Google features will not work but it can always re-enable and disable. I tested and you can't add a gmail mail account ***

Repeat the steps for Google itself

*** Some some Google features will not work but it can always re-enable and disable. I tested and you can't add a gmail mail account ***

Decommissioning MS Exchange 2010

2015-06-10T10:15:00.003-07:00

Exchange 2010 Manual Un-Installation is UN-SUPPORTED.

The Best way to Remove Exchange 2010 is Uninstall it from Add/Remove Programs.

This will COMPLETELY REMOVE ALL Exchange related objects from Organization Completely.

As It will Remove all Exchange Related Active directory Objects , None of the Exchange related stuff will work after you complete the following Manual Un-Installation.

Please don’t follow in case you have any working exchange server ( 2000,2003,2007 or 2010) in your Organization.

Prepare for Manual Un-Installation:

1. Take System State Backup of your Active directory

2. Take Exchange Database Flat file Copy (OR) Backup

3. Make a Note of All your Mailbox Database names, Organization names, MRM Details, MRM Retention Tag Details, MRM Retention Policy Details, OWA Mailbox Policy details, Exchange Active sync Mailbox Policy details, Email Address Policy Details, Transport Rules, Journal Rules, Send/Receive Connector Details, Global Settings, UM Settings etc.

4. Run ExBPA Report and Export the Report for future reference.

5. Go to Registry Editor and Export “My Computer” as Registry backup.

Remove Binaries, Registry from Exchange Server:

1. Go to Exchange 2010 Server

2. Make Sure Exchange management Console and Exchange Management Shell are Closed.

3. Go to Services.msc

4. Right Click on “Microsoft Exchange Active Directory Topology Service”.

5. Go to Properties.

6. Stop the Service. Make the Startup type “Disabled”

7. Click ok.

8. Stop and Disable All the Exchange Related Services below in the same method.

Microsoft Exchange Address Book

Microsoft Exchange Anti-spam Update

Microsoft Exchange EdgeSync

Microsoft Exchange File Distribution

Microsoft Exchange Forms-Based Authentication

Microsoft Exchange IMAP4

Microsoft Exchange Information Store

Microsoft Exchange Mail Submission Service

Microsoft Exchange Mailbox Assistants

Microsoft Exchange Mailbox Replication Service

Microsoft Exchange Monitoring

Microsoft Exchange POP3

Microsoft Exchange Protected Service Host

Microsoft Exchange Replication Service

Microsoft Exchange RPC Client Access

Microsoft Exchange Search Indexer

Microsoft Exchange Server Extension for Windows Server Backup

Microsoft Exchange Service Host

Microsoft Exchange Speech Engine

Microsoft Exchange System Attendant

Microsoft Exchange Throttling

Microsoft Exchange Transport

Microsoft Exchange Transport Log Search

Microsoft Exchange Unified Messaging

Microsoft Search (Exchange Server)

Refer to:

Overview of Services Installed by Exchange Setup

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee423542.aspx

9. Restart the Exchange Server.

10. Go to Registry Editor.

11. Navigate to the following registry entries and delete them.

COMPUTER ->HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE ->SOFTWARE -> MICROSOFT -> EXCHANGE

COMPUTER ->HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE ->SOFTWARE -> MICROSOFT -> EXCHANGESERVER

COMPUTER ->HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE ->SYSTEM ->CURRENTCONTROLSET ->SERVICES ->MSEXCHANGE* (Everything Starts with MSExchange)

COMPUTER -> HKEY_CURRRENT_USER -> SOFTWARE -> MICROSOFT -> EXCHANGESERVER

11. Open Windows Explorer.

12. Navigate to %Program Files%Microsoft

13. Rename “Exchange Server” Folder as “Old Exchange Server”

14. Restart the Exchange Server.

15. Download the Windows Installer Clean up utility from the below link

http://download.microsoft.com/download/e/9/d/e9d80355-7ab4-45b8-80e8-983a48d5e1bd/msicuu2.exe

16. Install it in the Exchange Server and Open it.

17. Remove the Microsoft Exchange Related Products. Ex.

Microsoft Exchange 2007 Enterprise Anti-Spam Signature

Microsoft Exchange 2007 Enterprise Block List Update

Microsoft Exchange 2007 Standard Anti Spam-filter Update

Microsoft Exchange Client Language Pack

Microsoft Exchange Server

Microsoft Full Text Indexing Engine for Exchange

Microsoft Exchange Full text indexing Services

18. Restart the Exchange Server.

Removing Active Directory Objects:

1. Go to Primary Domain Controller

2. Open ADSIEDIT

3. Right Click on ADSIEdit and Click Connect to

4. Connect to “Default Naming Context”

5. Navigate to the following objects and Delete them.

DC=Domain,DC=Com -> OU=Microsoft Exchange Security Groups

DC=Domain,DC=Com -> CN=Microsoft Exchange System Objects

6. Right Click on ADSIEdit and Click Connect to

7. Connect to “Configuration”

8. Navigate to the following objects and Delete them.

CN=Configuration,DC=Domain,DC=Com -> CN=Services -> CN=Microsoft Exchange

CN=Configuration,DC=Domain,DC=Com -> CN=Services -> CN=Microsoft Exchange Autodiscover

9. Force the Active directory Replication.

10. Exchange 2010 Manual Uninstallation is Completed

Password Woes -- Do you need a way to remember them

2015-06-02T17:26:00.000-07:00

If you are like myself there are so many Passwords in your head and you are always forgetting them.
There are several tools out there whether it be a Password Keeper on your phone to using an Excel Spread sheet, to a Word Document.

The tool I find the most useful is a free program called KeePass

You can find it here and it is easy and free to use
http://keepass.info/

Here is a screen shot of the program

It is easy to add Sub-folders and main folders and an excellent way to keep your self organized

E-mail Etiquite - Simple rules to follow

2015-06-02T17:21:00.000-07:00

Do not be Annoying
Use Threads - Don’t create New E-mail for the same Topic Items
Remember Spacing and Design:
Give it a Name: - Use a Subject
Mind Your Manners
Watch your Tone - Don’t be Offensive
Be Concise – Get to the Point Remember the K.I.S.S philosophy
Be Professional
Use Correct Spelling and Proper Grammar
Don’t use all CAPS anywhere in an E-mail – This is perceived as Screaming and is unprofessional
Reply to Messages as soon as possible – Don’t sit on it
Use and Auto-responder – When you are out of the office for a day or more so people know
End Emails in a Friendly Way
Work Email is Owned by Your Company
– Keep your Company E-mail address for work E-mail and have a Personal E-mail Address for home. Keep them separate – DON’T use work for Personal Correspondence

Windows 8 Shortcut keys

2015-05-31T17:20:00.001-07:00

Moving between Metro and Desktop

<Windows>
Brings up the Metro start screen. You can start typing to search for an app, just like the Win7 start menu.
<Windows> + <B>
Go to the Desktop from the Metro Start Screen
<Windows> + <D>
Brings you to Windows desktop from the Metro Screen

Snapping

<Windows> + < . >
snap right
<Windows> + <Shift> + < . >
snap left

Switching between applications

<Windows> + <Tab>
Opens the Metro application switcher menu, switches between applications.
<Windows> + <J>
Switches focus between snapped Metro applications.
<ALT> + <F4>
Close an application
<Windows> + <R>
To bring up the run window from the desktop, so you can type in an application name to run

Semantic Zoom

<CTRL> + <+>
Zoom in
<CTRL> + <->
Zoom out
or hold down <CTRL> and use Mouse Wheel to zoom in and out

Displaying App & Charms Bar

<Windows> + <C>
Brings up the Charms menu, where you can search, share, and change settings.
<Windows> + <Z>
Opens the App Bar for the current Metro application.

All the other shortcuts I could find!

<Windows> + E – Launch Windows Explorer with Computer view displayed.
<Windows> + F – Brings up the Metro File search screen.
<Windows> + H – Opens the Metro Share panel.
<Windows> + I – Opens the Settings panel, where you can change settings for the current app, change volume, wireless networks, shut down, or adjust the brightness.
<Windows> + K – Opens the Devices panel (for connecting to a projector or some other device)
<Windows> + L – Lock PC and return to Lock screen.
<Windows> + M – Minimize all Windows on the desktop
<Windows> + O – Locks device orientation.
<Windows> + P – Choose between available displays.
<Windows> + Q – Brings up the Metro App Search screen.
<Windows> + R – Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and display the Run box.
<Windows> + U – Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and launch the Ease of Access Center.
<Windows> + V – Cycles through toasts.
<Windows> + W – Brings up the Metro Settings search screen.
<Windows> + X – Launch Start Menu.
<Windows> + Y – Temporarily peek at the desktop.
<Windows> + Page Up / Down – Moves tiles to the left / right.
<Windows> + , (comma) – Aero Peek at the deskto

An Excellent and Easy to configure Solution for Home Users

2015-05-31T17:19:00.000-07:00

I am sure many of you have no idea that a tech savvy home user can take and convert an old PC in to a firewall, Parental Control device and free Anti-Virus server

Yes this option is available from Sophos for free.

Here is the link to the tool
https://www.sophos.com/en-us/products/free-tools/sophos-utm-home-edition.aspx

You can burn it to DVD or install as Virtual appliance if you Have an old PC you can install it to an older PC you need at least 4GB of RAM and a 40 GB hard drive for nominal Performance

Windows 8 Shorcut keys

2012-10-28T17:57:00.002-07:00

Windows 8 has Arrived and it will change how you use your computer.

Keyboard shortcuts

First and foremost, if you haven’t historically been a fan of keyboard shortcuts, you must use them in Windows 8. By making the interface more touch-friendly, some features — like the power button — are now much harder to get to with the mouse. Fortunately, Microsoft has added a few keyboard shortcuts that mostly ameliorate the pain.

Alt-F4 — In one of the best changes since Developer Preview, you can now close Metro apps using Alt-F4!
Windows Key-I — This pops up the new system tray, which slides in from the right. If you hit Space or Enter, the Metro control panel opens. If you hit Up then Enter, you can shut down the computer. (This is the fastest way to shut down or restart!)
Windows Key — If you have a multi-monitor setup, popping up the Start Screen with the Windows Key is actually rather painless, and an excellent way to check on your mail, instant messages, and so on. Tapping Windows Key again hides the Start Screen and returns you to the previous app (could be the Desktop, or another Metro app). If you start typing the name of an app from the Start Screen, Windows will automatically start looking for it (just like Windows 7)
Windows Key-F — If specifically want to search through files, rather than apps, use Windows-Key-F. Windows Key-W searches settings.
Windows Key-C — One of the most annoying menus to get to in Windows 8, with a keyboard and mouse anyway, is the Charms menu. Fortunately, you can also use Windows Key-C, and then the arrow keys.
Alt-Tab — Alt-Tab, believe it or not, app switches through Desktop and Metro apps. This can take a bit of getting used to.
Windows-Tab — This cycles through your Metro apps. I know, you’re probably devastated: The 3D “Aero Flip” from Windows Vista and 7 is no more!
Windows Key-Z — In a Metro app, this opens the App Bar (i.e. the app’s menu). Unfortunately there aren’t any keyboard shortcuts for selecting items from the App Bar, but hopefully they’ll be added before retail release.
Windows-Page Up — This switches which screen the Metro interface (i.e. the Start Screen and any Metro apps) appears on. The switch is very rapid (it’s kind of fun to just hit Windows-Page Up over and over…) Obviously, this is only useful if you have a multi-monitor setup.

These are a few that will make your life easier that is for sure.
The Metro Interface is scary at first for the computer savvy but it grows on you.

Remember that Windows 7 is underneath Windows 8. Almost everything you could do in Windows 7, you can do in Windows 8. The Superbar (taskbar) is your friend! Pin everything to it! Jump lists still exist. Superbar thumbnails are still there. The System Tray is still there. The original Control Panel is still there. The significant difference is that you must go into the Metro interface to search for apps (which is a bit odd, in my opinion, but maybe Microsoft will provide another option before retail release).
Don’t be afraid of the Metro Start Screen. Embrace it! Remember that you can pin anything to the Start Screen (see right). Move your Start Screen tiles around. Name your tile groups. Remember, as soon as you log in, you can start typing the name of the app you want to open. You’re going to be seeing the Metro screen at least a few times per day, so try to love it.
If you really don’t like the Start Screen, however… There is one thing you can do: You can make the Desktop automatically appear after you log in, instead of the Start Screen. There is unfortunately no known way to disable the Start Screen in Windows 8 Consumer Preview, however; you’re always going to see it when searching for apps.
Press any key on the lock screen. Windows 8 features a new (very touch-oriented) lock screen. You can drag it upwards with your mouse (painful) or press any key on your keyboard (much easier).
Run as administrator. Start Screen tiles still have right-click context menus, including “Run as administrator.” You can use the arrow keys to navigate the context menu. From this same menu you can pin apps to the taskbar/Superbar, too (but not Metro apps, sadly; hopefully this will be added!)
You can navigate the Start Screen with the arrow keys. You can also use Page Up/Down to move quickly between the groups. This is much faster than panning with the mouse.

By Passing Password web pages using IE

2012-10-01T05:40:00.000-07:00

From time to time it's necessary to search google and get answers but once in a while you'll find that perfect topic detailing your problem word for word only to find you need to subscribe in order to get that one answer you need NOW.

Step 1

Using IE click on the cache page beneath the discovered link.

Step 2

Once the cached page comes up click on the link labeled Text-only Version in the top right of your screen.

Step 3

Scroll down towards the bottom and you should discover the answer your looking for.

Removing Blackberry contact list

2012-09-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

Have you ended up with one to many contact lists

1. Open your contacts
2. Press the blackberry button and chose options
3. Enter the following when in options rset
It will prompt for each one delete or save.

The ones you say yes to delete are gone

Change Windows 7 Key

2012-08-30T17:13:00.002-07:00

1. Click on the Start Button and type: CMD (into the 'Search programs and files' field in the Start Menu)
2. The Start Menu will show 'CMD.exe',
3. Right-click the CMD.exe file and select Run As Administrator.
4. In the CMD window, type: slmgr.vbs -ipk <type your product key here>
5. To activate windows after changing the key, type: slmgr.vbs -ato

Olympic Malware Fraud Alert -

2012-08-14T17:13:00.001-07:00

Reports of fake emails, fake websites, and other scams that take advantage of people’s interest in the 2012 Olympics.
Here are our top tips for avoiding spam and malware of any kind:

Use email that filters spam.
Defend your PC against malicious software using malware bytes, norton, kaspersky sophos, Mcafee and others
Make sure you are always up to date with your selcted Malware I suggest running and AV program and a Malware Program.
Know where you are going and avoid downloading anything you are unsure of or if an e-mail looks suspicious it likely is. If you don't recognize it Delete it.

Smart Phone Reboot Keys

2012-08-01T03:45:00.001-07:00

Do you get frustrated when your smart phone locks up here are ways to reboot it with it removing the battery

BlackBerry Reboot
Reboot your Blackberry Device with out removing the battery
Alt+ ShiftCAP+ Delete will reboot a stuck blackberry

Reset your iPhone when it has locked up:
To do this, hold the sleep/wake button and Home buttons simultaneously for a few seconds; the display will quickly wipe itself and you should see the black background and white Apple logo, signifying a reset well done.

Rebooting your locked Android Phone
Press the End key + Call key + Menu key at the same

DVD and Video players for Windows

2012-07-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

Are you looking for a good program to play DVD's on your PC or do you want to convert few DVD's to a format you can watch on your computer. You might even want to convert a file to a smaller format.

DVD Player and File Players.
The most popular one is Power DVD of course Media Player does a good job as well and is included in Windows.
A nice region free player that plays every file format that is in use
http://www.dvd-x-player.com/

Burning Ripping and Converting
For Ripping DVD's or converting files the easiest programs that I have found to use is Fast DVD Ripper and Fast Video Convertor

You can get the files from the following site
http://www.dvdfast.net/index.html

Other free Video Convertors
http://www.dvd-x-player.com/download.html

There are more out there but these are ones that I have tried and a found easy to learn if you are a beginner or an advanced users you will have no problem with any of these.

How To Rename Desktop Icon on Blackberry

2012-07-30T09:21:00.002-07:00

After connecting your Blackberry to a BES (Blackberry Enterprise Server) to receive your corporate email over a secured connection, the default name given to your corporate inbox is "Desktop." Although this name serves its purpose, it's a bit impersonal. A BES administrator has the ability to do just about everything on your Blackberry from forcing the use of a password to preventing you from downloading new ringtones. However, she cannot change the name of your BES email account on your phone, but you can.

Difficulty:: Easy

Instructions

USB cable
Desktop Manager

1

Connect your Blackberry to the computer you use for work by connecting one end of the USB cable to the computer and the other end of the cable to your Blackberry.
2

Open the Desktop Manager software by going to "Start" and then navigating to "Programs," then "Blackberry" on the computer. Every user connected to the BES has Desktop Manager installed on their computers to allow for tethered syncing.
3

Click on "E-Mail Setting" and then click on "Advanced E-Mail Settings." Change the email name to your desired name and then click on "Okay" to update the device in Dessktop 6 Choose Device Options and Enterprise E-mail.
4 Disconnect the device from your computer and close the Desktop Manager.

Cordless phone Frequencies and what they mean to you

2012-07-26T04:03:00.000-07:00

Corldess Phones have changed over the years, are you unsure what to buy are you wondering why you have issues with your wireless internet connection at home when someone is on the phone.

The two most common upto a few a years ago were

2.4 GHz (allocated in 1998)
5.8 GHz (allocated in 2003 due to crowding on the 2.4 GHz band

The 2.4 GHz phone was sold along with the 5.8GHz until recently when both were dropped and replaced with DCET 6.0

The 2.4 GHz phones were dropped since most home wireless devices now use the 2.4GHz range and were causing issues with dropped calls and slow internet connections.

Which one is best for you if you can still find a 5.8GHz phone there are no issues with them however they are hard to find.

The recently allocated 1.9 GHz band is used by the popular DECT phone standard and is considered more secure than the other shared frequencies. This is a good thing since people with Scanners used to be able to listen in on conversations and you would sometimes end up with cross talk before DCET.

DCET 6.0 brings advantages over The 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz band are increasingly being used for a host of other devices, including baby monitor, microwave oven, Bluetooth, wireless LAN; thus, it is likely that a cordless phone will suffer interference from signals broadcast by those devices.

If you are looking for a new phone DCET 6.0 is the way to go.

Office 365 The next Version of Office

2012-07-26T03:47:00.001-07:00

The next version of Office is available for Preview and can be downloaded by anyone

The Microsoft Office 365 Preview can be found here

http://www.microsoft.com/office/cxm/en-gb/proplus/?WT.mc_id=eml_en-gb_RM-Preview_begin-pp_cta#welcome

I have been using it for just over a week and so far I am rather impressed with the features that are in it.

It takes some getting used to especially outlook as Outlook has received a face lift for the good.

The major differences is Contacts is now People in the Shortcuts within Outlook

Key features that are new will be in my next posting

Useful Websites for the mobile User

2012-07-26T03:46:00.000-07:00

Do you love your mobile phone?

Do you want to be able to do more or just need technical help here are a few useful sites for you

Blackberry users

www.crackberry.com – tips and tricks as well as new OS versions for you to install to name a few things on the site

www.blackberrycool.com

Android Based Phones and Tablets

www.androidcentral.com – Tips and tricks for your Android device

Iphone

www.imore.com – tips tricks and what is new in the world of iphones

Windows Based Phones

www.wpcentral.com – Tips tricks and Apps for the Windows based Phone

What is Office 365

2012-07-26T03:45:00.001-07:00

A new Microsoft Office has arrived: Office 365. It is Office transformed into a powerful service that keeps you securely connected to all your personal documents, notes and presentations.

It comes with all the things you know and love about Office, but it's also different from the version of Office you have today in a few exciting ways.

Office now has the ability to be with you on any device. Your Documents are securely stored in the Cloud on your Sky Drive for easy access from anywhere.

Office 365 only works on Windows 7 or Windows 8.

1 It´s got the applications you love.

It includes the latest version of the applications you trust like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote,
Publisher and Access.

2 It goes where you go.

3 You can access your files from almost anywhere.

Save your work to the cloud, and it´s easy to access, edit, and share on the go.

4 You´ll have access to Office on more devices.

In the future, Office will be available on more devices and different platforms.

5 You can get Office when you´re away from your PC.

Stream a full-featured version of Office on any internet-connected PC* with Office on Demand.

Word Common Shortcuts

2012-07-08T18:16:00.003-07:00

Document Management

Ctrl+n Create new document

Ctrl+o Open document

Ctrl+w Close document

Ctrl+s Save document

F12 Save document as

Ctrl+p Print document/ print preview

Ctrl+F6 Switch between multiple Word documents

Alt, then f, r Open Recent (file, recent)

Navigate Around the Document

Arrow Left/Arrow Right Jump one character to the left / to the right

Ctrl+Arrow Left/ Ctrl+Arrow Right Jump one word to the left / to the right End/Home Jump to the end of a line / beginning of a line Arrow Down/Arrow Up Jump one line down / one line down

Ctrl+Arrow Down/

Ctrl+Arrow Up Jump one paragraph down / one paragraph up Page Down/Page Up Jump one screen down/ one screen up

Alt+Ctrl+Page Down/

Alt+Ctrl+Page Up Jump to top / to bottom of visible window

Ctrl+End/Ctrl+Home Jump to end / to beginning of document

Ctrl+g or f5 Go to a page, bookmark, footnote, table, comment, graphic, or other location

Alt+Ctrl+z Go back to previously edited location in document (up to 4 places) Shift+F5 Go to a the last change or revision. Also works after opening document. Ctrl+Shift+F5 Set, go to and edit bookmarks Alt+Ctrl+Home Set Browse Options. Press the arrow keys to select an option, and then press enter to browse through a document by using the selected option

Ctrl+Page Down/Ctrl+Page Up Move to next / move to previous browser object as set in Browse Options

Undo copy and Paste

Ctrl+z Undo the last action

Ctrl+y Redo the last action

Ctrl+c Copy selected text or object

Ctrl+x Cut selected text or object

Ctrl+v Paste selected text or object

Ctrl+Shift+c Copy text format

Ctrl+Shift+v Paste text format

Ctrl+Alt+v Paste special

Ctrl+v, then Ctrl, then k Paste and keep Source Formatting

Ctrl+v, then Ctrl, then t Paste and keep Text only Ctrl+F3 Cut to the Spike (separate clipboard) Ctrl+Shift+F3 Paste from the Spike

Alt+Shift+r Copy the header or footer from previous section of the document

Useful WIndows Shrotcut Keys

2012-07-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

Key combinations have been a useful part of Windows since the early days and most people don't even know they exist here is a list that will work with every version of Windows that is in use today

Windows system key combinations

F1: Help
CTRL+ESC: Open Start menu
Windows Logo Opens Start menu
ALT+TAB: Switch between open programs
ALT+F4: Quit program
SHIFT+DELETE: Delete item permanently
Windows Logo+L: Lock the computer (without using CTRL+ALT+DELETE)
Windows Logo + P brings up monitor options for multiple monitors

Windows program key combinations

CTRL+C: Copy
CTRL+X: Cut
CTRL+V: Paste
CTRL+Z: Undo
CTRL+B: Bold
CTRL+U: Underline
CTRL+I: Italic

Mouse click/keyboard modifier combinations for shell objects

SHIFT+right click: Displays a shortcut menu containing alternative commands
SHIFT+double click: Runs the alternate default command (the second item on the menu)
ALT+double click: Displays properties
SHIFT+DELETE: Deletes an item immediately without placing it in the Recycle Bin

General keyboard-only commands

F1: Starts Windows Help
F10: Activates menu bar options
SHIFT+F10 Opens a shortcut menu for the selected item (this is the same as right-clicking an object
CTRL+ESC: Opens the Start menu (use the ARROW keys to select an item)
CTRL+ESC or ESC: Selects the Start button (press TAB to select the taskbar, or press SHIFT+F10 for a context menu)
CTRL+SHIFT+ESC: Opens Windows Task Manager
ALT+DOWN ARROW: Opens a drop-down list box
ALT+TAB: Switch to another running program (hold down the ALT key and then press the TAB key to view the task-switching window)
SHIFT: Press and hold down the SHIFT key while you insert a CD-ROM to bypass the automatic-run feature
ALT+SPACE: Displays the main window's System menu (from the System menu, you can restore, move, resize, minimize, maximize, or close the window)
ALT+- (ALT+hyphen): Displays the Multiple Document Interface (MDI) child window's System menu (from the MDI child window's System menu, you can restore, move, resize, minimize, maximize, or close the child window)
CTRL+TAB: Switch to the next child window of a Multiple Document Interface (MDI) program
ALT+underlined letter in menu: Opens the menu
ALT+F4: Closes the current window
CTRL+F4: Closes the current Multiple Document Interface (MDI) window
ALT+F6: Switch between multiple windows in the same program (for example, when the Notepad Find dialog box is displayed, ALT+F6 switches between the Find dialog box and the main Notepad window)

Shell objects and general folder/Windows Explorer shortcuts

For a selected object:

F2: Rename object
F3: Find all files
CTRL+X: Cut
CTRL+C: Copy
CTRL+V: Paste
SHIFT+DELETE: Delete selection immediately, without moving the item to the Recycle Bin
ALT+ENTER: Open the properties for the selected object

To copy a file

Press and hold down the CTRL key while you drag the file to another folder.

To create a shortcut

Press and hold down CTRL+SHIFT while you drag a file to the desktop or a folder.

General folder/shortcut control

F4: Selects the Go To A Different Folder box and moves down the entries in the box (if the toolbar is active in Windows Explorer)
F5: Refreshes the current window.
F6: Moves among panes in Windows Explorer
CTRL+G: Opens the Go To Folder tool (in Windows 95 Windows Explorer only)
CTRL+Z: Undo the last command
CTRL+A: Select all the items in the current window
BACKSPACE: Switch to the parent folder
SHIFT+click+Close button: For folders, close the current folder plus all parent folders

Windows Explorer tree control

Numeric Keypad *: Expands everything under the current selection
Numeric Keypad +: Expands the current selection
Numeric Keypad -: Collapses the current selection.
RIGHT ARROW: Expands the current selection if it is not expanded, otherwise goes to the first child
LEFT ARROW: Collapses the current selection if it is expanded, otherwise goes to the parent

Properties control

CTRL+TAB/CTRL+SHIFT+TAB: Move through the property tabs

Accessibility shortcuts

Press SHIFT five times: Toggles StickyKeys on and off
Press down and hold the right SHIFT key for eight seconds: Toggles FilterKeys on and off
Press down and hold the NUM LOCK key for five seconds: Toggles ToggleKeys on and off
Left ALT+left SHIFT+NUM LOCK: Toggles MouseKeys on and off
Left ALT+left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN: Toggles high contrast on and off

Microsoft Natural Keyboard keys

Windows Logo: Start menu
Windows Logo+R: Run dialog box
Windows Logo+M: Minimize all
SHIFT+Windows Logo+M: Undo minimize all
Windows Logo+F1: Help
Windows Logo+E: Windows Explorer
Windows Logo+F: Find files or folders
Windows Logo+D: Minimizes all open windows and displays the desktop
CTRL+Windows Logo+F: Find computer
CTRL+Windows Logo+TAB: Moves focus from Start, to the Quick Launch toolbar, to the system tray (use RIGHT ARROW or LEFT ARROW to move focus to items on the Quick Launch toolbar and the system tray)
Windows Logo+TAB: Cycle through taskbar buttons
Windows Logo+Break: System Properties dialog box
Application key: Displays a shortcut menu for the selected item

Microsoft Natural Keyboard with IntelliType software installed

Windows Logo+L: Log off Windows
Windows Logo+P: Starts Print Manager
Windows Logo+C: Opens Control Panel
Windows Logo+V: Starts Clipboard
Windows Logo+K: Opens Keyboard Properties dialog box
Windows Logo+I: Opens Mouse Properties dialog box
Windows Logo+A: Starts Accessibility Options (if installed)
Windows Logo+SPACEBAR: Displays the list of Microsoft IntelliType shortcut keys
Windows Logo+S: Toggles CAPS LOCK on and off

Dialog box keyboard commands

TAB: Move to the next control in the dialog box
SHIFT+TAB: Move to the previous control in the dialog box
SPACEBAR: If the current control is a button, this clicks the button. If the current control is a check box, this toggles the check box. If the current control is an option, this selects the option.
ENTER: Equivalent to clicking the selected button (the button with the outline)
ESC: Equivalent to clicking the Cancel button
ALT+underlined letter in dialog box item: Move to the corresponding item

Cisco Web Ex mini Version for Video conferences

2012-06-29T17:12:00.000-07:00

Free version now available for small businesses up to 3 per meeting

This ideal for anyone that has a small business and needs to online meetings with clients across the world

https://signup.webex.com/webexmeetings/basic.html?TrackID=1029919

New Intel Ivy Bridge Processor

2012-06-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

Intel has finally released the new 3rd generation series of Intel Core processors. This 3rd generation of the Intel Core processors brings many new features and improvements over the earlier 2nd generation of processors. In this article, I am going to point out some of these exciting features that every computer enthusiast ought to know.

What is the name of the new processor series from Intel?

Ivy Bridge is the codename of Intel’s new processor family. Ivy Bridge supersedes the earlier Sandy Bridge processor family. While Sandy Bridge is considered as the 2nd generation Intel Core processor family, Ivy Bridge is the 3rd generation of the Intel Core processors.

What is the main difference between Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge?

The main difference is the the process architecture. Ivy Bridge uses the 22 nm architecture while Sandy Bridge uses 32 nm architecture. This means that Ivy Bridge can pack more electronic components in a smaller area, giving better power efficiency and performance.

Intel has also introduced a new 3D transistor technology in the Ivy Bridge processors. They are also called tri-gate transistors. According to Intel, this new architectural design would result in Ivy Bridge providing better performance while consuming significantly less power compared to an equivalent Sandy Bridge processor.

How much faster are the Ivy Bridge processors?

Intel has not yet released all the Ivy Bridge processors. At the time of writing this article, only the high-end i7 and i5 processors have been released. The base clock frequency of these processors ranges from 2.8 GHz (for Core i5-3450S) to 3.5 GHz(for Core i7-3770K). Later this year more affordable entry-level i5 and i3 processors would be released.

What other notable features are present in Ivy Bridge?

1. HD graphics – Ivy Bridge processors have in-built GPU chip inside them. The GPU supports DirectX 11 (Sandy Bridge supports version 10.1), OpenGL 3.1 (Sandy Bridge supports version 3.0). Ivy Bridge processors have the Intel HD4000/HD2500 GPU chips. This means that you do not need an add-on graphics card.

2. QuickSync Video – This feature is introduced in the Intel 3rd generation processors. It uses dedicated media processing to make video creation and conversion faster and easier. Whether you want to create DVDs, create, convert and edit 3D/2D videos, upload to your favorite social networking sites – everything is done in a jiffy.

3. WiDi 3.0 – Wireless Display technology allows you to stream media content to a multitude of of your WiFi connected display devices. You can share a 1080p 60FPS video using WiDi.

4. Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 – Using the Turbo boost technology, you can make your Ivy Bridge processors run faster than their base frequency. For example, a 3.5GHz iCore i7 can be made to run at 3.9 GHz for some time.

Do I need a new socket or motherboard for Ivy Bridge processors?

Not necessarily. The Ivy Bridge processors use the same LGA1155 socket that is used by the Sandy Bridge processors. This means that you can fit a new Ivy Bridge processor in your older 2nd generation motherboard.

But by using your new Ivy Bridge processor in an older 2nd generation motherboard/socket, you will not be able to use all the new features introduced in Ivy Bridge. For example, Ivy Bridge has inbuilt USB 3.0 and PCIe 3.0 support which will not work with older boards. So it is suggested that you invest in a new motherboard to get the maximum performance from your new processor. If you are going to buy a new motherboard, then you should know that the 3rd generation Core i7, Core i5 and Core i3 processors are best matched with the Intel Z77, H77 and H61 chipset boards respectively.

What kind of RAM is supported by the Ivy Bridge?

Ivy Bridge processors support the standard DDR3 RAM modules of up to 1600 MHz frequency.

How many cores do the Ivy Bridge processors have?

All the presently released processors are quad-core processors., i.e., they all have four cores. Some of the processors also support eight threads. Although threads are not physical cores but they work like your processor’s simulated cores. This is possible through the Intel Hyper Threading technology which lets multiple threads run on each of the cores of a processor.

There is a speculation that the entry-level Core i3 Ivy Bridge processors, which would be released later this year, will have only two cores.

What’s the difference between i3, i5, and i7?

What different types of the Ivy Bridge processors are available?

There are many types of processors in the Ivy Bridge family. The type is indicated by putting a suffix to the CPU model name. The following list explains these suffixes -

§ K – Unlocked, ready to be overclocked.

§ S – Performance optimized. Low power consumption.

§ T – Power optimized. Ultra low power consumption.

§ M – Mobile processors for mobile devices.

§ Q – Quad core processors.

Windows 7 and Vista god Mode

2012-06-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

Here's a great "trick" that will allows you to have ALL the options to control your PC with Windows 7 in one folder.

NOTE: People are also reporting that this works in 32-bit Vista, but NOT 64-bit Vista.

1.	Open Windows Explorer and create a new folder Create the folder anywhere. For ease of use, I created mine in the Root directory/folder. NOTE: Creating the folder on the Desktop might or might not work. The feedback seems to vary, so you'll just have to experiment with it.
2.	Rename the folder by pasting the name below exactly as it appears: GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C} NOTE: You can name it whatever you want (within reason), I just use "GodMode" in this example.
3.	Enjoy! Start enjoy your all-in-one folder to control virtually every aspect of Windows 7. I'm still having fun going through and seeing all the stuff I didn't know was in Windows 7! ;-)

Conclusion

According to different feedback I've received, this is working in Vista and Windows 7. I tried XP and it does not appear to work there, so it appears to be something with the newer OSs only..

Windows 8 Start Menu

2012-06-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

Yes the start menu has disappeared in Windows 8/ to make way for the METRO interface.
The metro interface is hard to get used to for those of us that have been used to the start menu since windows 95. It is a step towards simplifying and unifying.

What do I mean by this it will be a cross platform OS the first if it kind it will work on Cell phones, Tablets and PC's simplifying the user experience

The START MENU is not lost thanks to Star Dock here is the link to get the program refered to as Start 8
http://www.stardock.com/products/start

Features

- Adds a “Start” menu to the Windows 8 taskbar
- Enables quick access and searching of your installed applications
- Adds Run... option via right-click menu
- Adds Shutdown... option via right-click menu
- Choose a custom Start button image

Windows 7 Shortcut keys

2012-05-28T12:13:00.003-07:00

Here is a list of shortcuts keys that can be helpful in Windows 7

Win+Home: Clear all but the active window.
Win+Space: All windows become transparent so you can see through to the desktop.
Win+Up arrow: Maximize the active window.
Shift+Win+Up arrow: Maximize the active window vertically.
Win+Down arrow: Minimize the window/Restore the window if it's maximized.
Win+Left/Right arrows: Dock the window to each side of the monitor.
Shift+Win+Left/Right arrows: Move the window to the monitor on the left or right.

You can also interact with windows by dragging them with the mouse:

Drag window to the top: Maximize
Drag window left/right: Dock the window to fill half of the screen.
Shake window back/forth: Minimize everything but the current window.
Double-Click Top Window Border (edge): Maximize window vertically.

Taskbar Shortcuts

In Windows 7, using the Windows key along with the numbers 1-9 will let you interact with the applications pinned to the taskbar in those positions – for example, the Windows key + 4 combination would launch Outlook in this example, or Win+Alt+4 can be used to get quick access to the Outlook Jump List from the keyboard.

You can use any of these shortcut combinations to launch the applications in their respective position on the taskbar, or more:

Win+number (1-9): Starts the application pinned to the taskbar in that position, or switches to that program.
Shift+Win+number (1-9): Starts a new instance of the application pinned to the taskbar in that position.
Ctrl+Win+number (1-9): Cycles through open windows for the application pinned to the taskbar in that position.
Alt+Win+number (1-9): Opens the Jump List for the application pinned to the taskbar.
Win+T: Focus and scroll through items on the taskbar.
Win+B: Focuses the System Tray icons

In addition, you can interact with the taskbar using your mouse and a modifier key:

Shift+Click on a taskbar button: Open a program or quickly open another instance of a program.
Ctrl+Shift+Click on a taskbar button: Open a program as an administrator.
Shift+Right-click on a taskbar button: Show the window menu for the program (like XP does).
Shift+Right-click on a grouped taskbar button: Show the window menu for the group.
Ctrl+Click on a grouped taskbar button: Cycle through the windows of the group.

More Useful Hotkeys You Should Know

The new hotkey goodness didn't stop with the taskbar and moving windows around—one of the best new hotkeys in Windows 7 is the fact that you can create a new folder with a hotkey. Just open up any Windows Explorer window, hit the Ctrl+Shift+N shortcut key sequence, and you'll be rewarded with a shiny "New Folder" ready for you to rename.
Here's a few more interesting hotkeys for you:

Ctrl+Shift+N: Creates a new folder in Windows Explorer.
Alt+Up: Goes up a folder level in Windows Explorer.
Alt+P: Toggles the preview pane in Windows Explorer.
Shift+Right-Click on a file: Adds Copy as Path, which copies the path of a file to the clipboard.
Shift+Right-Click on a file: Adds extra hidden items to the Send To menu.
Shift+Right-Click on a folder: Adds Command Prompt Here, which lets you easily open a command prompt in that folder.
Win+P: Adjust presentation settings for your display.
Win+(+/-): Zoom in/out.
Win+G: Cycle between the Windows Gadgets on your screen.