Short cuts and other tips Vista Tips Discuss Short cuts and other tips in the Windows Vista forums; Another application that goes hand in hand with Disk Cleanup is Disk Defragmenter. The way ur files r organized on ur hard-drive (HD) has a huge impact on ur ...

[felix8406]

Another application that goes hand in hand with Disk Cleanup is Disk Defragmenter. The way ur files r organized on ur hard-drive (HD) has a huge impact on ur PC performance. If ur files are neatly stored and organized (just like a file cabinet), the reading and writing that takes place within the HD will be much faster. When u add a new program and ur HD is fragmented, instead of end to end, the files end up all over ur HD…that is called fragmentation.
With a few exceptions, when u install Vista (or other OS) and applications, the files are written in one contiguous block. As time goes by and u start creating and deleting documents, or uninstall, reinstalling and installing new programs, ur HD is left with blank spaces all over it. Now when u install a new application, ur OS starts placing the file on an empty area of ur HD. If the file is larger than what the free space can accommodate, the OS looks around for another free space to put the rest of the data.
Now ur HD has to work extra hard to find ur data and will slow down ur computing. Running Disk Defragmenter rearranges fragmented data so your hard disk can work more efficiently. Although Disk Defragmenter runs automatically at specific schedule, u can run it manually. U can access Disk Defragmenter through the control panel, but for faster access, click Start and type defrag in the Start Search box. U can modify the schedule, or click Defragment now to begin defragmentation. Happy computing!

[Znod]

I am sold on Perfect Disk (not free, but a trial is available), and I like Registry Mechanic for registry work. Reliable sources indicate that the latter works properly on Vista. It certainly appears to do so. Among other things, Perfect Disk allows you to defrag your operating system "offline."

[felix8406]

Before I begin, concerning my previous post about defragmenting ur HD. Znod, mention about the program he uses to do this task...as he mentioned, there are other programs available. However, that is up to u whether or not u want to use the built in application. Some of these programs do offer better options.

Now today's tip...this applies to other OS, not just Vista.
With today’s quick pace living and high gas prices, we all try to get to our destination a little quicker and take shortcuts whenever possible. However, when it comes to PCs, although we know of the power of shortcuts, in most instances, we don’t take full advantage of these little gadgets.
What’s a shortcut? A shortcut is just basically a pointer to a program or file on ur computer. U’ll know if it’s a shortcut because it will have a small arrow in the lower left hand corner of the icon. Shortcuts can be placed anywhere on ur PC, but the most common places are ur desktop and Start menu. Shortcuts are not difficult to make, let’s use the Desktop for example. To create a shortcut on your Desktop:
1. Right click on empty area ur desktop
2. Select NEW from the drop down menu
3. Point the mouse to "Shortcut"
4. A Create Shortcut window will popup, this is a “Command Line" dialog box. In the "Type location of the item", in text area, type the path to ur program. If you don’t know the path, click the “Browse” button.
5. I’m assuming u click on the Browse button. If u did, another small window will popup.
6. Choose the program, file or application you want to apply the shortcut to and click the OK button.
7. The complete path will appear in the Command Line text box, click “next.”
8. Another window will popup and ask if you would like to rename the shortcut…that’s up to you.
9. Once satisfy, click finish.
10. Test the shortcut.
Please note that there are other ways to make a shortcut. One quick way is to right click the program or file and choosing Create Shortcut.
Another useful way is by doing a “right click drag”; u drag the file using the right button of ur mouse. Once u reach the location and release the button, a small windos will popup asking whether you want to Copy, Move, Create Shortcut or to Cancel the operation.
U can also make a shortcut from IE web page to ur desktop and use it to access the web page much faster, e.g. u can open www.vistababble.com and drag the small IE icon on the address bar to ur desktop. Next time u want to visit us, just click on the shortcut.
Note: Shortcuts can very easily and rapidly clutter ur desktop. To prevent this, create a folder, give it a name of your choice to that folder and use it to store your shortcuts.

[Znod]

I'll bet you are talking about shortcut clutter like on my destop. But, really, to add to your tip, I emphasize arranging desktop shortcuts so that they make me more efficient. And, in this regard, I say, make the arrangement attractive letting form follow function. And, goodness, get rid of that darn Vista Beta disclosure.

[felix8406]

A safety feature build into Vista, as well as WinXP, is System Restore. This application helps you restore your computer's system files to an earlier point in time, without affecting your personal files, e.g. e-mail, documents, or photos.

In some instances, installation of a particular program or driver may cause unexpected changes to ur PC or cause Windows to behave unpredictably. If uninstalling the program or driver does not fix the problem, u can us System Restore to restore ur PC system to an earlier date when everything was working correctly.

System Restore automatically creates and saves "restore points", but u can also create your own restore points manually. I recommend doing this before installing or making configurations changes to your PC.

To manually create a restore point:

1. Click Start and then click Control Panel.
2. In the Search box, type "system".
3. Click Create Restore Point
4. Select the drive u want to create the restore point
5. Click Create.
6. Type a description for the restore point (Give it a name)
7. Click Create.
8. Click OK.

To restore ur PC to an earlier date:

1. Click Start and then click Control Panel.
2. In the Search box, type "system".
3. Click Restore sytems files and settings to an earlier point
4. Select either "Recommended restore:, or to restore to the restore point u created, select "Choose a different restore point and click next
5. Choose the restore point u created or select one from the list and click Next. Happy computing!

[felix8406]

What r the difference in between a standard acct and an administrator acct and which one is more secure? An administrator acct allows u to gain complete access to ur PC and make changes that can affect other accounts. Although you can create additional administrator accounts on ur PC, they are not the same as the administrator account that comes pre-installed. Additionally, the pre-installed administrator account is not protected by User Account Control (User Account Control, UAC) is a feature in Vista to help prevent unauthorized changes PCs).
When u installed Vista, the Administrator account is disabled by default and a Standard account with administration privilege is created. This is the account you’ll log on to when u first use Vista. U can run this account as a Standard account until Administrator privileges are needed, e.g. changing date/time. When u try to change date/time, although UAC knows u have Administrator privileges and r allow to make the change, it will ask u for permission to continue. It does this to make u conscious that ur action may impact all users, be dangerous, or might make ur system less secure.
On the other hand, a standard user with Standard privileges can use the PC, but without the ability to make changes that may affect other users, or the security of PC without permission from an administrator. A standard user can use most software, but won’t be able to install/uninstall software and hardware, delete files required for PC to work, or change settings that affect other users. This type of user cannot for example change the date/time of ur PC without obtaining permission from the administrator.
Although, the User Account Protection is a great feature, it require common sense if u want to maintain ur PC secure. An account with administrative privilege is not of any advantage if it is not password protected. However, even if it’s password protected, it is not do u any good, if like many people I know, write the password on a blank space on their desk, on the wall, or even on the side of their PC. Another thing, before u leave ur desk, secure ur PC, either by going to Start and using the Lock icon or by using Ctrl+Alt-Delete command. Happy computing!

[Znod]

Good one felix. Thanks.

Incidentally, for some reason, I can't use the VistaBabble emoticons any more. How about you? And, actually, I can't use bold, itallic, etc. Any tips here? This scenario developed after intalling 5728. Admittedly, I haven't searched my settings for an answer yet, but I haven't changed anything. I noticed that "Disable Smiles in Text" was not checked. And, I checked it. Still no dice.

[felix8406]

Originally Posted by Znod

Good one felix. Thanks.

Incidentally, for some reason, I can't use the VistaBabble emoticons any more. How about you? And, actually, I can't use bold, itallic, etc. Any tips here? This scenario developed after intalling 5728. Admittedly, I haven't searched my settings for an answer yet, but I haven't changed anything. I noticed that "Disable Smiles in Text" was not checked. And, I checked it. Still no dice.

The emoticos work on this side. This would require troubleshooting on your side. Did it happen right after installing RC1 5728, or was everything working and then stop? I really don’t think that Vista has anything to do with it. There’s the possibility that a virus application or a malware protection program deleted a file. That shouldn’t be uncommon due to programs compatibility issues. The majority of these programs is still in the development process and will have bugs. Can you try windows restore? It's worth a try. Good luck.

[felix8406]

U can use the Security Center to make sure your firewall is on, that ur antivirus software is up-to-date and active, and ur computer is set to install updates automatically. U can also use it to verify ur that Internet security center and User Account Control are “on”. To access the Security Center, go to Start, Control panel and on the search box type Security center.
Two applications u should never ignore are ur anti-virus software and your firewall protection.
An antivirus program can help defend your computer against viruses…as long as it’s kept up-to-date. Antivirus programs scan for viruses trying to get into ur e mail, operating system, or files. New viruses appear daily, so u must check for updates frequently or setup ur anti-virus program to check for updates automatically. Most antivirus programs are sold with annual subscriptions, which can be renewed as needed. You can also access the Internet to find free and excellent anti-virus software.
A firewall is software or hardware that checks information coming from the Internet or a network, and then either blocks it or allows it to pass through to ur PC, depending on ur firewall settings. A firewall can help prevent hackers or malware from gaining access to ur computer through a network or the Internet. A firewall can also help stop ur computer from sending malicious software to other computers.
Having software and a hardware firewalls is recommended, however, you should not install and activate two firewall software applications as they could conflict with each other. Happy computing!

[felix8406]

Windows photo gallery is an excellent application that u can use to better organize ur pictures. When saving photos from u digital media, the default file name, e.g. DSC029034.JPG or P0025234.JPG, can be difficult to remember, not to mention time consuming as u go through the process of renaming each file. However, there’s a better way, u can use photo gallery to get rid of all of those pointless file names and organize ur photos quickly. You can name pictures all at once using the same word or phrase, and save time to enjoy a slide show of ur photo album. Here’s how:
1. Download ur photos to photo gallery
2. Open photo gallery, if not already open. Click Start and type Photo gallery.
3. Open the folder that contains the pictures u downloaded
4. Select the pictures by holding down the CTRL key and clicking the pictures want to rename. Or, use Ctrl+A to select all pictures in the folder.
5. Right-click the pictures, and then click Rename.
6. In the Info pane (right pane) type a name in the box, for example “My Summer Vacation”. Now each picture u selected will be given name with a different sequential number, like this: My Summer Vacation (1), My Summer Vacation (2), My Summer Vacation 2005 (3), and so on. Happy computing!