tricks

Some Mac OS X Tips&tricks

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 08:18:47 PST

Hi. This article is about using a Mac OS X program. As many of you know Mac's have been increasing in popularity and Windows decreasing in popularity. And that means more and more people are beginning to use Mac's. Ok so heres the 1. trick: When you hold down Command and press tab you can switch from the open programs you have. The 2. trick: press F3 to view all of your open windows and select between them. A Tip using Trick 2. : If you hold down Command+F3 you can see your desktop no matter how many windows you have open. Trick 3. : Mac OS X also has a program named Dashboard.

You can go to here and download helpful widgets to the program which help you on your daily computer using. Tip on using Dashboard: If you press F4 you can open Dashboard anytime. Trick 5. : If you press Alt+Command+Esc you open the Force quit window where you can force unresponsive programs to quit. Super Special Trick: You can actually install Windows on a Mac and run them at the same time.

To do that Download and Install VMware Fusion from here and open it. Then coose New Virtual Machine and select the operating system of your Windows copy. Then insert your Windows installation disk and open the New virtual Machine you created. Then Follow the steps of installing Windows and Voila you will have a fully operating Windows emulation on your Mac. Trick 6. : You can use the program Time Machine to copy all of your files on your computer when you do something risky so if you lose some files you can use time machine to bring them back. That's all for now and Thanks for reading. Hope you learned something here.

Cool Things Inside Your Computer

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:58:59 PST

IExpress

A neat little install creator that lets you create installation programmes for anything. It is a simple setup creator wizard, just follow the steps. The setup programe can be .inf or an executable

Go to start and click Run. Type in : iexpress

Follow the wizard.

MS Paint

In Ms paint, you can magnify 10 *. Just click the line below the 8* magnify and there you have it, 10 *!

Telnet

This is a application that lets you connect to the internet via the command prompt. A funny sight to connect to is this starwars sight: towel.blinkenlights.nl

Clicking on the sight will not work. Go to windows, and press run
Type in : telnet towel.blinkenlights.nl

Enjoy the show!

Msg box

This is pretty fun to mess around with. It will display a message box.

Go to notepad
Type in:
msgbox "your message here. whatever you want",20,"put message box title here"

Save it to "anything".vbs

A fun thing to type is, "windows is getting tired of you, please purchase a new windows that will like you" or something like that.

Shutdown Code

This is just basically a shortcut to a computer shutdown. It is easily done. However, the shutdown can only be aborted one way so do not try to do it until you have fully read this.

Right click on your desktop. Press new link.

Type in :

shutdown -s -t 20 -c "anything here"

Press ok twice.

This will now create a shutdown exe on your desktop. Once you have opened it the computer will shutdown in 20 seconds. If you go to windows run and type

Shutdown -a

The thing will go away.

Desktop Prank

You can use this to prank your friend. When he is no looking, press the PrntScrn Button on your keyboard.

Open up paint.
Press cntrl +v
Save to picture somewhere

Now right click on your desktop and press arrange icons.
Untick: Show desktop icons

Right click on your desktop and press properties
Press wall paper
Change the wall paper to the picture you saved earlier.

Now the picture will look like a desktop but it is not clickable! Watch as your friend gets confused!

Note pad trick

There is a glitch in notepad that changes the words you typed into random Chinese syllables.

Type in any word that starts with 4 letters in notepad,

press space type a three letter word,

space again and another three letter word, space again,

finally type a five letter word. Save it to anything. Close it, and open it again.

Just remember it has to be 4-3-3-5

Cool wall paper trick (MsPaint)

To make a very cool wall paper:
Open up Ms Paint
In picture go to properties.
Type in 5 for width and 1 for height.
Magnify it 8 *
Color the pixelswith a pencil.

1 pixel a color.(you should have 5 colors)
Save it to be your desktop. MAKE SURE IT IS CENTERED.
(note: you can do more than 5)
See how cool it is?

Create a invisible folder

Create a folder
Rename it
While rename it, hold alt and type 0610 ON THE NUMPAD
Now right click on the folder
Go to properties.
Go to the third tab along.
Select a blank picture.

Hehehe! Secret files!

Windows hidden theme song

Go to My computer
C:
Windows
System 32
oobe
images
title.wma

Listen to it, its relaxing!

Top Mac OSX Tips You Didn't Know About

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:06:17 PST

Calculator in Spotlight
Spotlight is a great way to instantly find files and programs you are looking for based on their file name or context. But did you know that Spotlight can also function as a quick (and scientific) calculator?

Simply open Spotlight (keyboard shortcut command + space) and type an equation. It can be simple such as 2+2 or advanced such as (3.2-1.4)*1.99. It accounts for order of operations and supports most mathematical functions.
Silent Volume Change
Have you ever been in a place where you want to adjust your volume, but don't want to disrupt those around you in a meeting or in class with the “clicking” that is produced from your speakers?

Try holding down the shift key while pressing volume up or down. The volume is changed silently.
Unmount Multiple Volumes At Once
With the introduction of the Time Machine feature and Boot Camp, I have found that my external hard drive has three separate partitions. When unmounting, I found it annoying to drag each partition to the trash to eject them all.

Instead, try holding the alt/option key while dragging a single partition to the trash to eject it. All partitions on the same physical device will be ejected simultaneously.

The last two tips require that you install Onyx. Onyx allows you to modify features that are currently present on your computer, but normally hidden. It does not install anything that is not currently on your computer.
Slick Dock
I have found that the new reflective 3D dock format is sometimes hard to see when there are many applications open and with certain desktop images. It is also difficult to see which applications are “glowing” and open.

Open the Parameters window in Onyx and select the Dock tab. Under Appearance choose 2D With Transparency Effect. This will give your dock a new and clean look that you may not have ever seen.
Disable Processor
When in class with my MacBook I always try everything to conserve battery power. It used to frustrate me knowing that two processors were eating up my battery power when the only thing open was Word.

There is a Preference Pane that can be unlocked through Onyx called Processor Prefs. To access this open the Parameters window in Onyx and select the General tab. At the bottom of the screen click on Install Processor Preference Pane.

From there, you can see how hard your processors are working (on multi-core systems). You can then disable the processors that you choose to conserve battery power. A quick icon can also be added to the toolbar by the clock.

I have seen a 45 minute increase in battery life solely by disabling my second processor.

I hope you find these tips interesting and useful! I would appreciate any feedback you may have.

Top Five USB Flashdrive Tricks

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:56:26 PST

USB flashdrives (also known as thumbdrive), are a good way to bring transport computer information around with you, whether to school or to work. Most people use these nifty devices primarily for storing documents, but did you know that there are other cool stuff you can do with them? Here are some tricks you can perform with your flashdrive.

5. Modify your flashdrive's icon and name

Using an autorun.inf file placed inside the root folder of the thumbdrive, there are many things you can play around with, such as modifying your flashdrive's icon and name. Personalise your thumbdrives so that you are the only one in the world with your picture as its custom icon! Click here to learn more.

4. Make a "sawed-off USB cable" flashdrive

Yes, the above picture shows a working flashdrive, no matter how strange it looks. Doing this can surprise your friends to a great extent. Learn how do make one yourself here.

3. Boot a separate OS

Hate the OS a public computer is running on? No problems, just boot up a separate OS from your personal flash drive. DamnSmallLinux is only one of the many choices. You can find out more about DSL here.

2. Encrypt your thumbdrive

Encryption allows you to protect sensitive and personal files stored on your flashdrive, ensuring that if you lose your flashdrive, the information doesn't' fall into the wrong hands. Get more information here.

1. Run Firefox portable

Since many public computers do not have Firefox preinstalled, you can use the portable edition of the popular web browser to surf the net, and even synchronize the plug-ins and bookmarks of your Firefox at home to the portable version! Get it here!

In conclusion, your flashdrive has much more functionality than you think, so be sure to explore its hidden potential. For all you may know, you might discover something new!

Computer Tricks

Sat, 08 Dec 2007 15:08:12 PST

This is really helpful for that person that you talk to online but don't really like. This only works (as far as I know), if they have Windows.

How To Close Out Programs Without A Mouse

This may not work unless they know a little about computers.

Have them press Ctrl + Alt + Delete.
Then have them press End as many times as you desire.
Tell them to do this fast or it won't work.
With any luck they will close out any or all programs running.

So, you want to make it easier for the person looking down on the computer to see it?

Change The View On A Laptop

Here is a way to change the screen facing.

Press Ctrl + Alt + *An arrow key*
Down = normal
Up = Upside down
Left = Faces left
Right = Faces right

Wanna take a picture of what you are doing?

Take a Picture Of Your Screen

Press Prt Scr button near the top right of your keyboard. It should be right after the F keys.
Now, open paint and press Ctrl + V or Edit=>Paste.
Now, do what ever you want to the picture, and save.

It's fun to find what characters you can make.

Make Strange Characters

=Þ
Depending on what your word processor is, you can find it in Insert=>Symbols.
But their is an easier way, the Alt key.
Press Alt + *Any keys on the keypad you want*
Such as: "Alt + 0 + 2 + 2 + 2" gives you "Þ"

Experiment with this and see what you can find .

100 Shortcut Methods: Very Useful Windows Shortcuts

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 02:58:24 PST

CTRL+C (Copy)
CTRL+X (Cut)
CTRL+V (Paste)
CTRL+Z (Undo)
DELETE (Delete)
SHIFT+DELETE (Delete the selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin)
CTRL while dragging an item (Copy the selected item)
CTRL+SHIFT while dragging an item (Create a shortcut to the selected item)
F2 key (Rename the selected item)
CTRL+RIGHT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next word)
CTRL+LEFT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word)
CTRL+DOWN ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph)
CTRL+UP ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraph)
CTRL+SHIFT with any of the arrow keys (Highlight a block of text)
SHIFT with any of the arrow keys (Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in a document)
CTRL+A (Select all)
F3 key (Search for a file or a folder)
ALT+ENTER (View the properties for the selected item)
ALT+F4 (Close the active item, or quit the active program)
ALT+ENTER (Display the properties of the selected object)
ALT+SPACEBAR (Open the shortcut menu for the active window)
CTRL+F4 (Close the active document in programs that enable you to have multiple documents open simultaneously)
ALT+TAB (Switch between the open items)
ALT+ESC (Cycle through items in the order that they had been opened)
F6 key (Cycle through the screen elements in a window or on the desktop)
F4 key (Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer)
SHIFT+F10 (Display the shortcut menu for the selected item)
ALT+SPACEBAR (Display the System menu for the active window)
CTRL+ESC (Display the Start menu)
ALT+Underlined letter in a menu name (Display the corresponding menu)
Underlined letter in a command name on an open menu (Perform the corresponding command)
F10 key (Activate the menu bar in the active program)
RIGHT ARROW (Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu)
LEFT ARROW (Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu)
F5 key (Update the active window)
BACKSPACE (View the folder one level up in My Computer or Windows Explorer)
ESC (Cancel the current task)
SHIFT when you insert a CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive (Prevent the CD-ROM from automatically playing)
Dialog Box Keyboard Shortcuts
CTRL+TAB (Move forward through the tabs)
CTRL+SHIFT+TAB (Move backward through the tabs)
TAB (Move forward through the options)
SHIFT+TAB (Move backward through the options)
ALT+Underlined letter (Perform the corresponding command or select the corresponding option)
ENTER (Perform the command for the active option or button)
SPACEBAR (Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box)
Arrow keys (Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons)
F1 key (Display Help)
F4 key (Display the items in the active list)
BACKSPACE (Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box)

Microsoft Natural Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows Logo (Display or hide the Start menu)
Windows Logo+BREAK (Display the System Properties dialog box)
Windows Logo+D (Display the desktop)
Windows Logo+M (Minimize all of the windows)
Windows Logo+SHIFT+M (Restore the minimized windows)
Windows Logo+E (Open My Computer)
Windows Logo+F (Search for a file or a folder)
CTRL+Windows Logo+F (Search for computers)
Windows Logo+F1 (Display Windows Help)
Windows Logo+ L (Lock the keyboard)
Windows Logo+R (Open the Run dialog box)
Windows Logo+U (Open Utility Manager)
Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts
Right SHIFT for eight seconds (Switch FilterKeys either on or off)
Left ALT+left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN (Switch High Contrast either on or off)
Left ALT+left SHIFT+NUM LOCK (Switch the MouseKeys either on or off)
SHIFT five times (Switch the StickyKeys either on or off)
NUM LOCK for five seconds (Switch the ToggleKeys either on or off)
Windows Logo +U (Open Utility Manager)

Increase Your Computer's Performance Just Like That!!!

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 04:14:10 PST

How many times have you sat in front of the computer waiting for the application or program to be opened?

Well even I was fed up with it and came to some tips which works well.

So I suggest you to follow these which can be handy at times.

#1 -Well With some exceptions, most system components move at a rate of performance that is almost inconceivable to humans.For instance If your system was a car, you?d be able to travel faster than most airplanes. If your car could travel as fast as an airplane, could you drive it that fast? Not on todays roads! Your system will move only as fast as you can move it. The fastest and easiest way to increase your computers performance is to increase your operating performance . In most cases, the computer can easily keep up. Doubling your performance is easier than you think.And for this you must have a high configuration pc!

#2 Mouse makes it slow. This may be a bitter pill to take, but your mouse is slowing you down, holding you back and keeping you from excelling. He's not your friend. While mouse are necessary some times but it is better to look at the next step to increase your pc perfomance.

#3 The secret to speed is in the keys board. I have a question for you - how long does it take to get to Tucson? Why does it take that long? The answer is - because you have to travel. How long would it take if you didn?t have to travel? That's right, almost no time at all. When you use your mouse, it has to travel across your screen. That takes time and effort . Most things can be done by tapping 1 or 2 keys on the computer keyboard - and that is FAST.

Here's an example - To open Solitaire with the mouse, you have to move around the screen and click [Start] then Programs, Accessories, Games, Solitaire. That takes time. CTRL+ESC or windows tab,this Activates the Start Button Then just tap the first letter of each menu item in order . For solitaire tap P, A, G, S. Viola!you are done,similarly for paste(ctrl v),copy(ctrl c) and cut(ctrl x).Keep this in mind,it may make your computer performance better!

5 Little Windows Tricks

Tue, 23 Jan 2007 02:02:25 PST

1. If you're bored while installing a new Windows and got to the part where you got a mouse cursor you can press Shift + F10 to open the DOS Console with the default directory C:WindowsSystem32, now you can enter “sol” or “spider” to play solitaire or spider solitaire.

2. If you want to shutdown, reboot or log off your PC you can press Windows Key + R to open the execute dialog, then enter “shutdown -s -t 0 -f”, now your PC shuts down as fast as possible. Use -r instead of -s for reboot and -l for logging off.

3. If you need to get fast to the System Propertys you don't need to go over “Start”->”Settings”->”System Controls”->”System”, just press Windows Key + Break/Pause

4. If you want to see your Desktop instead of all your windows just press Windows Key + D

5. If you're looking for something press Windows Key + F to open the Search or press in a folder you're looking for something F3

Well have fun with this little optimizing of your time