Posted By Computer Rehab Services
On 8/30/09 I posted a few of my favorite free utilities. These included CCleaner, Firefox, etc. Please see that post for other utilities and their links.
I use so many quality free utilities that I've decided to make a second list, and more than likely there will be a third. As with the first post, this post contains utilities that I have used for years and have had no problems with. They are utilities that I use often. I also have used similar applications to the ones posted here but I have found these to be the most user friendly and trouble free.
Rocketdock: "...RocketDock is a smoothly animated, alpha blended application launcher. It provides a nice clean interface to drop shortcuts on for easy access and organization. With each item completely customizable there is no end to what you can add and launch from the dock..."
This is the single most used utility I have. I use it constantly. Please do yourself a favor and check it out. It can be customized to no end. One feature that the tutorial does not mention is the fact that the Rocketdock bar can auto-hide so you simply need to bring the cursor to the top of the screen for it to appear.
I've heard that people actually live without Rocketdock. I'm not really sure how.
VisiPics: "If you get too many pictures on your harddrive, downloaded or photographed, from several different sources, it may happen that you have many duplicates. In that case you need a quick and easy to use program that finds and deletes all your duplicates."
Enough Said? This program will find duplicate files/pictures and display the results. You then have the option to keep both or pick which one to delete. Invaluable if you have alot of pictures.
Auslogics Disk Defragmenter: "Disk fragmentation leads to system slowdowns, PC crashes, slow startups and shutdowns. Auslogics Disk Defrag is designed for fast optimization of modern hard disks."
Sure, Windows has a built-in defragmenter but Auslogics' is fast and thorough. There is plenty of competition in this category, if for some reason you don't like this option, run a Google search and you'll find plenty more. Some, like Ultimate Defrag are awesome but not quite so user friendly.
RegSeeker: OK, we need to be careful here. RegSeeker is a regisrty cleaner. Any time you play with the registry there is a chance of screwing things up and there are many opponents of registry cleaners in general. RegSeeker is extremely thorough and, if you're not careful, could be harmful. All that being said, it will report registry errors in red or green fonts. You can absolutely feel safe removing the entries in green. There are plenty you can remove that are listed in red also but if you stick to the green ones you'll be fine. It also backs up the changes you made to the registry "just in case".
FastStone Image Viewer: Talk about tons of competition - it seems like there are thousands of image viewers. I've tried everything from Picasa to IrfanView and everything in between but I always come back to FastStone.
From their site "...fast, stable, user-friendly image browser, converter and editor. It has a nice array of features that include image viewing, management, comparison, red-eye removal, emailing, resizing, cropping and color adjustments..."
It just works. It's simple and will give you full screen previews. Just a nice program.
WinDirStat: Want to find out how your hard disk space is being used? WinDirStat will display your disk in a graphical way. The larger the "block", the larger the file. Very cool and useful program. You can quickly identify and eliminate files that are wasting space.
Renamer: Don't you hate when you have a bunch of vacation pictures or songs you want to rename? This tool is amazingly flexible, letting you rename them all in one step. It takes a little getting used to but once you learn it, it's invaluable.
7-Zip Compression Tool: Uniquely easy to use compression/zipping tool. I especially like the one-click "zip and email" option. Ironically, their website makes it sound more complicated than it is. Give it a try!
ImgBurn: "ImgBurn is a lightweight CD / DVD / HD DVD / Blu-ray burning application that everyone should have in their toolkit!" It does what it says and more. This is the easiest ISO creator I've ever used.
As virtually all utilities I use are freeware, I'm sure I'll have a third post coming. For now, I hope you find some of these applications useful. Again, don't forget to check my first post of free apps from 8/30/09.
As always, if you have questions or comments I'm always glad to help. Please contact me via email through my website: Computer Rehabilitation Services
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Change System Restore Size
Posted By Computer Rehab Services
Here's one of my bigger pet peeves. By default, Vista will allocate as much as 15% of your drive's space to System Restore Points.
Some quick math: 300GB hard drive = potential Restore Points of 45GB. 45GB is not only alot of space but truly, what are the chances that you'll ever want to do a system restore back to 4 months ago? Usually, you want to do a system restore immediately after your PC starts doing something strange which usually follows a utility install/uninstall, etc.
Fortunately, we can limit this space to something we find more reasonable.
In XP, the process was fairly simple: Right click "My Computer", "Properties", "System Restore tab" and use the slide bar to adjust Min/Max disk space usage. Note that in XP, the default max is 12% of the disk size.
Vista did away with this user friendly slide bar, so we'll have to use a Command Prompt.
To get at the Command Prompt: Go to the Start menu and type "cmd" in the search bar. At the top of the list should be "cmd.exe" - right click it at "Run as Administrator".
OK, you should now see the black command box. The following is an example of what you need to type at the command prompt.
vssadmin resize shadowstorage /on=c: /for=c: /maxsize=8GB
This will set the maximum space allowed for restore points to 8GB.
A couple of notes: "on" is the drive in which the restore points are stored. "For" is the drive in which the files will be backed up from. If you have only one drive, both fields are almost sure to be "c" as the example reads.
Also note you can't select a value less than 300MB.
At any time you can delete all but the most recent restore point by going to "Computer", Right Click the system drive (usually "C"), Disk Cleanup, More Options and press the "Clean up" button under "System Restore and Shadow Copies". This will remove all but the most recent restore point which could reclaim as much as 15% of your hard drive space!
As always, if you have questions or comments I'm always glad to help. Please contact me via email through my website: Computer Rehabilitation Services
Here's one of my bigger pet peeves. By default, Vista will allocate as much as 15% of your drive's space to System Restore Points.
Some quick math: 300GB hard drive = potential Restore Points of 45GB. 45GB is not only alot of space but truly, what are the chances that you'll ever want to do a system restore back to 4 months ago? Usually, you want to do a system restore immediately after your PC starts doing something strange which usually follows a utility install/uninstall, etc.
Fortunately, we can limit this space to something we find more reasonable.
In XP, the process was fairly simple: Right click "My Computer", "Properties", "System Restore tab" and use the slide bar to adjust Min/Max disk space usage. Note that in XP, the default max is 12% of the disk size.
Vista did away with this user friendly slide bar, so we'll have to use a Command Prompt.
To get at the Command Prompt: Go to the Start menu and type "cmd" in the search bar. At the top of the list should be "cmd.exe" - right click it at "Run as Administrator".
OK, you should now see the black command box. The following is an example of what you need to type at the command prompt.
vssadmin resize shadowstorage /on=c: /for=c: /maxsize=8GB
This will set the maximum space allowed for restore points to 8GB.
A couple of notes: "on" is the drive in which the restore points are stored. "For" is the drive in which the files will be backed up from. If you have only one drive, both fields are almost sure to be "c" as the example reads.
Also note you can't select a value less than 300MB.
At any time you can delete all but the most recent restore point by going to "Computer", Right Click the system drive (usually "C"), Disk Cleanup, More Options and press the "Clean up" button under "System Restore and Shadow Copies". This will remove all but the most recent restore point which could reclaim as much as 15% of your hard drive space!
As always, if you have questions or comments I'm always glad to help. Please contact me via email through my website: Computer Rehabilitation Services
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Web Page Font Size
Posted By Computer Rehab Services
Here's a short but sweet little tip that I'm learning not too many people know about.
When you're viewing a web page, you can increase or decrease the font size by simply holding the "Control" button and rolling your mouse wheel forward or backward.
Alternatively, if you're using a laptop without a mouse, hold "Control" and press the "+" or "-" buttons. This can be a particularly helpful little hint for laptops which sometimes have smaller screens (and therefore smaller fonts...).
As always, if you have questions or comments I'm always glad to help. Please contact me via email through my website: Computer Rehabilitation Services
Here's a short but sweet little tip that I'm learning not too many people know about.
When you're viewing a web page, you can increase or decrease the font size by simply holding the "Control" button and rolling your mouse wheel forward or backward.
Alternatively, if you're using a laptop without a mouse, hold "Control" and press the "+" or "-" buttons. This can be a particularly helpful little hint for laptops which sometimes have smaller screens (and therefore smaller fonts...).
As always, if you have questions or comments I'm always glad to help. Please contact me via email through my website: Computer Rehabilitation Services
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Print Screen Button?
Posted By Computer Rehab Services
Ever wonder what in the world that "Print Screen" button on your keyboard does?
It's actually quite simple and can be useful in certain instances.
The "Print Screen" button takes a page snapshot and places it on your clipboard. This image can then be placed in a document (like a Word Document) by right clicking in the document and pressing "Paste"
Try it. Open a web page and a new Word document. While on the web page, press "Print Screen". Now go to the Word document, right click and press "Paste". The screenshot should now appear within the Word page.
While not great for all circumstances, it's worth knowing.
Vista users: One of the best tools Vista has to offer is its new Snipping Tool. This tool allows you to take snapshots of any size from virtually anything.
To access it, press "Start" and type SNIPPING in the search box. The Snipping Tool should be listed in the column above where you're typing. Click it and play with it. Once you get the hang of it, it's a very handy tool to have at your disposal. I have mine pinned to my start menu.
As always, if you have questions please contact me via email through my website: Computer Rehabilitation Services
Ever wonder what in the world that "Print Screen" button on your keyboard does?
It's actually quite simple and can be useful in certain instances.
The "Print Screen" button takes a page snapshot and places it on your clipboard. This image can then be placed in a document (like a Word Document) by right clicking in the document and pressing "Paste"
Try it. Open a web page and a new Word document. While on the web page, press "Print Screen". Now go to the Word document, right click and press "Paste". The screenshot should now appear within the Word page.
While not great for all circumstances, it's worth knowing.
Vista users: One of the best tools Vista has to offer is its new Snipping Tool. This tool allows you to take snapshots of any size from virtually anything.
To access it, press "Start" and type SNIPPING in the search box. The Snipping Tool should be listed in the column above where you're typing. Click it and play with it. Once you get the hang of it, it's a very handy tool to have at your disposal. I have mine pinned to my start menu.
As always, if you have questions please contact me via email through my website: Computer Rehabilitation Services
Disable Vista UAC
Posted By Computer Rehab Services
I think the single biggest complaint I hear about Vista is its use of the User Account Control (UAC). While I have my UAC enabled, I do see how it could be conceived as annoying. Hey, why not just turn it off?
There are at least four ways to do this (probably more) - for simplicity's sake I'll show you the two easiest ways. (The other two involve editing the registry and/or modifying group policies. We won't get into that here).
Method #1:
Download and run the FREE utility "Tweak UAC". It's extremely easy to use and can be downloaded here: Tweak UAC
Method #2:
Click "Start","Run" and type MSCONFIG in the Run menu.
Click "Continue" when the UAC window pops up.
Click the Tools tab and scroll down until you see "Disable UAC" . Highlight that line by clicking on it.
Click the Launch button.
A command window will open - when the command is done, close the window.
Close MSCONFIG & restart your computer.
(To re-enable UAC, click "Enable UAC" and press Launch).
As always, if you have questions please contact me via email through my website: Computer Rehabilitation Services
I think the single biggest complaint I hear about Vista is its use of the User Account Control (UAC). While I have my UAC enabled, I do see how it could be conceived as annoying. Hey, why not just turn it off?
There are at least four ways to do this (probably more) - for simplicity's sake I'll show you the two easiest ways. (The other two involve editing the registry and/or modifying group policies. We won't get into that here).
Method #1:
Download and run the FREE utility "Tweak UAC". It's extremely easy to use and can be downloaded here: Tweak UAC
Method #2:
Click "Start","Run" and type MSCONFIG in the Run menu.
Click "Continue" when the UAC window pops up.
Click the Tools tab and scroll down until you see "Disable UAC" . Highlight that line by clicking on it.
Click the Launch button.
A command window will open - when the command is done, close the window.
Close MSCONFIG & restart your computer.
(To re-enable UAC, click "Enable UAC" and press Launch).
As always, if you have questions please contact me via email through my website: Computer Rehabilitation Services
Vista Automatic Logon
Posted By Computer Rehab Services
Depending on how your new Vista PC is configured out of the box, it will probably stop the logon process and ask for a username and password.
But what if If you're password protected but you're the only person with access to your PC you can make Vista automatically log you in if you'd like.
Here are the steps:
Click "Start" and type "netplwiz" (no quotes) in the "Start Search" field and then press "Enter".
Click "Continue" if the User Account Control window appears.
From the User Accounts window that you should now see, verify that your user account is selected.
Untick the "Users must enter a username and password to use this computer" option and click "OK".
Enter the password for your user account upon being prompted for it and restart your computer.
Vista will now automatically log on with your user account.
As always, if you have questions please contact me via email through my website: Computer Rehabilitation Services
Depending on how your new Vista PC is configured out of the box, it will probably stop the logon process and ask for a username and password.
But what if
Here are the steps:
Click "Start" and type "netplwiz" (no quotes) in the "Start Search" field and then press "Enter".
Click "Continue" if the User Account Control window appears.
From the User Accounts window that you should now see, verify that your user account is selected.
Untick the "Users must enter a username and password to use this computer" option and click "OK".
Enter the password for your user account upon being prompted for it and restart your computer.
Vista will now automatically log on with your user account.
As always, if you have questions please contact me via email through my website: Computer Rehabilitation Services
Clean your Desktop Machine
Posted By Computer Rehab Services
Slowdowns and general errors are often caused by "junk" files accumulating over time. One of the best & easiest ways to clean junk files is CCleaner. It is totally free and can be downloaded at http://www.ccleaner.com/download. CCleaner is safe and effective. Yes, there are plenty more similar utilities out there and they are easily found through Google. However, I have found that CCleaner is among the easiest to use - especially for novices.
OK, that's the software side of cleaning. One of the most overlooked aspects of caring for a computer is the internal cleaning of it. I suppose there are a ton of reasons this is overlooked but as a person who has opened up alot of machines, I can't stress enough the importance of cleaning the inside of the case.
I've opened cases where dust has literally fallen out in clumps as I open it up. This is especially true of people who own pets and/or when the computer sits directly on carpet. The problem is that the natural airflow is disturbed or stopped altogether when dust builds up.
Optimally, air should come in the front of the machine and exit out the back. This is done with the use of fans. To ensure proper airflow, we need to open the case.
Before you begin, turn off the computer and disconnect all cables and wires connected to your machine. Don't be afraid to crack it open, generally speaking you're not going to hurt anything as long as you're careful. Be aware of Electrostatic Discharge (static electricity) - this can be a component killer. If you open your case just for the purpose of cleaning it, there will be little reason to actually touch any components.
You may have to check your owners manual to determine how to open your particular case. Sometimes the side will come off after removing two thumbscrews in the back. However, PC makers have become increasingly clever - if it's not obvious refer to your owners manual or search it on Google.
Once the case is open, pull out that can of air and clean those fans (note some machines don't have front fans, but almost all have rear fans). Spray the air everywhere and watch the dust fly. You will see a fan on top of the CPU. This is an important fan and is usually mounted to a heatsink. Spray the fan and heatsink liberally removing all dust possible. You may also find fans on video cards, chipsets, etc. Basically, clean everything possible.
The one thing you don't want to do is pull out the Hoover and vacuum the inside of the case. This can seem tempting but it's a huge no-no, stick with the canned air.
If you're comfortable inside the case, feel free to tie back any wires that are inhibiting air flow from front to back. Also be sure to tie back any wires that could come in contact with fans.
After all said and done, close the case and reconnect all wires and cables and turn your machine back on.
You may not notice an immediate difference but you've just increased the longevity of your PC.
As always, if you have questions please contact me via email through my website: Computer Rehabilitation Services
Slowdowns and general errors are often caused by "junk" files accumulating over time. One of the best & easiest ways to clean junk files is CCleaner. It is totally free and can be downloaded at http://www.ccleaner.com/download. CCleaner is safe and effective. Yes, there are plenty more similar utilities out there and they are easily found through Google. However, I have found that CCleaner is among the easiest to use - especially for novices.
OK, that's the software side of cleaning. One of the most overlooked aspects of caring for a computer is the internal cleaning of it. I suppose there are a ton of reasons this is overlooked but as a person who has opened up alot of machines, I can't stress enough the importance of cleaning the inside of the case.
I've opened cases where dust has literally fallen out in clumps as I open it up. This is especially true of people who own pets and/or when the computer sits directly on carpet. The problem is that the natural airflow is disturbed or stopped altogether when dust builds up.
Optimally, air should come in the front of the machine and exit out the back. This is done with the use of fans. To ensure proper airflow, we need to open the case.
Before you begin, turn off the computer and disconnect all cables and wires connected to your machine. Don't be afraid to crack it open, generally speaking you're not going to hurt anything as long as you're careful. Be aware of Electrostatic Discharge (static electricity) - this can be a component killer. If you open your case just for the purpose of cleaning it, there will be little reason to actually touch any components.
You may have to check your owners manual to determine how to open your particular case. Sometimes the side will come off after removing two thumbscrews in the back. However, PC makers have become increasingly clever - if it's not obvious refer to your owners manual or search it on Google.
Once the case is open, pull out that can of air and clean those fans (note some machines don't have front fans, but almost all have rear fans). Spray the air everywhere and watch the dust fly. You will see a fan on top of the CPU. This is an important fan and is usually mounted to a heatsink. Spray the fan and heatsink liberally removing all dust possible. You may also find fans on video cards, chipsets, etc. Basically, clean everything possible.
The one thing you don't want to do is pull out the Hoover and vacuum the inside of the case. This can seem tempting but it's a huge no-no, stick with the canned air.
If you're comfortable inside the case, feel free to tie back any wires that are inhibiting air flow from front to back. Also be sure to tie back any wires that could come in contact with fans.
After all said and done, close the case and reconnect all wires and cables and turn your machine back on.
You may not notice an immediate difference but you've just increased the longevity of your PC.
As always, if you have questions please contact me via email through my website: Computer Rehabilitation Services
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