Computer, tips and shortcuts. Laptop / Notebook shortcuts and tips. Software reviews. Firefox, wireless, high speed internet, usb thumbdrives, and more.

Thunderbird from USB back to computer hard drive. Remote Connections.

Registry Warning - If you plan to change the registry, or use one of the many registry cleaning programs see our registry warning before you do it, not after.

CCleaner - An excellent program for removing unused junk files from your computer.

Laptop - Notebook Touchpad Settings - customize your touchpad settings to make it faster and more useful.

How To Connect To A Remote Desktop - You have more than one computer in your household, and they may even be located on different levels, such as one upstairs and one downstairs.

Wouldn't it be great to be able to turn that other computer on and access its files without physically going to it. Or it is late at night, and you want to turn that other computer off before you go to bed. No need for that extra trip up or down stairs, you can do it right from the computer you are using. (January, 2008)

Screenshot - the easy way. Without using extra programs, this is already under your fingertips. PrintScreen or Alt + Print Screen easily makes your screenshot. Here's how. (Aug.2008)

Zip File Caution

Watch Your Zip Files: I know some of you visit less than ideal sites and download various files for various purposes. Be very cautious and look carefully at any zipped files before you unzip them. If a file is included called 'start.exe' delete it before you unzip it, or get rid of the file altogether. You can delete it from the Zip program before you actually unzip it. This file is a key logger type program and will bring you all kinds of advertisements and may have the capability to do worse.

USB Keyboard Disadvantage

Disadvantage of the USB Keyboard and Mouse: If you are using Windows and your computer crashes and will not boot to the operating system, you have no way of getting into the BIOS if needed or controlling the bootup process by other means. Since USB does not work until the Windows operating system is fully started this can be troublesome.

Always have a PS2 keyboard or mouse at hand, or an adapter for same. Some new computers may not even have a PS2 port for keyboard or mouse connection.

Password Management

KeePass

KeePass is an open source password management program. I have used it for some time now and find it excellent. It is easy to put on a usb jump drive should you so desire and allows you to take your passwords securely with you. It is very easy to setup and use.

If desired you can also put it on multiple computers (and the thumbdrive if you wish), and it is very easy to sync the data base using GoodSync or whatever method you prefer for keeping files the same.

An even better way to sync files for keypass, or any other folder for that matter is to use freeCommander's built in command. It is so easy with two windows side by side. And that program has so much more built in that you should be using it anyway for stuff you usually use explorer for. (Feb.2008)

XP Security 

All your files can be deleted, and you don't have to do anything except go to a site. TechTV has had information on about it. Steve Gibson has posted a quick fix here, along with a detailed description. Read the information about how serious a problem it is, and install the fix. It is a must for anyone running XP. Especially now that all the publicity is being circulated, more people are apt to take advantage of it.