Little PC Gems

Don't forget to clean those Windows

Now and then, I feel the urge to have something different from my faithful C-Cleaner. Not that I would want to be unfaithful, C-Cleaner is still a fantastic, user friendly program.
Yet, I found myself stumbling on ‘ WinUtilities’, a free application that is a multi-functional system performance and optimization suite.

The Wizard will help you download and install.
Remember to select if you want to add the Ask toolbar on your web browser or not. It is your preference.

WinUtilities has the following to enhance your PC performance.
Clean Up & Repair
Optimize & Improve
Privacy & Security
Files & Folders
Registry Tools
System Tools

Favorites:
Memory Optimizer (Boost your performance by releasing the memory properly for each program)
Shortcuts Fixer (Like getting rid of those detour signs on the road that someone forgot to remove)
File Shredder (Simply shreds deleted files. Remember just because you empty you trash doesn’t mean the garage collectors can’t get to it. Shred it.)
BHO Remover (Removes toolbars on IE. Highlight the ones you want to remove, quick and easier this way.)

Geek’s word of caution is careful on what you uninstall and in the registry cleaner to keep, the registry restore point.


This collection of tools is an all-in-one program at your fingertips, user friendly and quick!
To download check out one of my Favs and secure sites:
ZDNet.
ZDNet WinUtilities download or ‘ CNET WinUtilities download

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Fun with Firefox's HTTP, Let's go Faster!

Do you enjoy watching video or playing video games on your PC/Laptop but can be put off with the lag time? Do you want to increase your browsing experience and open multiple windows?
There,s a small adjustment you can do on your Mozilla Firefox web browser to speed things up!

HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is a request/response protocol used to transfer information between clients and servers. One can customize the pipeline, so it can send multiple requests without waiting for corresponding responses.

Here's a step by step adjustment you can easily do that would speed up your Mozilla Firefox.

1 - Open Mozilla Firefox.

2 - In address bar type: "about:config"

(you'll get warning, don't worry be happy.)

3 - Scroll down till you find "network.http.pipelining" it goes alphabetically.

Set it to TRUE. (Double Click it until it says TRUE)

4 - Look for "network.http.proxy.pipelining" set it to TRUE

(Double Click the line to change it to TRUE)
(Same way as stated above)

5 - Look for network.http.pipelining.maxrequests, (same as above)

Double click the line, change the integer value in the pop-up window to 30.

By entering 30, this means it will make 30 requests at once to the responding server.

6 - Just one more change.
Right Click anywere on the screen,

Click "New"
Then "Integer".

Type the name "nglayout.initialpaint.delay"

(without the quotations.)

Click Ok,

In the pop-up box Enter integer value

put the number "0" (Zero)

Click OK,

7 - Restart Firefox, and enjoy your new streamline.
So far this only works for Mozilla/Firefox.

To download this web browser click here,


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Got Vista? but want XP start >'?'<

This is a time of change, but Some of us are creatures of habit when it comes to our daily geeky lives.
If you would like your Vista "Start Up" to look like your bygone XP's, follow these easy steps.

Right click on the 'Start' button and select "Properties"

Select the 'Start Menu' tab


Click "Classic Start Menu"


Click "Apply"

That's All.


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Identity Finder Free Edition 3.5.2 (Windows)

Identity Finder is a free program that you can download to detect any unprotected privacy issues you may have on your PC. Simply download, install, and run the search.

Just follow the wizard

Any unprotected credit cards and passwords can permanently shred or encrypted with a password

to protect you from identity theft or fraud.

Caution, after the initial scan, it will display your information. So as an extra security it will ask you to create a password for the next time you log in to avoid any snoopy eyes that will scan and display any private information. That's All.


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Where's My Computer >'?'<

When I first purchased my laptop it came pre-installed with Windows Vista. I love my Windows XP, but I thought a new operating system would be neat to learn and how bad would Vista be anyway...ok you can stop laughing now.

There were several quirks I found too annoying to ignore, and one of them is the My Computer icon missing on the desktop.
Finding it was a little puzzle, but it can be done. So if you would like yours, here are a few easy steps.
Click the Start button and choose -"Control Panel"-
Next, choose -"Appearance and Personalization".

Then, choose "Personalization"

Now, on the left side under the word Tasks, choose Change desktop icons




Check the box next to Computer. Click "Apply" and "Ok"

That's All.

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* Make Gmail your Default Mail Client! *

Greetings ; )
Compose and send a link when you click on the web pages email link. By using Google's Gmail notifier.

Click here to download the free. Gmail notifier

Right-click the Notifier icon in your system tray,

and select -Options-.

Check the box next to -Use Gmail for internet mailto: "links".
Click -OK-.

Mac users,
Open the Notifier.
Click the Mail icon on the Menu bar and go to Preferences...
Select the Gmail tab and choose Gmail as the program from the Compose mail in drop-down menu.
Considering I use everything online, this became the most practical utility tool I discovered.

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Fast Stone Image Capture

This is just geeky and cool.
I was searching for an image saver for various projects I was working on,
and I came across -FastStone Capture-
this is a Freeware screenshot tool that captures the viewing webpage, including pics from Flash.
yeah!

This program can also capture specific parts using the selection of rectangular,
freehand

or the entire desktop image.

It also contains a settings tab where you can create your own default application,

to save automatically and where to save your pics.
This is a great timesaver!

One click by using my -Print Screen- button and I'm done.
To down load the shareware:

"FastStone.org"
or I believe for a limited time, the Freeware: DivShare.com
Cheers and Happy clipping!

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No.1 Annoying Vista Function.

New Functions in Windows Vista, this one I ask "Why".

The constant pop-up boxes warning you if do you really want to do that
also known as -User Account Control-.
This was the first Function to go.
If it annoys you like it did for me.
Do this.

Go to Control Panel
Click -User Accounts-;
Click -Turn User Account Control on or off-;
UnCheck -Use User Account Control (UAC ) to help protect your computer-;
Click -OK-

Problem one is solved, now for the next nuisance.

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No.2 Annoying Vista Function.

To remove the next irritation of Vista balloons.

Go to Start
select Run (windows key + R)
In the text box Type Regedit
Click - OK -.
On the left side follow this path to find the needed folder. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.

Right-click on the white part in the right pane.

Click the new button,
then select DWORD
(Value will be Zero)

Name the DWord , EnableBalloonTips.
Close out and reboot.
That's it.

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Got Errors.

Have you ever come across an error and wonder, "What the ?@#! does' that mean?"
Well do I have a site for you!

It's "bug'gd" this nifty little beta, and yeah I said Nifty, will help you search for your error that other people in the world wide web had problems with and found the solution.
What better way to find help, if not by our fellow geeks.



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Need help in remembering >'?'<

The newest site I found is a little ditty called "Remember the Milk" This is a free service, where you can list your "to do" lists.

If your forgetful like me, this comes in handy and your list is at your fingertips, and not left on the kitchen table. I may not have a pen in my purse, but I never leave home without my cell with internet capabilities!!

To view your list just click on -overview- and it lines it up from today to overdue.
Click on weekly and you can see the week's of -to do- You can share and send your list too, but only if your contacts are also registered.

It sends reminders via email (which is a +plus+ when your at work, and keep forgetting those dull routine tasks) and it also supports SMS, instant messenger, Yahoo, AIM, Google Talk, Jabber, MSN, Skype!
One of the nicer perks is the -Locations-.

One can use the map to see where your tasks are located and what's nearby.
It's quick, easy and not forgotten at home.

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Webbies !

XHTML Transitional DTD

When I began creating this website, I had no idea what a headache IE7 was going to be.
This site is built using xhtml/css, in Mozilla Firefox.
Everything was going Beautifully!
Until I opened my site up in Internet Explorer.
I was able to see my home page, but that was all I could do.
None of my links to my pages would work. If you are encountering this mysterious and frustrating dilemma, try this, it worked with me.
After seeking help and hours of searching with trial and error, (mostly the latter) I discovered my answer with the W3schools website.
It was the "DOCTYPE".
There are several types and I was using an older version.

"XHTML Transitional DTD"
-Is used when you need XHTML's features because your readers don't have browsers that support Cascading Style Sheets.-

and apparently this is also needed for IE7!
W3schools has full web building tutorials, w3schools.com HTML, XHTML/CSS and javascript. The site is all free and a lifesaver.
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Something for Geeks in fighting Malware!

Another free utility is "McAfee Rootkit Detective"
(Many thanks to our geeks in PC World ~ luv the mag)

It's a free security application to help find malware that would hide in your PC rootkits.
Once downloaded,
DO read the "Read Me" file.
You are dealing with your registry and can seriously damage your PC.
What is shown after scanning is not all Malware or Viruses. It's you stuff too.
If something looks suspicious you can just click the box next to it and send it to McAfee for their support.
I haven't received anything suspicious yet. but if I do I let everyone know if this works or Not.
Actually I'll be typing in CAPS if it didn't.

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Bohemian Geek
To add your experience and findings, please email me.
Thanks!

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