Mechanical hard disks have ruled for ages—but their reign is coming to an end. Uptake of faster, more energy-efficient solid state drives (SSDs) is increasing. Fast boot times and overall performance coupled with a decrease in prices are their major upsides, but users need to take special care of their SSDs. This blog post outlines [...]
In 2007, Microsoft introduced “Windows DreamScene” into Windows Vista. This feature made it possible to enjoy a video clip, and not just static images, as your desktop wallpaper. Although users loved it, DreamScene was only available as part of the “Ultimate Extras” program—and only those users with Windows Vista Ultimate could access the feature. To [...]
Flashback to 2004: In the early prototype stages of “Windows Longhorn” (the codename for Windows Vista) Microsoft showed off many beautiful design concepts and visuals for the new explorer, the sidebar, media player and especially the new logon: Unfortunately, this neat little logon box never made it into the final product “Vista”. This is why, [...]
A couple of weeks ago, you have learned the basics of Windows 7s new Task Scheduler. A mighty little tool that helps you automate your PC, which – once set up – safes your time and nerves. Last time we used Task Scheduler to automatically launch a program. In this blog post, you’ll learn how [...]
One of the most powerful new features in Windows 7 (and Vista), Task Scheduler, is hidden deep inside the operating system and rarely used. It allows PC users to automate a number of actions, such as launching a cleaning tool on a weekly basis, solving a problem the moment it occurs, or simply displaying reminder [...]
If you’re getting tired of the same blue-ish look of Windows Media Center (WMC) in Windows 7 and Vista, then we’ve got a treat for you. Using Media Center Studio, you can swap the default animated background for something more your style! The default Windows Media Center style has a nice look, but it’s not [...]
Nearly everyone recognizes Window’s signature blue background and design. Even though Windows changed things up and made its design for Vista green, actually personalizing the Windows backdrop has always been tricky, that is, until now. This podcast shows you how to change the Windows style to suit your tastes and personality. We tell you how [...]
Note: We’ve written about this mode before—however, our guide was specifically written for Windows 7 users only. Now, there’s a safe way to get God Mode on Vista, which, by the way, works just as fine on Windows 7. So as a “7″ user, you could go with either method! Tired of clicking through dozens [...]
It’s the Achilles’ heel of older and slower machines—you try to watch HDTV on your PC or netbook, and it stutters. You try to play a Blu-ray disc, and it won’t start. You try to play a 720p or 1080p video file, and the image immediately starts to tear and lag. In this post, we [...]
What is the worst-case scenario when it comes to your PC? Windows gives you the blue screen, a cryptic error message or a completely black screen during the boot-up process! Beginners don’t even know where to begin; it even baffles IT professionals. Luckily, there are some very effective ways to repair Windows using Microsoft’s own [...]
