Archive for the ‘Desktop Enhancement’ Category

Nick from GA asks:

Is there a way to show multiple time zones in Windows Vista and 7?

Yes there is, Nick! Let’s check it out!

Setting It Up

1.) The first step is to right click on the clock in your system tray

RocketDock

“The single greatest piece of software. Ever.” At least that’s what you’ll see when you search for RocketDock with Google, because it’s the program’s tag line. And you know what? I simply have to agree with them. It’s pretty darn cool. Let’s check it out!

So, what is RocketDock? Well, before we go any further, let me ask you a couple questions. Do you ever get tired of your… Continue reading

Q:
Have you ever needed to browse through any windows you currently have open on your computer? But, when you go to do so, you have to close out all your other programs just to access them?

A:
Well, more than likely, you probably don’t have your taskbar set to be on top. What exactly does that mean, you ask? Well, a taskbar is the… Continue reading

In my experience, I have observed a lot of users who place their frequent accessible programs as icons on their desktop. Sooner, rather than later though, the desktop craves for space and there is no more available for any new programs you may add to your computer. Well, luckily, there is a workaround for this issue and that lies within compressing your icons.

You can follow these steps to accomplish… Continue reading

Has your Recycle Bin icon ever disappeared from your desktop? Perhaps the icon was in place one night before you went to bed, but in the morning when you started up your computer again, it was long gone. Where did it go? What happened to it? But more importantly, how can you get it back? Well, there are a few things you can try to get

Q:
I use two monitors with my computer and I absolutely love it, but there is one thing that bothers me about it. The wallpaper on both screens is always the same. Is there any way I can make them different? I’ve tried to do it myself, but I can’t get it to work. Can you please help me?

A:
Oh, I love this question! I honestly can’t… Continue reading

Go Classic in Vista

Have you recently started using Windows Vista? If so, are you having a little trouble navigating your way through the new setup of the operating system? At first, it can be quite confusing. Everything you were familiar with in Windows XP has been changed or moved to another location and that makes it really hard to get your work done, doesn’t it? Well, lucky for all… Continue reading

When you open your Web browser, does it sometimes open in a smaller window than you’d like? If that happens, are you constantly going up to the Maximize button and making the screen larger? It’s happened to me before and let me tell you, it gets old real quick. So, what can you do about it? Well, allow me to give you a couple options. Read on!… Continue reading

Monitor Masterpiece

Do you ever have trouble getting your computer monitor to sit just like you want it? I mean, sometimes it can tilt too much or too little and if it’s not in the perfect position, the time you spend on your computer can turn into a real nightmare. So, I’m here to save the day with a few tips that will help you create the perfect monitor viewing… Continue reading

Ever since you upgraded or installed Vista, you’ve probably noticed that the icons on your desktop are a little bigger than the earlier versions of Windows. You’ve probably noticed also that the text that comes along with those icons is larger as well. Or, who knows, maybe neither of them are big enough to meet your preferences. So, how can you change them?

First, Right-Click on your desktop… Continue reading

Q:
Can you give me some basic directions on how to personalize my Windows Vista? I’m talking about the desktop wallpaper, screensavers, etc.

A:
If you are using Windows Vista and you’re having trouble figuring out how to personalize it with your own wallpaper, etc., here are some simple instructions for you on how to do it. It’s not as hard as it may seem either… Continue reading

Web Site Shortcuts

How would you like to have a shortcut on your desktop that with just a double click, all of your favorite Web sites could be seen? And yes, I’m talking about any Web site that you visit on a regular basis (at least in Internet Explorer). How cool does all that sound? Pretty good, huh?! Well, it’s very easy to do, so if you haven’t done so… Continue reading

QuickStart Lock

What is QuickStart?

To begin, QuickStart is an executable file that lets you immediately launch a screensaver on your computer’s desktop. By using QuickStart in conjunction with a password enabled screensaver, you have the ability to immediately and securely lock your computer. You can download QuickStart tools from a variety of sources on the Internet, but the one I use is the Stardust Screen Saver QuickStart, version 2.1… Continue reading

How much do you depend on certain icons on your desktop? I’m talking about the icons from the likes of My Computer, My Documents, Network and so on. Those are a few of the icons that you probably used on a regular basis in Windows XP, so if they’re not there, or if you’re using Windows Vista or Windows 7, what are you supposed to do? Well, the best answer… Continue reading

Windows Desktop Search

I’m sure you know the scenario: You are certain you sent an e-mail about that dinner appointment awhile back, but where is it now? Or you recall making out an agenda for the next club meeting, but can you find it? Not on your life!

Also, the longer you’ve had your computer, the more files you get and the harder it becomes to find what you are… Continue reading

Note: Video may contain information not found in written tip

Are you fed up with where your taskbar sits on your desktop? Do you wish you could move it somewhere else? What about if you use more than one monitor and want to move your taskbar to the other side?

Well, good news! It’s super easy to move your taskbar to almost anywhere on… Continue reading

Refresh It

We all use our desktops quite often when we’re working on our computers, don’t we? I mean, that’s where all of our icons are placed, that’s where we can change our desktop themes, our wallpaper designs and our screen saver choices. And that’s just the beginning of what we use the desktop for. There’s so much to be done on the desktop, we just can’t take the chance… Continue reading

Have you ever wanted to create your own icon for your desktop? Maybe you’re tired of all the pre-installed boring ones and you think it’s time for a change. Well, you’re in luck, because this article will help you create your very own icon. You’ll no longer have to use the ones that are available by default in Windows.

Just follow

Shutdown Shortcut

Do you ever get tired of the repetitive process of shutting down your computer? You know, you have to go to your Start menu and then select Turn Off or Shut Down, whichever your computer has. Then you have to wait for it to actually shut down just to make sure it did it properly. Well, how would you like to bypass all of that and make the… Continue reading

Have you ever wondered what happens in the background when the Windows XP logo is loading on your computer screen when you first boot up? I have often thought about that myself, so I thought I would tell you a little about this topic today. So, here we go!

During the startup process, you will see the Windows logo on the screen for a few seconds. But… Continue reading

Wallpaper Color

Do you like to use your own pictures for your computer’s desktop wallpaper? You know, as long as you have the picture saved on your computer, you can right click on your desktop, choose Properties, click on the Desktop tab and hit the Browse button to search for it. When you find the one you want, select it and then you just hit OK for the picture to… Continue reading

Shortcuts

You probably have them all over your desktop and you probably use them every day, but do you know exactly what a shortcut is? Yes, the name seems pretty self explanatory, but here’s a little more information on the world of shortcuts for you, just in case!

A shortcut, in reference to computers, is basically an icon you create that sits on your desktop for quick access to anything… Continue reading

Q:
You showed us the Show Desktop video this week, but how do you create an icon for that? I don’t seem to have one.

A:
After featuring the “Show Desktop” video tip this week, it’s come to my realization that some of you never had a Show Desktop icon to begin with. So, to be able to use that tip in all its glory, you first need… Continue reading

Eye Friendly Appearance in Windows XP

Do you have eye sight problems and is it sometimes hard for you to see certain things when you’re using your computer? Well, as a user with glasses, it has always been difficult for me to use Windows XP, because the default settings are all very small. I have tried to enlarge some of them, but they still looked small and caused my eyes… Continue reading

Q:
Is there any way I can change the way my date and time are displayed in my system tray?

A:
There sure is! It’s always nice to change things up a little, even with your date and time display, so let’s go for it! Most computer users have the date shown as a long date format (day of the week, month, day, year) and the time usually… Continue reading

Q:
How can I get rid of those alert messages that always show up in the taskbar? You know, the ones that tell me new updates are ready, etc.

A:
Well, those alerts are there to inform you of things that are going on within your computer, but I understand that they are sometimes annoying. Usually, these messages are telling you that there are updates available that you… Continue reading