Windows
How to Use Problem Steps Recorder (PSR) in Windows 7
Arguably one of the best features to be introduced in Windows 7 has been the Problem Steps Recorder (PSR). Windows 7 has been out for a while now, though it’s surprising just how few people know that this helpful application actually exists. Essentially, Problem Steps Recorder makes a visual and text-based documentation of everything that [...]
How to Change Your Windows Experience Index Rating
The Windows Experience Index (WEI) rating is one of the biggest tools used by PC retailers to show off the capabilities of computers sitting on the showroom floor. These numbers can look very impressive, especially when you begin to compare the score to similar systems in the store. Unfortunately, this tool can also be used [...]
How Technology Helps People with Disabilities Use Computers
If you’re reading this paragraph without the assistance of special software or hardware, try closing your eyes or turning off your keyboard for a moment. Without certain software or hardware, using a computer can be a very difficult task for anyone with disabilities. Whether you’re visually or physically impaired, the fact is that using technology [...]
What to Include in a Backup, and How to Do It
Backing up your hard drive is one of those fundamental principles of smart computer use. You never know when your PC is going to suddenly grind (literally) to a halt. Hard drives, even solid-state ones, are all prone to failure. It’s not a matter of if a drive will fail, but when. For many people, [...]
How to Partition Your Hard Drive in Windows 7
Partitioning your hard drive has a number of useful benefits including: added security, easier file management, and a theoretical boost to seek times with fragmented files. While the third benefit is basically a theory, there are plenty of reasons why you may want to consider partitioning your primary hard drive. One thing I absolutely hate [...]
28 Great Windows Programs and Apps for Professionals
Windows is an excellent operating system for professionals. Apple itself admitted this throughout its Get a Mac campaign that spanned several years and featured two friends, Mac and PC, which pointed out some of the useful advantages to owning a Mac. PC, played by John Hodgman (a Mac user in real life), was constantly being [...]
How to Install Windows 8 Developer Preview on a Mac
The Windows 8 Developer Preview is just that: a preview of what the OS is expected to look and feel like once development is complete. While we may be months, or even a year away from seeing the release version of Windows 8, you can take advantage of this program for a quick glimpse of [...]
How to Install an FTP Server in Windows 7
One of the oldest and most popular methods for sharing files over the Web from one central location is the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). FTP clients allow people from across the globe (or even next door) to share a mutual storage space and/or remotely update a website with ease. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t [...]
How to Increase Frame Rates in First-person Shooters
Playing first-person shooters is a favorite pastime of geeks from all walks of life. Winding down at the end of the day by taking part in a competitive game that takes all of your concentration to play is a great way to get your mind off the stresses of the world and into something that [...]
How to Open .ODT OpenOffice Files in Word
OpenOffice is becoming increasingly popular in the workplace as a cost-cutting measure for IT departments that want to eliminate the expense of maintaining Microsoft OFfice licenses. This financial savings doesn’t come without a few potential quirks. For instance, if you use Microsoft Office on your home computer, the default file format used by OpenOffice, .ODT, [...]
