Thursday 27 October 2011

Computer Tips [ Is Your Windows Experience Up To Par? + 32-Bit To 64-Bit - Is It Possible To Upgrade? + Taskbar Previews In Your Way? Disable Them Now ] 10/27/2011

Computer Tips www.worldstart.com

Worldstart Computer Tips 10-27-2011

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Quick Tips

Windows Experience Index

A few Vista and 7 users have written me with questions about the Windows Experience Index and what it is exactly. So, without further hesitation, here’s a little explanation as to what the WEI is, and what it means for those with Windows 7 or Vista.

Note: XP users need not apply.

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The Windows Experience Index measures the capability of the hardware and software installed in your computer and then gives you a measurement called a “base score”. This base score can go from 1 to 5.9, with 1 obviously being the lowest score, and 5.9 being the best. Each individual component in your system (processor, RAM, video card, etc.) contribute to your base score. If you find that your base score is lower than you’d like, you can view the details to see what the lowest scoring component is and then based on your computer needs, upgrade it. For example, my processor and RAM are up to snuff, scoring at 5.8 and 5.9, respectively, but my gaming graphics capabilities only tally in at a 3.7. Since I’m not gaming on my work computer, this score means little to me, but it’s still nice to know that my processor and RAM can hang in there for awhile!

You can also use the WEI to figure out which programs will run the best on your computer, too! Microsoft programs, (ones that have been released since Vista came out) have a Windows Experience Index rating on the box. This means, for example, that if your has a base score of, say, a 3.6, then you can safely buy programs that have a score of 3 or lower. Again, this only applies to Microsoft brand products.

To check your Windows 7/Vista Experience Index press the Windows key+Pause (Win+Pause), this will bring up a window with your computer’s basic information. Your experience index number is located under the System heading. Click on the text next to your rating number to get a breakdown of your rating, view and print details and find software based on your score!

For more info on the Windows Experience Index, click here.

~Andrew

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Announcements

Still Using That FINICKY, LAGGING, UNCOMFORTABLE Mouse?

How Do You Get ANYTHING Done?

Lucky For You - We Have The SOLUTION!

It's ERGONOMIC! It's AMBIDEXTRIOUS! It's BEAUTIFUL!

Most Importantly: It's a 3-Button USB Optical Scroll Mouse!

Optical Technology - 800 DPI Scrolling - PERFECT!

Comfortable, Luxurious, and Smooth As Butter!


Absolutely, Positively PERFECT for Home, Office and Travel!

**TODAY ONLY - JUST $14.97!**

Ready for a Change?

So there you are, confined to your desk using an old-school mouse that never seems to point at what you want it to. To make matters worse, it lags - meaning you move the cursor to point at something, and your mouse is about 2 seconds behind you. SO FREAKIN' ANNOYING!

You're uncomfortable, your hand hurts due to the poor design, and you're getting more and more frustrated by the second. Why is it scrolling so slow? Is there something wrong with this thing?!

Sound familiar?

Your Life is About to Get WAY Easier!


Check this out! It's the Olivetti 3-Button USB Optical Scroll Mouse - and it's here to LAUGH IN THE FACE of your old mouse!

Ready for ultra-smooth, ridiculously accurate tracking and movements? Ready to use a mouse that feels like it was designed SPECIFICALLY for your hand? Are you aware how SMOOTH and FAST 800 dpi makes scrolling?!

Do you know how nice it is when your scroll wheel can act as a third button? IT'S GREAT!

Seriously, you'll wonder how you EVER used your old mouse! No more lagging movements, no more feeling like you're using your mouse on a sheet of ice!

A DIRTY Mouse is DISGUSTING!

And guess what? You don't have to worry about that anymore! There's no scrolling "ball," so there's nowhere for the dirt, grime, dust, hair or anything else to get in! That means it won't 'clog' up, and you won't be wasting your time sitting there with some harsh chemical and a q-tip trying to make the cursed thing work!

And since we're on the subject of mouse hygiene, ain't this thing a looker?!

100% Plug & Play - With an Ultra-Convenient Twist...

Obviously this mouse comes included with the USB cable. Simply plug it in and get rockin'. But what most other manufacturers don't seem to think about is how to store that cord...well, the fine folks at Olivetti have you covered!

Check this out - there's actually a Cable Repository on the underside of the mouse - so that cord will NEVER be in your way!

You can adjust the length to what you need, and wrap the rest of it around this repository for your convenience.

Let's face it - when someone goes the extra mile in the design, it can make ALL the difference in the world! That's what these guys did, and their mouse IS AMAZING!

Seems like it just keeps getting better, huh? Well...there's more!

It's the Most COMFORTABLE Mouse EVER!

Yep, that's a BOLD statement...but it's true! This awesome mouse was designed with comfort in mind!
Whoever put this thing together was certainly concerned with ergonomics, because it feels like it was designed specifically for YOUR hand...either one!

So whether you're left handed or right handed, this ambidextrous mouse is perfectly comfortable!


Oh, and it doesn't matter if you have a laptop or a desktop, a Mac or a PC, it'll work!

Ready to Order?

Just keep one thing in mind: this mouse, with all of the amazing features you just read about, is being sold TODAY ONLY for the unbelievable price of just $14.97!This includes FREE US SHIPPING!

http://store.worldstart.com/product/7476

PS
: You will NEVER, EVER find a mouse this awesome for this cheap.We were given a limited quantity at a special price on these, and we're passing the deal along to you.Chances are it won't be here tomorrow, so grab yours today!


http://imgsrv.worldstart.com/ct-images/sick-of-ads.jpg



Computers 101

Charles asks:

Can I switch from 32bit processor to 64bit processor?

Hi, Charles.  If I’m reading your question correctly, you’re asking if you can change the processor in your PC from a 32-bit processor to a 64-bit processor, and not switch back and forth between the two processors, right?  The reason that I ask is because, as far as I know, there’s no way to install two processors on a PC at once.  That would require having two motherboards.

The short answer is that it depends on your motherboard.  An older motherboard can’t physically have a 64 bit processor installed on it.

The longer answer is this.  If your motherboard can handle a 64 bit processor, then yes, you can switch out your old processor for a new one, as long as the processor is compatible with the motherboard. You CAN do this yourself, but if you haven’t had some experience at changing items out on a motherboard, I would recommend leaving this to the pros.  The following goes for desktops.  For laptops, the motherboard and processor are typically proprietary to the computer, so you’ll just have to buy a new laptop.  Actually, even for a desktop, it may be less money and trouble in the long run to just invest in a new computer so that all of the parts are designed to work together.  Also, before you attempt this, make sure that you’ve backed up your old PC and have a copy of Windows on hand, you may have to reinstall.

If you want to do it yourself, here’s how you do it:

1) Completely disconnect your computer from external power.  I know that this seems like a “no-brainer”, but I have met some no-brainers – so there you go.

2) One side of your computer case should open easily, this is usually the side with the fan.  Open it.

3) Unplug the CPU fan from any connectors and very carefully unscrew it from the motherboard.

4) Remove the CPU fan and open your CPU clasps.  This is usually a clip that you just have to open.

5) Gently remove the old processor.  These are held in place partially with a special compound called “thermal paste”.  Your new processor should have come with a tube.  If it didn’t, buy some.  You need it.  The thermal putty on the old processor may have dried, in which case you just lift the old processor out.  If it hasn’t, you will have to gently work the processor loose.

6) Put a generous amount of thermal putty on the underside (the blank side) of your new processor, and fit it in place.

7) Reverse the above steps to close your CPU clasps, reinstall your fan and put your machine back together.

Voila!  If the computer gods have blessed you, you now have a working 64-bit machine.

I cannot stress enough, however, how easy it is to mess your machine up, so it’s always best to leave these things to the pros or buy a new machine.

Hope this helps.

~Randal Schaffer

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MS Office

OpenOffice.org Writer: Keeping It Together

Ever have a table in a Writer document that should not ever be split into two parts on two different pages?

You don’t care how much white space you end up creating at the bottom of a page; this table contains information that should absolutely not be split apart!

In this situation, how are you going to prevent the split?

Manually enter enough blank spaces to kick it onto a single page if a split happens?

What if you go back later to edit the document?

As you edit, things will move around – maybe all those blank lines you put in earlier are no longer necessary – forcing you to go back and manually change things again.

Not exactly my idea of efficient.

What’s the alternative?

Actually, the alternative is to change the table properties to not allow a split between pages.

Sound simple?

Good… because it is!

Click here to find out how!

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Tip of the Day

Disable Taskbar Previews in Windows 7

The taskbar preview feature in Windows 7 is extremely helpful in some situations and plain annoyance in others. Whenever we open a window, it comes up in the taskbar and has taskbar preview enabled by default. Taskbar preview shows us a miniscule preview version of the window. The window comes into view as we hover our mouse on the preview and gets active if we click the preview.

This is a nice feature and can be quite handy for single window applications but for anything with tabs and multiple internal windows, say a tabbed web browser like Firefox, this can be an annoyance. When a huge number of tabs try to put their preview on the taskbar, it gets crammed and starts lagging, and makes you wish this feature were not there at all.

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However, at the same time, you need it for your other programs. This can cause a dilemma about whether to disable the feature completely or not. There are two solutions to this.

Read them both here!

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Today's Feature

100% Free Chess

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100% Free Chess is just what the name says. Utilizing a simple, intuitive interface, it includes several free chess games, along with helpful tutorials for those of us who need all the help we can get.

Let me begin by saying that there will be no mention here of the outcome of the test games I played. I suspected that this wasn’t my game, when one of my little guys on the front lines (pawns?) made it all the way to other end, and my opponent wouldn’t king me.

During an otherwise straightforward installation, the only option you’re given is to decide whether you’d like a quick launch icon, start menu folder, or a desktop icon. When you’re ready to play, click on the desktop icon (if you placed one there).Then the Player Profile window asks for a name, location, and some personal information. All that’s needed is a name. If you click the Change Face button, you can select a different profile image. However, as it is with several of the other game features, only a limited number of profile choices are available in the free version.

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Get the free download link here!

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Amanda's Coolsite

Great Lakes and Seaway Shipping

Growing up near the great lakes I’ve had quite the love affair with lighthouses and boats. I can remember going to down to the beach and looking out over Lake Erie and watching the different boats come and go. Or driving over the bridge near downtown Lorain and seeing what freighter was docked and what wonder what was being delivered.

Here at Great Lakes and Seaway Shipping you can now get a closer look at those freighters, and dig a little deeper into their history. There are several ways to navigate the site. You can use the left side menu, click the pictures in the middle Special Features column, or click on any of the links the right side of the page.

I started with the second image in the middle column for the New Feature Historical Perspectives. There I found a monthly pictorial of lake boat form the past.  I loved this section – each month there is a gallery of images posted of one particular boat or shipping line that is filled with awesome images from their past. Some of the images date back to 1897, 1905, and 1906. You have to check this section out! It is so neat!

My next stop was the Photo Galleries link from the left side menu. Click it and you’ll be whisked the gallery directory where you can check out all sorts of different boats. The categories to be found here are: Original Photo Gallery, Previous “Photo of the Week” Featured Images, The Fleet Photo Gallery, Foreign Ship Data and Photo Gallery, The Tug/Work Boat Gallery, Lighthouse Gallery (hurray!), News Thumb Gallery, Public Photo Gallery, The Fish Tug Gallery, The Ferries & Passenger / Excursion Vessel Gallery, The Historical Perspective Gallery, and Marine Historical Society of Detroit Gallery. That is a ton of awesome photos to check out!

The galleries are just the tip of the iceberg here. You’ll find links to great museums, information on different kinds of ships in Facts and Figures, as well as the latest news  in the News Channel section.

http://www.boatnerd.com/

~Amanda

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Do you have a cool, non-commercial site that you want to share?

Send it to Amanda at
amanda@worldstart.com

Monthly Wallpaper

Is Your WiFi Signal a WEAKLING?

Is Your Current LAN Adapter Slow and Outdated?

THINGS WOULD BE SO MUCH BETTER...

If You Had THIS One!

WICKED FAST, UNBELIEVABLY STRONG!

Your Old LAN Adapter is About to Look Downright Foolish!

Get Wicked Fast Speed & Extended Coverage!

Just $18.97!

So you just set up your new wireless router at home so you can enjoy wireless anywhere in the house. There's only one problem... "anywhere" isn't quite right, is it? What always seems to happen? There's the one spot in your home that you enjoy relaxing and browsing the Internet...but that seems to be the spot where you just can't get quite enough signal. It's just a little too slow and too weak.

My one question to you is - Why should you have to put up with that slow, weak, crappy internet connection? Huh??

Or - how about when you're at a hotel that brags about having "wireless internet"? Yeah, we've all been there - they ALWAYS seem to stick you in a room that's juuusssst out of reach of that wonderful "wireless internet" they claim to have.

So, what if there was an ANTENNA you could plug into your laptop or desktop computer that would give a little extra coverage that your lookin' for??

Well, we found one! This blazin' fast Dynamode 150Mbps 802.11n adapter with a 3dBi antenna...is gonna give your signal that extra ump that it needs!!

So - last weekend I took the family to one of my favorite hotel resorts and decided to bring this bad boy along. I had my laptop in my hotel room and was only gettin' between 1 and 2 bars.

I plugged this little sucker in an WA-POW....I had 4 bars!!! Talk about a boost!!! I'm always bringing this little guy everywhere my laptop goes from now on!!!!

This surfin' is smokin fast too!! In the bad old days (like last month), if you had an 802.11g adapter, you'd be stuck cruising along at 54Mbps - this does a whoppin' 150Mbps! You don't even need to know that Mbps means Mega Bits Per Second to see it's nearly 3x's faster!

Setup is super easy too - it's just a wireless USB internet adapter with a powerful antenna, so just plug it into your computer, run the software, and a few minutes later you're surfing! You can be up to 984 feet away and STILL pull in a good signal! Now THAT'S impressive!!

Bottom line - if you are sick and tired of weak WiFi signals and surfing the net at super-slow speeds, it's time to upgrade the Lamborghini of LAN adapters!!!

Your price? Just $18.97 and US shipping is FREE! Heck, you can't buy a standard wireless internet adapter from the big box stores for that kind of money, let alone one with extra coverage at insanely fast speeds!!!!

http://store.worldstart.com/product/7055


WARNING - Don't miss out - we have an extremely limited quantity on this one



Monthly Wallpaper

October Wallpaper!

Quick Note - I didn't have time to actually get new fall photos ready - I know, I suck.

So, anyhow, I'm featuring a couple new images, plus a "classic" that DOES have some fall color. Also, there are a number of other non-featured images at the site that are just overflowing with fall color if you really have your heart set on some colorful leaves. Plus, there's a new photo or two that have been added that aren't featured, so lots to choose from.

All the desktop wallpaper below is 100% free. Note that the wallpaper is now on the new site, Backcountry Gallery, so head on over and check it out!

Split Rock Moonrise

The day this was created was the day after the full moon, with moonrise coinciding with sunset pretty closely. I knew from checking my compass that the moon would be in a good location, but you can imagine my disappointment when... (More)

Early Morning At Bond Falls

We had scouted this area out the day before and the image you see before you was the one idea that kept sanding out in my mind. From the bridge, I knew if I could talk myself into wading out into the chilly river I’d likely have... (More)

Mule Deer Buck In A Stream

Oh, man, this is a great story!

So, we were driving though Yellowstone from Mammoth to Cook City like we’ve done a hundred times before and we spot a pair of stunning mule deer bucks near a stream. Can’t resist that! We park the truck and grab our gear – of course THAT attracts attention from... (More)

It can all be found here:

http://www.backcountrygallery.com/wallpaper/

 

 
 

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Copyright, Disclaimer, Etc.

ISSN: 1529-336X
Copyright 2011, WorldStart. All unauthorized reproduction strictly prohibited.


WorldStart is not responsible for errors, omissions, or pricing mistakes.

You are welcome to reproduce this newsletter (i.e. print it, store it) for your own personal use. You are also welcome to forward it, in its entirety, to friends and family.

If you would like to reproduce this publication, or any part of it, in any other publication, be it web based or otherwise, you must contact us for permission. Any unauthorized re-distribution will be considered a copyright infringement and grounds for a lawsuit.

Finally, you agree to try any advice contained or suggested in this newsletter at your own risk.

Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation (duh!)


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