How To Add Shortcuts To ‘My Computer’ On Windows 7 & 8

By: Avi on 7:20 AM

The ‘My Computer’ icon gives us easy access to our hard drives (or SSD), removable flash drives and other network-related locations. But if you’re one who enjoys a clutter-free desktop, then maybe you can use this tweak to remove the many program and folder shortcuts on your desktop.

Here’s a way to get more usefulness out of ”My Computer” by adding the shortcuts that you need to it. This also gives you quick access to the program or folder and works very well with Windows Explorer tabs tweak like Clover. Here’s how you can add shortcuts to your ”My Computer” in a few easy clicks.

Adding Program Shortcuts To ‘My Computer’

First you’ll have to navigate to a special folder. Shortcuts placed in this folder will be displayed on ‘My Computer’.

Hit Windows Key + R and type in %appdata% into the box and click on OK.

Then navigate to Microsoft > Windows > Network Shortcuts. Program shortcuts that you place here will be shown on ‘My Computer’, it’s that simple.

Once you have placed program shortcuts into that folder, you’ll be able to see the shortcut icons on ‘My Computer’.

Adding Folder Shortcuts To ‘My Computer’

Because you can add any shortcut, you can also add folder shortcuts. To easily do that, just right click on your frequently used folder and click on Create Shortcut.

Now all you have to do is cut (Ctrl + X) the created shortcut and paste (Ctrl + V) into theNetwork Shortcuts folder, like how we transferred the program shortcuts earlier.

Adding Control Panel Shortcuts

You can also have quick access to frequently used Control Panel shortcuts on your ‘My Computer’. All you have to do is simply click and drag something from the Control Panel to the Network Shortcuts folder.

Here’s the final result of adding all these shortcuts.

Now your ‘My Computer’ will be well equipped with all your frequently used shortcuts and quick access links.

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Google Chrome, Chrome OS getting advanced, supervised user profiles

By: Avi on 9:17 AM

Google’s Chrome Canary, a very experimental version of the browser, is getting a supervised profile feature that will add localized security, reports the Browser Fame site. I have seen the same function, albeit in a very limited fashion, in the developer channel of Chrome OS on my Chromebook Pixel. The functionality looks similar to managed users on desktop platforms such as Windows 8 and OS X, which should not be a total surprise: Google is quietly building Chrome to rival desktop platforms through the browser, which can boost engagement on the web.

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How about a solar-powered, submersible laptop for $350?

By: Avi on 1:20 AM

A Canadian company will officially launch a solar-powered laptop that may soon find its way into North America, perhaps as a Chromebook.

The firm, WeWi Telecommunications, has built a rugged and submersible laptop that's designed to handle severe environments and quickly charge up on solar power. What's especially interesting is the price: It starts at $350.

The London, Ontario-based firm is calling it SOL, and the system was built to solve the problems developing countries have, said David Snir, the CEO and founder of WeWi. "We traveled to Africa and we saw the need," said Snir, who noted a frustrating inability to get electricity when working in that country.

SOL will also be released in North America by the end of the year and its specs and capabilities may find appeal in the U.S. market.

The solar-powered SOL laptop could come to the U.S. later this year.

The laptop weighs about five pounds, and is about 2 inches thick at its highest point. But that's part of the trade-off for having solar panels.

The four solar panels are little smaller than the 13.3-in. LCD display and open up in butterfly fashion. The panels are protected by the clam shell cover.

In sunlight, the solar panels can charge the replaceable battery in about two hours. (In cloudy conditions, a full charge might take up to three hours.) The battery is good for about eight to 10 hours, said Snir. The solar panels can be detached from the notebook and -- connected by wire -- placed in a sunny area to charge the unit while a user works at a desk or under a shady tree.

The system has been tested with Ubuntu Linux, which is being installed on it. But other operating systems are possible. In North America, Chromebook is one of the possibilities.

"We love Chrome," said Snir. "We see huge potential in Chrome."

Chromebooks require an Internet connection, something that's not an always an option in some regions of the world. For North America, "we are absolutely considering coming out with a version using Chrome," said Snir.

Channel partners will have the ability to install their own operating systems, as well.

The system is rugged. The shell is made of fiber-reinforced polymers. The internal electronics are protected as well, and there are shock absorbers inside to help protect the system from falls. For $50 more, there's a version that is submersible.

"Instead of making sure water would not seep into the computer, we said it's going to happen anyway," said Snir. With that design approach in mind, all the electronics are coated with hydrophobic nano materials that completely repel water, he said.

The system will support 3G and 4G networks, along with Wi-Fi, and it has SIM card support. There is an Intel Atom chip, and a 320GB hard disk drive. The SOL can support 2GB to 4GB of memory.

There's really not much mark-up on the system, said Snir.

"We really want to get Africa connected and we really want to help developing countries," he said. "We're not out to make a huge amount for money from our laptops."

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Microsoft names Oct. 18 for Windows 8.1 launch

By: Avi on 1:15 AM

Microsoft today named Oct. 18 as the launch date for Windows 8.1, the update it hopes will be better received than the original, which debuted the year before.

"Starting at 12:00 a.m. on October 18 in New Zealand (that's 4:00 a.m. October 17 in Redmond, Wash.), Windows 8.1 will begin rolling out worldwide as a free update for consumers on Windows 8 through the Windows Store," said spokesman Brandon LeBlanc.

In the U.S., that means current Windows 8 users can tap the Windows Store on Oct. 17 for the update.

"Windows 8.1 will also be available at retail and on new devices starting on October 18 by market," LeBlanc added in a post to a Microsoft blog early Wednesday.

Previously, Microsoft had said only that it would wrap up work on Windows 8.1 late this month and produce what it calls an RTM, for "release to manufacturing," build. The company said it would launch the final version of the update this fall, but did not specify a date or even a month.

Windows 8.1's debut will come just a week shy of the one-year anniversary of Windows 8, which launched Oct. 25, 2012.

The October date was no surprise: The anniversary always appeared a tempting target to analysts and pundits.

This week, several prominent bloggers who focus on Microsoft, including ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley, cited unnamed sources to say that Windows 8.1 would, in fact, debut in October.

What's still unclear is whether Microsoft will make Windows 8.1's RTM available to MSDN (Microsoft Developer Network) and TechNet subscribers before Oct. 18. Foley said her sources had said they would not. TechNet is a service aimed at IT professionals, while MSDN courts developers.

Wes Miller, an analyst at Directions on Microsoft, thought it would be shortsighted of Microsoft to withhold Windows 8.1 from developers.

"That would be a mistake," said Miller in a Tuesday interview. "They have to get it out there as soon as possible."

Miller's point was well taken: Microsoft has been aggressively criticized for a lack of high-quality, in-demand apps in its Windows 8 and Windows RT app store, the sole distribution channel for touch-enabled apps designed for the new tile-based "Modern," née "Metro" user interface.

Last week, Nick Landry, a Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional) and product manager at Infragistics, a New Jersey maker of user interface (UI) development tools, tallied the number of Modern apps that corresponded to the 100 most popular on Apple's iOS, and found that Windows 8's coverage was just 54%.

Windows 8 app developers should get an early look at the Windows 8.1 final code, Miller said, so they could test their apps against the update and start work on revisions -- and new apps -- that take advantage of 8.1's new features and functionality.

Microsoft hopes that Windows 8.1 sparks interest in the radically-changed operating system. Users have shown little interest in Windows 8, which at the end of July accounted for about 6% of all copies of Windows used that month to go online, according to metrics firm Net Applications.

That compared poorly to Windows 7, which at the same point in its post-release timeline was powering 17.3% of all Windows systems.

Microsoft declined to comment on when Windows 8.1 would be available on MSDN and TechNet. However, a spokeswoman said that the company would "have more to share in the coming weeks."

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How Important is Capacity Planning in the Cloud?

By: Avi on 9:17 AM

With cloud computing offering so much potential to people, organizations, and companies, it’s important to consider all the implications before making a move to the cloud.

For IT departments, implementing cloud computing requires a well thought out approach that includes anticipating traffic changes. So, whether you’re on the verge of shifting to the cloud or your company is already there, here’s a look at how important capacity planning is in the cloud.

Getting Out of the In-House Server Business

Many IT staffers find themselves devoting frustratingly large amounts of time to server management issues such as reallocating space, engaging in routine maintenance, and troubleshooting problems that arise.

Part of the problem can stem from a weak capacity plan. So, when server management becomes too time consuming, IT staff may recommend moving to cloud computing so that part or all the company’s traffic goes through servers that are owned and operated by someone else.

Balancing the Costs

Outside cloud computing typically comes with a pay-as-you go plan. This is one more reason why it’s important to engage in capacity planning. You don’t want to buy too much or too little. Aim for the middle, and then as you monitor capacity, make necessary adjustments.

Work with your cloud computing provider to ensure that the resources and services you’re purchasing are being optimized. After all, you want to get the most for your money. Ask about automation options, better management of data storage, and network tools for improving efficiency.

Engaging in quality capacity planning means you monitor current usage while also looking for waste. It also requires you to project upcoming needs for more capacity. Finally, you have to ensure you’re buying the right amount of space and service for your company to keep it operational without buying too much capacity that then goes to waste. Cloud computing demands an engaged capacity planning process.

Capacity Planning in the Cloud is Crucial

If you did not do an adequate job of capacity planning when you owned the servers yourself, remember that you need to do better as you move to the cloud. Otherwise, you risk slow performance and, at worst, a site crash. Because you’re moving to a system that’s owned by someone else, you need to have a strong grasp of when you see peak traffic and how much that peak will be.

Monitor capacity by using tools to identify and normal what’s standard activity for your system. These tools also need to let you know when the normal patterns shift. Remember that if you use a cloud computing system you don’t own, the cloud company may do some of the monitoring for you. However, that’s no substitute for tracking certain metrics yourself. Keep tabs on the usage of applications and how quickly the application interacts in response.

Track current usage and forecast future capacity needs using a variety of data including upcoming projects that will put more demands on the system. Just as you anticipate the need for more capacity, monitor and react to instances where there’s overcapacity. Doing so lets you put that resource back into the mix for other applications to use.

Capacity planning is an extremely important thing to think about, especially when it concerns using the cloud.

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Important Components & Specs to Build a Standard Gaming PC

By: Avi on 3:18 AM

Some people like to just walk in to a store and buy their computers but some, especially hardcore gamers, usually prefer to have their own PC crafted to suit their taste. Building a computer isn’t a rock-breaker’s job,  it’s generally connecting cables and fitting in the  parts. What most PC builders find difficult is the right components that fits and which components are good or bad. As much as its easy to build a computer, using wrong specs can be the crown prince of chaos. For an experienced PC gamer who’s trying to upgrade his PC or new gamer who’s not so conversant with all the technical specifications and all that, I have brought together specs to build a decent gaming PC.

Processor (CPU)

The brain behind your Computer is the processor and of all the manufacturers, I strongly recommend Intel which doesn’t use much power and as a matter of fact, it’s considered faster than its AMD counterpart. (AMD’s are not bad either). There are numbers of Intel processors with different CPU speed and cores. For speed, a minimum of  3.0GHz or higher and cores minimum of 2 is okay, with this recommendation I suggest Intel Core i5-3330 3.0GHz Quad-Core.

Memory (RAM)

Before you’ll chose the amount of RAM for y0ur Gaming PC, you must first ask yourself how much do you need? RAM is a non long-term memory as hard drive, its where data will be streamed to from hard drive, the amount you chose will definitely have great effect on how quickly your computer deals with applications, software tasks and all that – so how much do you need? Since its a gaming computer and memory is among the easiest components to upgrade you can start with 4GB and upgrade later if needed to. Just make damn sure you’re not mixing types.

Hard Drive (Storage)

I’m sure you don’t want to run out of space when you want to install that crazy game, right? Your hard drive is a like storage that stores and save computer’s data; so, how much data you want your gaming PC to occupy without having amnesia sickness. A 128GB you should be enough to hold any Operating System but if you’re a hardcore gamer, I recommend a minimum of 320GB, you can increase this to 1TB depending on the size of your favorite current games.

Video Card

If you want a standard gaming PC, this is where to spend most of your money on. The graphic card will be in charge of the visual processing unit of your computer that will thrown out the data its given to those attractive effects. If you’re on budget Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 for $179.99 will be the best approach and if you just won a “lottery game”

Case

You must definitely consider cable management and adequate ventilation for good airflow before you go ahead and get just any case. A full tower case is recommended since you may need to add more components later. I think Cooler Master Haf X w/ SuperSpeed USB 3.0 is just great.

Motherboard

I intentionally decided to talk about motherboard as the last point to consider but in actual fact, it’s probably the most important because it’s what holds everything listed above together. I recommend certain motherboards from Asus RoG (Republic of Gamers) product line: If you’re a diehard overclocker, you’re definitely gonna love the latest high-end ASUS ROG Maximus VI Formula Z87.

There are other things you must consider in order to build the perfect gaming PC and another is using an effective cooler. This is important to keep things working as they should and to avoid overheating which may get all your computer damaged.

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BitDefender Internet Security Review: The Only PC Security Software You Need

By: Avi on 2:44 AM

Computer security isn’t something to be taken lightly but unfortunately, lots of computer users do not realize this. Some people believe having an antivirus software installed is enough but in actual fact, you need more than just that. A free antivirus may protect your computer from computer viruses but when it comes to securing your internet activities and making sure you’re protected both online and offline, you need more than just a simple antivirus. You might have heard cases of stolen identity information, hacked credit cards and so on— This only emphasizes the fact that your computer security isn’t to be joked with.

On every personal computer, there should be:

1. A firewall program
2. An antivirus
3. An antispyware
4. An Antispam software program
5. A Parental control software program

There are more security programs you should install but there’s absolutely no need to install separate programs for each of these, BitDefender Internet Security has it all. It’s what I personally call the program that gives your PC nothing lesser than complete security.

BitDefender Internet Security, which is a product of BitDefender Antivirus, is a trusted name whenever you talk of PC security. I’ve been using it on my PC for over a year and what made me switch from my former antivirus was the ratings I saw online. It’s always included in any top 10 or top 5 list and I wasn’t disappointed when I made the switch.

Key features of BitDefender Internet Security

Certain protection programs slow down your PC but surprisingly, BitDefender is totally unobtrusive and you won’t even know it’s there. It does what it’s meant to do without messing with your computer despite the many features it has which include:

• Antivirus & Antispyware: BitDefender defends you against malicious programs and protects your identity and private information from getting into the wrong hands.
• Very fast and non-obtrusive: Unlike most popular antivirus programs, BitDefender ensures your PC runs smoothly and it doesn’t interfere with the normal operation of your computer.
• BitDefender SafePay: With this great feature, you can be rest assured you can transact online safely without compromising your credit card details.
• Wallet: This stores you login credentials to your  favorite websites and apps and even logs you in securely when the need arises.
• Two-way firewall: This monitors your internet connection and ensures intruders have no access to your WiFi connection.
• Simple User Interface: With a user interface that’s friendly, straighforward and easy to understand, you can adjust your settings easily if you ever need to but you likely won’t… BitDefender Autopilot takes care of everything.

Other features include BitDefender Autopilot, a cloud-based antispam protection and a reliable parental control.

System Requirements

BitDefender is Windows 8 compatible and even runs on older Windows operating systems: The minimum requirements is as follows:

• Operating system: Microsoft Windows XP SP3 (32 bit) , Vista (SP2), Microsoft Windows 7 (SP1), Microsoft Windows 8
• CPU: 800MHz processor
• Memory (RAM): 1 GB
• Available free hard disk space: 1.8 GB free space (at least 800 MB on the system drive)

BitDefender Internet Security is worth every penny and its moderately priced at $49.95 if you using it on just one PC. Would you not rather use a security program that gives your PC total protection and ensures you have peace of mind?

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5 Best Cloud Storage Services

By: Avi on 2:34 AM

Cloud storage is proabably the best choice to make when it comes to storing data safely. Organizations and Individuals use cloud services to store their personal data in a safe place. These cloud services allow you to store data at one place and access it across other devices for. When choosing a cloud storage service you must consider different points like availability, multi-platform support, security, app integration, and more. You should choose a cloud storage wisely.

Most of the cloud storage offers free limited storage and for more storage, you may have to pay. So, it’s important to choose a Cloud storage service according to your need. There are many cloud storage services available and 5 best cloud storage services are listed below:

1. Dropbox

Dropbox is best among all cloud services. It is the most popular cloud storage available. Dropbox will synchronous data across all devices Whether it is Android, iOS and Windows. Dropbox Plans start with 2GB, but you can get more  storage via referrals, mobile app use, photo and video uploads, or You can their plans here. If you want to use a cloud storage service you can trust, you must give Dropbox a try. It is the storage service with all bells and whistles.

2. Google Drive

Google Drive is a top class cloud service from Google. In a short time Google Drive has got great popularity because of its great features. Google Drive now integrates Google Docs. You can use Google drive on OS X, Windows, iOS, and Android which makes your data synched across all devices. It come with 15 GB of free storage. You can check out their plans here.

3. SkyDrive

SkyDrive is the cloud service from tech giant, Microsoft. It’s tightly integrated with Windows specially in Windows 8. SkyDrive mobile apps are also available for Windows Phone, iOS, and Android, so you can sync your data and access them on the go, anywhere you have an internet connection. If you sign up for skydrive you will get 7GB of storage, 10GB if you’re a student, with the option to buy more storage.

4. Mediafire

Mediafire is also a great cloud storage service to use. If youdon’t want to spend much, then Mediafire is definitely for you. It gives a whopping 50GB for free and you will also get clients for PC, Mac, and Linux with apps for iOS and Android. The main disadvantage is that your uploads will be limited to just 200MB. Definitely Mediafire is worth a try.

5. Bitcasa Infinite Drive

Bitcasa is another top contender in cloud storage which will keep your data synced across all your devices. It comes with a free 10GB cloud storage, but if you are willing to pay, you can get unlimited storage for $99/yr. Bitcasa has got client apps for Windows and OS X, and mobile apps for Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.

So these are top 5 cloud storage services. If you want to use a cloud service for storing your data, you should consider the above list.

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How to Speed up your Computer by Using your Brain

By: Avi on 2:31 PM

Every Pro user needs a speedy computer to get things done professionally. But are you having a Computer that sucks in speed? If yeah, you don’t need to worry about it. Before proceeding, I’d like to make you understand that in this article, I’m will not be talking about a software called “Brain”. What I meant is actually your brain.

Yeah, don’t pull your eyes out. You just need to make good use of your Brain to have a speedy system.

Well, I think I’m wasting your speed. No time, right? Let’s get started with it. 

Increase your Computer Speed and Performance.

Well, its some big dream of every PC user if you ask me.

So let me ask you something.

- You wish your computer to act quickly and with a great performance, right? But are you tweaking or have you tweaked it to do so?

The answer might be probably a big No with your heads nodding.

That’s the problem. You just sit back and blame your computer just because its acting weird.

Act and Solve. That’s my secret recipe.

Choosing your Operating System.

I highly recommend you to install windows 7 starter if you are only targeting performance on your computer.

Most of the internet users only need a speedy browser. Some like me just don’t explore their hard disks.

So go for a simple OS. And make sure you have at-least 8 GB free space on your local disk on which you’ve installed the OS for its cache working.

Handle with Care.

Try to balance your installations.

You may be like the OLD me, who always installed new software and apps with curiosity more and more. If yes, I’m pretty sure that you won’t use the 50% of those junks.

Try kicking them out of your PC. Clean is Good.

And if you are one who gives priority to your software. For  the sake of you, please don’t install them on the local disk which you’ve installed the OS.

Get another extra location for installing programs and software. It’s worth it 

Get rid of those Junks. Free space is directly proportional to high performance. There might be some files and folders which you might not need.

Recycle and Reduce – But don’t Reuse them.

Do you really needs Samples?

Whoa, I may be confusing you.

I’m talking about the sample music and sample pictures etc folders in your library.

I’ve seen fantastic results just after deleting them. Those folder

s are actually RAM drinking roots on your PC.

Always keep your Cache Cleaned.

Making it simple, cache just works like a RAM if you ask me.
The more free cache space you have, the more your computer performs.

Use the ‘recent’ and ‘%temp%’ functions from the RUN (Windows Key + R) and delete the files.

You really don’t need to be reminded of what you opened lately. Right?
So just disable the item saving in the start menu.

Right click on the start menu button , and select properties.Now ‘un-check the two items on the ‘privacy area’ and click OK. Now the computer won’t store recent files and folders.

I highly recommend you to use the software called CCleaner to clean up your PC. Its a user friendly software which you might find really useful.

Terminate all those Evil Background Processes.

I want you to go the the ‘Processes’ from your Windows Task Manager and you can sadly see a bunch of back ground processes that drinks up your RAM.

They are just killing your Computer if you ask me.

You may not believe me, but I’m just running my windows with just only 4 of them which are high priority.

Make sure you show processes from all users and end processes other than ‘csrss.exe’ , ‘explorer.exe’ , ‘taskmgr.exe’ and the ‘winlogon.exe’.

Exit the apps from your system tray too.

Try not to fall in the trap of installing too much software again. Just use your brain. Act wiser. Now That’s speed 

Good luck with your new computer 

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