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5376

Living Room / Re: When you make your 100'th Post

« Last post by tomos on November 16, 2012, 01:22 PM »

Belated Renegade celebration
- the one before is as good as the one - or the one after I reckon ;-)

5377

Living Room / Re: Gadget Fridays

« Last post by tomos on November 16, 2012, 01:20 PM »

I'm not sure that you'd want to diffuse pure essence of ginger, or black pepper.

-Renegade (November 16, 2012, 07:50 AM)

I got black pepper oil somewhere a few years back - it actually smells lovely (it is spicy, but not at all peppery like freshly ground). Dont know would it work well in the humidifier (maybe in a mix) but it's really great in the bath if you've got aching muscles.

PS Renegade

5378

Living Room / Re: Funny Animal Videos

« Last post by tomos on November 16, 2012, 06:54 AM »

Cat high jumping in slowmotion:

-mouser (November 14, 2012, 06:24 AM)

and here's how the training started (especially entertaining around the 1:40 mark)

5379

Mini-Reviews by Members / Re: SysExporter - (Screen-scraping) Export data from Windows controls - Mini-Review

« Last post by tomos on November 16, 2012, 04:43 AM »

Sounds like a handy one to have around

Makes me realise that I havent had any problems with windows in a long time.
For that reason, the following is very vague:

IIRC, in the past, with a problem app (or maybe a problem with the OS), I got a box showing a report about a mile long - non-copyable. Again, IIRC, this was going to be sent to MS. After a bit of rooting around, I saw a way of finding the text file (with all that info) in the temp folder.

Sys-Exporter sounds like it has that covered as well.

5380

General Software Discussion / Re: Tips for Windows 8 (got any?)

« Last post by tomos on November 16, 2012, 04:19 AM »

I'm back on Windows 7 today but look forward to trying out some of those shortcuts

My personal favorite new one is win+. and win+shift+. (That's win period).

-allen (November 15, 2012, 03:44 PM)

snaps active window to left and right

[edit] snaps desktop window to left/right of the 'home screen'. I'm only using the desktop so far myself so havent really used that. As in windows 7, Win+left/right-arrow will snap window to left/right half of the screen.[/edit]

@40, got the Windows 8 for Dummies book no problem
Note: you can download directly on filling the form (you dont need to wait for an email...)

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Living Room / Re: First Time With Win 8

« Last post by tomos on November 16, 2012, 03:19 AM »

^

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General Software Discussion / Re: Tips for Windows 8 (got any?)

« Last post by tomos on November 15, 2012, 02:57 PM »

My tip would be W8 for SP1.

-MilesAhead (November 15, 2012, 02:47 PM)

after a couple of hours use, I already have some ideas for that. Along the lines of church and state.

======
Can I ask people though to try and keep this thread fairly on-topic? I ask that more cause it's a popular topic to thrash out at the moment - there's lots of other win8 threads out there if you want to debate aspects of the OS.
thanks

5383

General Software Discussion / Tips for Windows 8 (got any?)

« Last post by tomos on November 15, 2012, 02:41 PM »

Have you any tips for windows 8? (I'll try adding your tips to first post, with the post number)

EDIT/ tips/tweaks here are untested unless otherwise stated !

IMPORTANT NOTE:/ many of these tips may not apply to Windows 8.1 :-(

Desktop bias (see below for the other half):

Winkey+x [anyone got a link for a good cheat sheet that's freely available?]
Lockergnome has a pretty good cheat sheet that covers both new keyboard shortcuts and those that have been around for a while. (allen #3)
Another good Win 8 cheatsheet can be found here [Requires 'Liking' or registration] (40hz #4)

Disable Lock Screen
Take screenshots: Win+PrtScr (image now saved in png format)
Prevent [Media] Files Opening in Metro:
http://www.howtogeek...t-keys-in-windows-8/

Change the default language of your OS. Changing to English worked perfectly for me ♥ (seems to be available for all versions of Win8)
Win+W to search settings > search for 'Language'; then follow the MS instructions here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2607607 or here
NOTE: this has to be redone after installing 8.1

Backup:
create an image - Windows 8.1

>How to Create a System Image with Windows 8.1 File History<
A previous tip showed how to create a system image in Windows 8. In Windows 8.1, Microsoft changed the procedure and made it even harder to find. In this tip, I will give the new way to make a system image
http://www.techsuppo...-81-file-history.htm

-gizmo

-Curt (February 12, 2014, 09:36 AM)

create an image - Windows 8
Win+W to search settings > search for 'Windows 7..." - open "Windows 7 File Recovery" -a weird hangover name, in spite of it simply being called "Backup or Restore" in Win7.
~ Restore seems a bit buggy here - it cant find my image/backup on an external usb hd. But if I use the restore disk (dont forget to create it!) I can find the backup okay. Helped by Windows 8 forums tutorials (NOTE: I just wanted to check that it could find the backup - I didnt need to restore, so I didnt try to).
System Restore - Win+W to search settings for same and you're covered (also available via control panel)

Mount ISO's: Right-click it in Explorer, click Mount and you can view it as a virtual drive, launch the files it contains, or add more if you like. (ewemoa #15)

File associations:
Control Panel [>Programs] >Default Programs >Associate a file type with a specific program (Set Associations)
or
from the Start Screen, type Default Programs and proceed as above in Control Panel (thanks 4wd)

Boot to desktop: NOTE: 8.1 seems to be more intelligent and goes directly to desktop on a PC/laptop - not sure if this can now be adjusted within Windows UI, I presume so...
I followed these instructions to boot directly to desktop and it works:
http://winaero.com/b...ny-third-party-tool/ (phitsc #27) [worked for me too with OEM windows - see post 32]
or
Go to the start screen and type in "schedule" to search for Schedule Task in Settings. Click on Task Scheduler Library to the left, and select Create Task. Name your task something like "Boot to desktop." Now select the Triggers tab, choose New, and use the drop-down box to select starting the task "At log on." Click OK and go to the Actions tab, choose New, and enter "explorer" for the Program/Script value. Press OK, save the task, and restart to test it out!
via https://www.pcworld....d-tricks.html?page=4 (ewemoa #13)
or
Skip Metro Suite [UNTESTED] This one can also remove the 'hot corners' that popup the Switcher/Charmsbar/etc - AFAICT these are completely removed so long as the app runs. http://winaero.com/c...php?comment.news.103 (Tom #8)

Find the Windows serial-number - especially helpful for an OEM copy of Windows 8 (number is hidden) and for implementing first option under 'Boot to Desktop' above:
http://forums.mydigi...P-Product-Key-Viewer (Tom #32)

How to disable the edge panels (Charms Bar and Switcher) - this is a registry tweak that disables the edge panels (Charms Bar and Switcher) - but still allows them to be called via hotkey.  (also from winaero.com)

Classic Shell [restores the start button and other removed functionality] (via Ath from here)

Various Tweak Apps from winaero.com who seem in general to have a good reputation.

The Best Articles for Using and Customizing Windows 8 (How-to Geek)

Shrink/expand partitions within Windows 8.
http://www.forumswin...-8-partition-120.htm
I shrunk my OS partition (C) using Disk Management. It initially refused to shrink much - but when system restore was turned off, & the old restore points deleted, it then offered to go down to 20GB (FWIW, I gave it 100GB). The system restore points are those files you can see fixed in the middle of the partition when defragging. More info here:
http://superuser.com...with-unmovable-files (tomos #23)
Another possible option - PartedMagic (gParted)
http://partedmagic.com/doku.php?id=start (that's being worked on full-time now, so donations appreciated there)

How to Delete Your Metro Application's Usage History in Windows 8 [howtogeek.com] (erikts #24)


General Documentation/Articles

Windows 8 for Dummies Pocket Edition - Dell is offering a free (registration required but they don't seem to be too fussy about what email you enter on the form) special edition of same - which actually looks quite useful. Get it here. (40hz #4)

Introducing Windows 8: An Overview for IT Professionals (Final Edition) (Free ebook)
http://blogs.msdn.co...s-final-edition.aspx (thanks fenixproductions)

Windows 8 forums (thank Miles)

Windows 8 productivity: Who moved my cheese? Oh, there it is (Scott Hanselman - hanselman.com)

The Best Articles for Using and Customizing Windows 8 (How-to Geek)


The 'home screen' / the Tiled interface:

[You are only allowed to] install trusted (that is, digitally signed) apps from the Windows store.
To work around this:
Launch GPEdit.msc (...), browse to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Package Deployment, double-click 'Allow all trusted apps to install' and select Enabled > OK.
via http://www.techradar...220/3#articleContent (ewemoa #14)

Shortcuts: http://www.howtogeek...t-keys-in-windows-8/

Zoom tile display: hold down the Ctrl button, and use your mouse wheel to zoom in and out. (ewemoa #12)

Thanks! Any moar ?

5384

Living Room / Re: First Time With Win 8

« Last post by tomos on November 15, 2012, 10:07 AM »

I spent a solid week with it a while back and came away from the experience very unimpressed.

-40hz (November 15, 2012, 09:43 AM)

Well, it looks to me like sticking with the desktop is reasonably possible (I just wish they'd make it completely possible).
If you have to learn about tiles though, you're on your own ;-)

5385

Living Room / Re: First Time With Win 8

« Last post by tomos on November 15, 2012, 09:22 AM »

Frankly I had just about the exact same experience as that guy in the video, except with a lot more angry cursing, and general depression about the future of Microsoft.

-mouser (November 04, 2012, 03:36 AM)

tons of cursing here too - maybe I missed an instruction on first starting...
I did repeatedly get told to point my arrow in the corner with an image of it going in the top-right corner, so eventually I tried that and it told me it wasnt ready yet but then the 'Start'/Metro screen showed, and I did not have a clue where to go from there.

Searching a bit online told me there was a desktop app but I could not find it in the tiles.
This was a preinstalled copy on a lenovo machine. I discovered later that Lenovo had a repulsive silvery image on the desktop - like two huge blobs of mercury, with a large 'Lenovo' written in the middle. The desktop app-tile had the same image. Of course the overlaid white 'Desktop' text was invisible - all I could read was the big Lenovo. Eventually I clicked in desperation and bingo: Desktop. Winkey toggles it after that (why not before that too )

But, otherwise it's working fine so far (a few hours!) - I've been able to change the OS language; installed some software okay (including one from 1999 - no problem); currently creating an image backup. The Win X tip is good. Needs FARR badly though ;-)

5386

General Software Discussion / Re: Two classes of membership here?

« Last post by tomos on November 14, 2012, 01:47 PM »

@Contro,
nice to get your perspective in your native language

5387

General Software Discussion / Re: I need some help configuring Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4

« Last post by tomos on November 14, 2012, 01:34 PM »

I dont have lightroom.
I have seen similar problems with Firefox in the last two years

Sounds like a bug to me. You could try changing the 'Scratch disks' (Adobe's version of a pagefile). They seem to be pretty standard across the Adobe board.

THey're under Preferences. Here's what it looks like in Illustrator CS4 (Photoshop is similar - my ancient 1999 version has four scratch disks)



change them to a drive that isnt being used - preferably on a second harddrive

5388

Living Room / Re: Funny Animal Videos

« Last post by tomos on November 14, 2012, 07:20 AM »

^ wow, 6 feet 5 inches
that was great (Cat and video)

5389

Living Room / Re: Internet freedoms restrained - SOPA/PIPA/OPEN/ACTA/CETA/PrECISE-related updates

« Last post by tomos on November 14, 2012, 06:21 AM »

^

"the court informed the FFII that only the Member States, the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission may participate in the Opinion procedure and submit written statements."

not much hope there then :-(

5390

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: WaggleImage on Bits du Jour (Nov 18 2008)

« Last post by tomos on November 14, 2012, 04:08 AM »

Thanks Curt, that's a bummer

5391

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: WaggleImage on Bits du Jour (Nov 18 2008)

« Last post by tomos on November 13, 2012, 03:42 PM »

Is Waggle alive? I'm unable to download the software from their website with FF or Opera.
(Last update was in April)

http://wagglesoft.co...;id=11&Itemid=16

5392

Living Room / Re: ~$300 Laptop/Netbook recommendations

« Last post by tomos on November 13, 2012, 03:08 PM »

I dunno will this be of any help as many of the model names & numbers seem to be different between Europe and the States

This is just research - I've just purchased a Lenovo Ideapad N581 - it's 'due' tomorrow :p
(It's been a real PIA getting info - you see models on sale, go to the manufacturer's site and there is no information about it or even similar models e.g. ASUS F201, Lenovo Ideapad N581. Often a review site will have a review of one laptop - but not of the other you want to compare it with).

From my notes:

AVOID ACER 756 11.6" - Runs very HOT HOT HOT (pity, sounds good otherwise) Lenovo ThinkPad X121e (AMD E-300) - terrible screen Lenovo IdeaPad S206 - Notebookcheck give very poor review: "Short battery life, mirror TFT, bendable chassis - does not live up to the expectations for netbooks." Samsung 305U1A-A01DE - great battery life (& screen I think) but HOT; poor build

-
I initially ordered the brand new ASUS F201 (11.6"). There's little or no info out there about it and I *think* it's not available over there yet (if at all?). It's predecessor got good reviews - for the build at least.

But they seem to be having a problem with delivering, so I cancelled that. After reading some very good reviews (reasonably bright screen, reasonable CPU, reasonable battery life) I decided to go for the 15.6" Lenovo Ideapad N581 notebookcheck.net link -
there's lots of different versions of that here (mainly different CPU's) - you could get a model: without OS; 320GB HD; 4GB ram; lower strenght CPU - for around 300 euros (amazon.de).

5393

General Software Discussion / Re: Two classes of membership here?

« Last post by tomos on November 13, 2012, 11:44 AM »

hi clean,
good questions.
You make a lot of presumtions there though.

Brief-ish response (dont have enough time to go into too much depth): I think many of your questions are really for the forums moderators to answer.

Normally, the only stuff that is censored here is spam. OTOH there are quite a few moderators and on occasion they may get carried away.
There's certainly no "heavy censorship" here.

Some of your questions relate to individuals imo - if you or anyone else are treated in a patronising manner by an individual or individuals - that doesnt seem to me to be the responsibility of moderators, I dont think at any rate
I know a vibe can get going in a forum where people might act similarly, I guess you could call it a collective thing. I havent noticed it here that much, occasionally all right.

Normally if I have a problem with someone, or something they said (and it's off-topic), I'll try and sort it out by PM (with some people that might be a waste of time. Judgement call). I guess everyone has their own way of approaching things.

I know you were involved in a thread lately where a lot of people (me included) reacted very strongly/over-reacted - that was because there has been a history with that topic there of what could only be called shouting matches - where nobody wins and everyone gets sick and tired of it.

LOL, again, I'd say there is always a group thing, but you are projecting some comments made by some individuals on the whole group or whole forum - I'm talking about your comments [about] mouser.
Mouser founded the site, his software is the main software here (bigger apps). I dont really have anything else to say there - I respect him a lot, he's no fan of censorship either ;-)

[posted without reading the other comments]

5394

N.A.N.Y. 2013 / Re: NANY 2013 PLEDGE - Contractor's Work Log

« Last post by tomos on November 13, 2012, 11:20 AM »

Bug:
in the browser popup (after having used it for a while - it currently shows [Start]) - if you press F5, it refreshes and starts automatically. I am then unable to stop it.
When I do stop it -by closing the popup- the time last shown on the popup is not reflected in the worklog.

FF 16.0.2
Win7 64bit

5395

Finished Programs / Re: DONE: "Filegrab"-like functionality integrated into the file explorer.

« Last post by tomos on November 13, 2012, 08:10 AM »

XYplorer has a very nice implementation of dir/file listing.
From the screenshots above, FileGrab does seem more flexible in the way you can add files from multiple locations. I guess it would be the equivalent of making virtual folders. Otherwise XY seems to have things well covered (and could cover that option too by combining [output] files or clipboard info).



- but I guess that's not much help to Iain as an xplorer² user :-)

5396

General Software Discussion / Re: Strategies to stay with Windows 7 as long as possible

« Last post by tomos on November 12, 2012, 05:19 PM »

Interesting to see if you can downgrade if you want to. What happens if the BIOS is locked (as MS specifies to OEMs) without the ability to unlock it (which MS say is at the OEM's discretion)?

-Carol Haynes (November 12, 2012, 03:38 PM)

to be honest I havent even checked out if a downgrade is possible.
OTOH, if my older software doesnt install, I can return it.

I'm wondering will some european court or other clamp down on MS again.
In Germany it's legal to buy & sell on OEM's. The courts here might (hopefully) not approve if MS get too carried away.

5397

General Software Discussion / Re: Strategies to stay with Windows 7 as long as possible

« Last post by tomos on November 12, 2012, 03:20 PM »

Well, I'm giving 8 a go - I'm just after ordering a laptop w. Windows 8.
I'm hoping it will boot faster and work better with less hardware at it's disposal (than Windows 7).
But I also got it because the latest version of the laptop with better specs only had windows 8.

Also hoping it wont be too much of a pain in the ass

I'll see how I get on - if it's a disaster, I'll downgrade. If I just dont like it, I'll get another copy of Windows 7, in case.
I guess that qualifies as my Win7 strategy.

5398

General Software Discussion / Re: Sign of the times for OpenSource software?

« Last post by tomos on November 11, 2012, 02:48 PM »

Yeah, yeah.... Let's just go make fun of Renegade because he posts drunk all the time and makes stupid mistakes/typos~!

This time around, I'm blaming some pretty damn good Australian wine!

-Renegade (November 11, 2012, 10:04 AM)

I'll make fun of you for drinking aussie wines - but as long as you're staying away from french, we can still be friends

-f0dder (November 11, 2012, 01:39 PM)

f0dder,  I notice you've got a bit of a chip on your shoulder with regard to things French.
Have you been treated bad by a (now ex) french girlfriend at some stage, or something

5399

General Software Discussion / Re: Synergy Virtual KVM

« Last post by tomos on November 11, 2012, 12:07 PM »

Lock it please!

5400

Found Deals and Discounts / Re: DiskBoss Pro v3.0 24-Hours Giveaway

« Last post by tomos on November 11, 2012, 10:07 AM »

as of time of post:

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