PCTips Box

If you like to view your files in Windows Explorer using the “Details” view here is a tweak to speed up the listing of file attributes:

Viewing files in Windows Explorer using the “Details” mode shows various attributes associated with each file shown. Some of these must be retrieved from the individual files when you click on the directory for viewing. For a directory with numerous and relatively large files (such as a folder in which one stores media, eg: *.mp3’s, *.avi’s etc.) Windows Explorer lags as it reads through each one. Here’s how to disable viewing of unwanted attributes and speed up file browsing: (more…)

Defender is not only a great help in protecting your computer from malware, it also simplifies monitoring the programs that automatically start when Windows boots up. To do this…

1. Open Windows Defender.
2. Select Tools.
3. Click Software Explorer.
4. Select Startup Programs from the Category dropdown.
5. Review the programs in the left pane. Selecting a program will display information about it in the right pane.
6. To remove a program from startup, select the program from the left pane and click the Remove button. Use the Disable button for programs you want to temporarily stop from starting when Windows starts. To make them active again, simply select the program and click the Enable button.

info: http://www.tech-recipes.com/rx/2065/vista_use_defender_monitor_disable_start
up_programs

By default, the Windows XP Recycle Bin sits at the bottom right of the desktop, just above the tray notification area and system clock. If you’ve got a bunch of floating windows open, however, it’s possible to obscure the Recycle Bin and make it impossible to drag files and folders there for deletion. However, Microsoft must have thought of this event, because you can automatically hide all of those open windows during a drag operation.

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Many people leave their PCs on all of the time. That often means dozens of open windows, and information that hasn’t been saved as recently as possible. There’s nothing worse than going back to your PC and seeing a message that says “Windows recently downloaded and installed an important security update to help protect your computer. This update required an automatic restart.” Or, while you are working, you may grow tired of the nagging little pop-up window with a countdown that tries to reboot your computer in 15 seconds. A simple edit to the system Registry will end this annoyance and save you from losing potentially hours of work if a reboot occurs when you aren’t there to prevent it. (more…)