Tech-Tips

Two Start Buttons for Windows 8

Microsoft plans to reach RTM (Release to Manufacturing) with Windows 8.1 in August, and one thing is certain about the start button: it is not coming back to Windows just yet.

Luckily, there are plenty of third-party developers ready to supply users with a different version of the launcher that in some cases substitutes the original perfectly.

RetroUI is one of the several solutions when it comes to adding a launch button at the end of the taskbar in Windows 8 and 8.1.

However, it introduces a different approach as it features two launchers, one for the desktop applications and one for accessing modern apps, called TabletView, which comes in handy when Windows is controlled by touch.

RetroUI is available at a $4.95 / 3.85EUR price or you can take it for a spin free of charge for a period of seven days. The installation routine is simple and takes you through the regular screens, nothing being out of the ordinary.

At the end of the process, the new elements should have taken its place, but in our case it failed to do so. The developer is aware of this behavior, and at the end of installation a dialog pops up instructing on what should be done in order to see the buttons.

Right from the start, we noticed that both menus offer access to the same resources, but the main one can also open specific locations on the system and makes available the power button options (shutdown, restart, sleep, lock, log off, switch user).

The main start button (it responds to pressing Windows key) in RetroUI resembles what Microsoft created for Windows 7, but it is not exactly the same. In terms of functionality the two are miles apart.

The Good

It provides quick access to important parts of the system and puts the power button and its options within easy reach.

It is not difficult to figure out what each setting does and it can force modern apps to run into a resizable frame, with specifics configurable by the user.

The taskbar is visible even when the Start Screen is displayed.

TabletView button works mostly like the start menu, but it is designed for handling in touch mode.

The Bad

We had some trouble using the search bar and the application froze occasionally. Populating the list of programs may seem a bit clunky to some users.

The switch between a resized modern app and the classic desktop or a regular window is far from seamless. Enforce failed to impose the same size restrictions to all modern apps.

The Truth

RetroUI looks like a promising project that can rise above the standards imposed by trending start buttons from third-party developers. However, at the moment there are plenty alternatives that could be of better service to the average home user.

The Original Computer Function

Computers weren't invented for email or the internet.  They were never intended to be used to keep track of your bank accounts or 2nd marking period grades.  The very first electronic computer was created during World War II and it's intended function was to help American soldiers hit their target. 

Often cited as being the very first electronic computer, the ENIACwas built at the University of Pennsylvania from 1944-46.  At that time the US Army was employing hundreds of young ladies with mathematical ability to serve as "computers" and physically do the math to create ballistics tables for military weapons.  The function of the ENIAC was to electronically do the math that previously had been done by human computers. 

Flip Your Screen!

Directions:  Read everything before you do anything

1. Press CTRL + ALT + the up arrow key (see below)
2. Next press CTRL + ALT + the right arrow key
3. Then press CTRL + ALT + the left arrow key
4. Then, before you get too dizzy press CTRL + ALT + the down arrow key
   
   
   

At least you know how to flip your screen back if anyone messes with it.

And if this activity didn't work on your computer it just means you might have a different version of Windows (other than XP) or this particular feature may have been disabled.  But if you ever see an upside down screen you'll know what to do.

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Facebook shortcut keys for Mozilla Firefox and Internet explorer

Shift+Alt+0 : facebook help center

Shift+Alt+1 : facebook homepage

Shift+Alt+2 : your facebook profile page

Shift+Alt+3 : friend request

Shift+Alt+4 : messages

Shift+Alt+5 : notification

Shift+Alt+6 : account page

Shift+Alt+7 : privacy setting

Shift+Alt+8 : facebook's page on facebook

Shift+Alt+9 : facebook terms of use

Shift+Alt+? : enable search

Shift+Alt+m : compose a new message

Fix power consumption problems and extend the laptop battery life

Automatically detect and set Windows power options that affect computer power usage. Improve the laptop battery life with the right Windows power plan.

Click on below Link:
MicrosoftFixit.power.Run.exe here

What it fixes...

• Period of time before the computer goes to sleep is set too long
• Screen saver is used instead of setting the computer to enter sleep mode
• Display brightness is set too high
• Power plan is not set to the most efficient power plan
• Wireless adaptor in not optimized for power saving
• Minimum processor state is set too high

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