SupportSpace Corporate Blog

Keyboard shortcuts for Windows

By SupportSpace expert Amar Persaud

We have recently been asked to list some shortcuts which you can use on your keyboard, so here we go:

Windows system key combinations

• F1: Help

• CTRL+ESC: Open Start menu

• ALT+TAB: Switch between open programs

• ALT+F4: Quit program

• SHIFT+DELETE: Delete item permanently

Windows program key combinations

• CTRL+C: Copy

• CTRL+X: Cut

• CTRL+V: Paste

• CTRL+Z: Undo

• CTRL+B: Bold

• CTRL+U: Underline

• CTRL+I: Italic

For more information and to contact Amar directly, click on the link below

http://www.supportspace.com/home/expert/profile/thecomputerguy

I have more than 1 identical hard drive; can I make my PC run faster?

By SupportSpace expert Thomas Horvat

Many newer motherboards support raid (redundant array of independent disks) functions. You can use this to you advantage if you have at least 2 hard drives which are the same size and model for maximum performance. You can configure them in the Raid utility as RAID- 0 which will connect the two or more physical drives together into a seamless logical drive. This will allow enhanced read/ write throughput with a technique called striping- set default cluster size to highest (256 kb or 512kb) for even higher throughput.

As long as you create a hardware Raid, Vista Business and Ultimate as well as XP Professional support installation directly onto the Raid volume- the result is that the operating system will respond and run much faster as it is striped onto two or more drives. Be sure to have your raid controller cards driver handy on cd or flash drive when installing vista, or floppy for windows XP Pro- as Operating Systems will usually not "see" your Raid until the driver is provided. Should you need assistance with this setup- SupportSpace Experts are here to help!   

To contact me directly, click on the link below.

http://www.supportspace.com/home/expert/profile/MCSExpert

A Quicker Road to the Task Manager

By SupportSpace expert Sam Ruedinger

In XP and all prior Windows OS's one could invoke the Task Manager or its predecessor by hitting Ctrl+Alt+Del, unless of course you were on a domain, in which case you were brought to the Lock Computer screen beginning back in Windows 2000. In Vista, MS extended the Lock Computer screen to be displayed on all computers, not just those running on domains. While there are some advantages to this, the disadvantages of more necessary clicks and a greater chance of freezing up in the switchover between the lock screen and then back to the Windows desktop in order to get to the Task Manager, certainly outweigh the positives. In Vista (and even XP and 2000) you can fast-track your way to the Task Manager with Ctrl+Shift+Esc.

Sam is a five star rated SupportSpace expert. You can contact him for support on the above issue, for the following SupportSpace Featured Services: PC Tune-up, Software Installation and removal, PC Diagnostics, virus check and clean-up and many more.

Take Ownership - How to Edit Files on Vista

By SupportSpace expert Sam Ruedinger

Vista is pretty picky about which files you can and cannot edit. What if you have a legitimate purpose for modifying a system file or accessing a file that the computer is convinced isn't yours? Here's a simple solution:

Step 1 - Add an option to the right-click menu called "Take Ownership" by adding a simple registry file: http://www.howtogeek.com/downloads/TakeOwnership.zip

Step 2 - Then whenever Vista tells you that you don't have permission to do something, right-click the file and choose Take Ownership and try it again.

Source: http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/add-take-ownership-to-explorer-right-click-menu-in-vista/

How to Put Music on Your MP3 Player

By SupportSpace Expert Ryan Bell

When setting up your MP3 Player to your computer in order to download music, it is recommended in the instructions to insert the MP3 Players' CD and run it, following the directions.  However in most cases the simplest way to place music on your MP3 Player is to:

Step 1 - Hook it up to the computer via a USB Cord.

Step 2 - Click on "My Computer"(for windows XP) or "Computer"(for vista).

Step 3 - Click on the MP3 Players' drive.  This will open the folder for the MP3 Player.

Step 4 - Simply go into your music folder on your computer and drag and drop your music

              into your MP3 Players' folder.

Step 5 - When you're ready to listen to it, click the “Safely Remove Hardware” button on   the right side of your screen by the clock and when it says it's ready, unplug the MP3 Player and plug in the head phones turn it on and listen away.

Ryan~RepairGuy~ is a four and a half star rated SupportSpace expert. You can contact him for support on the above issue, for the following SupportSpace Featured Services: MP3 Player Set-up, Software Installation and removal, PC Diagnostics and many more.

Increase Your Printer's Lifespan

By SupportSpace expert amarpersaud22

Basic level Tip 1: Go easy on a paper jam.                     
In case of a paper jam, never force the paper out. This can not only damage the printer, but also leave bits of torn paper inside, which could cause harm later on. To get the paper out smoothly, most printers have a hatch attached at the back that can be easily removed. Once this hatch is removed, you will gain access to the paper wheels and you should be able to see the jammed paper to get it out.

Basic level Tip 2: Avoid Shutting Down the Printer in an Improper Manner

Turn off your printer when not in use. This can prevent drying of ink and it also helps to keep the printer functioning at an optimum level. Remember to use the printer’s power button and then remove the plug if need be. Don’t turn the power off if you are in the middle of something.

Intermediate level Tip 3: Avoid Cheap Toner/Ink Cartridges

We are often tempted to use, compatible, refilled or remanufactured ink/toner cartridges, which is something we should all avoid.  In the case of remanufacturing cartridges, what actually happens is this: the manufacturer would first purchase empty toner cartridges from end users. They would then strip the toner cartridge to its bare minimum and they would then reassemble them after a little bit of cleaning. The area of specific concern here is the toner drum. There is a set lifespan for this item and no amount of cleaning would extend it. 

amarpersaud22 is a four and a half star rated SupportSpace expert. You can contact him for support on the above issue, for the following SupportSpace Featured Services: Printer Troubleshooting, Printer setup, PC Tuneup, Virus Clean-up and more.

A quick way to cleanup temporary files

By SupportSpace expert MCSExpert

Step 1: Click Start > Accessories > System Tools and select Disk Cleanup.

Step 2: Run Disk Cleanup for drive C (or your drive which contains Windows) and select all options except “Compress Files”, as that will slow thing down.

Step 3: Disk Cleanup will rid your system of accumulated temporary and other junk files which slow down performance.

MCSExpert is a five-star rated SupportSpace expert. You can contact him for support on the above issue, for the following SupportSpace Featured Services: Printer Troubleshooting, Spyware Check, PC Diagnostics and more.

Can't get your email to work with Outlook or Outlook Express?

Advanced level tip from SupportSpace expert MCSExpert

Verify with your service provider that they allow IMAP, POP3, or HTTP server access for your email service. Often, providers will not include this service in basic free email service, but do offer access if you purchase an upgraded email plan from them. Your Internet Service Provider email account will usually support this feature. You will need the names of your incoming and outgoing servers. For example pop.sbcglobal.net is an incoming for SBC DSL customers, and smtp.sbcglobal.net is the outgoing server name for SBC customers. You should contact your service provider for your email account to find your server names, and then setup is a breeze using the outlook or outlook express wizard.

MCSExpert is a five-star rated SupportSpace expert. You can contact him for support on the above issue, for the following SupportSpace Featured Services: Printer Troubleshooting, Spyware Check, PC Diagnostics and more.

Extend Your Tech Knowledge, one tip at a time

Here is another great service from SupportSpace!

Ever wanted to get help with those niggling issues that never seem big enough to actually speak to some-one about? You know, the ones that make you feel like a total tech amateur?

Well, SupportSpace has the answer to give you a way to incrementally increase your tech knowledge! Simply visit www.twitter.com/techtips and read our daily dose of tech tips. There will be a wide range of issues covered, everything from basic tips we collect on the web or written by SupportSpace experts, for example, how to set up your computer, e-mailing and how to use word, to the more advanced topics such as, PowerPoint, iPods and Vista, plus useful information to consider when buying new products (such as digital cameras etc).

Watch this space for more information on the new “Tips from our Experts” section on the SupportSpace webpage, coming soon.

How to Make iPhones and iPods Work With Windows

By Dave Taylor

 

It has to be said that Apple’s iPhone and the latest generation of iPods have delivered enormous power and simplicity to the average consumer, but the technology is still complicated and usability is not that easy, especially for Windows users. The key for holiday shoppers who want to avoid unnecessary frustration is to gain key bits of knowledge so they can enjoy their fabulous new tech toys.

 

Unseen Obstacles for Windows Users

 

•  Audio Files Are In Different Formats

Apple iPods prefer MP3 formatted music, but Windows systems default to Windows Media Audio (WMA) format. Windows users who have a library of music will need to convert the files from WMA to MP3.

•  Windows Media Player and iTunes compete for digital files

Users manage all content through Apple’s Windows software application iTunes. Without it, copying music onto an iPod or iPhone is not possible, and if iTunes and Windows Media player “compete” for the data, you could be in for hours of frustration. Once you learn to use iTunes, which you must install on your computer to get the iPod or iPhone to work properly, you can then manage audio and video content on your computer and have it automatically sync with your handheld device.

• Adding movie files is complicated by DRM and different formats

The constraining digital rights management policy of iTunes software and different video file formats can be difficult to work around and understand.

• Loading Photos Is Not Plug and Play

For Windows users, managing photos can be difficult because there is no default photo application for Windows that is tightly integrated into iTunes. For Mac OS X users, iPhoto® and iMovie® functionality is seamlessly integrated into iTunes.

 

Windows users need to learn some basic skills to make managing digital content on the popular devices easier. Here are some Tips for iPhone and iPod Windows Users:

 

1. Be Sure to Download the Latest iTunes Software from Apple

Particularly for Windows Vista users, it is critical to install the latest version of iTunes (Version 7.2 or later).

2. Rip Audio CDs in the Proper Format

Use iTunes to burn audio CD’s, or if users want to use Windows Media Player, they must change its settings to create MP3 files, not WMA files.

 

3. Understand Issues About Copying DVD Movies to iPods and iPhones

Going to the iTunes Store to repurchase and download movies already owned on DVD is the legal way of getting the content onto iPods and iPhones. Copying DVD movies onto the iPod or iPhone is not legal, but can be done easily by purchasing third-party software that circumvents DVD encoding systems. Users should understand the associated copyright issues and proceed thoughtfully.

 

4. Carefully Manage Content between Multiple Computers

iPods and iPhones “pair” to a single computer and will not allow users to copy digital content purchased at the iTunes store between multiple computers. It is important users carefully think through which of their computers should be paired with the device and “de-authorize” computers that won’t be used any longer.