(A Slightly Different) Sunday Beauty #101
Folks, every Sunday – for two years now – I have been posting a “pretty”, or “interesting” image for your enjoyment. Friend and fellow tech blogger, Rick Robinette, has been doing basically the same thing on his blog; except his images are specifically sized/designed to be used as a Desktop background (aka “wallpaper”).
He calls his Sunday feature “Wallpaper of the Week”. And he’s up to #87 today… Take a look.
Wallpaper of the Week (#87)
Click on image to get this wallpaper. (Or browse for other great wallpapers.)
“Lazy Lions”
He really has selected some marvelous images. Not only that, but I trust his wallpapers sources to be safe, and free of spyware and viruses. Not only that, but Rick’s website, What’s On My PC.., is what I have long described as “an undiscovered gem on the Internet“, and if you enjoy technology, like learning about the best of the new Internet websites and services, what’s new in mobile, (and Freebies. Rick loves free stuff.) be sure to click, visit, and bookmark.
Loyal readers already know, he is one of my last remaining “daily reads”. (I’ve grown disinterested with the rest.)
You’ll be glad you did! (So.. click! Take a look-see.)
Let’s be safe out there, and have a Ggrreeaatt! Sunday, every one!
PS: I personally liked last week’s, and the one before, better than “Lazy Lions”.. be sure to browse his older selections when you get there!
Today’s quotable quote: “So you plant your own garden and nourish your own soul instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers….” ~ Veronica Shoffstall
Copyright 2007-2012 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
All we really have, in the end, are our stories.
Make yours great ones. Ones to be proud of.
What? More Facebook? | Inside Your PC
Yes, folks. A bit more on Facebook…
• Facebook: What happens to active users when jobs come back?
“There may be an inverse relationship between jobs and Facebook growth. In other words, more jobs may mean less Facebook time.” Read more..
(I like that optimism.)
Really busy again today, so how about a quick repost of a good article you may have missed.
What The Inside Looks Like…
Today’s article is going to be just a little bit different, and it will be ‘short and sweet’. On several recent onsite repair jobs, I have opened the computer’s side panel and heard the client exclaim, “that’s all that’s in there? I was expecting more.. more.. stuff.” I am always bemused by people’s reactions when they look inside a PC for the first time.
(Yes, there’s a lot of open space inside a desktop PC. Laptop’s are different, and every nook is filled.)
So today – for those of you who have never seen the insides of a computer – I provide two simple photos: inside a desktop, and inside a laptop. (Your configuration will have some differences..)
Fairly high-end desktop (aka “loaded”), yours may not have so much in there..
Inside a laptop
Today’s quote: “Remember, men need laughter sometimes more than food.” ~ Anna Fellows Johnston
Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
New Computer? Decrapify it! (A How To)
If you are one of those lucky people and you now have a shiny new Laptop or Desktop computer, congratulations! There are several things one needs to do with a brand-new computer: the first will be to visit Windows Update, and get the machine ‘patched’ with the latest security Updates. (Click the Start button, click All Programs, and then click Windows Update.)
Then of course, you will spend some time “personalizing” the system — say, giving it your favorite “wallpaper” (or Theme), and installing your favorite programs. And then you want to de-crap-ify your machine.
What I mean by that, is remove (aka “uninstall”) the “trial” programs, and Polar Penguins Bowling games, and “Connect to AOL” crud that the computer manufacturers insist on loading onto the units they sell. This software “free trial” stuff can cause that new machine to slow to a crawl, and sooner or later, fill your screen with annoying pop-ups! (trial is over, buy now!)
Every year I tell you guys that the tool for that is the wonderful PCDecrapifier utility. This little tool gives you a simple and easy way to sweep away all that junk in one action, which saves you from the normal, one-at-a-time, method of Control Panel > Programs and features > Uninstall a program.
Click on image to read PC Decrapifier's "How It Works"
This year, I am also going to tell you that instead of re-inventing the wheel, I will refer you to an illustrated How To on a rival site (How To Clean Up your New Computer With PC Decrapifier). Which means even those of you with not a lot of confidence in your abilities can (read+follow) use this tool.
And I highly recommend you do.
And, if you have simply never gotten around to cleaning that trialware off of your not-so-new machine, well.. it’s not to late.
Today’s (other) reading reco: 2011: A year in review
“The year 2011 saw Android and Apple battling for mobile domination, with patents rivaling technology as the weapon of choice. We watched HP’s soap opera, RIM’s decline, and Netflix’s crash. We said goodbye to Steve Jobs. And the answer to most every question continued to be “the Cloud.” Read more..
Today’s quote: “The more sympathy you give, the less you need.” ~ Malcolm S. Forbes
Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
Repair The Recycle Bin
If you have troubles with your Recycle Bin functioning correctly – preventing you from deleting files (aka “empty”-ing it) – a few simple steps can restore functionality (or a missing icon).
Is the Recycle Bin (Icon) Missing?
This first “repair” is for those of you who no longer see the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop, and want it back.
- Click your Start button, and Control Panel
- Double-click on Personalizations
- Click on Change desktop icons
- Click (to place a ‘check’ in) the Recycle Bin checkbox
- Click Apply, then OK
That will restore the icon to your Desktop. (You can “drag” it to a position of your liking.)
Having trouble with emptying?
1) First, you need to “unhide” (aka “show”) your system files and folders (if they aren’t already. If so, skip to Step 2).
- Click your Start button, and Control Panel
- Double-click on Folder Options
- Click on the View tab and scroll down just a bit
- Click on the Show radio button
- Click Apply, then OK
2) Next, Click your Start button, and Computer.
3) Double-click the Local disk (c:) icon.
4) Locate, then right-click on $RECYCLE.BIN, and select Delete. If prompted, click Yes to confirm. (Yes. Delete it. It has been “corrupted”, in Geek parlance, and needs to go away.)
5) The Delete File dialog will appear – click Yes to confirm.
[ Tip: Checking the Do this for all current items checkbox will avoid having to confirm the deletion of each file.]
6) Reboot (aka “restart”) your computer.
Once your computer has started back up, the Recycle Bin will automatically be rebuilt/repaired.
That’s it. You’re done. (Except, maybe, [say, if other people use your computer] you may want to go back to Step 1 and hide the system files and folders again.. to prevent any accidental disastrous deleting.. Your choice.)
Today’s reading/download reco(s):
* An Instant Data and System Recovery Kit
“If you have been a long term computer user I am sure somewhere along the line you may have experienced a failure of sorts; whether it be from operating system errors, a mistake you made, a malware attack or from good old file corruption. I have always said that computers were made to fail; and, fail they eventually will.” Read more
* iPhone tracking only part of Apple’s security and privacy shortcomings
“The revelation by a pair of researchers that iPhones store location data for the life of the device is making waves. How much does it really matter? Chad Perrin suggests the problem goes deeper.” Read more
* IE9 versus Chrome: which one blocks malware better?
“Social engineering has become the dominant method of distribution for fake antivirus software these days. Google Chrome puts you at risk: in my testing, malware broke through Chrome’s defenses.” READ FULL STORY
Your “feedback” is requested: (Thanks to all who have participated!)
(Voting is following my prediction…)
Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
Fixing Desktop Icons
This is a shortcut to one of my games.. it should have a picture (icon)
If you notice one day that some of your Desktop icons aren’t displaying correctly – you see a generic white rectangle instead of the graphic – you can easily “rebuild” the Windows icon cache and restore your shortcut icons to normal.
1) First, you need to “unhide” (aka “show”) your system files and folders (if they aren’t already. If so, skip to #2).
- Click your Start button, and Control Panel
- Double-click on Folder Options
- Click on the View tab and scroll down just a bit
- Click on the Show radio button
- Click Apply, then OK
2) Next, Click your Start button, and Computer.
The repair restores it to this.
3) Browse to your C:\Users\*your user name*\AppData\Local folder.
{Double-click the Local disk (c:) icon, then the Users folder, then the folder that matches your User name, then the AppData folder, then the Local folder.}
4) Locate, then right-click on IconCache.db, and select Delete. If prompted, click Yes to confirm. (Yes. Delete it. It has been “corrupted”, in Geek parlance, and needs to go away.)
5) Reboot (aka “restart”) your computer.
Once your computer has started back up, the icon cache will automatically be rebuilt (may take a few moments) and your icons should now display correctly.
That’s it. You’re done. (Except, maybe, [say, if other people use your computer] you may want to go back to Step 1 and hide the system files and folders again.. to prevent any accidental disastrous deleting.. Your call.)
Your “feedback” is requested: (Thanks to all who have participated!)
(Voting is following my prediction…)
Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
Oops | Internet TV | Etc.
First and foremost, I need to apologize to my shamrock-influenced friends for failing to wish them a safe and happy St. Patrick’s Day. Sorry guys.
Next up, a short “Friday Fun” video.
Almost a year ago I wrote an article How To Watch TV On Your Computer, which mentioned Hulu, a “streaming media” portal. For those who make use of Hulu on a fairly regular basis, you may (if you haven’t already) want to download and install the Hulu Desktop app.
Hulu Desktop gives you a 10′, remote-controllable interface (for your TV).
And, for those of you who make use of Hulu on a fairly regular basis and also are using Windows Media Center on your Windows 7 PC, you can download and install Hulu Desktop Windows 7 Media Center Integration 2.0.
“Hulu Desktop Integration 2.0 provides an easy way for users to go back and forth between Windows Media Center and Hulu Desktop. When clicking on HULU in Windows 7 Media Center, the software automatically closes Windows Media Center, Starts HULU Desktop Maximized in full screen. When you are done with HULU Desktop, click on Exit in the main menu, the software will automatically start Windows Media Center back up in full screen mode.
This software is aimed at people who want to have a easy way of switching with just their remote controls while sitting on the couch.“
Please note.. while I did fiddle around with Hulu Desktop, I do not have a media center PC & TV hookup running, so I – personally – have not tested the integrator. However, I have seen it recommended in such reputable places as PC World magazine (so I am comfortable recommending it).
I would appreciate reader feedback on this one.
… rainstorm blowin’ in. Think I’ll stay indoors..
[related update: Wow. We just got a tornado warning.. We don’t get those. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/San-Mateo-Co-Under-Tornado-Warning–118253114.html. I cannot remember ever hearing of one.. and I grew up here. They say the safest place is in your basement. Um.. basement? This is Kallyfornyah. Who has a basement?]
Copyright 2007-2011 © “Tech Paul” (Paul Eckstrom). All Rights Reserved.
>> Folks, don’t miss an article! To get Tech – for Everyone articles delivered to your e-mail Inbox, click here, or to subscribe in your RSS reader, click here. <<
post to jaanix
• About Tech Paul
I am a Retired computer & network technician. I used to think the machines were pretty cool. Now I don’t.
They’re anything but.
I regularly posted how-to’s and tricks & tips and general computing advice here starting in 2007. (Use the Search tool to find answers. But be aware, many are rather dated.) Sometimes I answered (your) specific questions in an article if I believed the answer was generally helpful to “everyone”. All the writing you see was my own, typos and all. There always is/was an implied “IMHO” in what you see here.
Note: You are responsible for using this blog and its content. I am in no way liable for any losses caused by user error, viruses and/or other malware, hardware or software failure, or any other conceivable reason.
-
Say "thank you!" Buy Tech Paul a cup of coffee (and keep T4E ad free).
-
-
McAfee® Cybersafety Resource Portal, an online help center designed to assist victims of computer crime and provide information on how to avoid becoming a victim.
-
Subscribe to Tech--for Everyone by EmailRecent Comments
-
-
-
-
Also:
-
-
Tech - for Everyone 