Windows Tools, Help & Guides

In the quest for an ever more perfect media center, our focus now turns to the EPG – the Electronic Program Guide – the data that comes with our programs, but is not a part of our programs. When you stand at the back of the room farthest from the TV, they look like this:

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So the other day I was working on my desktop computer while having my laptop next to it. Whenever I wanted to use something that was on the laptop I found myself  use my desktops mouse and keyboard. Naturally this didn’t work very well. I then remembered reading something (in the forums here) about a tool that would allow me to control any computer connected to my LAN using the same keyboard and mouse. Doing some research I discovered two freeware solutions: Synergy and InputDirector.

Input Director vs Synergy

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We love customising our desktops at mintywhite.  Our community have come up with some brilliant creations and provided links to some great resources.

In this How To guide I will be showing you how to create your own Start Orb for Windows 7.  I’ll be using Photoshop CS5.  Sorry to those who use alterative software.  I’m sure you’ll be able to follow using your preferred software however.

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Windows Guides’ Rating	Compatible with
4.5 out of 5

PROS: Easy to use and provides direct, high-speed download links. Searches for beta updates. Can be used as a standalone without need for installation. CONS: Sends information about what programs are installed on your computer to FileHippo to check for updates. Some may see this as a privacy concern. VERDICT: If you want to get the latest updates (and betas), this program will keep you on top of things. PRICE: Free VERSION REVIEWED: 1.037 DOWNLOAD: FileHippo Update Checker

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New to using the command prompt? Check out the Windows Command Prompt Beginner’s Guide

A long time ago, in a Galaxy.. err … Recent Past, we had no Windows (unbelievably true) with its fancy GUI (Graphical User Interface). Typing in commands, paths etc. in DOS (Disk Operating System) was a time-consuming task. If you’d get one letter wrong in a long line of commands, path and keys – you’d get an error and had to start all over again.

Another annoying thing about a text-based OS is the need to retype the same commands over and over.

Luckily there were (are) options that still today can help you become a more efficient user of the Command Prompt Tool.

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We are now in an age where we can realistically expect to have access to every: photo we’ve ever taken, song we’ve ever purchased, document we’ve written, and anything else stored on our computer. Many of us have a computer at home (usually an older computer) that we refer to as our server. On or attached to this server is all the media we have to our name. In this guide, we explore top five remote access applications available to help you get to this, and other, information. These applications can be used to:

• Have a multi-PC meeting.
• Have access to your own PCs wherever you are.
• Help a friend with their PC.
• Have desktop access to your PCs on your home network.

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