Windows Tools, Help & Guides

On Windows Guides, we’ve shared our Windows Experience Index (WEI) score before but there was no way to easily compare scores and the number of entries was pretty low. Fear not, “We Share” is here:

Learn where to download WEI Share and how to share and compare your score with others online.

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The HTC Phone has a weather clock application which drizzles, shines and shows clouds depending on your current location. The application stays on the home screen of the phone.

The same application is now available for Windows 7.  Combining a clock, date and weather service, all in one application. What makes this stand out from all the other gadgets it that  the HTC Home Gadget makes heavy use of animations making your entire desktop into a professional weather and news (upcoming widget support) station.

Windows Guides’ Rating	Compatible with	System
4 out of 5

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Previously, we showed you how to restrict logon hours, programs, and games with Windows Vista or Windows 7 Parental Controls. In this guide, we’ll show you how to do the following with Windows Live Family Safety:

• Download Windows Life Family Safety.
• Set up a Windows account for your child.
• Set up Windows Life Family Safety.
• Customize Windows Live Family Safety settings:
  • Restrict specific websites with web filtering.
  • Monitor online usage with activity reporting.
  • Manage contact lists to restrict/allow communication with contact management.
  • Approve/deny requests from users.
  • Set time limits for computer access.
  • Set Game restrictions by game/content.
  • Set program restrictions.

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When I had Windows 7 installed, I noticed that the standard network icon in the task bar area doesn’t “light-up” when there is data throughput as I have been used to ever-since Windows 98. I suppose some people might argue that we have been spoiled a bit, but actually it gives you a sense of security when you’re busy working and you can see there is activity on the network when you expect it to be. Also, that is the quickest way you can see when something isn’t working correctly.

Taskbar with Windows 7 Network Icon

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If you read the Meet the Windows Guides Team post a while back, you may remember that we were asked about our predictions for Windows 8. Well I’ve changed my mind …

My NEW wish for Windows 8!

One of the things annoying me in Windows is that it is so set on using my C-Drive to store everything. I have a 256 GB C-Drive which is getting fuller and fuller, where as my D-Drive (which also has 256 GB) hardly stores anything. Asking Windows to use the D-Drive for applications is of course possible, but somehow I feel that it should suggest it by itself. Especially when the C-Drive is getting fuller and fuller.

Another thing that bugs me is that if I would like to move some of my installed applications over to the D-Drive I have to un-install it from the C-Drive and re-Install it on my D-Drive. Such a waste of time. Why can’t I just tell Windows to MOVE it for me ?

While We wait for Microsoft to come around –  I have a great piece of software here that allows me to move any installed application from one Drive to another, without all the hassle mentioned earlier. It’s called SteamMover …

Windows Guides’ Rating	Compatible with
3+ out of 5

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Ninite, in spite of its “special needs” name is a great program that installs many of your favorite applications for you — automatically.

Step 1 - pick your applications

Ninite got a quick mention on our forum pages from “ha14″ back in November, but after using it just now to load nearly 20 of my favorite free applications I think it deserves a lot more attention.

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