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280 Start Your PC the Productive Way (30 Second Startup)

The most annoying part of using a PC, is surely booting it up in the morning for the days use.

After seeing this software reviewed by Lifehacker a while back, I realised I could start my PC in the morning in around 30 seconds as opposed to, in some cases, 10 minutes.

Now, I know the PC is not technically off whilst Boot Snooze is in use.  It’s in hibernation mode or Standby which puts the PC in a very low power state.  It barely even draws whilst it’s in Hibernation.

So the idea here, is to use Boot Snooze last thing in the day to reboot your PC. Once it’s been rebooted, Boot Snooze will automatically start a countdown timer (previously specified) to put your PC into a low power state.  During the countdown, we’ll set Windows to automatically start programs that we always find ourselves using.  I find the first 3 programs I always start are; Outlook, Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player, so we’ll use those in this example.  Once they have opened, Boot Snooze will put your PC into the low power state.

When you start your PC out of standby or hibernation in the morning, it will take around 30 seconds to get to the desktop where your programs are already opened ready and waiting.  Much better than waiting a matter of minutes and then having to open the programs up one by one.

So, here’s a walk through guide on how to start your PC the smart way.

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[UPDATE] The contest is now closed, we will reveal the lucky ten shortly.
Be sure to check out the review and try this software on your own.

Today we reviewed the affordable feature packed PDF-Suite Nitro Pro. Today, I’m proud to announce that Nitro PDF Software and their Executive Director Richard Crocker have come up with no less than 10 licenses of their Pro Edition for some of our lucky readers.

How do I win ?

Entry is simple.

  1. Tell us which feature you find most exciting about the product , and how much you will appreciate receiving a free license (like “I promise to tell all my friends” etc).
  2. Send your contribution to: nitro@www.mintywhite.com no later than: February 12th, 2010 @ 10PM ET.

Rules

  • Forum Administrators and Moderators are not eligible for this competition.
  • Entries, from any where in the world, are welcome.
Windows Guides’ Rating Compatible with
on Nitro PDF Professional: An Affordable PDF Suite Packed with Features ($99)on Nitro PDF Professional: An Affordable PDF Suite Packed with Features ($99)on Nitro PDF Professional: An Affordable PDF Suite Packed with Features ($99)on Nitro PDF Professional: An Affordable PDF Suite Packed with Features ($99)off Nitro PDF Professional: An Affordable PDF Suite Packed with Features ($99)

4 out of 5

7 Nitro PDF Professional: An Affordable PDF Suite Packed with Features ($99)vista Nitro PDF Professional: An Affordable PDF Suite Packed with Features ($99)xp Nitro PDF Professional: An Affordable PDF Suite Packed with Features ($99)

PROS:The program is easy to use, it feels light and everything you need is there – right in front of you. Microsoft Office 2007 look – makes you feel right at home.

CONS: Compressing documents can produce poor quality images and pixellated graphics when “pushing the limits”

VERDICT: An affordable PDF Suite packed with features that measures up to Adobe Acrobat in every way.

PRICE: $99 per license

VERSION REVIEWED: 6.0.2.6

DOWNLOAD: Nitro Pro Trial

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utorrent logo unofficial 220x220 Download Linux, Legal Music, Books, and More with Torrents [How To]There is a negative stigma with Torrent files; however, this medium of transport is becoming more popular and is used for legitimate reasons. For example: distribution of Windows 7 Beta and RC , the Windows books I’ve written and Linux. Plus, many companies and bands use Torrents to distribute their files.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to set up a Torrent download manager and where to get legitimate torrents.

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XPlogo Change your Default Wallpaper Directory in XP [How To]As you know Windows XP looks for wallpapers (by default) in the folder c:\Windows. Wouldn’t it be great if you could make it look somewhere else instead ? Let’s say YOUR image folder – where you store all your photos. Well It is possible – using a small registry hack.

Before we start, let me remind you that you should make a backup of your registry before you continue. Just to be on the safe side. I don’t want you to blame me if something goes wrong :)

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ASUS has a unique software called EPU-6 Engine that monitors your energy consumption and CO2 emissions of your system. I have utilized this software and have found it to be dependable and beneficial. It allows the system to exhibit minimal cooling to maximum cooling, either auto or manual settings. Completely configurable through the GUI, this software is a must for the gaming machine that has many cooling fans.
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