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Change the Categories arrangement in Control Panel [How To]

Posted by Thomas On January - 29 - 2011

To make things easier (for the common user) Microsoft decided to Categorize the Control Panel view. I never could get used to the new categories view, thinking that some of the panel applets were in the wrong category. Instead, I always immediately switch back to the “Classic” Control Panel view.

I recently learned that you can re-arrange the category arrangement, making it appear just as YOU think it should. It does involve editing the registry, but I’m sure that won’t scare you … much.

This tweak is generally for PRO and ULTIMATE users, but you may still be able to tweak some of the Control Panel Applets on lower versions.

Open RegEdit

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Which Windows 7 Version do You Really Need?

Posted by Thomas On January - 28 - 2011

Buying a new computer these days, chances are, it will come pre-installed with Windows 7 Home Premium Edition. That makes sense from the vendor’s standpoint, as the license for Home Premium costs less and it still has most of the functionality and features that the average user will want. But what if you aren’t the average user?

Looking to Upgrade? How to upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 7 Professional

Some Vendors only offer the Windows 7 Starter Edition, which in my point of view is a sham to make you pay even more money for your computer. Steer away from these offers I say – unless of course you enjoy NOT being able to change your wallpaper – ever again.

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Windows Guides’ Rating Compatible with System
1 Star1 Star1 Star1 StarHalf Star 4.5 out of 5 Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XP
PROS: Great user experience, powerful built-in editor, tons of sharing options, and it’s free. Can be used as portable app.

CONS: Video capture in free version is too short, and this feature is still very new.

VERDICT: If you are looking for one of the best screen capture tools for free, this is the one.

PRICE: Free (Pro version $28)

VERSION REVIEWED: 1.2.1.4

DOWNLOAD: Screenpresso

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How To Easily Handle PC Sound Card Problems

Posted by Guest Post On January - 6 - 2011

In this guest post, James Ricketts discusses how to handle PC sound card problems. Find out more about James at the end of this post.

You just double-clicked your favorite song, turned the volume up, but guess what – there is no audio! You wait wondering what the cause could be, but still no luck. Your speaker simply refuses to produce any sound.

You frantically scan your sound file for a virus and the scan results show everything is clear. Your computer is new, so the cause cannot be a faulty sound card, or incorrect entries in the windows registry.

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Computer Drivers The Basics

Posted by Guest Post On January - 5 - 2011

In this guest post, James Ricketts explores the basics of computer drivers. Find out more about James at the end of this post.

Device Drivers – An Introduction

Computer operating systems, such as Windows, Linux and Mac, and hardware components, such as sound cards, memory cards, and video cards do not speak the same language. To communicate effectively, hardware devices and operating systems require an interface. This interface is provided by device drivers. These drivers enable the computer operating system and installed software to communicate with the hardware devices.

In this article, you will learn:

  • Why it is necessary to use only the latest drivers
  • Which is better – manual driver updation process or automatic driver updation process
  • What is Driver Finder?

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Windows Guides’ Rating Compatible with System
1 Star1 StarHalf Star0 Star0 Star 5 out of 5 Windows 7Windows VistaWindows XP
jv16 PowerTools is the ultimate Windows optimization and tune-up utility suite. The bottom line is that it keeps your computer running smooth, fast and greatly improves its overall stability. If you’re still (gasp!) using our old RegCleaner program, or an older version of PowerTools, it’s time to wake up and pay attention!

PROS: Fast. Lightweight, Easy to Use.

CONS:Not Free

VERDICT:Overall the most reliable “optimization and tune-up utility suite” I have ever encountered. No matter if you are an experienced user or not – JV16 PowerTools will become your best friend – ensuring your computer a long and healthy life.

PRICE: From $29,95

VERSION REVIEWED: 2.0.0.986

DOWNLOAD: JV16 Power Tools 2010

jv16 PowerTools 2010 is here and it’s sweet!

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