Tips and Tricks

Here some cool tips and tricks to get more out of Windows 10

From the time, Microsoft launched its new operating system Windows 10 on July 29, it has been in the news for all the wrong reasons. While some complained about the security issues, some said that it is little better than Windows 8. However, not all of the things in Windows 10 are bad.

Here are some tips and tricks for those who have recently purchased a computer with Windows 10 or have upgraded, that will help you save time and make the operating system more effective and user-friendly.

Use Cortana

You can ask Cortana anything, and you will get your answer. For example, you can ask Cortana question about the weather, the age of your favorite celebrity or the events coming up on your calendar. Cortana, a digital personal assistant not only finds files and launch apps, but can be also used to type in requests for Cortana.

To send emails, you need to simply type in “Send an email to <NAME> about <SUBJECT> and then you can set alarms or reminders as well. You also do not have to open a separate app to do so. You can save a lot of your time, as you can do almost anything with Cortana by just requesting or asking it something.

Get a Longer Battery Life

Are you aware that there is a battery saver mode that will start when the AC power is unplugged? There are some things that you can do to make your battery life last longer. All you need to do is, go to “Start” and then “Settings”, click on “System” and “Battery Saver”. This will allow you to see what apps on your computer are consuming the most battery power. You can then add apps to the list of exclusions, which means that when the battery is low, Windows 10 will restrict those apps. This can really help you when you have very low battery power.

Increase Monitor Size

Windows 10 has an in-built function for a virtual Desktop, which makes it very simple to control the open apps that you have on your computer. All you need to do is to keep moving these open apps to their own Desktop, until you have to access them. In order to see the three Desktops that are the default, press [Windows] + [Tab] and you will be able to get a summary of the open apps on each of the three Desktops. To see the contents, all you need to do is keep the mouse pointer over one of the Desktops at the bottom of the screen.

You can also drag the apps from one Desktop to another Desktop, and then add more Desktops by clicking on “New Desktop”. This is very helpful for those who work from home and who require a lot of windows and apps to be opened at the same time. For instance, if you are looking at multiple types of documents at the same time, or browser apps and Excel or Word. You can also switch easily between the Desktops by pressing [Windows] + [Ctrl].

Using the Hidden Start Menu

With Windows 10, Microsoft brought back the Start Menu. The best feature about the Start Menu is that you can customize in a number of ways. Every one is aware of the left click, but you can now also right-click the Start Menu too. If you right-click on the Start button, it will allow you to access a range of shortcuts that are basically for the more complicated parts of Windows. Just use the right-click option on the Start Menu, if you want to access these advanced parts promptly.

Record Videos of Apps

Use the in-built app Game DVR for taking screenshots and recording videos. Meant for taking screenshots of videos games, Game DVR can be used with any open app and can make screenshots or record any types of videos of anything that you may have opened in Windows 10. It is very simple to use and helpful when you are looking to make a video for a family member or friend on your computer. You can access it through the shortcut by using [Windows] + [G]. However, it might not work through shortcut all the time.

Change File Explorer’s opening folder

In Windows 10, File Explorer opens with Quick Access selected. Old-school Windows users might prefer to start in This PC (previously known as My Computer), which includes the six standard data folders in your user profile as well as any local drives and removable media such as USB drives.

No problem. On the ribbon, open the View tab, click Options, Change folder and search options, and then choose one of these two options.

Use the expanded Send To menu

Yes, you can right-click a file or folder (or multiple items, for that matter) and use the Send To menu to do a few interesting things, like move or copy the selection to your Documents folder, create a compressed file (in .zip format), or send the selection as an email attachment.

Customize the Send To menu

Speaking of the Send To menu, you can make it much more useful by adding and removing the options on the default (short) menu. They’re just shortcuts, but good luck finding them, because they’re buried in a folder hidden deep within your user profile.

To get to that folder, open the Run box (Windows key+R), typeshell:sendto, and then press Enter.

First order of business: delete the Fax Recipient shortcut. After that, you can add shortcuts to favorite folders (local and network). You can also add shortcuts to programs. Adding a shortcut to Notepad or another text editor makes it much easier to quickly edit any file, for example. Ditto for pictures and your favorite image editor.

Hope you like the tricks given above. Please share you own tips and tricks in Windows 10 for the benefit of other readers.

Hard disk recovery

Hard Drive Data Recovery

The first step in recovering from a data loss is to ascertain whether the loss is a result of a physical hard drive failure, i.e. broken hardware; or, a logical drive failure, i.e. corruption or loss of File System or data. This article identifies the symptoms of physical hard drive failure.

Symptoms of a Physical Hard Drive Failure

There are a number of warning factors that can alert you to a physical drive failure. These include:

Drive shows as "Not Initialized" in Windows Disk Management;
Drive not spinning (no power);
An excessively hot drive;
An abnormal ticking noise whilst the drive is reading data;
A loud clicking or grinding noise.
A Note Re. External USB Hard Drive Data Recovery

An external USB drive adds another layer of USB electronics between the hard disk and the computer. These USB components are also subject to failure. When dealing with a failed external drive, part of the diagnostic procedure is to remove the drive from its case and try an alternate connection.

1. Not Initialized in Windows Disk Management

Windows > Disk Management lists the physical drives recognized by the computer and the way in which the space on those drives is allocated. A "not initialized" error is a signal of a fundamental communication error. Usually an attempt to initialize a hardware failed drive will result in a low level "I/O" (Input / Output) error.

2. Drive Not Spinning (no power)

If a correctly powered drive is not spinning (i.e. it is silent) it can be an indication of a problem with the hard drive Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The PCB holds the electronics responsible for controlling the operation of the drive and its communication with the computer. It is possible to replace a printed circuit board, but this should only be undertaken by an experienced hard drive data recovery professional. It is essential that the replacement PCB not only be an identical make and model, but it must also hold the identical firmware to the original board.

hard drive data recovery
3. Excessively Hot Drive

A traditional (non Solid State) drive contains disks called 'platters'. These platters are coated with a magnetic substance and spin at high speed under an mechanical arm (the 'actuator' arm) that moves backwards and forwards over the surface of each platter. On the end of this metallic arm is a small copper wire. The computer sends a pulse through this wire which changes the state of the magnetic surface of a platter as it passes underneath. In this way the files that you store on your computer are encoded into the magnetic substance. The tolerances within a hard drive are finely calibrated. As with any mechanical moving parts, the friction in movement creates heat. A physical problem (or pending physical problem) may therefore present as an abnormally hot drive.

4. Abnormal Ticking Noise

In some instances a failing hard drive can present with an abnormal ticking noise whilst the disk is reading data. This can be a sign that the disk has bad sectors (the magnetic storage on that part of the drive is degraded). The noise is generated by the actuator arm returning to the same spot on the disk in multiple read attempts.

5. Loud Ticking or Grinding Noise

A more serious mechanical error is an abnormal loud clicking or a grinding noise. This is a serious issue as it is usually an indicator of significant mechanical failure. Continued use puts the platters containing the data at risk of permanent and irreversible damage. The drive should be powered down immediately.

Hard Drive Data Recovery

It may be possible on a degrading drive to successfully run data recovery software and retrieve data. Consideration should however be given to recovery techniques which will minimize drive access, for example, and MFT recovery rather than a block scan of the entire drive. It may also be prudent to attempt to acquire a sector by sector disk image of the problem media.

In more serious cases it is necessary to send the hard drive a hard drive data recovery service. Hardware data recovery is a more expensive path as technicians may need to disassemble the hard drive to recover the data. Hard drive data recovery is usually done in a 'clean room' as hard drives are sealed to avoid errors caused by dust or other particles. Hard drives are finely tuned machinery and it takes specialist equipment to read the platters from a physically damaged drive.

If you are sending your hard drive to a data recovery specialist then you should attempt to obtain an upfront estimate of fees (although you will rarely get one), ask that if you send your hard drive for quotation purposes will they send it back to you in the same condition if you choose not to use the service, and make sure you send it to a reputable company as you may only get one chance at hard drive data recovery.

Samsung To Launch First Foldable Smartphone Early Next Year

Samsung To Launch First Foldable Smartphone Early Next Year






Samsung could be about to change the world of mobile phones forever - with a bendy screen which folds over.

The Korean phone giant, which already sells phones with curved screens, is said to be testing a device already, according to Samsung Mobile.

According to reports circulating on Chinese micro-blogging site Weibo, the gadget comes in two models with high-powered chips and a ‘wallet-like screen.

Samsung has previously teased the idea with various videos showing how a ‘bendable’ smartphone might work.

Its Korean rival LG has a phone with a flexible screen, which is designed to be tougher than ‘stiff-screened’ phones.

Nearly two years ago, Samsung wowed an audience in Las Vegas with a working mobile phone screen which could be rolled and unrolled like a sheet of paper.

The screen kept working as it was rolled and unrolled - and was built to be "virtually unbreakable", Samsung claimed.

Panasonic launches its first portable LCD projector with Intel Pro WiDi support

Panasonic launches its first portable LCD projector with Intel Pro WiDi support

Panasonic has launched three new portable LCD projectors in its VW350 series – PT-VW350, PT-VW355N, PT-VX425 with Intel Pro WiDi (Wireless Display) technology. With the launch new projectors, Panasonic aims to capture 20 percent market share by the year 2016. These projectors are a clear departure from the previous projectors which were mainly targeted at education and corporate sector. The new projectors feature Intel WiDi support enabling wireless technology with enhanced security and improved usability. Panasonic’s new projectors support multiple device projection supporting Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices. Panasonic says the new LCD projectors are also the smallest and lightest in the 4,000 lumens brightness category and come with an HDMI input, monitor out and two D-sub inputs. The new projectors also feature a built-in 10W speaker
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With the use of Panasonic’s wireless application available on Android, iOS and PC, screen projection from multiple PCs (up to 16 units) and simultaneous wireless transmission from one PC to multiple projectors are possible. The new projectors come with a lamp and filter replacement cycle of maximum 7,000 hours. “The introduction of the new range of LCD projectors reinstates our commitment towards meeting the evolving need of enterprises today. From wireless connectivity to light processing improvements, the new LCD projectors do not only incorporate new technological advancements but also enable easy maintenance and enhanced installation efficiency,” said Vishal Kanwal, Business Head – Projectors & Display, Panasonic India. The new VW350 series comes with horizontal, vertical and corner keystone correction and can fit in any room size. The new projectors are priced at Rs 79,000 for PT-VW350, Rs 1, 05,000 for PT-VX355N and Rs 79,000 for PT-VX425 model. 

Computer Maintenance Tips

Computer Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance will keep a home computer running well. A few minutes spent on tests and updates can avert frustrating crashes and sluggish performance.

Follow these computer maintenance tips:

1.    Install antivirus security software and set up a regular sweep. Your computer may have come with a pre-installed antivirus system, but be sure you have one and it is set up to regularly search for and destroy malware on your machine. There are plenty of quality free programs such as Symantec Endpoint protection, Avast or Avira available if you need them, but no matter what, it is vital to protect your computer against viruses.

2.    Consistently back up stored data and create restore points. Be prepared for the worst by regularly backing up your files on the hard drive or an external hard drive to be extra safe. It is likely that your computer came with a program to create system restore points (System Restore on Windows computers and Time Machine on Macs) that save a complete version of your computer that you can return to later. This is very helpful if a virus has completely ruined your machine and you can’t find out how to get rid of it. You simply go back to before the virus was introduced. Be sure to set up the programs to automatically create regular restore points or you can install third party programs to do this as well.

3.    Keep your system and programs updated. Software developers regularly put out updates for everything from your operating system to programs you use regularly. These updates make sure your software is running top notch, but updates also regularly plug security holes so you will want to install updates as soon as you are notified of them to protect yourself against malicious viruses and spyware.

4.    Uninstall unused programs and files and regularly de-fragment your hard drive to keep your computer from slowing down. The more free space your computer has on the hard drive, the faster it will run so if you have old files you don’t need or old programs you don’t use, clear them out. You will also want to regularly do a disk cleanup to clear out junk files that get downloaded by your browser or temporary program files that take up space. Also, regularly de-fragmenting your hard drive will keep your computer running smoothly. Your computer likely has a tool you can use to set up a routine de-fragmentation.

5.    Practice safe browsing habits to avoid viruses and phishing scams. Much of the malicious software that wrecks computers finds its way to your device through your own unknowing clicking. Protect yourself by always reading the web address before you click a link in a search result, never clicking through on a suspicious popup window, never giving out login information even if the requester claims to be from a reputable company and never opening an email or email attachment you are unsure of.

6.    Clean out dust and grime that accumulates outside and inside the machine. Built up dust can cause overheating and is to blame for lots of computer breakdowns. This is simple to avoid by regularly using a small vacuum to remove dust and then spray with compressed canned air. For tower-style desktops, you will want to remove the side panel to carefully clear the dust inside the tower every three to six months for optimum performance.

7.    Plug your desktop into a surge protector. Electric storms can irreparably damage sensitive components inside your computer. The simplest way to protect it from power surges is to plug it into a surge protector.