Thanks one and all.

Can you tell me the quickest way to a 20 bagger.............;-))

20 bagger? Buy TAD, or even better, Arthur Shaw (SAW) :-))

I meant upwards not downwards. :-))

ExecLine - 12 Sep 2008 12:36 - 7253 of 7257
Defragging

Tried to download the defrag prog from the website, I just keep being sent round in circles, one page then another....how do you download it?

If you want the best defragment utility then checkout Diskeeper. The disk defrag program included with Windows is a cut down version of this.

Don't bother downloading the trial unless your prepared to buy it because you'll want to.

optomistic

I know exactly what you mean about just being sent round in circles. It took me quite a while too! They have got to be joking!

Anyhow, here is an actual download page, actually linked from the iobit site. If you permit it, downloading should start immediately:

IObit Smart Defrag

I have previously been using Windows own defragger so my machine was quite tidy. Affter the download, I defragged using Smart Defrag and it only took me about 3 mins - so I was quite chuffed.

Thanks EL, pleased it wasn't just me that found it confusing :-) I will give your link a try now.
Cheers Optimist, I'll give the free one a try first....Yorkshire bred you know! LOL

EL, downloaded and defragged in 25 mins very quick (not done a defrag for some time)
cheers
opto

Run an office? You might like this.

In fact, you might even like to look at it if you don't run an office.

Tips for everyday problems, like renaming an account after losing an employee and taking on a new one, levels of security, disaster recovery, policies, layered e-mail security, problem solving sequences, resources, drivers, typing tests, tech purchasing, computer training tutorials, the answers to questions on Internet firewalls, protecting your passwords, etc, etc, etc.

Bill the Computer Guy - IT Support

10 Google Chrome tips and tricks:

From http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/...

1. Surprisingly handy keyboard shortcuts
Chrome offers some unique shortcuts that go beyond the typical CTRL and T for opening new browser tabs. The full list of Chrome shortcuts can be found here, but the three most unusual and unique to Chrome are:

CTRL and SHIFT and N
Automatically opens up a Chrome 'incognito' window which allows you to surf on a PC without leaving behind any digital footprints.

SHIFT and Escape
Allows for fast access to Chrome's Task Manager utility that allows you to nix browser processes that have gone awry.

CTRL and SHIFT and T
Will open recently closed browser tabs.

2. Custom searches
When you want to run a search directly from Google's address bar , also known as the Omnibar, just type a question mark (?) followed by a keyword. The default search engine is Google. To change the default search engine to anything you want go right-click inside the address bar and select 'Edit search engines'. You can choose from a predefined list, or create your own.

Here is how to create your own shortcut to search the site of your choice directly from Google Chrome's address bar.

Right-click inside address bar and select 'Edit search engines'.

With that dialog box remaining open, now go to a website you would like to create a custom search for. For the sake of example try Dictionary.com.

Once you visit the site now look at your 'Search Engines' configuration window and you'll notice under the 'Other search engines' field Dictionary.com has been added.

Next you'll want to change the 'Keyword' to something short and easy to remember such as DIC.

Now when you want to look up a word at Dictionary.com all you have to do is type in Chrome's address book 'DIC' proceeded by the word you want to look up.

3. Everyone loves an easter egg
Type 'about:internets' into the address bar and you'll see a tribute to United States Senator Ted Stevens' take on the internet. (This only works in Windows XP)

4. Larger comment boxes
Comment boxes on websites soliciting feedback can sometimes be way too small. With Chrome you simply click on the corner of any web-based comment field and stretch it out as large as you like.

5. Help! Direct me home, please
I appreciate Google Chrome's minimalist approach to design that leaves the interface clutter-free. But without a Home button Chrome feels a bit like a house with no front door. To regain the Home button on your browser simply go to the wrench icon, select the Google Chrome Options, click on the Basics tab, and check the 'Show Home button on the Toolbar' box.

6. Fun with tabs
Browser tabs are an incredibly useful feature in browsers today. Google has spent some time and made them even more useful by allowing more tab flexibility than is currently possible with IE or Firefox. Chrome allows you to peel browser tabs off a browser so they can become their own browser window. Chrome also allows you to take two separate Chrome browsers and drag them together creating one window with two tabs.

7. More privacy please
As privacy issues continue to swirl around Google new concerns have been raised regarding Google's Chrome browser. According to reports Google's auto-suggest (featured in the Chrome browser Omnibar) allows Google to know everything you type into it - even if you don't hit enter.

To disable the auto-suggest feature right-click inside the Omnibar and un-check the 'Use a suggestion service to help complete searches'.

8. Go incognito on the fly
Not sure what awaits you when you contemplate clicking on that link? If you want to make sure your web tracks are covered just right-click the link and select 'Open link in incognito window'.

9. No Google Toolbar for Chrome? No problem:
Google Chrome doesn't support the handy Google Toolbar. Available for IE and Firefox, the Google Toolbar brings much versatility to the browser including a shortcut to Gmail, access to online Google Bookmarks, a spell checker, and the ability to send URL links via email in just a few clicks.

Harry McCracken, explains on his Technologizer website that he has found a way to create an approximation to the Google Toolbar by tweaking Google Chrome with a technique he calls 'Project Fakebar'. For those with idle time, visit the site and find out how to put a Fakebar on your Chrome Browser.

10. Really want to stay with Firefox?
How to Enable Google Chrome's Best Features in Firefox

My daughter spends too long on MSN. We've already stopped her from downloading and installing MSN Messenger, but she can still access it on the web via Ebuddy, etc.

Is there any time restriction software out there that will enable us to restrict her usage to certain times?

Cue Doc.

:o)

Put a remote timer on the plug?

A chastity belt would probably be better, Chocopops, judging from some of the boys she chats to.

:o)

Hils

:-)

Hmmm? Try this:

Nice boots, Doc.

Ta muchly for the link.

The trouble with TimesUpKidz though, is that it seems to restrict computer access fullstop. I don't mind her using her PC, nor do I mind her accessing the internet. She needs to do both for school.

I just want to restrict her usage of MSN to a an hour or two a day.

Do you have a Netgear router Hils by any chance? That allows you to restrict access to certain sites between certain hours. Anyway the facility you need is normally part of a firewall - you may already have it if you run a third party firewall.

Thanks, K. We often just block Ebuddy, etc when she's been up to mischief but it didn't occur that we could be time specific. Will give it a go.

Here's an active MSN Forum you can try on which punters and techies are currently posting right up to the present date:

Mess with MSN Messenger

I also found this: Browse Control - Use it to create a 'Black List'

- to block virtually any application including personal messaging appplications such as MSN Messenger, AOL Messenger (AIM), Yahoo! Messenger, Trillian and many more. This has 'Advanced Scheduling Controls' and you can try it 'Free for a 30 Day Trial' too.

Went in to Comet today as I need a new monitor for my P.C.
Can anyone please explain simply what the difference is in the connections?
I was offered VGA, DUG, DMI & HDVI, sometimes combinations of two.
Sadly the sales staff didn't seem to know & the selection of monitors was poor, but it's a bit dangerous buying on the internet if I don't know what to ask for.

most PC's will use SVGA - that's a 9-pin D-connector usually with tiny screws for retention, but with 15pins inside. It provides more than enough quality for normal PC use.
HDVI is a connector for video-player/tv use ( and TV-cards on a PC, even fancy graphics cards will have the option)...these allow fast video data and I suspect correct interlacing for large widescreen TV, HD and so on. It's nice to have, but not essential...unless you need it.
Generally you should look at the screen using the type of application you use most. If it's text, then create some text on a USB memory-stick and try viewing it on the monitor. But beware that the one you buy might be subtally different.

Far better to go to a computer fair, where several vendors will have monitors working and you can try before you buy. Look at British Computer Fairs - they are all over the country, but mainly in the SE, as far as Bracknell....one sunday /saturday per month...but some are fortnightly.
You might even find they'll sell you a better video-card if you want to play games, with fast action. Upgrading can be addictive!
Beware that most monitors have speakers - these are rubbish, so don't pay too much. "exctra" since a cheapo speaker-kit will be far better. Also, some have additional USB-ports, which might be useful, but hardly worth paying extra for. It is the screen quality, evenness of light and maybe a Review or two....before you part with dosh.
Cheaper makes can be just as good as big-brands...check out Computer Shopper, whose reviews are usually comprehensive...IMHO.
+These fairs are the place to buy ink and printer-paper, blank CD's etc. but beware software may be pirated and next month they may not be there!
If you need extension leads - there will be plenty.
Good luck.