Handy Tips
Tips To Make Windows More Functional and SImpler
Here are a few little tips which might be useful fo you.... More will be added over time.
Moving Files Around
We all know about the Click and drag in the Windows Explorer file manager, but try the Right Click and drag. It might be an easier way to move files around
Recording Screen Activity
This is a great tool when you are asking an IT Help Desk person for assistance. The help desk person will always want to know exactly what you did before the problem occurred... this is a good way to show this.
If you get a problem, or some error message, simply close out of everything and start the recorder (as below). Then repeat the process you did to arrive at the error message, from the beginning. The recorder will record every step, and once you recreate the error, simply close the recorder.
You will be asked for a file name and location to save the recorded steps to, so note these, then save the file (it will be saved as a ".ZIP" file).
Then email this .Zip file to your help provider, who will then be able to see exactly what led up to the error.
This is how to start the recorder:
Click on the Windows Start button, and in the 'Search Programs' box, enter "STEPS". You wil see a list of items... the ne you are looking for will have the description "Record Steps To Reproduce A Problem" (or something like it).
Click on the 'Start Record" in this box, then repeat all your steps. Once done, click on the "Stop Record" button and save the file.
ReOpen Closed Tabs In Browser
This should work for most browsers (Firefox, Chrome etc)
After you close the tab (or tabs), hit the keys Ctrl-Shift-T together. This will reopen your closed tabs, starting with the most recently closed one. You can reopen many old tabs.
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The Following Tips Are For The More Experienced Users Of Windows.
If You Are'nt Comfortable In Windows Administration, Don't Use These!
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Encrypting Files And Folders
While it is simple, this might be one for the more confident computer users. I won't explain hor to get to the CMD prompt... if you dont already know how, maybe its better NOT to use this tip.
In CMD prompt, to encrypt folders, type "cipher /e <folder name & path (or individual file)>
Any files subsequently added to the folder will automatically be encrypted. For more options see Google "windows cipher /?", or enter "cipher /?" in the CMD window
Run The CMD Prompt In A Particular Directory
When you run the CMD prompt, it normally starts in your default Windows directory, but you may need to be in a specific directory, in which case, you would have to change to it by using "CD C:/my_directory_name", which can be a pain, especially with long file or path names.
To make it a lot easier, use Windows File Explorer, and put 'CMD' into the address bar.... it will open tha cmd prompt in that directory. Bingo!!!!! You now have a CMD prompt in that specific directory.
Windows SysInternals Suite
This suite of advanced programs is for the Admins only, or those with a VERY good knowledge of Windows.... be careful here!!
The Sysinternals utilities has been around for a long time, and it provides a powerful, convenient way to do all kinds of Windows tasks. The Sysinternals Troubleshooting Utilities includes many individual utilities, all rolled up into a single Suite of tools.
Not all of these tools are provided in the default installed Windows.... you have to download the suite from https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/sysinternals/downloads/sysinternals-suite
There are too many programs to describe them all here, but here are a few links for some of them:
http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10-things/10-sysinternals-tools-you-shouldnt-be-without/
Windows Sysinternals Administrator Reference (8MB PDF File)
https://www.howtogeek.com/school/sysinternals-pro/lesson1/
Easy Program Installer
Install and Update All Your Programs at Once..... No toolbars. No clicking next. Just pick your apps and go.
Installs many commonly used programs at the same time without having to go search for them..... https://ninite.com/