[Did You Know?] – About the Windows 7 Mouse Shake Feature

There is a feature in Windows 7 that can come in quite handy in those instances where you have multiple windows open and you want to minimize those windows with the exception of the one you are working in.  It is called Aero Shake.

Here is how it works:  Let’s say for example you have four windows open and one of those Windows is Internet Explorer.  You decide you want to focus your attention on Internet Explorer and minimize the other three windows. Instead of minimizing each one separately, simply position the mouse pointer on the top of the Internet Explorer pane, hold down the left mouse button and give the mouse a shake. If you did this correctly, all the windows will minimize to the taskbar with the exception of Internet Explorer. Again, this was example (using Internet Explorer) and will work with any window you have open.

Video Demo of Aero Shake

Here’s another great tip provided by Tech-for Everyone:
How To Restore The Menu Bar In Vista And Windows 7

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[GEEK SQUEAKS' TROPHY WINNER] – Paul’s Home Computing Blog Warns Us of Upcoming Security Threats

Paul’s Home Computing Blog is worthy a What’s On My PC – Geek Squeak Trophy for his recent series of Upcoming Security Threats.

There is no method or madness to the trophy selection, but is typically given to those who “stay the course” by exemplifying the world of computers, information technology, and blogging.

Just visit Paul’s site one time and you will be back. Paul Lubic is one of the old dogs that has been in the information technology field for over 40 years; with experience as a programmer, IT Security Manager, and Chief Information Officer. His great love is in cyber-security where he has worked with the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia, in protecting the citizens of Virginia, in the area of cyber-terror prevention and preparedness.  When Paul joined our group of bloggers I was immediately in awe.

Recently Paul initiated a series of articles that deals with upcoming cyber-security threats that hit home with the everyday computer user. I strongly encourage you to read these articles to educate and protect yourself.

Upcoming Cyber Security Threats Part 1: Text-Message Malware

Upcoming Cyber Security Threats Part 2: Hacking Into Smart Grids

Upcoming Cyber Security Threats Part 3: Social Network Account Spoofing

Upcoming Cyber Security Threats Part 4: Cyber Stalking

Upcoming Cyber Security Threats Part 5: Hackers Controlling Your Car

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[Geek Squeaks'] – Video Downloader, Apollo 11 Jpeg, Free Zip Program and iPhone Passcodes

Freemake Video Downloader 2.1.6.0
Download and convert videos
from YouTube, Google, Facebook,
and other sites.

Chicago Mac/PC Support
Apollo11LMEarthRise.jpg from moonpans.com — StumbleUpon

Carol’s Vault
Hamster Free ZIP: Free Alternative for 7Zip, WinZip or WinRAR

Canadian Tech Blogger
The 10 Most Common iPhone Passcodes Are…

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Show The Real Size of Folders On Your Computer

When collecting music, photos, videos, etc. on your computer the amount of space being taken up can add up very quickly.  Granted, most hard drives in today’s world of computing will handle the load; however, I still recommend that you practice good file management and monitor the amount of space you are using to eliminate any potential problems.

So, if you are a packrat of music, photo and video files, which can consume a great deal of hard drive space,  I suggest using a utility, such as SizeOnDisk to monitor and determine how much space you are consuming and how much space you have available.

I recently started using SizeOnDisk and I like the fact that it is available as a portable application (<400K) and the fact it is quite fast in giving results. Another fact I personally enjoy with SizeOnDisk, as a software reviewer, is that it is in the active development stages.  I love following the development stages and improvements of software as they come about.

The first time you run SizeOnDisk, you will be presented with the following Window.  To get a read on a drive or a specific folder on your computer, click on the open folder and make your selection.

For example, I selected a folder on on my PC where I store most of my files and SizeOnDisk provided the following results (number of folders, number of files, file size and size on the disk).

SizeOnDisk is a plain and simple utility that serves one purpose and serves it well.

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Advice On Using Computer Forums for Learning and for Help

When you experience stubborn computer problems, one of the best starting points to research the problem are the computer repair and information technology related forums. Many times, by simply conducting a search of the forum, you will find that someone else may have experienced the same issue you are experiencing that will give you clues to a potential fix.

Also, if you are a student of technology, the forums are excellent resources to read about and experience the computer problems people are facing in the real world. If you are tech savvy enough, join a reputable forum and begin polishing up on your helpdesk skills by assisting others. Remember, as a student of technology, the first attitude adjustment to get under your belt, that should become your motto is, “there are no dumb questions”. Never make the person you are assisting feel like they are beneath you.

As with anything on the internet, “believe nothing and verify everything!”. Just because you see a potential solution, to your problem, in a forum; make sure you validate the solution and the person offering the solution. I often use computer based forums to search for clues to problems then validate potential solutions by using Google to search the solution. Believe me, no one out there knows the answer to every computer problem.

If you would like to check out and experience how forums work, a good launching point is a website called Computer Technician.

Visit the page titled Top 10 Computer Repair Forums and Message Boards.

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[GEEK SQUEAKS'] – Clock and Weather App, Les Paul Google Doodle, WordPress Plugins and Understanding Computer Repairs

HTC Home 3.0 Apis
A Great Clock and Weather App for Windows

Scoroncocolo
The Les Paul Google Doodle, the Best Google Doodle Ever

DailyBlogScoop
What Are Your Favourite Free WordPress Plugins?

Computer Tips
The gentle art of trying to understand computer repairs

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Wallpaper of the Week (#21)

This wallpaper, a goldfish in a light bulb, is something special, unique and very imaginative. Please note, no goldfish were harmed in the making of this wallpaper.

To get this wallpaper [CLICK HERE]

Browse for wallpapers from previous weeks, [CLICK HERE]

Need wallpaper software to show off your wallpaper collection? Try one of these:

John’s Background Switcher

Walyk Wallpaper Changer

Wallpaper Updater

Windows 7 Users: If you are using Windows 7, did you know you can create a desktop background slideshow to show off your pictures and wallpaper images?  To learn how to use this feature [ CLICK HERE ].

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