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Tutorials, how-to guides, and blog posts about using Windows. How to use laptops, tablets, PCs, and other gadgets with Windows.

Download Windows 8 Release Preview Themes for Windows 7

Download Windows 8 Release Preview Themes for Windows 7

  • misc
  • Ciprian Adrian Rusen
  • 01.06.2012
Since Windows 8 themes are not compatible with Windows 7, we would like to return with new themes for Windows 7, inspired by the new Windows 8 Release Preview. The first theme includes the desktop wallpapers used in Windows 8 Release Preview, while the second...
How to Change the Metadata Stored in Executable Files in Windows

How to Change the Metadata Stored in Executable Files in Windows

  • tutorial
  • Ciprian Adrian Rusen
  • 28.05.2012
In another article about the metadata included in files, we showed how to view a file's metadata and how to change it for common files such as documents or images. But what about the metadata included with executable files (.exe,.dll or.ocx)? With the help of...
How to Delete Troublesome & Invalid Shortcuts from the Games Panel

How to Delete Troublesome & Invalid Shortcuts from the Games Panel

  • tutorial
  • Ciprian Adrian Rusen
  • 21.05.2012
The Games panel in Windows 7 is pretty awesome but it does have one issue: after you install and uninstall a few games, you can end-up having leftover shortcuts that are no longer valid and cannot be removed with ease. If you encounter this problem,...
What is the Games Folder & How to Use It?

What is the Games Folder & How to Use It?

  • tutorial
  • Ciprian Adrian Rusen
  • 15.05.2012
The Games folder is a Windows 7 feature that few people are aware of, let alone understand its complete functionality. This article will try to demystify it and explain in detail what it is, how it works and how it can be customized. [DC-SUMMARY-BREAK] What...
Dual-Monitor Annoyance: Mouse Pointer Drifting to The Other Screen

Dual-Monitor Annoyance: Mouse Pointer Drifting to The Other Screen

  • tutorial
  • Ciprian Adrian Rusen
  • 04.05.2012
Having a dual-monitor configuration gives you a pretty good productivity improvement but introduces a few annoyances you don't have when working on a single monitor. For example, it is more likely for your mouse cursor to slip to the second screen when all you want...
How to Burn Labels on the Back of your DVDs with LabelFlash

How to Burn Labels on the Back of your DVDs with LabelFlash

  • tutorial
  • Marte Brengle
  • 25.04.2012
In our previous disc-labeling tutorial, Ciprian mentioned the two types of label-burning technologies: LightScribe and LabelFlash. He covered only LightScribe as such drives are much more widely available. I happen to have a LabelFlash drive and I was able to use this technology a couple...
Speech Recognition: Afterthoughts on Its Strengths and Weaknesses

Speech Recognition: Afterthoughts on Its Strengths and Weaknesses

  • tutorial
  • Marte Brengle
  • 20.04.2012
I have to admit that I hadn't used any kind of speech recognition in a long time when I was asked to do the tutorials. The last time I had tried speech recognition, it was with Dragon Dictate, which was new when Windows 98 was...
Troubleshooting Common Speech Recognition Problems

Troubleshooting Common Speech Recognition Problems

  • tutorial
  • Marte Brengle
  • 12.04.2012
In the previous tutorials about Speech Recognition you learned how to set up this application and the basics of using it. Speech Recognition does work surprisingly well "right out of the box," and it's quite sophisticated for a built-in application. However, this is not to...
How to Burn Labels on the Back of Your Discs (CDs & DVDs)

How to Burn Labels on the Back of Your Discs (CDs & DVDs)

  • tutorial
  • Ciprian Adrian Rusen
  • 10.04.2012
Have you wondered if it is possible to burn a label on the back of your discs? Due to technologies such as LightScribe and LabelFlash, it is not only possible but it is also very easy. In this tutorial, I will show how to burn...
Working with Speech Recognition: Commands, Dictating Text & Browsing the Web

Working with Speech Recognition: Commands, Dictating Text & Browsing the Web

  • tutorial
  • Marte Brengle
  • 06.04.2012
The speech recognition software in Windows 7 is surprisingly sophisticated. Microsoft built into it a lot of features that, at one time, were only available in expensive third-party speech recognition software. Speech Recognition is easy to use, but as with all sophisticated software, you'll need...
Working with Speech Recognition: Setup and Configuration

Working with Speech Recognition: Setup and Configuration

  • tutorial
  • Marte Brengle
  • 29.03.2012
Computer speech recognition has been around for a long time, and many people have heard of programs like Dragon Naturally Speaking. What many people may not know is that Windows 7 includes its own, very capable, speech recognition program. We plan to cover it in...
Windows 8 Apps Don’t Connect to Your Google/Gmail Account?

Windows 8 Apps Don’t Connect to Your Google/Gmail Account?

  • tutorial
  • Ciprian Adrian Rusen
  • 09.03.2012
Do you have troubles with any of these Windows 8 apps: People, Messaging, Calendar or Mail? You can't get them to connect to your Google account and access your contacts, email or calendar? This tutorial will help you solve this problem. [DC-SUMMARY-BREAK] IMPORTANT NOTE: As...
How to Stop the Shut Down Procedure from Completing

How to Stop the Shut Down Procedure from Completing

  • tutorial
  • Ciprian Adrian Rusen
  • 08.03.2012
Does it happen that sometimes, you remember that you need to do one more thing, just as soon as you hit the shut down button? Would you like to find a way to stop the shutdown procedure from completing? Luckily, we have some solutions that...
How to Backup and Restore Windows Vault Passwords

How to Backup and Restore Windows Vault Passwords

  • tutorial
  • Ciprian Adrian Rusen
  • 15.02.2012
One way to use the Credential Manager is to export your Windows credentials to another Windows computer, or to back them up and import them after you reinstall Windows, so that you don't have to manually type them again. This can be useful in some...
Roundup of Software Uninstallers - Reviewing IObit vs Ashampoo vs Revo

Roundup of Software Uninstallers - Reviewing IObit vs Ashampoo vs Revo

  • misc
  • Ciprian Adrian Rusen
  • 10.11.2011
Today you can find lots of software which helps remove programs and clean up leftover files, folders and registry settings. In theory this is a good thing, as it helps eliminate some of the bloat on your Windows computer. But are these solutions really effective...
Connecting Smartphones to a Windows 7 PC via Bluetooth Device Control

Connecting Smartphones to a Windows 7 PC via Bluetooth Device Control

  • tutorial
  • Ciprian Adrian Rusen
  • 08.11.2011
Bluetooth connections between computers and other devices are often tricky. The experience varies a lot depending on the Bluetooth chip on your computer, the drivers you installed for it and the device you are connecting via Bluetooth. For example, while most normal phones will connect...
Transfer Files via Bluetooth Between Phones & Windows 7 PCs

Transfer Files via Bluetooth Between Phones & Windows 7 PCs

  • tutorial
  • Ciprian Adrian Rusen
  • 04.11.2011
Bluetooth is a big topic on our website as lots of people are searching for a good guide on how to connect their computers with other Bluetooth devices such as mobile phones (smart or not), consoles (PSP) or music players. We had an old tutorial...
The Best Remaining Desktop Gadgets for Windows 7

The Best Remaining Desktop Gadgets for Windows 7

  • misc
  • Marte Brengle
  • 27.10.2011
Microsoft used to maintain a Desktop Gadget Gallery that showcased quite a few gadgets for users interested in using them. However, in preparation for the upcoming Windows 8 launch, Microsoft decided to (as some put it) "stop pretending to support gadgets". For the company, supporting...