Optimizing the location of the boot files and disk defragmenter
Written by abhi on 4:07 PM
Optimizing the location of the boot files
The speed at which your files are read depends on where the files are located on your hard drive. Also, when a file is fragmented (which is when one file is scattered all over the disk), it takes more time to access that file than if all of the pieces of the files were side by side. Using tools that are available in Windows and other third-party utilities, you can defragment and place the Windows boot files on the disk where they will be accessed faster.
Windows XP has a new feature called the Prefetcher, which determines what files on the hard drive are used during the boot process and where they should be placed on the disk for optimal speed. Although this is not the only benefit that the Prefetcher provides, it makes optimizing the location of the boot files easy.
Using disk defragmenter
Windows XP includes a boot defragmenter, but it is a little tricky to get it to run. By default, it is run only in the background and cannot be started directly by a user. After your computer has been idle for some time, between 5 and 30 minutes, the system will read the Prefetcher’s boot data and start the defrag. The system defrag is run in the background and is invisible to the user. Eventually, if you leave your computer on long enough, it will defragment the boot files.
Microsoft has a very talented team working for them and they even took into consideration that often your system boot changes. For example, you might install an updated device driver or add new hardware.To solve this problem, the system will re-defragment the boot files every three days.
An operating system that takes care of itself? Yes,Windows is getting smarter and smarter. However, there is still one problem: There is no possible way to directly initiate a boot defrag. The only way is to leave your computer on for a little while without using it at all. If you are
impatient and do not want to wait, then I have a solution for you. As I mentioned earlier, the system will only initiate the boot defrag when the system is idle. Typing in a command that will start the boot is not possible. However, you can tell your computer, even when it is not idle, to process the idle tasks. This will indirectly start the boot defrag. Although because the boot defrag is most likely not the only idle task waiting to be run, there will be other processes run as well, which can cause your computer to appear to be doing a lot of hard work as it completes all tasks. During this time, your computer should not be used for any intensive activities, such as playing games. If you try to use your computer while the idle tasks are being processed, you will notice slow performance until the tasks are completed.
Do the following to tell the system to start to process all idle tasks:
1. Click the Start Menu and select Run.
2. Type Rundll32.exe advapi32.dll,ProcessIdleTasks in the text box and select OK.
3. Your computer will now begin working on the tasks.
Stopping Unneeded Sytem Startup Services and making window faster
Written by abhi on 4:03 PMTo reduce the number of services that start on bootup, you can access two different areas of Windows XP.
The first is the System Configuration Utility. You can do that by entering the command “msconfig” in the run menu.
Start >Run > “msconfig” (without quotes) Hit Enter
The Services tab shows you the services that start when the computer
boots. You can stop a service from starting by simply clearing the check box next to the service and clicking OK.
However, before you do so, there is another way to disable services that you may prefer because the interface gives you more information about the service in question.
Open Control Panel > Administrative Tools >Services or
Start > Run > “services.msc” Hit Enter
Take a quick look at common services you may want to live without:
Automatic Updates: This service enables Windows XP to check the Web
automatically for updates. If you don't want to use Automatic Updates, you can disable the service.
Automatic Updates: This service enables Windows XP to check the Web
automatically for updates. If you don't want to use Automatic Updates, you can disable the service.
Computer Browser: If your computer is not on a network, you don't need this service. If you are on a network, leave it alone.
DHCP Client: If you are not on a network, you do not need this service. If you are on a small workgroup, you can still increase boot time by configuring manual IP.
DNS Client: If you are not on a network, you do not need this service.
Error Reporting and Event Log: You don't have to use these services but they can be very helpful, so I would leave them configured as automatic.
Fax: If you don't use your computer for fax services, you can disable this one.
Help and Support: Disable if you never use the Windows XP Help and Support Center.
IMAPI CD-Burning COM: This service enables you to burn CDs on your computer. If you never burn CDs, you can disable the service without any second thoughts.
Indexing Service: Your computer keeps an index of all the files. But if you rarely search for files, the service is just a resource hog. You can stop it
Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing: If you do not use these features, plz disable.
Infrared Monitor: If you do not use infrared devices, you can disable this service.
Messenger: This service sends alert messages on a local area network (it is not the same as Windows Messenger). If you are not on a network, you can disable this service.
Print Spooler: If you do not do any printing from the computer, you can disable this service. If you print, make sure you leave it as automatic.
Remote Registry: This service allows remote users to modify the Registry on your computer. If you are not on a network, you can disable this service.
System Restore Service: This service allows you to use System Restore. If you have turned off System Restore anyway, you do not need to turn off the service.
Themes: If you do not use themes, you can disable this service.
Windows Image Acquisition: If you do not use scanners or digital cameras, you can disable.
Wireless Zero Configuration: If do not use wireless networking devices, you can disable.
Bare-bones system service setup
To get the maximum amount of performance out of your system, you have the option of disabling
all of the services on your computer that are not critical to the system. This would take
away a lot of the nice features and conveniences of Windows, but you would have a much faster
machine. The following is a list of system-critical services that should not be disabled. Feel free
to disable all other services.
Bare Minimum Services:
Com Event System
Cryptographic Services
DCOM Server Process Launcher
DHCP Client
DNS Client
Event Log
IPSEC Services
Workstation
Shell Hardware Detection
System Event Notification
Protected Storage
Network Connections
Plug Play
Print Spooler
Remote Procedure Call
Secondary Logon
Security Accounts Manager
Disable the following services:
Background Intelligent Transfer Service
Distributed Link Tracking Client
Error Reporting Service
Fast User Switching Compatibility
Help and Support
Indexing Service
Messenger
Machine Debug Manager
Network Location Awareness (NLA)
Portable Media Serial Number Service
Remote Registry (Only included with Windows XP Pro)
SSDP Discovery Service
Terminal Services
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
Wireless Zero Configuration (If you have a wireless network card, do not disable this one)
Windows Time
WebClient
Task Scheduler
Upload(backup) ur hard disk to net
Written by abhi on 4:01 PMLow hard disk space but high speed internet with unlimited transfer, then its not a problem
The table below shows the top 25 online backup companies in the world. Our ranking is based on a number of factors.
Here are some of the major criteria that we strictly followed to come up with these top 25 companies:
* Security
* Software Features
* Software Ease of Use
* Speed
* Reliability
* Uptime
* Quality and Accessibility of Technical Support
* Cost per MB per month
The Top 25 Online Backup Companies for August 2007 are:
1. www.mediamax.com
2. www.mozy.com
3. www.box.net
4. www.carbonite.com
5. www.ibackup.com
6. www.novastor.com
7. www.datadepositbox.com
8. www.evault.com
9. www.intronis.com
10. www.file123.com
11. www.filesanywhere.com
12. www.remote-backup.com
13. www.backup-technology.co.uk
14. www.omnidrive.com
15. www.amerivault.com
16. www.livevault.com
17. www.BeInSync.com
18. www.backupsolutions.com
19. www.quantumrbs.ca
20. www.drivehq.com
21. www.dataprotection.com
22. www.titanize.com
23. www.vaultlogix.com
24. www.sosonlinebackup.com
25. www.bitleap.comSource
Transfer Big Files
Written by abhi on 3:59 PMTranster big files via any E-mail
TransferBigFiles is the easiest way to share a bunch of files
with friends, family or everybody in the world. There's no registration required
to use the website. You can just go to the home page and start uploading some
files. But to make the process even easier, we've created a Windows System Tray
tool that allows users to drag-and-drop files to the site. We have not been able
to find an easier tool for file sharing.
You can send files up to 2GB in
single attachment. TransferBigFiles does not limit the amount of space your
account can use on our servers, the only storage limit we have is that your
files may not be larger then two (2) gigabytes. For a minimum of 5 days or up to
30-days if you upload through a registered DropZone account. DropZone users can
also manage there files and expire them prior to 30-days.
For regular
usage of this service you can use their client, if you want it.
TBF
DropZone Client : It's the super-easy, super-fast, super-smart way to Transfer
Big Files. It's FREE!
* System Tray Utility (for Windows)
* Drag 'n'
Drop files to Send Files
* Auto-resume interruptions
* Upload up to 1gb
per file
* 10-day Expiration
* Small footprint (~300kb)
* Fast, secure
& reliable!
See the Hidden Files In Windows Vista
Written by abhi on 3:57 PMSee the Hidden Files In Windows Vista
To show Windows Vista "super hidden" files, that is, those files that are normally hidden from the user, you'll need to accesss the registry editor.
To turn on (or off) super hidden files: (make sure you backup the registry before making changes)
* Click the Start Button, type "regedit" (Registry Editor) in the search box, and press Enter
* Click Continue to get past the User Account Control hurdle
* On the left panel, double-click to navigate to the key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
* On the right panel, double-click on Superhidden
* In the Value Data box, change the value to "1"
* Click OK
* Exit the Registry Editor
* Restart your machine for the changes to take effect
Divert your webpage
Written by abhi on 3:55 PMTrick your webpage
A simple text file edit makes sites redirect to another. When you type address in address bar in any browser and enter it then it will display another web page, for example:- when you type Google.com you will be redirected to yahoo.com
Instructions to do:
1) Go to this directory [c:\windows\system32\drivers\etc], directory may change according to drive used for os installation
2) then hit enter
3) find a file named "hosts"
4) Right click on it and open with word pad.
5) In the last link of the document type the IP* address of yahoo space www.Google.com (Vice versa for other sites)
6) now save it
7) restart the browser if its already running
8) Now try it, It works perfect
IP*: to find IP address of that website Goto start ->Run > type cmd > enter. Now you have a new window on desktop. On that type this without cotes "ping www. yahoo.com"
replace yahoo.com with your preferred site and then enter it
Recover Option: Repeat the first four steps and remove the last line that you have inserted and save it and restart browser. Now its back to normal
try this on your frieds pc and public pc and make them blink.
Decrease your Applications startup time
Written by abhi on 3:54 PMBy default, Microsoft includes the /prefetch:1 switch to speed up it's Windows Media Player application start time. This switch can be used for other Windows applications and also many third party programs.
Example #1
You have AOL 8.0 installed on the computer. Complete the steps outlined bewlo to add the /prefetch:1 switch to AOL's Target path.
1. Right click on the AOL shortcut and select properties from the menu.
2. In the Target: Field add the /prefetch:1 switch to the very end of the path, like this: "C:\Program Files\America Online 8.0\aol.exe" /prefetch:1 and then click ok.
Now start AOL. It would load at least 50 times faster than ever before.
Example #2
1, Go to the Start button/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools
2. Right click on System Restore and select properties from the menu that appears. Add the /prefetch:1 to the Target Path entry so it looks like this %ystemRoot%\System32\restore\rstrui.exe /prefetch:1 and click ok.
Now System Restore will start immediately when executed.
Note: This switch will only work with some programs. Others will return a message saying the program in the target box is invalid. Just remove the switch
restarting pc without actual restarting
Written by abhi on 3:52 PM
A modern PC with Vista Home Edition takes about one and a half minutes to boot. An older machine with XP is about the same. That’s 30 seconds for the PC itself (the BIOS) to boot up, plus a minute for the Windows operating system to boot. Sometimes, you need to reboot Windows (e.g. when installing new software), but there is no need to restart BIOS, too. However, the default is to reboot both. (That’s called doing a “cold boot,” rather than a “warm boot.”) There’s a trick that works on both XP and Vista to get it to do a warm boot instead, thus saving you 30 seconds per cycle.
The trick is to hold down the SHIFT key when invoking the restart.
Windows Vista: Select Start, then hover over the right arrow that is to the right of the padlock icon until the pop-up menu appears that contains “restart” as one of it’s choices. Hold down the SHIFT key while clicking on the “restart” choice.
Windows XP: Select Start. Select “Shut Down…”. Change the drop-down combo box under “What do you want the computer to do?” to “Restart”. Hold down the SHIFT key while clicking on the “OK” button. source
to fast turnon and shutdown ur pc
Written by abhi on 3:42 PMShut Down Windows In 3 Seconds (Win XP) Look out for a new and safe method to shut down your pc in just 3 SECONDS...... All you need to do is open task manager ( ctrl+alt+del ) in that u'll see a option of shutdown in the upper right corner,press this option.now press and hold ctrl key and then select turn off option from the shut down menu.you shud have hold the ctrl key in order to perform the desired task. in 3-4 seconds your system will safely turn off.
TURN ON UR PC IN JUST 10 SECONDS
I do not take any responsibility f anything happening wrong to ur system. make backup of you regestry before manupulating it TURN ON UR PC IN JUST 10 SECONDS(may vary) TURN ON UR PC IN JUST 10 SECONDS so u wanna know how to turn the pc on in 10 seconds (may vary) heres what u have to do to turn ur pc on in 10 seconds Click on the start button then -->>go to run then type Regedit press enter this will open Registery Editor now look for the key HKEY_LOACAL_MECHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\ContentIndex now there find the Key Called "Startup Delay" Double Click On It Now where its BaseClick Decimal Now its Default Value Is 4800000 (75300:hexadecimal) Change The Value To 40000 here u go u have done it now close the Registery Editor and Restart Your Computer
Make ur Shutdown Timer
Written by abhi on 3:40 PMMETHOD # 1
Right click on your desktop and choose "New=>shortcuts".
In the box that says "Type the location of the shortcut",
type in "shutdown -s -t 3600" without the quotation marks and click next. Note: 3600 are the amount of seconds before your computer shuts down. So , 60secs*60mins=3600secs.
Make up a name for the shortcut and you're done.
You can change the icon by right clicking=>properities=>change icon=>browse
TO ABORT:
To make an abort key to stop the shutdown timer just create another shortcut and make
the "location of the shortcut" to " shutdown -a" without the quotes.
METHOD # 2
{EASIER THAN THE PREVIOUS ONE}
Here is another trick to shutdown at a specific time, for example you wish to shutdown at 11:35am. Type this in
start=>Run
Type Code: at 11:35 shutdown -s
TO ABORT:
Code: shutdown -a
make ur own shudown timer
Written by abhi on 1:31 PMShut Down Windows In 3 Seconds (Win XP)Shut Down Windows In 3 Seconds (Win XP) Look out for a new and safe method to shut down your pc in just 3 SECONDS...... All you need to do is open task manager ( ctrl+alt+del ) in that u'll see a option of shutdown in the upper right corner,press this option.now press and hold ctrl key and then select turn off option from the shut down menu.you shud have hold the ctrl key in order to perform the desired task. in 3-4 seconds your system will safely turn off.
TURN ON UR PC IN JUST 10 SECONDSI do not take any responsibility f anything happening wrong to ur system. make backup of you regestry before manupulating it TURN ON UR PC IN JUST 10 SECONDS(may vary) TURN ON UR PC IN JUST 10 SECONDS so u wanna know how to turn the pc on in 10 seconds (may vary) heres what u have to do to turn ur pc on in 10 seconds Click on the start button then -->>go to run then type Regedit press enter this will open Registery Editor now look for the key HKEY_LOACAL_MECHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\ContentIndex now there find the Key Called "Startup Delay" Double Click On It Now where its BaseClick Decimal Now its Default Value Is 4800000 (75300:hexadecimal) Change The Value To 40000 here u go u have done it now close the Registery Editor and Restart Your Computer
Stopping Unneeded Sytem Startup Services and making window faster
Stopping Unneeded Startup Services and making window faster To reduce the number of services that start on bootup, you can access two different areas of Windows XP.The first is the System Configuration Utility. You can do that by entering the command “msconfig” in the run menu.
Start >Run > “msconfig” (without quotes) Hit Enter
The Services tab shows you the services that start when the computer
boots. You can stop a service from starting by simply clearing the check box next to the service and clicking OK.
However, before you do so, there is another way to disable services that you may prefer because the interface gives you more information about the service in question.
Open Control Panel > Administrative Tools >Services or
Start > Run > “services.msc” Hit Enter
Take a quick look at common services you may want to live without:
Automatic Updates: This service enables Windows XP to check the Web
automatically for updates. If you don't want to use Automatic Updates, you can disable the service.
Automatic Updates: This service enables Windows XP to check the Web
automatically for updates. If you don't want to use Automatic Updates, you can disable the service.
Computer Browser: If your computer is not on a network, you don't need this service. If you are on a network, leave it alone.
DHCP Client: If you are not on a network, you do not need this service. If you are on a small workgroup, you can still increase boot time by configuring manual IP.
DNS Client: If you are not on a network, you do not need this service.
Error Reporting and Event Log: You don't have to use these services but they can be very helpful, so I would leave them configured as automatic.
Fax: If you don't use your computer for fax services, you can disable this one.
Help and Support: Disable if you never use the Windows XP Help and Support Center.
IMAPI CD-Burning COM: This service enables you to burn CDs on your computer. If you never burn CDs, you can disable the service without any second thoughts.
Indexing Service: Your computer keeps an index of all the files. But if you rarely search for files, the service is just a resource hog. You can stop it
Windows Firewall/Internet Connection Sharing: If you do not use these features, plz disable.
Infrared Monitor: If you do not use infrared devices, you can disable this service.
Messenger: This service sends alert messages on a local area network (it is not the same as Windows Messenger). If you are not on a network, you can disable this service.
Print Spooler: If you do not do any printing from the computer, you can disable this service. If you print, make sure you leave it as automatic.
Remote Registry: This service allows remote users to modify the Registry on your computer. If you are not on a network, you can disable this service.
System Restore Service: This service allows you to use System Restore. If you have turned off System Restore anyway, you do not need to turn off the service.
Themes: If you do not use themes, you can disable this service.
Windows Image Acquisition: If you do not use scanners or digital cameras, you can disable.
Wireless Zero Configuration: If do not use wireless networking devices, you can disable.
Bare-bones system service setup
To get the maximum amount of performance out of your system, you have the option of disabling
all of the services on your computer that are not critical to the system. This would take
away a lot of the nice features and conveniences of Windows, but you would have a much faster
machine. The following is a list of system-critical services that should not be disabled. Feel free
to disable all other services.
Bare Minimum Services:
Com Event System
Cryptographic Services
DCOM Server Process Launcher
DHCP Client
DNS Client
Event Log
IPSEC Services
Workstation
Shell Hardware Detection
System Event Notification
Protected Storage
Network Connections
Plug Play
Print Spooler
Remote Procedure Call
Secondary Logon
Security Accounts Manager
Disable the following services:
Background Intelligent Transfer Service
Distributed Link Tracking Client
Error Reporting Service
Fast User Switching Compatibility
Help and Support
Indexing Service
Messenger
Machine Debug Manager
Network Location Awareness (NLA)
Portable Media Serial Number Service
Remote Registry (Only included with Windows XP Pro)
SSDP Discovery Service
Terminal Services
Windows Image Acquisition (WIA)
Wireless Zero Configuration (If you have a wireless network card, do not disable this one)
Windows Time
WebClient
Task Scheduler
Optimizing the location of the boot files
The speed at which your files are read depends on where the files are located on your hard drive. Also, when a file is fragmented (which is when one file is scattered all over the disk), it takes more time to access that file than if all of the pieces of the files were side by side. Using tools that are available in Windows and other third-party utilities, you can defragment and place the Windows boot files on the disk where they will be accessed faster.
Windows XP has a new feature called the Prefetcher, which determines what files on the hard drive are used during the boot process and where they should be placed on the disk for optimal speed. Although this is not the only benefit that the Prefetcher provides, it makes optimizing the location of the boot files easy.
Using disk defragmenter
Windows XP includes a boot defragmenter, but it is a little tricky to get it to run. By default, it is run only in the background and cannot be started directly by a user. After your computer has been idle for some time, between 5 and 30 minutes, the system will read the Prefetcher’s boot data and start the defrag. The system defrag is run in the background and is invisible to the user. Eventually, if you leave your computer on long enough, it will defragment the boot files.
Microsoft has a very talented team working for them and they even took into consideration that often your system boot changes. For example, you might install an updated device driver or add new hardware.To solve this problem, the system will re-defragment the boot files every three days.
An operating system that takes care of itself? Yes,Windows is getting smarter and smarter. However, there is still one problem: There is no possible way to directly initiate a boot defrag. The only way is to leave your computer on for a little while without using it at all. If you are
impatient and do not want to wait, then I have a solution for you. As I mentioned earlier, the system will only initiate the boot defrag when the system is idle. Typing in a command that will start the boot is not possible. However, you can tell your computer, even when it is not idle, to process the idle tasks. This will indirectly start the boot defrag. Although because the boot defrag is most likely not the only idle task waiting to be run, there will be other processes run as well, which can cause your computer to appear to be doing a lot of hard work as it completes all tasks. During this time, your computer should not be used for any intensive activities, such as playing games. If you try to use your computer while the idle tasks are being processed, you will notice slow performance until the tasks are completed.
Do the following to tell the system to start to process all idle tasks:
1. Click the Start Menu and select Run.
2. Type Rundll32.exe advapi32.dll,ProcessIdleTasks in the text box and select OK.
3. Your computer will now begin working on the tasks.
some key board shortcuts
Written by abhi on 2:41 PMList of F1-F9 Key Cmds 4 cmd prompt
List of F1-F9 Key Commands for the Command Prompt
F1 / right arrow: Repeats the letters of the last command line, one by one.
F2: Displays a dialog asking user to "enter the char to copy up to" of the last command line
F3: Repeats the last command lineF4: Displays a dialog asking user to "enter the char to delete up to" of the last command line
F5: Goes back one command line
F6: Enters the traditional CTRL+Z (^z)
F7: Displays a menu with the command line history
F8: Cycles back through previous command lines (beginning with most recent)
F9: Displays a dialog asking user to enter a command number, where 0 is for first command line entered.
Alt+Enter: toggle full Screen mode.
up/down: scroll thru/repeat previous entries
Esc: delete lineNote: The buffer allows a maximum of 50 command lines. After this number is reached, the first line will be replaced in sequence.
Helpful accessibility keyboard shortcutsSwitch FilterKeys on and off.
Right SHIFT for eight secondsSwitch High Contrast on and off.
Left ALT +left SHIFT +PRINT SCREENSwitch MouseKeys on and off. Left ALT +left SHIFT +NUM LOCKSwitch StickyKeys on and off.
SHIFT five timesSwitch ToggleKeys on and off.
NUM LOCK for five seconds
Gmail Shortcuts
GmailNote: Must have "keyboard shortcuts" on in settings.
C: Compose new message.
Shift + C: Open new window to compose new message.
Slash (/): Switch focus to search box.
K: Switch focus to the next most recent email.
Enter or "O" opens focused email.
J: Switch focus to the next oldest email.
N: Switch focus to the next message in the "conversation."
Enter or "O" expands/collapses messages.
P: Switch focus to the previous message.
U: Takes you back to the inbox and checks for new mail.
Y: Various actions depending on current view:Has no effect in "Sent" and "All Mail" views.
Inbox: Archive email or message.
Starred: Unstar email or message.
Spam: Unmark as spam and move back to "Inbox."
Trash: Move back to "Inbox."
Any label: Remove the label.
X: "Check" an email.
Various actions can be performed against all checked emails.
S: "Star" an email.
Identical to the more familiar term, "flagging."
R: Reply to the email.
A: Reply to all recipients of the email.
F: Forward an email.
Shift + R: Reply to the email in a new window.
Shift + A: Reply to all recipients of the email in a new window.
Shift + F: Forward an email in a new window.
Shift + 1 (!): Mark an email as spam and remove it from the inbox.
G then I: Switch to "Inbox" view.
G then S: Switch to "Starred" view.
G then A: Switch to "All Mail" view.
G then C: Switch to "Contacts" view.
G then S: Switch to "Drafts" view.