Setting Up A New PC

My preferred method for setting up a new PC is fully explained in three articles:

• System Setup Secrets For Windows XP
• 10 Ways To Make Windows XP Run Better
• 10 More Ways To Make Windows XP Run Better

Once the new system is set up and running just the way it should, I then simply copy my data files (e.g. the contents of "My Documents," etc.) via network, transfer cable, CD, DVD, or from secondary drive to primary drive--- whatever's convenient. That way, my data migrates, but my old tuning, tweaks, and setups that were ideal for the old system stay there; leaving the new setup pristine and ideal in its own, separate way.



I freely admit that my way takes longer, at first. But I've had something like 50 PCs over the years, and have found (by painful trial and error) that taking a little more time on the front end when you first get a new PC usually saves a ton of time--- and hassle--- in the long run.



But your mileage may vary. All the above methods work. Some save time, at the cost of a maybe less-than-ideal setup; my way gives you a perfect setup, but takes more time. It's a trade-off either way, and the shot is yours to call.

Demo Builder - Create interactive flash movies

Demo Builder is a powerful software tool used to create interactive flash movies that show how applications and systems work. It offers a system that allows users to take a series of editable screen captures of a target application running on a desktop in order to produce flash simulations and interactive demonstrations of the application.



Demo Builder can enable you or your business or organization to visually communicate software help, tutor users on new software and systems and provide e-learning capabilities for your applications and systems. It has the potential to reduce considerably the level of customer support that may be required for your software or system.

Transferring VHS tape to DVD

You can archive old home movies onto DVD without ever touching a PC. PCWorld explores your options and offer some tips on doing it right.

Compared with tape, a DVD captures better picture and sound and does not degenerate in quality from repeated play. Plus, with a DVD, you can insert chapter marks to access a part of the story quickly. VHS-to-DVD conversion has been possible via the PC for a few years, but the latest DVD recorders offer a quick and convenient route to digital video.

Follow these strategies to get the best results from your VHS-to-DVD conversion.

Use a good VCR: Your DVD can look only as good as the feed from the VHS player. There's nothing you can do to improve the quality of the VHS tape, but you can use a high-quality, four-head VCR. If you have an older model, upgrade, or borrow a better unit from a friend or a neighbor.

Adjust tracking first: Before pressing Record on the DVD player, make sure you've adjusted the tracking on the VCR. Doing so helps eliminate distortion. Many VCRs automatically calibrate the tracking when you play a videotape, so watch out for on-screen displays, which the DVD player will record.

Use Standard Play quality: If your goal is to preserve priceless memories, don't skimp on the recording quality in order to pack more video onto one disc. You can find DVD-R or DVD+R discs for just $2 if you shop around.

Use DVD-R or DVD+R format when possible: Most DVD players can read these discs. Not all players can read rewritable discs, especially if they've been formatted in VR mode.

Finalize the disc: If you don't finalize--an option usually available in the recorder's setup menu--when you've finished converting, the disc won't play in other DVD players.

Google Hacks

Google Hacks contains 100 tips, tricks and scripts that you can use to become instantly more effective in your research. Each hack can be read in just a few minutes, but can save hours of searching for the right answers.



You'll learn clever and powerful methods for using the advanced search interface and the new Google API, including how to build and modify scripts that can become custom business applications based on Google.



For example, one hack shows you how to blend Google and Amazon search results. Another lets you compare Google results with other search engines. There are also some goofy hacks, like creating Google art, or using Google to create recipes from the random ingredients in your refrigerator. If you're a Google power user, you'll find the technical edge you're looking for in Google Hacks.

How do I post pictures?

Windows users can download the Hello BloggerBot from Picasa to post pictures to their blogs.



We posted a article on photoblogging over at Blogger Knowledge, which explains in further detail how Hello works. It also discusses some neat Hello features, such as customized Blogger/photo preferences.

Viewlets - Flash animations without knowing Flash

A Viewlet is a visual presentation that is easy to create and publish on your website to engage and influence your audience.



You can deliver compelling Flash animations without knowing Flash. Viewlet Builder treats screenshots of what's on your computer's display as the individual frames of what will eventually be a Flash movie. In the event of a software demonstration that you may want to post on your intranet for training purposes, it will even detect changes in mouse positions from one frame to the next and animate the mouse pointer's movement between the two positions.



Click here to see an example

Very cool Windows Utilities

PathCopyEx - A very simple shell extension that copies the text path of any file/folder in Explorer to the clipboard. Saves a bit of time on all those annoying Browse for Folder windows!



StartXplorer - Mirrors a directory with shortcuts. Allows you to create a kind of Explorer in your Start Menu. This is neat for building a shortcut mirror of your MP3 subdirectory in the Start Menu - you can play MP3s just as if you were starting a program.