Some Secret Tricks That You Should Know About Your Windows Computer

Who doesn't know a Windows computer? Some say that it’s challenging to use, while some claim to be experts in navigating a Windows computer.

Here are some tricks that I’ll share to you to use your Windows computer like a pro.

Show Window’s desktop shortcut

Windows desktop is like an organizer where all the application tends to be used on daily basis or displays essential items. Frequently used applications could be spreadsheet, word pad, browser, etc., and there could be tens of it open all at once. Need to go back to the Desktop screen without minimizing all the programs one by one? Simply press the Windows key + D and viola! You’re back on the Desktop screen in no time. Alternatively, you can hover your mouse at a rectangular bar at bottom-right corner, just right beside the time, and click it to where it says Show desktop.

Selecting multiple items on Windows explorer the easier way

Who doesn’t have lots of “selfies” or photos during vacation? After uploading them to a social networking site and you want to delete the photos you no longer need afterwards, it could take you some time if you go with the old procedure of pressing CTRL + arrow down keys to delete the photos. Same goes with clicking each one and pressing Delete to perform the task. Here’s how to make it easier without tapping on multiple keys. Select the folder that contains the files, then click the Organize button. Choose the Folder and search options, then on the Folder dialog box, click on View, and then Advanced settings. Scroll down, and then check the Use check boxes to select items box. If you’re viewing on a thumbnail view, you will see a blank box on the left side. Just check to select the file, and then choose the task you want – whether you want to delete, copy, or move the selected files.

Set up an external monitor for laptops

External monitors can be connected to laptops using the classic VGA, DVI, and HDMI output. With Windows 7, simply press the short cut keys Windows + P, and a pop-up menu with four options will appear: Computer only, Duplicate, Extend, and Projector only. Using your laptop’s LCD lets you revert video settings with Computer Only. Duplicate displays on the external monitor with what you have on the laptop. Extend stretches the Windows desktop across the laptop display to the external output. With Projector only, it blanks the laptop screen and gives way to the projector.

Disabling Balloon Tips on the Taskbar

Balloon Tips on the taskbar are usually friendly reminders that the firewall is disabled, Windows updates are available, or shows you the status of your Desktop icons. But sometimes, these pop ups can be annoying, especially if it shows up while we’re in the middle doing some important report or task. These notifications are triggered by Windows 7’s Action Center, which is the flag icon at the lower right-hand corner of the taskbar. If you want to remove these pop-up notifications, right-click on the flag icon, then select Open Action Center. Click the Change Action Center Settings link, and you will get the Turn messages on and off screen. From there, you can uncheck the messages that you don’t want to be notified of. Once you’re done, click OK.

How to disable Hibernation

By default, Windows 7 consumers hard drive space when it is in Hibernate state. Some users prefer to keep their PCs on, especially if they’re going to leave it while the computer is rendering some task. To disable the Hibernate feature and save some space on the hard drive, launch REGEDIT and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power, then set HibernateEnabled and HiberFileSizePerfect to Zero.


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Article Written By: Mary Grace Viernes - Supportrix Tech Engineer

What to Do if Your Computer Does Not Load Media Files

Have you ever experienced playing a video you’ve downloaded but it won’t load?

Before you jump to look for a solution we must understand that Windows does not support the playback of every type of media file available, however, it does provide support for the most common types of media files.  Therefore, you need to verify that the media file you have is a supported.

Here are some lists of supported file format by Windows Media Player:

• Windows  Media formats file extensions: .advance streaming format, advance stream redirector (asx), audio video interleave (avi), waveform audio file format (wav), .wax, windows media audio (wma), .wm, windows media video (wmv)

• Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) File name extensions: .mid, midi, .rmi (remote method invocation)

• Apple QuickTime, Macintosh AIFF Resource File name extensions: .qt, audio interchange file format (aif), .aifc, .aiff, .mov

• Moving Pictures Experts Group (MPEG) File name extensions: m3u, mp2v, .mpg, .mpeg, .m1v, audio layer 2 (mp2), audio layer 3 (mp3), MPEG Layer Audio (mpa), .mpe, MPEG-2 Video File (mpv2)

• Unix File name extensions: .au, digital sound file format (snd)

Tips:  Windows Media Player supports files created with Apple QuickTime version 1 & 2 but no longer supports the real audio (ra), real media (rm), and .ram file formats.

After you have successfully identified the file format, you also need to consider whether the file you want to play is damaged or not. In Windows Media Player, play a different file that uses the same file name extension as the file that you were using when you received the error message. If the other file plays properly, then the original file you’re trying to play may be damaged.

Another thing you need to consider is if the operating system has audio capabilities. Here are examples:

• The computer does not an audio device

• The right audio device driver is not installed or it is disabled

• You might be using both Windows NT and Windows 2000 Terminal (this configuration has no audio capabilities)

• Windows XP terminal is configured not to play audio

Now we go to the possible solutions in resolving this issue:

• You can try to uninstall/reinstall Windows Media Player. After you have uninstalled WMP you need to restart your computer then reinstall it. Also make sure that you’ll download the latest version of Windows Media Player by visiting the Microsoft website.

• Verify if you have the correct Codec for the Media File or check if the Media File uses a codec that it is not installed.

• If Windows Media Player is corrupted or damaged then you can try to rebuild the database in a flash.

- Push the windows key and press R

- Copy & paste this path into the text box: %userprofile%\Local Settings\Application

- Erase all the files in this folder (exclude folders)

- To rebuild database, simply restart Windows Media Player. All the important database files will now be created again.

So there you have it, those are some of my work around and troubleshooting guide in case you are having trouble in converting your media files. Please feel free to add your own tips and tricks in the comments section.

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Article Written By: Rodrick Ting - Tech Support Engineer at SUPPORTrix

Reasons Why You Can't Use Your Mobile Phones in These Places

Our mobile phones have already been our constant companion anywhere we go because of its reliability, primarily because we can use it as an organizer, planner, multimedia device, and among other functions. However, there are times and even places where the use of mobile phones are prohibited. Below are four common no-cell zones, and the primary reasons why we strictly need to follow it.

1. Airports

Some countries like in the US, Canada, Australia, China, and the UK implement the restriction of using cellphones in airports mainly for security reasons. On the perspective of a law enforcement officer, you don't want a potential suspect tipping off that they have been caught, or that someone else has been caught doing an illegal activity. You also don't want cameras (on phone that are equipped with such) to take photos of sensitive information, which may appear on computer screens. These can include criminal files, which come up on early warning systems.

2. Airplanes

We all know that it has been a big no-no to use mobile phones during flights. This is due to the common belief that cellular signals may interfere with the aircraft's guidance and communication systems. This is also the main reason why most phones and other electronic devices have an Airplane Mode option that, when enabled, halts many of the device's signal transmitting functions, therefore disabling your phone's capability to make or receive calls or use text messaging. However, you can still use its other functions as long as it will not require signal transmission.

3. Underground

For once, every cellphone user had to say this line, "I'll call you back, I'm gonna lose the signal." This conversation sounds familiar, especially in places like subway stations, basement parking lots, and other underground places where it is considered "dead spots." Since free Wi-Fi connections in public places have significantly ramped up, there had also been improved signal reception in common dead spots, which greatly contributed to the people's convenience. However, there are still some places where you can still encounter difficulty with the reception. These underground places are also susceptible crime scenes where thieves can harass and take your valuables. If it's not possible to avoid going to these places, just try to keep your cellphones and gadgets safely tuck in your bag for the mean time.

4. Hospitals

Even hospitals require some restriction when it comes to the use of mobile phones. There are certain areas in the hospital that prohibits the use of cellphones because it may interfere with the functioning of some medical equipment. If this is proven to be true, it's highly crucial to observe this policy since it could cause disruption or worse, create wrong data from the medical equipment because of the interference in the signal. You may want to check the hospital's policy first just to make sure that you're not causing any harm to the medical equipments, especially the patients currently being treated.

Responsible use of your mobile phone or other electronic gadgets is key to keeping you, as well as other people around you, safe and sound.

Microsoft Office 2013 Tips and Tricks

In this fast-paced world, we always want to get things done faster. If you want burger and fries, just make a drive-thru to McDonald’s and you’ll have it in a few minutes. If you want to go shopping, a few clicks on the Internet will do and order will be delivered in a few days right at your doorstep. Same goes with computing -- We use shortcut keys to complete any data entry in less than 30 seconds or a minute. It will make your work faster thus, saving you time and effort.

As we all know, Microsoft launched Microsoft Office 365 along with Office 2013, which offers a secure access to email and calendars, Office Web Apps, instant messaging, conferencing and file sharing anywhere. It is the first Office suite that allows users to easily share and save files in the cloud.

With the recent update, Excel will now feature a new tool for filtering data in a timeline and the integration of advanced trigonometric functions. Outlook will now have a new visualization for scheduled tasks. In Word, users now have the capability of inserting video and audio online as well as broadcasting it over the Internet. PowerPoint on the other hand, will include more templates than the previous version, as well as an increased number of transitions.

So today, I will be sharing 6 tips and tricks for Microsoft Office 2013.

Open/Create a Document

How:

1. Each version of Office has options to create a new document. One of those options is to create a Blank Document.
2. You can also select Use a Template in Microsoft Office if you don’t want to start from scratch, which will be discussed as you read along.
3. Select Open when the Office program starts.

Tips:

1. To create a new document without closing and re-opening the Office program, just use the shortcut key CTRL + N for Windows.
2. To open an existing document without closing and re-opening the Office program, just use the shortcut key CTRL + O for Windows.

Cut, Copy, and Paste

How:

1. In order to duplicate an item, use the Copy feature. Highlight the text or click the object then select Home + Copy. You may also use the keyboard shortcut CTRL + C or right click and select Copy.
2. If you want to get rid of items, use the Cut feature. Highlight the text or click the object then select Home + Cut. You may also use the keyboard shortcut CTRL + X or right click and select Cut.
3. To place the items you have Copied and Cut, use the Paste Feature. Just click on the screen where you want to place the text, and then select Home + Paste. You may also use the keyboard shortcut CTRL + V or right click and select Paste.

Tips:

1. There is a small Paste Options icon that you can select toward the side or bottom of the Pasted item, such as keeping formatting or keeping the text only.

Flash Fill

This is the newest tool of Excel 2013, which can let you do things like concatenating (putting together), merging, or extracting (splitting apart) text in cells without using a single formula. When the rules are too complex, you just need to fill more than 2 cells to complete the entry. According to Microsoft, Flash Fill is like a data assistant that finishes your work for you.

How:

1. Press the Flash Fill button or use the shortcut CTRL + E

Tips:

1. Click on the link to know more about Flash Fill: http://www.excel2013.info/flashfill/

Font and Text Effects

Texts can also be formatted in every Microsoft Office document. This will allow you to put some effects and styles to a document by customizing the font size, spacing, and even the text color.

How:

1. Highlight the text or the entire document (CTRL + A). Make sure the Home tab is shown for you to see the Text Effects Tool.
2. Select the font you wish to apply, which is available under the Font group drop down.
3. By keying CTRL + D, you can use the common Text Effects like superscript, subscript, bold, italics, underline, all caps, small caps, strikethrough, double strikethrough, and hidden effects.

Tips:

1. If you’re not happy with all the formatting you applied, just click on Home + Clear Formatting.

Use Fresh New Templates

Office 2013 or Office 365 now offers a whole new list of templates available for download.

How:

1. You can browse for a template starting with Microsoft’s Template Site: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/templates/
2. Make sure that it will work for your Microsoft Office version.
3.  Download and customize the text or images of the template according to your preference.

Tips:

1. Don't forget to save the template you've downloaded. Downloading the template doesn't mean that it already saved the changes you've made.

Utilize Design Themes

Design Themes allows you to format colors, background, and other styles to create a sophisticated document.

How:

1. Select Design or Page Layout + Design Themes + Select a theme.
2. Design themes is made to let users skip setting each design of a document. If you don’t want to customize the fonts, colors, and effects, you can still find these on the Design or Page Layout menu.

Tips:

1. If you can’t find a theme you like, you can also go to Design or Page Layout + Design Themes + Browse for Themes.

So that’s it for now, guys! Learning is a non-stop process and there are still a lot more to do with Microsoft Office 2013, just feel free to explore its amazing tools and I would be very happy if you share your own tips and tricks for Office 2013. Till next time!

Written By: Lourdgina Dungog - Tech Support Engineer at SUPPORTrix

Is The New MacBook Air Worth Your Money?

Nowadays, it is undeniable that gadgets have played a vital role of usefulness in our daily lives to the extent that boredom is a certainty to happen with their absence. Equally important is the fact that gadgets of this generation may be figuratively considered as one of our arsenals to success in school, work, or in any aspect of life. It is a truism that as we continue to live with and depend on them each day, they become part of our being.

One of the most useful gadgets in the present time is the laptop because of its attribute of being portable. In this connection, one must ask if what brand of laptop is worth your money or is it alright to sacrifice quality over money? Or do you prefer a laptop that is fashionable and trendy? These are some of the things that are to be greatly considered. Of course, it is undisputed that each of us has our own preference on the kind and attributes of a laptop we choose in accordance with how it would serve us best and give us the ultimate return of our investments. If I were to buy, I would personally go for a laptop that is classy, speedy, and worth my money with the longest battery life that will allow me to work as much as I desire without having to look for a wall outlet to plug the wires. That’s a big time hassle!

The most interesting laptop to date is the new MacBook Air, which defines the modern lightweight laptops. Here are some of the many well appreciated attributes of the new MacBook Air:

(Image source: http://www.apple.com/macbook-air/performance.html)

Portability

The 13-inch model weighs in at 2.96 pounds and the 11-inch at 2.38 pounds, just like the previous-generation models. It is thin, light, durable, and incredibly fast. This would allow an owner to carry it everywhere in the house, school, restaurants, hotels, or any other place without building muscles.

State-of-the art technology

Both of the aforementioned models now run on OS X Mavericks, a first-rate computer operating system which adds new features and capabilities ranging from the application you use every day to the most advanced security features that empowers your Mac the more. The new MacBook Air is the first Apple portables with Intel’s fourth-generation Core i-series processor, code-named “Haswell”, which was pitched as being incredibly power-efficient. Having operated by Haswell processor, battery life is where the new MacBook Air really stands out. The previous generation 11-inch Air runs for 5 hours while the new 2013 model runs up to 9 hours. And the most astonishing battery life performance is acquired by the 13-inch Air, which runs for 12 hours (some even say it even lasted for 14 hours), a 5-hour difference from its predecessor.

In addition, another important feature that the new MacBook Air possesses is its support for the ultra-fast 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology. Though most homes have 802.11n router, having an 802.11ac wireless adapter on a laptop is a nice piece of future-proofing. When connected to an 802.11ac router, the wireless performance is up to 3 times faster than with the previous generation of MacBook Air. It has an extended wireless range, which can keep you connected anywhere in your house. And with Bluetooth technology, you can connect the MacBook Air to other Bluetooth-enabled devices (e.g. speakers and headphones), which can keep you totally connected even without wires.

Definitely worth a dime

Needless to say, when it comes to fashionable and elegant laptops, Mac is definitely your thing. It has been considered by many as the epitome of modern-day laptops. It is also one of the most desired technologies included in the bucket list by most professionals because of its tempting and splendid designs. Not just that, with the new Air versions, Apple gives you a bit more value for your money than you got from its previous versions, since the 13-inch model is priced at $100 less than its predecessor  (only $1099), while the 11-inch model is only at $999.

So, if I were to be asked whether the new MacBook Air is worth my money – definitely a BIG TIME YES!

Article written by: Mylene Jane Husain

The Best Software to Install on Your PC

Most of the time, when you purchase a new PC, everything is already installed – from the operating system down to the most common applications, pre-installed games, and even anti-virus software. Yes, especially anti-virus software. But do you think it is enough? How secure is your computer with the anti-virus software that you just installed?

Security software is really important even if it is just a home PC that you commonly use for browsing the Internet or checking your emails. But take note, everything starts from something small. Just like an innocent email with an attachment may be the start of a virus infection. Plugging in a USB device without scanning it first is another way of acquiring an infection. Or perhaps a simple click can automatically activate the unseen creatures in the form of malware, which can attack and harm your system. The most common types of malware are viruses, worms, Trojans, bots, rogue, spyware, and adware. These harmful entities perform in different ways but their main goal is to attack and destroy. You can say it’s somewhat a kind of online war game.

Well most, if not all, anti-virus software offers almost the same thing - protection. But which software offers more features and provides greater protection? It’s hard to tell, right? I guess you have to try a few first before you can actually make a sound decision. I, myself, have tried several until I bumped into this software that saved my own computer from crashing. It is called Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (MBAM).

Malwarebytes is an application that you can install on computers running under the Microsoft Windows operating system. Its main function is to find and remove malware. It comes with a free version and a paid version. The free version allows you to manually scan and remove infections. While the paid version provides additional features such as scheduled scans, real-time protection, and a flash memory scanner. The installation process is quick and easy. After installing it, you’ll be asked to perform an update, which is normally recommended. And just like any other security software, you have an option to select between Quick Scan and Full Scan. I usually go with Quick Scan, but if you would like to perform a thorough scan of the whole system, then go for Full Scan. Even if it’s more time consuming, I can assure you that it’s worth it, especially if you’re scanning for stubborn malware like Trojans and rogue security software.

I’ve been cleaning and optimizing computers for years now and Malwarebytes is what I always use when I scan for viruses. For me, it is very convenient because I can easily download it from the Internet whenever I need it. It is reliable, too. I’ve proven and tested it so many times and it never failed me.

Written By: Lovella Loveria - Supportrix Tech Engineer