Category: Operating Systems

New Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcuts / Keys : Official List from Microsoft (Updated)

Post author By William E. Goldston
Post date March 6, 2012
No Comments on New Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcuts / Keys : Official List from Microsoft (Updated)

As you already know, Windows is a most used Operating System, due to its GUI and user-friendliness. Recently Microsoft has released the Consumer Preview Version of Windows 8.

Microsoft always tries to make Windows faster and easier to use. For the same reason now they have introduced the Official Shortcut Keys for the Windows 8 Edition.

Windows 8 Developer Preview Edition Start Screen

Here is the List of Shortcuts of Windows 8 Edition.

Shortcuts starting with Windows Key :

Windows Key Keyboard Shortcuts on Windows 8 Edition

Windows Key : Open the Start Screen
Win + Z : Open Application bar
Win + W : Search in Settings of the system
Win + X : Open Windows Mobility Center
Win + V : Switch among notifications
Win + Shift + V : Switch among notifications (in reverse manner)
Win + U : Open Ease of Access Center
Win + T : Set focus to Taskbar and toggle through Programs
Win + S : Open OneNote Screenshot Creator (If Microsoft Office-OneNote is installed)
Win + R : Open Run dialog box
Win + Q : Open Windows Apps Search
Win + P : Display Projection Options
Win + O : Disable screen rotation / orientation
Win + N : Create new OneNote (If Microsoft Office-OneNote is installed)
Win + M : Minimize all windows
Win + Shift + M : Restore minimized windows
Win + L : Lock your computer
Win + K : Open Device Connections
Win + J : Toggle foreground between the filled and snapped applications
Win + I : Open Settings Panel (To change Settings for the Wireless Networks, Volume, Apps, Brightness or to Shut Down)
Win + H : Open Share Panel
Win + G : Toggle through Windows Desktop Gadgets
Win + F : Search for the Files in Computer
Win + Ctrl + F : Search for Computers in a network
Win + E : Show Windows Explorer with File’s Tree View
Win + D : Toggle “Show Desktop”
Win + C : Open Charms bar
Win + B : Set focus to Notification Area
Win + Enter : Open Windows Narrator
Win + Alt + Enter : Open Media Center (If Media Center is Installed on PC)
Win + Spacebar : Change the Keyboard Layout / Input Language
Win + PageUp : Move Start Screen to the left side of screen
Win + PageDown : Move Start Screen to the right side of screen
Win + Plus : Magnifier Zoom-In
Win + Minus : Magnifier Zoom-Out
Win + Esc : Close Magnifier
Win + Left Arrow : Dock the current window to left half of the screen
Win + Right Arrow : Dock the current window to right half of the screen
Win + Up Arrow : Maximize the currently active window
Win + Down Arrow : Minimize / Restore the currently active window
Win + Shift + Up Arrow : Maximize the currently active window vertically, while maintaining its width
Win + Shift + Down Arrow : Minimize / Restore the currently active window vertically, while maintaining its width
Win + Shift + Left Arrow : Move the currently active window to the left side of monitor
Win + Shift + Right Arrow : Move the currently active window to the right side of monitor
Win + Home : Toggle (Minimize/Maximize) all non-active windows
Windows + number : Launch the program from taskbar sequence (e.g. To open 1st program window, use Windows + 1)
Windows + Shift + number : Launch a new instance of the currently active program from taskbar sequence (e.g. To open an instance of 1st program window, use Windows + Shift + 1)
Win + Break : Display System Properties dialog box
Win + F1 : Open Windows Help and Support
Win + Forward Slash (/) : Initiate IME (Input Method Editor) reconversion
Win + Tab : Toggle through all Applications
Win + Ctrl + Tab : Toggle through Applications and snap them as they cycle
Win + Shift + Tab : Toggle through Applications in reverse order
Win + Dot (.) : Move the gutter to the right
Win + Shift + Dot (.) : Move the gutter to the left
Win + Comma (,) : Look Temporarily at the desktop

Shortcuts starting with Alt Key :

Alt Key Keyboard Shortcuts on Windows 8 Edition

Alt + W : Create a new document or select a template
Alt + V : Paste
Alt + T : Cut
Alt + S + N : Deselect
Alt + S + I : Invert the selection
Alt + S + A : Select all
Alt + R : Rename selected files
Alt + P + S : Insert label
Alt + P + R : Open properties
Alt + P + E : Display “Open With…” dialog box
Alt + N : Create a new folder
Alt + M : Move the files
Alt + H : Show the history of file versions
Alt + E : Edit selected files
Alt + D : Delete selected files or folder
Alt + C + P : Copy path to the file or folder
Alt + C + O : Copy selected items
Alt + A : Open the “special features”

Hope you have enjoyed the list of shortcuts. Please share your feedback.

Android General Awereness Mobile Phones Operating Systems Tablet PCs

Pros and Cons of Rooting an Android Device (Phone/Tablet)

Post author By William E. Goldston
Post date February 5, 2012

Rooting an Android Device means, hacking its Software to get the Super-user rights. Just like the Windows 7 GOD Mode in computers, you can perform each and every task by rooting your android device.

The concept of rooting is not new, but it got popularity after the launch of iPhone and Android. Rooting can be done on almost each and every Device/OS, from Nokia’s Symbian to Windows. In iPhone industry, rooting is called as Jail Breaking, as it breaks limitations of the phone.

Pros of Rooting an Android Device :

Unlock Hidden Features like Multi-touch :
Rooting allows you to get the multi-touch enabled on your phone.
Ability to add more home screens :
e.g. If your phone is limited to 3 home screens (in case of Android 1.5 and 1.6), then rooting will allow you to get 5 home screens.
Multi-Language Support :
Rooting allows you to install your desired fonts onto your Android Device.
e.g. If your device can’t read hindi/marathi or filipino SMS, web-pages and PDF Files, then you can replace the original android font file with the new one. Read how to install hindi/marathi language fonts on Android.
Ability to overclock the processor :
Rooting allows you to overclock the OS kernel, so that device speed could be increased from what it comes with factory settings.
To customize the interface :
Rooting allows to customize total interface and appearance on your android device e.g. themes, wallpapers, screensavers, widgets etc.
Enhancing SD-Card Capabilities :
Rooting allows to enhance SD-Card abilities like Cache on SD-Card, and install apps directly on your device SD-Card, so that its internal memory could be freed.
Full Back-up :
Rooting allows to backup all your device apps and data.
Tethering to use PC Internet :
Rooting allows you to access the PC Internet on your Android Device. (via LAN Cable)
Ability to install Unofficial Versions of Android :
Rooting lets you install the custom and unofficial android versions on your device, which may provide better functionalities as compared to the official version..
Ability to install 3rd Party Custom ROMs :
Custom ROMs can provide many extra functionalities to your Android Device. e.g. You can install another OS on the android, and make it a dual-booting device.

Cons of Rooting an Android Device :

Voids Warranty :
Rooting your Android Device may void its Manufacturer’s Warranty.
Unexpected Problems :
Your android device can suffer from Unexpected Problems after rooting. e.g. a small portion of touch-screen may not work or something like that.
No automatic updates :
After Rooting, your device will not get automatically updated to the latest version of android.
Security Vulnerability :
After rooting, your device becomes Vulnerable to the threats. And then any malicious software can enter into your device root files and make them corrupt.
Biggest Disadvantage :
The biggest disadvantage of rooting is, if your device gets stuck during Rooting, then there is no option except throwing it out.

Entertainment & Fun Main Mobile Phones Operating Systems Tablet PCs Technology

How to Install Devanagari, Hindi and Marathi Fonts (Unicode) in Android Mobile Phones and Tablets ?

Post author By William E. Goldston
Post date January 25, 2012
No Comments on How to Install Devanagari, Hindi and Marathi Fonts (Unicode) in Android Mobile Phones and Tablets ?

Google Android OS has become a must have operating system in the Mobile Phones and Tablet PCs.

Read Devnagri, Hindi and Marathi (Unicode) Messages and Websites in Android Mobile Phones and Tablets ? — How to Install Devnagri, Hindi and Marathi Fonts (Unicode) in Android Mobile Phones and Tablets ?

Due to the high availability of services and apps on Android OS, many companies have come up with their Android Devices at a very less price (e.g. Akash Tablet – Starting from Rs.2500). But many of the devices doesn’t have the Devanagari Unicode fonts (e.g. Hindi and Marathi) installed on them, because of which we can’t read the Hindi/Marathi SMS (Text Messages) and Websites.

I have got a workaround for this. But to implement this workaround, you need to have a Rooted Android Device*, so that the respective files could be installed on it.

To simplify the process of Rooting the Android Device, you can install the Superuser or EasyRoot Application, and replace the existing font files with the attached ones.

Here are steps for the complete process,

1. Install ES File Explorer.

2. Now Open the ES File Explorer app > Settings > Tick on Root Explorer (to show the root files), also

3. Now Tick on Mount File System (to grant the read-write permissions to the file system root).

4. Thereafter Save the following files to your android device at location : /system/font/.
DroidHindi.ttf.
DroidSansFallback.ttf.

5. This process will ask you to replace the existing files, so please do this carefully.

6. Now Restart your Android Device, and try reading any Hindi/Marathi SMS and Website.

* Note : Rooting an Android Device may void your Device Manufacturer’s Warranty. Read OriginalTips.com Terms of Service.

Tags How to Read Hindi and Marathi SMS on Android Mobile Phones and Tablets ?

Computers General Awereness Office Operating Systems Technology Windows

What is the Difference between 32 Bit and 64 Bit Operating Systems (OS) / Software ?

Post author By William E. Goldston
Post date December 11, 2011
No Comments on What is the Difference between 32 Bit and 64 Bit Operating Systems (OS) / Software ?

We receive number of emails from our subscribers asking, “What is the difference between 32-Bit (x86) and 64-Bit (x64) processors” ?

Well, after running a survey, we found it surprising that many of the people are confused about which type of computer should they purchase, what bit system they require!

I think this article may help those, who want to choose a correct machine, according to their usage.

As per our survey, most of the people are running 32 Bit operating systems. But as the hardware is going cheaper, their curiosity is also increasing about working with 64 Bit operating system. Now lets take a look at the differences between the 32-Bit and 64-Bit OS.

1. 32-Bit operating systems can run on both 32-Bit processors and 64-Bit processors, while 64-Bit OS can only be run on 64-Bit processor. 64-Bit processors handles larger chunks of data as compared to 32-Bit processors. This is the only reason that they are very fast as compared to the 32-Bit.

2. In a 32-Bit Operating system, the maximum RAM could be used is 3GB, while in 64-Bit Operating systems you can use as much RAM as you want (Starting from 4GB to 256TB). If you have installed more than 3GB RAM in the 32-Bit Operating System, then its properties will show something like this,

Screenshot on 32-Bit Operating System with 4GB RAM.

4GB Ram in 32-Bit Operating System (4GB Installed, 3GB Usable)

Screenshot on 64-Bit Operating System with 8GB RAM.

8GB Ram in 64-Bit Operating System (8GB Installed, 8GB Usable)

3. Although you can run most of the 32-Bit applications on 64-Bit system, but there are many programs which needs to be 64-Bit if you want to run them on a 64-Bit system. However in opposite to this, 64-Bit programs can’t be run on 32-Bit OS.

4. Earlier 64-Bit OS driver support was poor, due to which people were facing compatibility issues. But now most of the companies are developing two versions of each application (32-Bit and 64-Bit). So there is no need to worry about the compatibility in 64-Bit OS.

Conclusion:

If you don’t use hevay applications and 3GB RAM is sufficient for you, then you should use a 32-Bit operating system. But if you use heavy and graphical applications like AutoCAD, Video Editors, Heavy Programming IDEs then using 64-Bit Operating system can give a lot of benefits.

You can also install most of the 32-Bit applications (not all) on 64-Bit Operating System. When you do that there will be two directories for the installed program files.

For example : In Windows 7 (64-Bit), you will see “Program Files” and “Program Files (x86)”. x86 is an alias for 32-Bit operating system.

Entertainment & Fun Mobile Phones Operating Systems

Mbuntu – The Ubuntu Interface on Symbian

Post author By William E. Goldston
Post date November 19, 2011
No Comments on Mbuntu – The Ubuntu Interface on Symbian

Ubuntu is an open source operating system, which is popularly known as an alternative to Windows.

MBuntu - Putting Ubuntu on Symbian Mobile Phones

Thought Ubuntu can run on low resources, but still it needs at least a 1Ghz processor and comparable RAM, which is not very less to fid in the mobile phone devices.

So for the Ubuntu lovers, MMMOOO has come-up with a mobile Ubuntu interface called MBuntu. Mbuntu is a flash based application launcher, which can run on all flavors of Symbian Operating System. From the ubuntu interface, users can access all core applications of their phone like Phone, Contacts, Bluetooth, Messages, Internet, Music, Videos, USB, Memory Card and all.

Additionally, MBuntu also shows the Wi-Fi status and battery level on the top just like an Android.

However one of the biggest drawback of this application is, we can’t add custom shortcuts to the home screen.

Mbuntu could be downloaded from Ovi store by paying an amount of £3.00. At the time of writing, Mbuntu is compatible with Nokia Eseries (e.g. E71, E63 etc.), Symbian^1 (S60v3) (e.g. N97, 5800, 5230 etc.), , Symbian^3 (e.g. N8) due to which, many phones display Mbuntu differently on their screen.

Note : Our users have reported that Mbuntu isn’t compatible with Nokia C7-00, which is a member of Symbian^3 family.

Tags Mbuntu, S60, Ubuntu for Symbian Mobile Phones

Computers Entertainment & Fun Operating Systems Windows

How to Find Microsoft Windows Version Quickly ?

Post author By William E. Goldston
Post date November 7, 2011
No Comments on How to Find Microsoft Windows Version Quickly ?

The quickest methods to find out which version of Microsoft Windows you are using, is winver command.

Open the Run Dialog by pressing CTRL+R, and enter the command winver in it. This will open a window titled About Windows.

This windows will provide you information like the OS installed on your PC, its build version, Service Pack, year of coding of OS, physical memory (RAM) available to windows etc.

Winver

This will also help you telling these specifications, when someone from technical support asks you to troubleshoot your system.

Main Operating Systems Windows

Download Windows 8 Consumer Preview Edition and Developer Preview Edition with Developer Tools

Post author By William E. Goldston
Post date October 2, 2011
No Comments on Download Windows 8 Consumer Preview Edition and Developer Preview Edition with Developer Tools

For a normal user, Microsoft Windows is already on the top of all Operating Systems.

Now Microsoft has released Windows 8 (x86 or 32-Bit) and (x64 or 64-Bit) – Developer and Consumer Preview Edition.

Download Microsoft Windows 8 Developer Preview Operating System

Though Windows 8 could be used for all purposes as we use Windows 7, Vista, XP etc., but as this is a pre-beta release of Windows 8, so we suggest you to install this version of Windows 8 to a separate partition, for the testing purposes.

Soon Microsoft will release the full and stable version of Windows 8, then you can install it on the production system or workstation.

If you are a developer, then you can create apps for Windows 8 by using the Developer Tools SDK available at Microsoft Website.

As per Microsoft Official Statement, Windows 8 is far better than the previous version of Windows like Windows 7, Vista, XP and all. Windows 8 Chip design is improved a lot, due to which one can experience very nice performance of the computer by using the same hardware as he is using for Windows 7.

To download the Windows 8 Consumer Preview Version (x86 and x64), please visit http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/download.

To download Developer Preview Version (x86 and x64), please visit http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/br229516.

Enjoy!

Main Operating Systems Portable Drives Technology Windows

How to install Windows XP on Pen Drive / USB Flash Drive

Post author By William E. Goldston
Post date August 6, 2011
No Comments on How to install Windows XP on Pen Drive / USB Flash Drive

There are many reasons to install Windows XP on the USB Pendrive. For example, if you have a Laptop/Netbook, which doesn’t have CD/DVD-ROM in it, then you can run Windows XP from the USB Drive.

The simplest tool which can be used for his purpose is SARDU – Multiboot CD/DVD and USB Builder.

Here is the procedure to install Windows XP on a USB Drive.

1. Make an ISO file of your Windows XP Operating System Disc, and rename it to Win_XP_Pro.iso or Win_XP_64.iso or Win_XP_Home.iso etc. You can do it via any ISO Creator (for example, Magic ISO, Ultra ISO, LC ISO (Free) etc.).

2. Now download the SARDU, unzip it. Now copy the XP’s ISO file (Win_XP_*.iso) to the folder SARDU/ISO

3. Now run SARDU software, go to the Windows Tab, and check the Windows Installer ISO file.

4. Now click on Search USB and choose the Drive from that list.

5. Then click onto the USB Button to install the Windows XP on USB.

Now you have Windows XP in your USB Pen Drive.