How often do you reinstall Operating System?

How to Use FileMenu to Manage Your Files More Efficiently Organizing files can be very time consuming, and moving files between folders often requires a lot of mouse clicks between one file directories to another. Here's how to use FileMenu to do these tasks more efficiently.

How to Create an Index Table Like a Pro with Microsoft Word An index gives readers a way to find important words easily in our document, but creating an index by hand is very tedious and time consuming. Thankfully you can automatically create an index table in Word.

How to Choose a Partition Scheme for Your Linux PC Afraid of the dreaded “p” word? You’re not alone. Partitions can get complicated, so here’s an explanation of what they are, how they’re used, and a simple template to use for your own Linux installation.

Ask the Readers: How Often Do You Reinstall Your Operating System? Reinstalling our operating systems from time to time is a fact of life whether we use Windows, Linux, or OS X. What we would like to know this week is how often you reinstall your operating systems.

Read More

Operating Stytem eComStation

Serenity Systems licensed the operating system OS/2 at the end of 2000. The software is sold under the product name eComStation. The license provides no access to the OS/2 source code. The first release came out in 2001 and was based on Convenience Pak 1 of OS/2, supplemented with useful third party software. 

eComStation 1.1 based on OS/2 4.52 has been published on 2003-05-24. Interested customers can choose between the basic system with few standard programs, or the extended version with additional programs. The user interface has been improved and there are new driver added. There is also an optional upgrade for SMP support up to 64 processors and the function as a server, based on OS/2 Warp Server for e-business. NTFS formated drives can now be used with read-only access. The German version of eComStation 1.1 followed in September 2009. 

In December 2004 the operating eComStation 1.2 was released. Now it is possible to use up to 4 GB of RAM. New hardware is better supported and the installer have been updated. 

Read More

Android OS

The android platform was founded by Google and offers on the base the Linux kernel 2.6 a uniform interface for mobile equipment and programmes. Through this it is easily to port and is programmed in Java. After the conversion into the own binary program format Dalvik (.dex) it is not compatible to Java any more. Advantage is the faster execution and the lower memory footprint of programmes than in pure Java. Every Dalvik application is executed in a Dalvik VM of its own. Applications can access all equipment functions. This makes it possible for the programmer to make innovative programmes which offers the user high value by the combination of all sorts of data sources with the equipment functions. 

The Eclipse IDE with an official plugin is used for the development. The operating system Android for Smartphones is supported by the Open Handset Alliance. Including more than 30 communication provider, equipment and semiconductor manufacturers as well as software companies. Because Android is an open platform in the meaning of the software and product development the source code shall be available completely at a later time and is in opposite with the market leading closed operating systems Symbian, Palm OS and Windows Mobile. 

Android include C/C++ function libraries used by different parts of the operating system. 

• Surface manager for 2D and 3D even overlay display
• System C library, specialized for Linux-based devices (BSD implementation)
• SGL, 2D graphic system
• 3D libraries, based on OpenGL ES 1.0 APIs with hardware or software accelerated 3D display
• Media libraries for playback and record of audio, graphic and video formats (MPEG4, H.264, MP3, AAC, AMR, JPG, PNG)
• LibWebCore, Android internet browser
• FreeType, for representing of bitmap and vector fonds
• SQLite, an efficient and slim relational database for all applications

The Android SDK is available for Linux, MacOS and Windows. It contains an emulator with the surface of Android to try applications. After unpacking the SDK the emulator can be found in the subdirectory " oolsemulator.exe" that shows a HTC Smartphone with keyboard. 

Standard programs for e-mail, SMS, contacts, calendar, road maps, internet browser and others are preinstalled. 

The first Google Android Developer Challenge (ADC) started in April 2008 for engaged programmers to realize and present ideas. Approximately 1,800 programmes were submitted and 20 honoured with a price money under the best 50. Part of the best applications are for example cab4me by combination of Google Maps, GPS signal and a database to send a taxi in the simplest mode by click to the current position on the map. Or GoCart which reads the bar code of goods with the mobile telephone camera and looks over onlineshops and registered shops in the circumference for the best price. 

Google creates a sales platform for Smarthone applications with Android Market. At first the market place is provided free of charge. 

The first Android mobile telephone cames from the taiwanese manufacturer HTC with the T-Mobile G1 smartphone starting at October 22nd, 2008 in the USA and at the beginning of 2009 in Germany.

Read More

MAC System Software

Mac OS was named by the company Apple as "Mac System Software" in the beginning, a specially designed operating system only for 68K first Motorola processors. With own Macintosh hardware, Mac OS takes up a special role in the world of desktop systems. The first version was "System 1" and appeared bundled with the Mac in 1984. The classic desktop is designed as a single user operating system and almost completely hides the full path to files and directories. The graphic representation is reduced to the essence. Overall the interface is very easy to use and does not need the right mouse button for user interaction. Mac OS does not include a command line interface. 

Starting with System 3.0, the used filesystem HFS was used officially, which does not different between uppercase and lowercase letters. System 5.0 was the first release to run several programs with the integrated MultiFinder at the same time. The operating system was programmed up to system 6.0 mostly in assembler and partially in Pascal and used a 24-bit addressing mode. Cooperative Multi-tasking could optionally be enabled in System 6. System 7.0 first supported 32-bit addressing. Thus allow the operating system can use more memory and more powerful programs. Since 1994 System 7.5 supported for the first time the PowerPC architecture and is optimized with the following Mac OS versions further on this architecture. With System software 7.6 the name was changed to Mac OS in January 1997. 

The optimization of the operating system to the hardware has the disadvantage that the system software can not be installed on every Mac. Application compatibility to the Mac systems may also vary with each version. 

2006 MacOS X was presented for the first time publicly on x86 hardware, Apple allows the use of Mac OS X only on specific intel-Macintosh systems. According to Steve Jobs Mac OS X have been developed since 2000 internally parallel for Intel and PowerPC processors. The version of Mac OS X 10.6.0 raised the optimization to Intel-based processors further, the new operating system is no longer available for PowerPC Macintosh or pure 32-bit intel processors. In return the user receives a pure 64-bit operating system optimized for performance on multiple processors. Even the GPU computing power itself can be used with specific applications. 

The selection of software is focused on the creative industry and enables such as the professional graphic, audio and video editing. Office applications such as MacWrite, Microsoft Office, OpenOffice and 3D games are also available. The choice of browsers is large with iCab, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera and Mozilla Firefox. StuffIt is the standard software for file compression. 

System 6 (Mac OS)

Mac system software 6 came onto the market in 1988. It requires 1 MB RAM and can address up to 8 MB. The file system can organize hard disks up to 2 GByte with 65,536 files. Optionally applications run with the multi Finder in cooperative multitasking. For word processing are programs such as WriteNow, MacWrite II, and Microsoft Word 4.0 available. 

System 7 (Mac OS)

The system 7 was first available in May 1991. The new operating system needed 2 MB RAM, optionally it can be switched to 32-bit depending from the used hardware. Cooperative multitasking is now enabled by default, the addressable memory is no longer limited to 8 MB. In addition virtual memory can be enabled. 

New is the direct support of networks with file exchange, AppleScript as scripting language and display of colors. Balloons provide help for the user to use the interface. With aliases are icon links to files possible, regardless of the storage location locally or from the network. The TrueType fonts are scalable to any size. 

The System Software 7.5 appeared in 1994 and requires at least 4 MB RAM. It was running both on 68k-Macs and Power Macintosh. In September 1996, the update System 7.5.5 includes all available bug fixes, Open Transport 1.1.2, current Ethernet driver and support for storage drive volumes up to 4 GB. With release 7.6 the company Apple changed the name for the operating system from System Software to Mac OS in 1997. At the 31. January 1999 Apple gave the Mac system software 7.5.3 public as free download. 

Mac OS 7.6 can be installed on every Mac compatible computer, which contains at least a 68030 processor and supports 32-bit addressing. The 24-bit addressing is no longer supported. Performance is improved in the area of virtual memory and memory management. QuickTime version 2.5 offers better image quality and benefits of multiple processors. 

On systems with 68040 or PowerPC processors partitions can be used of up to 2 TByte, systems with 68030 processor remain limited to 4 GB. Check of the disk after a system crash requires now much less time. 

Mac OS 8

Mac OS 8 by Apple appeared in July 1997. As minimum requirements are specified a 68040 or PowerPC processor, 32 MB RAM and 120 MB of free disk space. The CTRL key is used to display a specific context menu for different actions. Finder in version 8 is now multithreaded and does no longer breaks other applications during the copy of files. The starting time of the operating system and applications is been reduced. As standard the browser software Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 and Netscape Navigator 3.0 are included. Inside of a TCP/IP network can shared files and printers accessed. 

With Mac OS 8.1 the filesystem HFS+ is included by default. Now informations are stored more efficiently on the file system and does less waste disk space in comparison of HFS. The limit of the partition size is depending on your hardware, the maximum size is now 2 TByte for all Quadra and PowerMac systems. The file system can handle up to 2 billion files with a current file size of up to 2 GB. PC Exchange 2.2 allows users the mount of DOS and Windows drives on your desktop. The supported file systems include FAT12, FAT16, FAT32, VFAT. 

Mac OS 8.5 further optimized the stability and speed of the operating system, Sherlock is extended for full-text search in local files and Internet search wizard for the first time. Mac systems with 68k processors are no longer compatible with this version. The throughput in Ethernet networks has been increased, AppleScript is now up to 5 x faster than the previous version. The graphical display is accelerated by new QuickDraw routines. Copying files has become faster and increase the disk throughput. A tool for system maintaining detects and fixes errors on the file system automated. The "Apple System Profiler" creates comprehensive reports about the used hardware and software. 

Following applications are included in current version: Finder 8.5 QuickTime Pro 3, Open Transport 2, Internet Explorer 4.01, Outlook Express 4.01, Netscape Navigator 4.0.5, Mac OS Runtime for Java 2.0 and File Exchange 3. 

Mac OS 8.6 requires 250 MB free disk space and 24 MB RAM. A new kernel is included which improves performance and added support for the PowerPC G4 processor. The ability of multitasking and multiprocessing has been optimized further and enhanced with new features. 

UDF 1.5.2 allows reading and storing data to DVD-RAM and read of DVD-ROM media. 

Mac OS 9

The operating system Mac OS 9 has been developed under the name Sonata and released to the 23. October 1999. The installation requires 32 MB RAM with virtual memory and a PowerPC 601 processor or higher. For models with G3 processor are at least 64 MB RAM recommended for optimal performance. The first G4 and iMac systems until summer 2000 are supported. The free disk storage should be 150 up to 400 MB depending on the installation type. 

50 new features are added in comparison to the previous version. This includes support for multiple users with password and access management for files and settings. The login is available through authentication by voice. Files can be stored encrypted. The operating system can automatically update itself via the Internet. You can back up all personal passwords with a master password. The integrated search engine Sherlock 2 is extended with language and search templates. The first version "Carbon" API is available for new applications. 

The following applications are included in current version: Finder 9.0, Mac OS Runtime for Java 2.1.4, Apple data security 2.0 and Open Transport 2.5. 

Mac OS X

Different technologies like the Mach Kernel, NEXTSTEP and tools from NetBSD and FreeBSD found influence in Mac OS X to merge the previous Apple technology with UNIX features. The operating system core Darwin is open source and can be used also on x86 computers standalone. Mac OS X works with preemptive multi-tasking and includes beside the new GUI Aqua the classic GUI from Mac OS 9. 

Mac OS X 10.0 came out in March 2001. To install are 128 MB RAM (256 MB RAM starting from Mac OS X 10.3.9) and 1.5 GB hard disk space (3.0 GByte starting from Mac OS X 10.2) provided. Mac OS X 10.5 requires at least 512 MB RAM and 9 GByte of free disk space. 

- 32-bit or 64-bit processing 

- SMP with up to 32 CPUs 

- needs a PowerPC G3, G4 or G5 

- POSIX compatible 

- HFS+ file system 

Field of Application 

- digital photography 

- 2-D and 3-D animations 

- video processing, streaming 

- audio processing 

- platform for DTP, web design 

- office applications 

Structure Information 

- supports QuickTime/VR 

- monolithic Kernel 

- Read/Write FAT, FAT32, ISO9660, UDF 

- well proven TCP/IP Stack 

- graphical user interaction with the finder 

- graphical representation by Quickdraw 

- central password administration (Keychain) 

Considerable performance and comfort improvements were carried out in version Mac OS X 10.1. The surface reacts quicker at user interaction, the system start was accelerated and the OpenGL performance increased noticeable. 

Mac OS X 10.3 has now a GUI in metallic scheme and the optimized Finder. The use and access in heterogeneous networks was further simplified. Files can be provided with etiquettes, the compression format ZIP is now directly supported. 12 million MacOS X user were counted in October 2004. 

According to Apple Mac OS X 10.4 brings more than 200 new features. Features are the fast, system-wide and index-based search function named Spotlight, the Dashboard for easy access to small programms (Widgets), the Automator for the simplified composition of Applescripts for the automation of tasks. The Web browser Safari in version 2.0 now contained RSS support, the QuickTime software was updated to version 7 with support for the H.264 video codec. Further novelty is the delivery at a DVD medium, an installation of CD-ROM is no longer possible. 

First since the 10th January 2006 is MacOS X 10.4.4 next to the PowerPC version available for Intel based Macs. On the 6. June 2005 Steve jobs announced at the WWDC the switch to Intel processors. As further details became known that Apple had developed Mac OS X since 2000 internally also for the Intel platform. 

Apple released the successor MacOS X 10.5, Leopard at the 26.10.2007. With more than 300 innovations MacOS offers the user an enhanced user interface with virtual desktops, a fast file preview and Dock with 3D effect. The Finder was revised, the expansion "Boot Camp" for the installation of Windows on Intel-Macs is an official component now. As a file system ZFS is optionally available. For the surfing on the Internet the Apple Safari 3 Web browser is included. Backups can be made, managed and restored in a simple way with "Time Machine". Time Machine makes every hour the day automatically a file backup and every day a snapshot for the duration of a complete month. Lost files are recovered easily over the display of a dynamic time line of those snapshot. The security of the operating system and applications is improved by 11 enhancements. This are beside others the application-based firewall, signed applications, the use of ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) and Sandboxing for applications. 

Open Group certified MacOS X 10.5 according to the standard UNIX 03 in November 2007. MacOS X is the first free BSD derivative with such certificate to bear the name UNIX officially. The certification guarantees the use of UNIX standard implementations to porting UNIX applications easily. 

The first update with bug fixes was released with Mac OS X 10.5.1 by Apple on November 15th, 2007. It contains general bug fixes for the operating system to improve stability, better compatibility and safety. Mac OS X 10.5.2 cames with 125 bug fixes and smaller optimizations on January 24th, 2008. 

Mac OS X 10.6 is a Mac computer with Intel Core 2 Duo processor with at least 1 GB memory and 5 GB free space ahead. This operating system no longer exists as PowerPC execution. Apple placed the focus development on performance and stability. It supports up to 16 TByte memory, it is optimized for multi core processors, and is a pure 64-bit operating system. With the technology OpenCL graphics processor can speed up in specific applications calculations. 

Read More

How to Manually Repair Windows 7 Boot Loader Problems

If you’re having boot problems on your Windows PC, it’s often helpful to repair the MBR (Master Boot Record) to restore the Windows 7 boot loader—and you can do it easily from the Windows installation disc.

This is generally most useful if you’ve broken something and there’s a boot loader error, or if you have made the mistake of installing an older version of Windows on the same PC that already has Windows 7 which wipes out the boot loader.

Note: If your PC starts booting into Windows but fails, you should probably try using Safe Mode instead.

Boot From the Windows Install Disc

The first thing you’ll need to do is boot off the install disc, and then click through until you see the “Repair your computer” link in the lower left-hand corner.

You’ll need to choose the correct installation of Windows and then click the Next button.

And then you’ll get to the System Recovery Options screen, where you can get to the Command Prompt.

Repairing the Master Boot Record

If you want to restore the master boot record, you can simply type in the following command:

bootrec /fixmbr

You can also write a new boot sector onto the system partition with this command (which is often more useful):

bootrec /fixboot

And of course, if you just use bootrec /? you’ll be able to see all the options.

This is the same way that we fixed the “BOOTMGR is missing” error when trying to boot up Windows 7 or Vista.

Replacing the Windows XP Bootloader with Windows 7

If you’ve managed to install XP on the same PC that you already had Windows 7 on, you’ll noticed that you can’t boot into Windows 7 anymore. You can use this command to fix that and restore the Windows 7 bootloader:

bootsect /nt60 all

Depending on the partition that you’ve installed, you might need to substitute the drive letter instead of “all”.

Note: if you want to restore Windows XP back to the menu, you can open up a command prompt in Windows 7 and run this command:

bcdedit /create {ntldr} -d “Windows XP”

Using the Automated Startup Repair

Of course, all this command-line stuff is probably not necessary in most cases. You can usually just use the Startup Repair option from the Recovery menu…

It’ll check for problems and probably fix them. If not, then you can always use the command prompt.

Have you ever needed to restore your boot loader to get Windows working again?

Read More

Choosing an Operating System

Whether you are shopping for a brand new computer or simply trying to update the one you own now, there is a lot of debate that goes along with which operating system is the best to buy. For those who may not know, an operating system is the basis of a computer and its software is made to help you in doing basic tasks on a desktop. The three well-known and most efficient operating systems include Microsoft Windows, Macintosh OS, and Linux. Each of these systems have their own advantages and weaknesses when compared to one another. Advantages you should know so you can choose the right operating system for your needs.

1. Microsoft Windows

The Windows systems of Microsoft are probably the most widely used out of all the listed groups as they help with the needs of both those in a business and in home setting. Its affiliation with Microsoft gives it the ability to run hundreds of other software and programs that would already be built into a PC.

Microsoft has gained a reputation of setting the standard for basic programs such as Word Processors and data entry programs like Microsoft Excel. It also appeals to an audience for entertainment by having a variety of free video games that can be played for as long as you would like. And the fact that Windows is constantly self-updating allows you to be in tune with the most modern of technology.

2. Macintosh OS

Macintosh OS systems work just as well as Windows systems in that they are both compatible with other systems and programs. Many computer users have not learned as much about Macintosh OS because until recently they never had a lot of media coverage. However, Mac OS does come with stability anyone would appreciate.

The only drawback with Mac OS programs is that they are only accessible through a Mac computer or laptop, forcing the user to spend an addition amount of money purchasing the actual computer that will allow their software work. While OS users can not access other Windows and Microsoft programs, they have their own processors that can still get tasks done.

3. Linux

Linux operating systems consist of developments made by people who want to create a free system for anyone who needs an operator. You access this system with a special code that will open up all the necessary programs, processors, and assistance tools that you would need for any project or task that you have. Linux is popular among many people because it is compatible with any computer and it is absolutely free.

However, the fact that it is free only makes prone to more crashes because the server is open to many people with no user limit. Linux is ideal for businesses who only need a few tasks as it would cost much more to pay for brand new computers with Mac or new Windows software for all of your workers. Linux distributors make programs and systems that can be applied to both Windows and Mac, making it easier to work with on a business level.

Read More

Best Social Networking Websites

Social networking only continues to grow and grow in popularity. From talking to current friends to talking to teachers and childhood acquaintances social networking can be very useful. Jobs have even researched potential clients via social networking sites to determine if they were of proper caliber to work at their company. So in this day where social networking is a phenomenon, which website should you use? This article will list a few of the most popular social networking sites and why they’re so popular.

Facebook

By far the most popular social networking site currently, Facebook is currently holding onto a user base of millions of people. Why are people so interested in Facebook though? Facebook allows users to become connected with their friends, family, school and community by joining groups, posting messages and adding friends to their personal account. You’re able to add your picture when you make an account and add details about who you’re as a person. This is an ideal way to keep up with old friends and even to meet new friends over a website. Facebook has even created an app for the ever popular iPhone, which has been downloaded and is currently being used by over 1.5 million people.

MySpace

MySpace is the second most popular social networking site after Facebook according to the complete.com rankings. Like Facebook, MySpace offers its users with the ability to locate friends, family and schools and join up in groups and have discussions. MySpace offers more customization when it comes to its personal profiles because it allows you to custom its CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) which allow you to embed music, videos and even change the color of your profile. This customization has received both praise and criticism by users. Despite these features, MySpace lags behind Facebook in terms of total users.

Twitter

The newest competitor to enter the social networking arena, twitter is a much different experience than Facebook and MySpace. Instead of having long discussions and near message boards like on Facebook, Twitter offers its users the ability to create short messages that can be read by anyone. This has led to many celebrities and notable people leaving messages of their daily happenings by sending a Twitter update through their phone. These constant updates, combined with the fact that you can follow an individual, make for a powerful social network.

Social networking is clearly the way of the future in terms of online communication. It’s free, it works, and most important it’s fun. So what’s stopping you from starting your free account and networking with your friends?

Read More

How to Shutdown Faster

If you installed many programs in Windows XP, it takes much time to start. Again, if you want to shutdown Windows XP, it also takes much time. Sometimes, several messages also shown. The End Program is the most boring thing. You may notice the message like do you want to save your work or the current session............or The program is still running, are you sure want to quit...etc. But there is an alternate process to shutdown your computer very quickly. This page will tell you the techniques to shutdown your Windows quickly. This process works all of the windows operating system.

Steps to shutdown Windows quickly

The following method is applicable to any Windows operating system like Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000 Professional, Windows 2000 server, Windows XP etc. Follow the following steps to shut down your Windows quickly:

Step 1:

Right-click on the desktop with your mouse and choose New and then selectShortcut.

Select the "Shortcut"

Step 2:

Now, a Create Shortcut window will be opened and there there is a text box below the writings Type the location of the space. Now write shutdown -s -t 30 in that space. After writing this, click on Next button.

Note: The command shutdown -s -t 30 and the custiomization of that command will be discussed at the end of these steps.

Type "shutdown -s -t 30"

Step 3:

In this step you will be prompted Select a TItle for the Program dialog box. Write a name ot the shortcut in the Type a name for this shortcut text box. Say, you name it Shutdown.exe. At last, click on Finish button.

It's all about shutdown quickly in your windows. Now, when you want to shutdown your Windows quickly, just double click on that executable file which we saved asshutdown.exe. After double-clicking you will see that your Windows operating system is shutdown quickly.

Expanation of "shutdown -s -t 30"

shutdown : this command is used to stop the local client

-s: It's a attribute which is used to mean turn off the computer.

-t: This attribute is used to tell the Windows how many seconds it will wait till shutdown.

30 : This is a value to define the time to wait before your Windows operation system will be shutdown. If you want to change the time value, you just change it.

You can easily customize the command. For example, if you want to shutdown your Windows within 40 seconds then you have to write the command like the followings:

shutdown -s -t 40

Read More

Change Your Desktop Wallpapers the Easy Way with DeskSlide

Looking to add some variety to your desktop instead of looking at the same wallpaper day in and day out? Have fun changing your wallpapers automatically with DeskSlide.

DeskSlide Setup

As soon as you finish installing DeskSlide and start it up, you will be presented with the Configuration Wizard. The Currently Displayed Photo Window will also automatically display at the same time. Click “Next” to get started.

This is where you will be able to add any photo folders that you want to DeskSlide’s photo library list. Click on the “Plus Sign” to add a folder and on the “Minus Sign” to remove one.

Here is an example of how the listing will look. Once you have finished, click “Apply” and then “Next”. You can also include subfolders if you desire (very nice!).

Choose the layout style that you would like to use with your photos and decide what DeskSlide will do with small photos. Notice that you can specify a specific size for what is classified as a small photo (nice!). Click “Next”.

Specify the amount of time that you would like in between changes to your wallpaper. Click “Next”.

That now has DeskSlide configured to suit your personal style. Click “Finish” to exit the Configuration Wizard.

DeskSlide Management

Once you have exited the Configuration Wizard, you will be able to view the Currently Displayed Photo and the Current Photo List Windows. You can easily access both windows at any time as shown here.

The Right Click Menu for the Current Photo List Window…

And the Right Click Menu for the System Tray Icon.

Conclusion

If you are looking for an easy way to add some variety to your desktop, then DeskSlide can provide a simple hassle-free way to change your wallpaper and brighten up your day. Have fun!

Read More