Tricks To Turn You Into A
Computer Jedi
Even if you use a computer every day, there are some
hidden functions that the books don't tell you. Karan Bajaj digs deep to
present some lesser known tips and tricks that will help you do much more with
your computer without the need of installing any extra programs
TIPS FOR WINDOWS
Enhanced Calculator By default, Windows 7 and
Windows 8 shows you the basic version of the Calculator app. Click on View from
the menu bar to access the enhanced version that can do unit conversions, data
calculations and even worksheets for calculating vehicle leases and mileage.
Check System Reliability
In case your computer is acting up, a good
place to start is the Reliability Monitor. In Control Panel > System and
Security > Action Center, you can view the reliability history of your
system it shows a graph with programs and services causing issues. Problem
Steps Recorder Search for `Problem Steps Recorder' to access this tool. Instead
of explaining a computer problem to a customer care person or friend, use this
tool to record every action you perform on the desktop as screenshots with
captions. The person on other end can then see the recording, making it easy to
identify the issue.
The Secret `Send to' Menu
By default, when you right click on a file
and go to the `Send To' menu, there are limited options. However, press and
hold the shift key before you right click on a file this shows additional
items in the Send To dialogue box including all the special folders (My Music,
My Videos etc.)
Quick Access Menu
Windows 8 users can open a quick access menu
to access system management services like Disk Management, Device Manager and
Control Panel by taking the mouse pointer to left bottom corner in any screen
and doing a right click.
Easily Select Multiple Files
Most of us know that you can press and hold
the control key down to select certain files from a folder. However, there is
simpler way open Folder Options > View and in the advanced settings enable
`Use check boxes to select items'.Each file will now have a check box that you
can click to select the file some may find it a lot easier than the Control
button method
Limit Bandwidth Usage of Live Tiles
If you have multiple Live Tiles in Windows 8,
chances are that they are eating up some bandwidth with constant updates. You
can right click on your network connection name on the charms bar and select
the `Set as metered connec tion' option. This will restrict the amount of data
live tiles use great if you are on slow connection or one with limited data
usage.
Use Compatibility Mode
There are a number of useful programs that
may not work very well on Windows 7 or 8 (one of the main reasons is that
development may have stopped). For such programs, open their properties, select
the compatibility tab and from there you can set the program to run in Windows
98, XP or Vista mode so that it runs without any issues.
Opening A Program Multiple Times
If you are running a program and want to open
another instance of it, hold the shift key and click on the icon in the taskbar.
This will launch the app again quickly much easier than searching for the app
shortcut on the desktop or the Start Menu and clicking that.
Take Selective Screenshots
For Windows users, the Print Screen button is
the common way to take a screenshot. However, Microsoft has provided an easier
way called the Snipping Tool. Search for SnippingTool to launch it, click on
New Snip select the area of choice and it will take a screenshot of that area.
The screenshot will open in a new window with tools like highlighter and pen
for annotation. You can then save the screenshot directly on your computer.
TIPS FOR MAC
Eject a stuck CDDVD
If a CDDVD gets stuck in your MAC's internal
drive, it will not eject by pressing the standard eject button on the keyboard.
Instead restart your Mac, tap and hold the trackpad button or the connected
mouse this will force eject the CDDVD.
Annotate PDFs
The Preview app on MAC does a great job when
it comes to viewing images and PDF. However,
you can also annotate PDF documents just enable the edit bar (the pencil mark
right next to the search bar) to view options for selecting, highlighting and
writing in a PDF.
Digital Signatures
You can add digital signatures to a PDF
document using Preview. Open preferences and follow the instructions in the
signature tab to create a signature. Once you have saved the signature, you can
insert it in any PDF document from the edit menu.
Custom Keyboard Shortcuts
Head to Preferences > Keyboard >
Application Shortcuts and click on the `+' button. In the pop-up box, you can
select the app and the menu command to execute.Now, select a custom keyboard
combination for the specific shortcut and save it.
Quickly type common used phrases
In the Language & Region section of Sys
tem Preferences, click on Keyboard Preferences. in the box that opens up,
select the Text to view the list of commonly used shortcuts for phrases. Click
on the + icons to create you own quick type shortcuts. For e.g. Typing `psdm' can
be set as shortcut for writing ` Please send details over mail'.
Quick Definitions
Take your mouse pointer over any word (on a
website, in a document or in any app) and press Ctrl + Command + D. This opens
up a pop-up box with the Dictionary definition of that word very helpful for
quick references.
Do more with App Switcher
Much like windows, MAC also lets you switch
form one running app to another by pressing Command + Tab. However, instead of
just switching to any app, you can close an app by selecting it and pressing
`Q' or minimise it by pressing `H'.
Hidden Menu Options
With built-in apps, you can access an
alternative hidden file menu with additional functions by pressing the `option'
key. In any app open the file menu from the menu bar and press the option key
you will see standard options change for e.g.instead of `Save' you can see a
`Save as' function when you press the option key.
Screen Recording
The pre-loaded QuickTime player in MAC OSX
has a built-in screen recorder with an option to record the entire screen or
just a selected area. Launch QuickTime player and in the File menu select the
New screen recording option it's great for tutorials or for identifying
problems.
Take screenshots
There is no need to install a third-party app
to take screenshots in OS X as its a built-in feature. Press and hold `Command
+ Shift + 3' to take a screenshot of everything visible on your desktop.
Alternatively, you can press `Command + Shift + 4“ and then select a particular
area to take a screenshot.
Source | Economic Times | 3 June 2015
Regards
Pralhad
Jadhav
Khaitan
& Co
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