In Microsoft Windows Vista there is now a simple way to start your favourite programs, files and folders by using the Run command.
To run a program:
Click Start (Windows Orb)
Click All Programs
Click Accessories
Click Run
In the open dialog box, type the name of the program, file or folder.
From the Windows Help and How-To Page:
You can help protect your computer from Internet threats by taking a few simple precautions. This demo introduces you to Windows Security Center, which shows your computer’s security status. You’ll also learn how to automatically download the latest security updates, how to use Windows Firewall to block harmful programs, and how to use Windows Defender to keep your computer free of spyware and other potentially unwanted software.
Video: Security Basics
Windows Sidebar is a vertical sidebar that is shown on the right hand side of your desktop, it contains small applications called gadgets, which offer information at a glance and provide easy access to regularly used tools.
To add a gadget to your sidebar:
At the top of Sidebar, click the plus sign (+) to open the Gadget Gallery
Double-click a gadget to add it to Sidebar.
To remove the gadget:
Right-click the gadget, and then click Close Gadget
Gadgets can be downloaded from Windows Live Gallery
Microsoft Windows Vista Speech Recognition allows the user to interact with their computer by voice. It was designed for people who want to significantly limit their use of the mouse and keyboard while maintaining or increasing their overall efficiency.
To use speech recognition:
Click Start (Windows Orb)
Click Control Panel
Click Speech Recognition
Click Start Speech Recognition
To familiarize yourself with speech recognition, use the speech tutorial first so the computer can become used to your voice.
Changing the colour of Microsoft Windows Vista glass effects isn’t as difficult as it may seem.
Simply:
Right click on your desktop
Click personalize
Click Window Color and Appearance
Change Windows to the colour of your choice
If you have Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate you are eligible to download Windows Ultimate Extras.
Ultimate Extras are add-ons that enhance the experience of Windows Vista, when these applications are released they are available via Microsoft Windows Update.
To download the Ultimate Extras simply:
Click on the Start Button (Windows Orb)
All Programs
Windows Update
When Windows Ultimate Extras are available, they will appear in the Windows Ultimate Extras section on the Windows Update page.
Remember the Alt-Tab shortcut? The quick way to switch between all of your open Windows.
Microsoft Windows Vista has taken that feature to the next level. New in Windows Vista, Microsoft has introduced Windows Flip 3D.
Just like the Alt-Tab shortcut, using Windows-Tab allows you to preview all of your open windows in a stack.
However to use Flip 3D you must have a video card that supports Windows Aero.
If you want to access the many new features that come with Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate, you can easily upgrade your copy of Windows Vista using the Microsoft Anytime Upgrade.
Simply purchase the Microsoft Anytime Upgrade disc or buy the upgrade online and do the following:
1, Click on the Start Button (Windows Orb) > Control Panel > System and Maintenance, then click on Windows Anytime Upgrade.
2, Follow the instructions on each page.
You can upgrade from Windows Vista Home Basic to either Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate. If you have Windows Vista Business, you can upgrade to Windows Vista Ultimate.
You have Microsoft Windows Vista installed on your laptop but the system only has 512mb of RAM, performance is very sluggish and it’s pretty obvious you need to add more memory.
If you have a (USB) Flash Drive laying around, using Windows ReadyBoost will improve speed and performance instantly.
To enable ReadyBoost:
Insert the Memory Card or USB Thumb Drive
Click Enable and then OK
It’s that easy, you now have extra memory and a better performing system.
Every Microsoft Windows Vista DVD includes the ability to install any edition of Windows Vista without a product key. When you install without the product key you get an automatic 30 day evaluation period.
What you may not know however is that you can extend this time to 120 days, all you need to do is start a command prompt as an Administrator and input the following command:
slmgr -rearm
Reboot your computer so that the changes take effect and you now have an extra 30 days. You can only do this three times so that makes a total of 120 days evaluation time.
