10 tricks for Windows Vista

Tip #1: Shrink a partition

If you have created one or more partitions on your hard drive and a few months later you think "mmmmh this partition has to be a bit smaller", it is possible in Vista to shrink them. You can do this even with a 'system partition'.
How to shrink a partition?

Step 1:
Click with your right mouse button on 'Computer' and then click 'manage'.
The next screen is shown.



In this screen you click in the left pane on 'Disk Management' below 'Storage'.
Then the next screen is shown.



Now you see all your partitions which you have created. To shrink a partition you simple right click on the partition and in the menu which appears you click 'Shrink Volume'.
The next screen is then shown.



Here you can enter the amount of space to shrink in MB.

If there is empty space available behind the partition there is also the possibility to extend the the partition using the option 'Extend Volume'.
There one thing you can not do. You can not move a partition or extend it with an empty space which is in front of a partition.

Tip #2: Use ReadyBoost to speed up your system!


SPEED IT UP NOW!
Click here to run a Free Performance scan


What is ReadyBoost and what is SuperFetch?
Microsoft introduces, using Windows, these new techniques, which have to speed up your computer which is used for daily usage.

How do these technologies work?
Do you really get a super system when you extend the memory using a USB stick?
The memory in computers increased dramatically since a few years ago. This is logical because there is nothing what makes a computer more stable and faster than extra memory. Microsoft wants to use that new memory maximum and equipped Windows Vista with a few techniques which have to take care of this.

The memory manager of Windows Vista can change the grouping of the memory any time, which decreases the chance of overloading a part of the memory. Microsoft calls this 'dynamic kernel address space'.

The possibility to assign memory dynamically is also used to decide which data have to be loaded into the memory and which data is mend for the virtual memory. Previous versions of Windows did not make any difference between data which is used much and which is used less. Windows Vista does it on another way. SuperFetch doesn't look at the data which is unused the longest, but it predicts which data will be needed as first again and keeps this data stored in the memory.If there will be any free space in the RAM-memory then SuperFetch will fill these spaces with the data of which it predicts it will be needed as first again.

Read more about ReadyBoost and SuperFetch...

Tip #3: How to disable User Account Control?






To keep your computer safe and clean of viruses that's one thing which is very important for your computer. But you don't want to get bothered with annoying warnings from Windows Vista each time you install a program or when you make a change in Vista's settings?
Without any doubt is Vista's most irritating tool the User Account Control (UAC). The User Account Control takes care that Windows asks permission to several system sources over and over again.
I have to admit that this standard setting helps you to keep your computer clean, but do you really want to give permission for every small setting change, like changing the Windows' standard font?

I think your answer is NO!

Read more about User Account Control...

Tip #4: How to make screenshot quick and easy in Vista?



Vista has a great tool to make screenshots very easily. This tool is called the 'Snipping tool'.
Using this tool you can make screenshots of your screen or a selection of it very easily.

This tool can be found at:

Start
Programs
Accessories
Snipping Tool
Using this tool you can make screenshots in several ways, for example you can make a:
Free-form snip
Rectangular snip
Window snip
Full screen snip
Below you find a screenshot I made using the 'free-form snip'. So if you need to make a screenshot of something on your screen you can use this tool for it.



Tip #5: Enable hidden built in administrator account

Select cmd prompt run as Administrator
Type: 'net user administrator /active:yes', press enter
To disable type: 'net user administrator /active:no'
This Windows Vista Trick was written by Jinish Kg from India



Tip #6: Display multiple clocks

With huge popularity of social websites there is huge possibility that you have found some friends which are spread across the planet? With Windows Vista, you can display up to 3 clocks, each representing a different time zone. You know immediately what time is in your friend's country. This can help you to know in what time you can contact your friend. Of course these clocks can also have other purpose but this with social website was a simple example. To display multiple clocks in windows vista fallow steps below:

1. In Windows Vista, click the clock in the notification area, right of the taskbar.

2. The clock and a complete schedule appear. Click Change settings of the date and time.

3. Open Additional Clocks tab.

4. Then check the Show this clock, select a new time zone and then give a name to the clock.

5. You can then repeat the operation for a third clock. Click OK when you are finished.

6. Now when you spend a few moments with mouse pointer on the clock your other clocks will be displayed.

7. The time your friends will also be displayed after double clicking the clock.



Tip #7: How to disable unnecessary features in Windows Vista

Windows Vista is automatically installed with many features, not always useful for the use of your computer. You can optimize your system and win a few seconds to start disabling the functionality you're not using. Here is how:

1. Click the Start button and then click Control Panel.

2. Click on the Programs icon.

3. Then click the Enable or disable Windows features of the Programs and Features heading.

4. Click the Continue button.

5. The list of features of the system is displayed. Uncheck the boxes just before the features you do not and you want to disable. For example, you can uncheck the box in front of optional components for Tablet PC if you do not have a Tablet PC, before games if you do not use Windows games before DFS Replication Service Windows if you do not need to synchronize files between multiple computers, etc..

6. Finally, click on the OK button at any time you can re-checking features and return them in their previous state.



Tip #8: How to create a self extracting self installing program, a setup file

I know a very cool trick...

First Go to start and then run and then type "iexpress" without the quotations. This will open a window which will let you create a self extracting self installing program. Just complete it and there we are!!! Your done!!!

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Adam Devey from United Kingdom





Tip #9: Increase performance easily

The real performance hit in Windows Vista is within its power management settings. In the advanced settings, there are spots to set the minimum and maximum CPU speed. Even on "high performance" the minimum isn't set to 100%, so to fix the problem, either create a custom profile or just edit the "high performance" profile to have a minimum and maximum CPU speed of 100%. This will cause Vista not to slow the CPU down, so you will have ultimate performance. Vista runs better and there is a noticeable responsiveness to it when the CPU setting is fixed. This setting is good for desktops and laptops on plugged in power. Adjust as needed for laptops on batteries, but that should be on a separate power profile, anyway.

This Windows Vista Trick was written by Jason from United States



Tip #10: Set the Run option in the Windows Vista Start menu

The Run option in the menu of Windows XP is a handy way to access various features of the operating system. Windows Vista Versions do not have that option because it have a search box on the Start menu, where you just enter the name of the desired option or for the results to appear.

In general, the option to search in Windows Vista is more practical, but it does not record a history of words, terms and commands searched. Therefore, many users do not like to use the menu of modern and sophisticated operating system from Microsoft.

The good news is that you can add a much desired option Run in the Start menu of Windows Vista and best of all is that you will not need to change registration or administrative settings. Follow the instructions below and see how easy it is.

1) Clicking the right mouse button over the symbol of the Start menu, choose "Properties."



2) In the properties window that opens, go to the "Start Menu" and click "Customize ...".

3) Now just check the option "Run Command" to implement the changes made, click "OK" and on "Apply" then



4) There, the Run command is within reach of your mouse.

If you from some reason need to remove this Run command from start menu simply repeat above steps but at the last step you have to uncheck file "Run Command".