Install multiple Operating Systems inside a single Operating system-VMWare(Virtual WorkStation)
Saturday, April 11, 2009 Posted by Aman Jain
To install multiple OS inside your existing OS you require VMware and if you have a fairly fast machine you can even run Operating Systems simultaneously.Softwares such as Virtual Machine (VMWare) can be used to install ,test and use different Operating systems from within your existing one .VMware Workstation is downloadable from www.VMware.com and is also available for MAC and Linux programs.
Just install it and you can go about installing Linux , DOS , Netware, Solaris or various versions of Windows in your current OS.All you need is a computer with at least 1-1.5 GB or more .You can even pause an OS and use it whenever you like; or just delete the virtual OS system if you are tired of it.
You can install an OS in an OS by the following steps:
Step1 : Install VMWare
Download and install the VMWare Software .Installation is regular but do ensure that your system is fast enough with at least 1-1.5 GB RAM and around 20 GB to spare for each OS you install.
Step 2: Configuration
Once installed choose 'File|New| Virtual Machine' or plainly press 'Ctrl + N'.Make sure that you have all the necessary CD/DVD's needed for the Operating System you wish to install.Existing ISO files will also do.
Step 3: The Wizard
Choose the type of wizard that you will be familiar with .Go for a Typical setup is you are not so familiar with VMWare, or else advanced users can go for custom setup
Step 4: Mention you source drive:
Choose the way you are going to install your new OS.You can specify the use of your CD/DVD ROM drive or even specify the path to the ISO file.
Step 5: Customize the installer
If you are installing a Windows operating system, you can specify the serial number and username and password if needed,or you can enter it later when the installation or Windows is in action.
Step 6: Name it
Give a unique name for you Virtual machine and specify the location of the virtual machines file to be stored in .You can leave it to VMWare to name it for you if you wish.
Step 7 : Decide the Storage
Specify the storage space (Hard Drive) size for the virtual machine.This disk space would actually be a single file in your hard drive and the whole OS would be in it.You can choose to split the files into smaller 2 GB files and transfer to another computer .
Step 8 :Confirm and finalize
Finally , customize your hardware such as adding / removing sound , network options , USB devices , etc . click finish and let VMWare now start installing the new operating system.
Step 9: Additional settings
You can tweak the settings even more further to increase the memory or hard disk space, add in peripherals like network , hard drive and USB peripherals etc.
Step 10: Installation
Once done with all the final settings , VMWare will install Windows and you can finally start using the virtual machine after the installation completes .You can install other operating systems similarly.
Step 11 : VMWare viewer
You can use the VMWare viewer utility that is bundled with the VMWare software.This utility enables you to use existing virtual machine(already created .vmx file) without having to install / use VMWare.
How to turn on Remote Desktop in Windows Vista
Wednesday, December 03, 2008 Posted by Aman Jain
In Vista , the Remote Desktop connection feature is disabled by default .If you need to access your PC from another system or vice versa , you can easily enable this feature .
To do so :
1) Right Click the "My Computer" desktop icon and click "Properties"
2) On the left pane , click the remote settings link.
3) Select "Allow Assistance connections to this computer".
4) To allow connections from any windows version , click the "Allow connections from computers running any version of Remote desktop" radio button.
5) Once done , click "Ok".
Windows Keyboard General Shortcuts
Saturday, November 29, 2008 Posted by Aman Jain
General windows Keyboard shortcuts
[F1]
Display Help.When in Windows Explorer or viewing the desktop , this shows you Windows help.Otherwise , shows you the active program's documentation.
[Ctrl] + [C]
Copy the selected item or text.
[Ctrl] +[X]
Cut the Selected item or terxt
[Ctrl] +[V]
Paste the selected item or text
[Ctrl] +[Z]
Undo the last action
[Ctrl] +[Y]
Redo the last action
[Delete]
Delete the selected item and move it to the recycle bin.
[[Shift] + [Delete]]
Delete the selected item without moving it to tye recycle bin first
Delete the selected item without moving it to tye recycle bin first
[F2]
Rename the selected item
[Ctrl] + [right Arrow]
Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word
[Ctrl] +[ Left arrow]
Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word
[Ctrl] + [Up Arrow]
Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph.
[[Ctrl] + [Shift]] + an arrow key
Select a block of text
[[Shift]] with any arrow key
Select more than one item in a window on the Desktop,or select text within a document
[Ctrl] with any arrow key + [Space]
Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop
[Ctrl] +[ A]
Select all itejms in a window
Select all itejms in a window
[F3]
Search for a file or folder
[Alt] + [enter ]
Display properties for the selected item
Display properties for the selected item
[Alt] +[F4]
Exit the active program
Exit the active program
[Alt] +[space]
Open the shortcut menu for the active window
[Ctrl] + [F4]
Close the active document (in programs that allow you to have multiple documents simultaneously
[Alt] + [tab]
Switch between open programs or items
[Ctrl] +[Alt] +[Tab]
Use the arrow keys to switch between open items (Vista only).Hit [enter] to select the program you want to switch to
Use the arrow keys to switch between open items (Vista only).Hit [enter] to select the program you want to switch to
[Ctrl] +Mouse scroll wheel
Change the size of the icons on the desktop-(Vista Only)
Change the size of the icons on the desktop-(Vista Only)
[Windows] +[Tab]
Cycle through the programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3D(Vista only),In XP, cycle through programs using the taskbar buttons and hit [Enter] to select a program.
[Ctrl] + [Windows] + [Tab]
Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3D(Vista only).Hit [Enter to select the program you want to switch to.
[Alt ]+ [Esc]
Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened
[F6]
Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop
[F4]
Display the address bar list in Windows Explorer.
[[Shift]] + [F10]
Display the right click menu for the selected item
Display the right click menu for the selected item
[Ctrl]+ [Esc] or [Windows]
Open the start menu
[Alt] + underlined letetr (in the program menu)
Display the corressponding menu-for Example , [Alt][ + [F] in the program opens the File menu
[F10]
Activate the menu bar in the active program
[Right Arrow] (in menu bar )
Open the next menu to the right or open the submenu
[F5]
Refresh the active window
[Alt] + [Up Arrow]
View the folder one level up in the windows explorer
[Esc]
Cancel the current task
[Ctrl] + [[shift]] + [Esc]
Open the Task Manager .Also [Ctrl] +[Alt] +[Delete] in the Windows XP
Hold don [Shift]] when you insert a CD/DVD
Prevent the CD/DVD from automatically playing
Use Notepad editor as Log book
Tuesday, October 28, 2008 Posted by Aman Jain
Generally at work you need to enter date and time for every new entry or documentation purposes .This can become very tiresome and error prone .You can use windows editor Notepad as your Log Book.It can automatically enter current date and exact time for your notes .
1. Open the Notepad with start|All Programs |Accessories |Notepad under XP and Vista.
2. Type ".LOG " character string in the first line .The "." and the uppercase characters are necessary.
3.Save this file under any name like "LOGBACK.txt" .Then close Notepad .
To quickly access this file in future create a desktop link for it or in the launch bar.As soon as you open the link, Notepad automatically inserts an empty line and the line with current date and time at the end of existing text.all you need is to type your notes after or below it ,save the file and close it.
1. Open the Notepad with start|All Programs |Accessories |Notepad under XP and Vista.
2. Type ".LOG " character string in the first line .The "." and the uppercase characters are necessary.
3.Save this file under any name like "LOGBACK.txt" .Then close Notepad .
To quickly access this file in future create a desktop link for it or in the launch bar.As soon as you open the link, Notepad automatically inserts an empty line and the line with current date and time at the end of existing text.all you need is to type your notes after or below it ,save the file and close it.
Copy the name of folders or files with their path and to insert it into a document
Friday, October 24, 2008 Posted by Aman Jain
Then keep the [Shift] key pressed and right click the icon on the right side of the window .The context menu (pop up after right clicking ) that is displayed shows more command than usual -including the "Copy as path" command .
You can copy the name of the file of folder with the complete path on the clipboard using this command .You can then copy the information to other applications such as word with [Cntrl] + [V].The inserted information is enclosed in inverted commas.
Change Windows Vista Power Button Setting to shut down
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 Posted by Aman Jain
In vista you would find the default action for the power button on the start menu is 'Sleep'. It simply puts the computer in low power staterather than shutting it all together .But this may not be necessary or useful for everyone .You may want to the system to shut down directly on clicking the power button rather than making it Sleep.To change this setting simply follow the following steps below-1. click 'StartControl Panel'
2. In the control panel , double click the 'Power Options ' window.
3. click the 'Change Plan Settings ' link below the Power saver radio button.
4. click the 'Change Advanced power settings link
5. expand the 'Power Buttons and lid ' setting.
6. Expand the Power button action ' and 'Start menu power button ' options .
7. Click 'Setting' and select the 'Shut down' option from the drop down list .
8. Once done click 'Ok'
Now your system will get 'shut down' instead of 'Sleep' when you ll press power Button.
Access Windows Vista Encryption utility in contextual menu
Wednesday, October 22, 2008 Posted by Aman Jain
Windows vista has a built in file encryption utility .If you use this utility quite frequently ,you may want to add this option to the contextual menu (the menu that opens on rightclicking a file )This would make it quite easy to encrypt or decrypt your rather than using the File properties dialog box.to add the encrypt option to your context menu -
1. Click 'start' and type 'regedit'
2. Navigate to 'HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced'
3. Right click on the right pane and select 'New DWORD 32 bit value'
4. Name the new key as 'EncryptioncontextMenu'
5. Once the key is created , double click it and enter the integer '1' in the 'Value data' field
6. Close the registry editor .
3. Right click on the right pane and select 'New DWORD 32 bit value'
4. Name the new key as 'EncryptioncontextMenu'
5. Once the key is created , double click it and enter the integer '1' in the 'Value data' field
6. Close the registry editor .
Now whenever you right click a file , you 'll find the 'encrypt' option in the contextual menu.
Screenshot in Windows XP and Vista
Monday, September 29, 2008 Posted by Aman Jain
You can take the complete screenshot of the computer screen that you are working on . It could be used in many ways , like to just send a snapshot of the work you are doing to some one or while asking query you can presentthe actual screen that is being displayed. Taking screen shots could be fun also to set up "Dummy desktops " or "Ghost desktops"How to take Screenshot in windows XP ?
1. Press Printscreen Button on the top right side of your keyboard .
2. Open Microsoft Paint New file - To do this, click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Paint. Click inside the white part of the screen
3.On the Edit Menu Press Paste or just press Ctrl V.
4. Click File > Save As. In the box that pops up, change the "Save As Type" to PNG or JPG. Type in a filename for your image. Choose a place to save, like the Desktop, and click save.
5. Thats it , a screenshot has been taken and you can send it to your friends by attaching it with the email .That acts as a regular jpeg or PNG file .
How to take Screenshot in Windows Vista ?
1. In Microsoft Vista (except in Home Basic), there is a tool called the Snipping Tool to take snapshots .
2. Go to Start Menu , click on run and Type snip in the run window
.3. The Snipping Tool gets open .You could choose from various masks in the 'New' button like free-from snip, rectangular snip, window snip, or full-screen snip.
4. In free-form snip mode, select the area you want to be captured. In rectangular snip mode drag a rectangle to take the snapshot. For window snip mode, select the window you want to capture. In full-screen mode, just selecting it from the drop-down menu makes the capture.
5. The snipped image is then opened within the Snipping Tool, and is also copied to the Windows clipboard for use in other applications
Publish your photos to flickr with windows live gallery
Tuesday, October 23, 2007 Posted by Aman Jain
The DMX team has announced a beta refresh for Windows Live Photo Gallery that includes the ability to publish your photos directly to Flickr.
Uploading photos to Flickr through Windows Live Photo Gallery is just as easy as it is uploading to Windows Live Spaces. To upload to Flickr, all is needed to do is to choose the photos that you want to upload and hit "Publish" in the toolbar. A drop-down list will appear that allows you to either choose Windows Live Spaces or Flickr as destinations I want to publish my photos to. Here choose Flickr.
A new window will appear letting you to enter options for which set you want the photo to belong to, what size you want the photo to be uploaded at, and permissions of that photo.
Windows Live Photo Gallery will notify you once your photo (or photos) have been uploaded and ask if you would like to view those uploaded photos.
ho.So enjoy Flickering through Windows Live Photo Gallery
Some of the features of Windows Vista-Intellipoint Software
Tuesday, October 23, 2007 Posted by monu
Some of the features of the IntelliPoint software:
Magnifier
Although Windows Vista has a built-in magnifier that enlarges text and icons for easier viewing, the IntelliPoint software acts more like a real magnifying glass. You can select the size of the magnifying window to encompass either a small section of a document, Web page, or photo. The size is customizable by dragging the window to your preferred size. The size you select will be remembered for future use. You can also change the magnification level from 1.5x to 5x.Some keyboards also have a ‘Magnifier' button that can be used alone or in conjunction with the mouse controls.
Instant Viewer
For those of you who use a mouse to navigate, this feature is similar to the keyboard shortcut ‘Alt-Tab.' With a quick push of the mouse wheel, you can see every application that's open. After moving the cursor to any of the windows, a quick mouse click brings the window to the front.
For those of you who use a mouse to navigate, this feature is similar to the keyboard shortcut ‘Alt-Tab.' With a quick push of the mouse wheel, you can see every application that's open. After moving the cursor to any of the windows, a quick mouse click brings the window to the front.
Precision Booster
If you're a gamer and your mouse supports this, Precision Booster will increase or decrease the speed of the pointer for improved accuracy. You'll be able to move around the screen much faster. A quick press and hold increases the speed until released, or just press and release the assigned button to toggle the speed up and then press and release again to resume normal speed.
The hot keys on the Microsoft keyboards and mice are fully customizable to work with the IntelliPoint software.
Flip 3D
One-touch access to Windows Flip 3D on the mouse allows users to flip through open windows in a stack, and quickly switch between applications for added productivity.
If you're a gamer and your mouse supports this, Precision Booster will increase or decrease the speed of the pointer for improved accuracy. You'll be able to move around the screen much faster. A quick press and hold increases the speed until released, or just press and release the assigned button to toggle the speed up and then press and release again to resume normal speed.
The hot keys on the Microsoft keyboards and mice are fully customizable to work with the IntelliPoint software.
Flip 3D
One-touch access to Windows Flip 3D on the mouse allows users to flip through open windows in a stack, and quickly switch between applications for added productivity.
RSS Feeds and Page Zooming in Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista
Wednesday, October 10, 2007 Posted by Aman Jain
A feed also known as RSS feed, XML feed, or syndicated content, is website content that can be automatically delivered to your browser. By subscribing to a feed , you can get updated content, such as breaking news or new posts added to your favourite blog. without having to visit the website. The feeds button in the Internet Explorer toolbar will light up when a feed is available for a webpage you’re viewing . Click the button to display the feed or to subscribe to it .
Along with a feed reader , IE also introduces a zoom facility with this version . Page zoom lets you enlarge or reduce the size of a web page . Unlike the previous version of zoom , which changed only the font size of the page, the new zoom enlarges or reduces everything on the page be it text or out of a page. You can zoom from 10% to 1000%.To zoom in or out of the page ,click on the zoom button which is located in the lower right- hand corner of the screen . By clicking on the zoom button, IE will step through three zoom levels 100% , 125 % and 150 %You can also access other zoom levels by clicking on the small arrow next to the zoom button ; note here that you can also specify a custom level of zoom . You can also zoom into a web site by pressing +<+> and zoom out by pressing +<+>.You can also hold down the ctrl button and use the mouse wheel to zoom into and out of a web page .
Adding Search Engines of your choice in Windows Vista
Wednesday, October 10, 2007 Posted by Aman Jain
The new instant search box lets you search the web from the Address bar.You can also search using different search providers to get better results.By default IE uses the Live Search Engine but this can be easily changed to a search engine of your choice .
1.Open IE.The search box is situatd in the upper right hand corner of IE.
2.Click the arrow to the right of the search box
3.Click Find more Providers.
4.Click the search providers you would like to add.This opens the Add Search provider dialog box .
5. If you want the provider that you just added to be used by default when searching from the Address bar or the search box ,select the ‘Make this my default search provider’ check box
6. Click Add provider
7.Repeat steps 4 through 6 for each provider you want to add.
1.Open IE.The search box is situatd in the upper right hand corner of IE.
2.Click the arrow to the right of the search box
3.Click Find more Providers.
4.Click the search providers you would like to add.This opens the Add Search provider dialog box .
5. If you want the provider that you just added to be used by default when searching from the Address bar or the search box ,select the ‘Make this my default search provider’ check box
6. Click Add provider
7.Repeat steps 4 through 6 for each provider you want to add.
Whats new in Windows Vista?(Windows Sidebar)
Tuesday, October 09, 2007 Posted by Aman Jain
Windows Sidebar
The concept of widgets has been around in one form or another wherever operating systems were to be found –be it the unixes or the windows ,or indeed the Macintosh environment . Under Windows, Stardock
Had long ago introduced a concept quite similar to the now prevalent widgets. Vista introduced the sidebar under the then – codenamed longhorn build released in September 2002. While many have suggested that vista borrowed the idea from konfabulator (now yahooEngine )or from Apple’s Dashboard ;it is interesting to note that both these programs were introduced after September 2002.What then is a widget ?The simplest explanation is that it is a mini-program –one stripped to the most rudimentary features. For Vista’s implementation of the widget concept ,we can think of them as simple tools written in HTML/XML.markup languages,
The windows sidebar is a simple panel that gathers several of these widgets –which are called Desktop Gadgets under Vista – in to a single interface element..The windows sidebar is essentially meant to display quick information on various aspects of your social or online life . For example , a Gadget might be used to display RSS feeds off your favourite web site , another to display the latest e-mail, yet another might visually show the phases of the moon , while one might be used to track and show ticker prices on stocks . These Gadgets can reside on the sidebar or as free floating elements on the Desktop ; The sidebar itself can be placed at various placed around the Desktop , it is even multi monitor aware and can be placed on a second monitor if realestate is prime on your primary display , All in all , the windows sidebar is a nice addition to the operating system .
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Head to http://gallery.live.com/ to browse through an already –impressive array of Desktop Gadgets.
