Windows Specific
Quick Tips
Introduction
There are, in many cases, different ways to get the same job done. Whether it is
programming or design, backups, using features of Word, advice on how to do things
right the first time. After a while we get to find easier and shorter ways of doing
things. This section contains hints, tips, tricks and advice on anything computer or
internet related. The sources for these are varied, where possible the originating author
will be provided, the provider of the article will be provided (these may or may not be
one and the same) and relevant links where appropriate to more information.
Anyone can contribute to this section. Just send us an email with your short article, piece
of advice, hint or tip. Full recognition will be printed alongside the article, along with a
link to your website should you request it.
Web Design Tips
Think about Navigation
The navigation system of a web site is essential to the site structure.
Many styles can be used, text, buttons, images, contextual links, underlining,
plain text, colours,highlighted and rollovers all add to the style of the site
while giving the visitors direction.
Essential :
Make it clear what is a link and where the links are.
Keep the location of links in the same areas on all pages.
On large sites where navigational links are expandable, consistency is the key.
Keep links to Home,
Contact and Site Map or Menu pages prominent on all pages.
Good Navigation means creating familiarity and confidence in your web structure
for your visitors.
Great Navigation goes unnoticed !!! It does it’s job, it blends as part of your web theme and it’s
location is naturally clear to the user.
Source: Hazel
Thoughts on Graphics
Graphics, they help make a site when used wisely.
When they are not used wisely they can be distracting and annoying,
such things as lots of animation and ‘special effects’ detract from the page, not enhance it.
So my tip would simply be:
KISS — Keep It Simple Stupid.
Use graphics and images that blend with a page and enhance the users experience,
don’t just add them because they look cool. What you think is cool others may not
and at the end of the day people go to a web site to find out information,
to read and fast moving repetitive graphics detract from that and could even drive people away in extreme cases.
source : Adrian Independent Testers
Validator upload feature not compatible with IE6
At the time of writing (10/01/05) the W3C Validator seems to be
incompatible with the latest version of Internet Explorer. Coming up with
and error message when you try the upload method of validating your web pages
The bug report can be found at the W3C site
Suggestions include using the URI method or use another browser such as Firefox
source :
Javascript : Adding a 'Make this your homepage' link.
<!--[if IE]>
<a href onclick="this.style.behavior='url(#default#homepage)';this.setHomePage('http://www.minitutorials.com/');">Make
MiniTutorials.com<br />YOUR HOMEPAGE!</a>
<![endif]-->
source : various, revived into my memory from : Experts
Exchange Forum .
Miscellaneous Tips
Adding the Address Bar in Task Bar (Windows XP)
Right click the Task Bar and select Toolbars then Address.
The address Toolbar now sits on the Task Bar - resize to suit.
It can be dragged anywhere on your desktop and resized.
Typing or pasting an address here opens up Internet Explorer at the url specified.
Typing in C:/ (or any subfolder) will open a new Windows Explorer view.
source: apc magazine (apcmag.com)
Create DOS boot disk (Windows 2000 / XP)
Have your Windows 2000 CD in your CD drive ready and...
From a command prompt (Start > cmd) type in :-
cd/d d:\valueadd\3rdparty\ca_antiv
(Substitute d: with your drive letter if it not d:)
Put a blank floppy in and type makedisk
Edit 'autoexec.bat' on the floppy and remove all entries
Delete all files on the floppy disk except for :-
autoexec.bat ; command.com ; drvspace.bin ; himem.sys ; io.sys ; msdos.sys
You now have a bootable floppy disk.
In Windows XP Bootable floppies can be made from the format option in Explorer.
source: apc magazine (apcmag.com)
Keystroke Shortcuts (All Versions)
Windows Key + 'm' = Show Desktop (Minimize all Windows)
Windows Key + 'd' = Minimize / Restore all Windows.
Windows Key + 'r' = Open 'Run' dialog box.
Windows Key + Pause Key = Opens System Properties Box.
Windows Key + Tab key = Switch between apps on the task bar.
Alt Key + Tab Key = Switch between Applications.
source: Various. (email me to submit your own!)
Add a 'details' tab for devices in Device Manager. (XP Pro Only)
Right Click 'My Computer' and select Properties then 'Advanced' tab.
Select 'Environment Variables' and add a new value with
name = DEVMGR_SHOW_DETAILS. Value = 1
Open Device Manager and choose a device and open its properties tab
Click on the new 'Details' tab to get loads more info. Note that not all
devices will have this feature.
source: apc magazine (apcmag.com)
