Windows 8 Still Offers Quick Admin Tools Access

One of the biggest concerns IT Pros and businesses had about Windows 8 was the hiding of the administrative and computer management features in the OS.  With the new Metro interface being brought to the foreground, and the options available within it strictly limited people were concerned that the removal of the Start Menu, where traditionally a right-click on the Computer link would bring up the administrative options or where there was single-click access to the full Control Panel, would restrict or make difficult access when they needed it.

Now though it has emerged that the options are probably easier to find and get access to then in any version of Windows before as moving your mouse cursor (yup, folks you can’t do this with touch) to the extreme bottom left of the screen and right-clicking will display a menu with the administrative options all available.

In this menu are Programs and Features for uninstalling software, Network Connections, Power Options, the Event Viewer, System, Device manager, Disk Management, Computer Management, the Command Prompt (also with Administrator rights), the Task manager, Control Panel, Windows Explorer in case you accidentally unpin it from the Taskbar), Search and Run.

It is excellent having access to this menu and the administrative tools so easily and this menu will appear both on the desktop and on the Metro Start Screen.

Additionally people who need to diagnose and troubleshoot problems within the operating system will be pleased to hear that the Problem Steps Recorder still exists.  Originally designed as a reporting tool for the Windows 7 Beta, Microsoft kept it in the final product after huge volumes of requests by testers and IT Pros.

As with Windows 7 it doesn’t appear in any menus but typing (searching for) PSR on the Start Screen will reveal it.  This tool records screenshots when things change on your screen, highlighting the item that has changed and annotating the screenshots with information about running processes, memory and more that’s going on with your computer at that time.  All round it is an excellent tool.#

Finally it’s been discovered that the PrintScreen key screenshot grabber has finally been upgraded and now also saves your screen grabs automatically to your Pictures folder if you press the Windows Key + Print Screen.  Alas there’s no way to capture a single window with this feature now as you could previously with the addition of holing down the Shift key, which means that it’s still no full-time substitute for third-party grabbing and annotating tools, but as a step forward for most people this will be most welcome.

There are also manner of additional things now being found in Windows 8, such as now having to press Shift+F8 at start-up to access the boot menu.  We will continue to report to you here the most important and significant finds.  Though one thing that I sadly have to report is that there is definitely no kill switch for the Start Screen in Group Policy, something that even some ‘softies told me to expect.  It is interesting to note though that even the references to the Classic Start Menu still exist there however, so it’s only a matter of time before third-party hackers and software companies come up will all manner of useful tweaks and mods for the OS.

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About the Author:Mike Halsey is a Microsoft MVP for "Windows Expert". He is also the author of Troubleshooting Windows 7 Inside Out from Microsoft Press and the Windows 7 Power Users Guide, a how-to guide for non-technical Windows users on how to get the best out of Microsoft's new operating system, with step-by-step and quick guides. You can follow Mike on Facebook, Twitter or on his own website The Long ClimbAuthor: Mike Halsey MVP, Saturday March 3, 2012 -
Tags:windows 8

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Monk Skill Builds You Should Select From

Choosing the right Monk Skill Builds is vital if you want to be effective in Diablo III. Each type of gameplay has the different ideal build that will give the damage, healing and also defense needed to survive. Of course, Diablo III is the game filled with possibilities so there is no one better of anything. With so many skills, so few options to pick and a lot of runestones to tack on your abilities, you're taking a look at an amazing array of options. Here are a few strategies to assist you to pick the right skills to suit your needs.

Monk Skill Builds For Leveling
Leveling is about survival and spreading out of the damage so you need at least two good AoE attacks to hit low level mobs around you (Crippling Wave and also Sweeping Wind are both good) together with defensive abilities to maintain you alive like Mantra of Evasion. Your ultimate goal is to take as little damage as possible while dishing it to as numerous mobs as possible.

Monk Skill Builds For The Purpose Of Boss Fights
Boss fights are massive, individual target fights that could get chaotic in a hurry. Toss in the occasional adds and you have a lot to keep track of and some hefty DPS goals. If you are soloing a boss, look for ways to increase your DPS without giving out survivability. In Co-Op, you'll need to spec for more healing and also bubble abilities as you will be expected to help keep people alive.

Monk Skill Builds Just For PvP
In PvP, your own role will always be to help cure your fellow players and so you'll be the main target for the opponents. So, your build should be heavily based on evasion as well as dodging and keeping your own self and also your fellow players alive through heavy bouts of injury. Pacifism is important for PvP and you need to have at least one Bubble (preferably Inner Sanctuary).

Monk Skill Builds For Farming
Farming is not any different than Leveling in that your main goal is to kill lots of low and also mid-level mobs fast without getting harmed yourself. It's the speed game and that means plenty of AoE DPS without allowing yourself get overrun.

Diablo 3 Monk Build Guide for Hardcore or Inferno
Finally there is the hardcore and inferno set. These are the players with the most insanely good skills in the game. Yet, despite those skills, you will still have to be careful. Hardcore players absolutely must utilize a Passive Slot for Near Death Experience and you need to have each bubbles - Inner Sanctuary as well as Serenity. Your goal is lesser major damage and more survival and durability. The longer you last, the better your chances are. Fleet Footed is a huge boost here as well - that 10% boost can make a big difference.

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ViStart Restores Start Menu, Disables Metro Ui in Windows 8

Microsoft has removed the start menu for good in the Windows 8 Consumer Preview version that was released yesterday. If you have tested the Developer Preview version of the operating system, you might have noticed that it was possible to restore the start menu in that release.

With the start menu removed completely in the Consumer Preview release, Windows 8 users who’d like the shiny orb back where it belongs need to look elsewhere.

The first solution to restore the start menu in Windows 8 is provided by ViStart, a program initially designed for bringing Vista’s Start Menu to Windows XP. The program has been updated regularly ever since it was created, and it is working in all recent versions of the Windows operating system, including the Developer Preview version of Windows 8.

Setup is slightly complicated, but it should be doable by users of all experience levels. Download ViStart from the developer website and install the program. Take note that it contains third party offers in the installer that you may not want to install (two on separate pages on the test system).

Once it is installed and running, you will notice that the start menu orb has been placed in its original location. You can click on the icon to bring up the start menu. A side-effect is that ViStart maps the Windows key to the opening of the start menu, so that the operating system won’t switch into Metro anymore when you press that key. Metro UI is however not completely turned off, and you may be able to get back in via Alt-Tab or the Charms menu.

The icon overlaps with the first pinned taskbar icon on the other hand which you may not like. Here is how this is resolved:

Create a new folder on the desktop or another location.Right-click the Windows Taskbar and select Toolbars > New Toolbar from the context menu. Select the newly created folder. You will notice that the new toolbar is placed on the right end of the taskbar.Right-click the taskbar again and select Lock The Taskbar. This unlocks the Windows Taskbar so that you can move the taskbar elements around.Now drag the new toolbar to the very left of the screen so that starts before the original toolbar with the pinned taskbar items.Right-click the taskbar again and uncheck Show Text and Show title in the context menu.Now move the original toolbar with a double-click on the separator near the start menu orb.

ViStart restores the Windows Start Menu in Windows 8 and re-maps the Windows hotkey to open the start menu instead of the Metro UI start page. (via Tweaking with Vishal)

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Enable Internet Search In Windows Start Menu Search Box About the Author:Martin Brinkmann is a journalist from Germany who founded Ghacks Technology News Back in 2005. He is passionate about all things tech and knows the Internet and computers like the back of his hand. You can follow Martin on Facebook or Twitter.Author: Martin Brinkmann, Friday March 2, 2012 -
Tags:vistart, windows 8, windows tips

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How Screen Printing a T-Shirt Works

If you are looking to have custom t-shirts printed, t shirt printing is the cheapest method available to you. Usually, screen printers will either let you use your own design or help you create something that will work well on your shirts. If you continue reading, you will learn more about process of printing.

The Shirt

Selecting the type of t-shirt you wish to use for your screen printing project is the first step of the process. The bigger the t shirt printing store, the larger their selection of clothing styles usually is. At a minimum, most shops allow you to choose from men's and women's t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and tank tops. You will also generally have a choice of dozens of colors.

If you are intending to use a new screen printer for a large job, it is an excellent idea to place a smaller order first. For instance, if you plan to order two or three shirt styles, have one of each printed. This will give you a chance to see if the t shirt printer produces high-quality shirts before you place your entire order.

What Exactly is Screen Printing?

Screen printing is one of the most frequently used T-shirt printing techniques in America. Due to its inexpensive price-point, t shirt printing is the ideal option for schools, churches, and other organizations to use for one-of-a-kind attire. Additionally, shirts that have screen printed designs are remarkably durable. The designs can last for years before they begin to fade or crack.

While there are few disadvantages to screen printing, you should know those that do exist. The price of t shirt printing drastically increases the more colors you use. Generally, it is most cost-effective to use designs with only one or two colors for screen printing jobs. Also, screen printing is difficult if your graphic is quite intricate or ornate.

These two notable downsides do not often greatly affect the organizations who typically use screen printing. For example, if a high school plans to order funny t shirts for their graduating class, the design will likely consist of the year, a witty saying, and the school logo. Designs of this nature are minimalistic and ideal for screen printing.

Screen printing utilizes mesh screens to make stencils of your graphic. Then, ink is forced through the openings in the mesh. Every color of ink necessitates the use of a different screen. This is why a myriad of ink colors can greatly increase your costs.

If your team or organization is planning to get custom t shirts, speak to a screen printer soon. Many screen printers offer discounts for bulk orders or for repeat customers, so you may be able to further reduce your final costs.

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Zulu URL Risk Analyzer, Website Safety Check

If you have never visited a website before, you do not really know what’s in store for you. The only information you have at this point are the web address, the anchor tag and the source of the link. Especially the source can provide you with insight about the link. If you trust the source, you may also trust the destination for instance.

Some users install add-ons and extensions that aid and protect them on the Internet. Add-ons like Web of Trust or URL X-Ray for the Firefox web browser.

Zulu URL Risk Analyzer offers another possibility. The online scanner runs various security related checks on the selected website to report an overall score in the end.

The service runs the following checks:

Content Checks: Phishing Heuristics, Zscaler Content Check, Zscaler Obfuscated JavaScript CheckURL Checks: Suspicious Domain Name, Zscaler URL Check, Top-Level Domain Risk, SURBL BlockHost Checks: Autonomous System Risk, Geo-location Risk, Netblock Risk, Park/Disabled Domain

Some tests like the phishing heuristics check are easily understandable, while others, like the SURBL Block checks may not. You can hover over any check performed to display a short description of it in an overlay. SURBL Block for instance checks the url against blacklists to see if it has been used for malicious activities.

Each positive check adds to the overall score of the address, that’s different from most rating systems that award higher scores for better results, and lower for weaker.

The url risk analyzer can be a useful tool for webmasters who want to check their own domains, business who plan to buy a website, and system administrators as part of their regular security check.

It is not practicable to use it to check all web addresses that you plan to visit though, as it would slow down your browsing a lot.

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Check if a website is revealing email addresses About the Author:Martin Brinkmann is a journalist from Germany who founded Ghacks Technology News Back in 2005. He is passionate about all things tech and knows the Internet and computers like the back of his hand. You can follow Martin on Facebook or Twitter.Author: Martin Brinkmann, Friday March 2, 2012 -
Tags:online service, website security

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4 Options To Save Bandwidth, Speed Up Web Browsing

There are certain situations where it may make sense to save as much bandwidth as possible while connected to the Internet. The most obvious is if you are limited to a certain amount of bandwidth per month, after which you are either cut off from the Internet or have to pay extra fees for all additional traffic that you have caused in a billing period.

A second if your Internet connection is not the fastest, to cut down on the time it takes before websites are completely loaded on the computer.

This guide looks at some of the options that you have at your disposal to speed up your Internet browsing and save bandwidth at the same time. Lets start.

1. Opera Turbo

Opera Turbo is a feature of the Opera web browser. It basically routes traffic through an Opera server where it is compressed before it is send to the user computer. The compressed web pages are considerably smaller, which saves bandwidth and speeds up the time it takes to fully render the page in the browser.

Opera Turbo offers two modes of operation. First an automatic mode which enables Opera Turbo whenever a slow network connection is detected by the browser, and second an always on mode so that the feature is activated all the time.

2. Faking the user agent

Many websites perform a user agent check during connection to determine the web browser and device a user is using to connect. Here on Ghacks for instance, you are either taken to the full site or the mobile site depending on the header.

The mobile site is often reduced to the bare minimum as the connection speed of mobile clients is on average lower than that of desktop systems. The advantage here is that mobile sites transfer a lot faster and use less bandwidth because of this. Faking the user agent of your desktop browser could provide you with these benefits. Keep in mind though that you may not be able to use all of a site’s functionality because of this.

This can usually be done quite easily with the help of browser extensions. Google Chrome users can for instance install the User-Agent Switcher in their browser, Firefox users the User Agent Switcher add-on for their browser.

3. Disable Features

A third possibility would be to disable features on some or all websites to save bandwidth. You could for instance disable all plugins to block plugin contents from being loaded at all. That’s for instance useful on sites that make use of Flash contents.

The options do not end here though. Most browsers let you disable images for instances or JavaScript to reduce the amount of data that is transferred further.

Google Chrome users can for instance block images, JavaScript and plugins in the browser’s settings.

Extensions like Adblock Plus or NoScript can also block some page elements from being loaded.

4. Disable Prefetching

Prefetching technology loads web contents that you may visit to speed up the page rendering time if you do. If you do not visit the prefetched web pages, bandwidth has been wasted.

Chrome: Enter chrome:\\flags into the address bar of the browser and hit enter. Make sure the following features are disabled:

Disable hyperlink auditingPreload Instant Search

Enter chrome://chrome/settings in the address bar, tap on enter and make sure the following features are not enabled:

Predict network actions to improve page load performanceAutomatically send usage statistics and crash reports to Google

Firefox: Enter about:config into the address bar and hit the return key. First time users need to confirm that they want to continue. Filter for the term network.prefetch-next and double-click it to set it to false if it is set to true.

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Bandwidth Caps for Time Warner Users ? About the Author:Martin Brinkmann is a journalist from Germany who founded Ghacks Technology News Back in 2005. He is passionate about all things tech and knows the Internet and computers like the back of his hand. You can follow Martin on Facebook or Twitter.Author: Martin Brinkmann, Friday March 2, 2012 -
Tags:save bandwidth, speed up internet

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Windows 8 for IT Pros

In order to properly review Windows 8, as Microsoft have said that they consider it to be essentially finished and feature-locked, I thought it would be best to split my review into the four categories of people who would be using it.  So here at gHacks and on our sister site Windows8News I will be reviewing the new operating system for IT Pros and businesses (here at gHacks) and Consumers and Enthusiasts at Windows8News, the former of which has already been published and you can read it here.

In the first round it’s a win for consumers, who have traditionally had a rough time with what is essentially a business operating system and that has, until now anyway, always been that.  But what about IT Pros?  These will be people who will use Windows for both work and play and who will commonly switch between these roles regularly throughout the day during the same computing session.  So what, if anything, does Windows 8 offer IT Pros?

Consumers win resoundingly with the new Metro interface, but so far IT Pros have reacted with mixed feelings and some strong emotions.  Frankly they either love it or hate it.  I have expressed my own strong feelings on occasion upon discovering that some of the major, and very useful, administrative features are so well buried or hidden within the operating system that it becomes frustrating to use.  But let’s look at this objectively, how often do I actually need or use them and how easy or difficult are they really to find?

Looking at my own usage of my PC I spend the majority of my time in Internet Explorer on the desktop, with commonly six or so tabs open at a time, I can still do this.  I also have Word or Excel files open, sometimes many in a single session and all scattered across a large desktop, I can still do this too.  So surely if I can still do everything I used to in the same way then this is a good thing… right?

Well this is where the new Metro interface comes into the frame.  Already, and for those who want shot of it, patches are appearing that will get rid of it and restore the original Start Menu (of which I was never a fan).  I want to be able to pin all of my commonly used apps to the Windows Taskbar and find the others easily through search.  Pinning programs to the Taskbar is now a bit more fiddly than it was before but only a tiny bit, as is search which you cannot do directly from the desktop in the way you can with the new Start Screen.  In fairness this means that Windows 8 will take longer for an IT Pro to set-up or configure than Windows 7 does.  While this might initially be annoying, it’s a one-time only job.

So what about this new Metro interface?  It’s interesting when you think that I began this article by saying that IT Pros switch between work and play roles frequently on their computers.  Each individual will have to decice whether they want to work with two different interfaces on a single computer, but it is rather a nice way to keep them apart.  At work I can concentrate on work, when I’m not at work I don’t have to look at it.  I like this approach and I can see it becoming very popular.

But what if you really don’t want to use the Metro interface for launching programs?  Here it could become a very useful information dashboard with live tiles giving you valuable information at the press of a single button on almost every aspect of your online life.  This is much in the way desktop widgets have been used in Windows Vista, Windows 7 and OS X.  The desktop gadgets still exist in Windows 8 on the desktop but with Metro I can’t see why you’d want to use them.

In many ways the transition for IT Pros to Windows 8 will be a difficult one, not the least of which is that many of the advanced features have been buried in places where, without Start Menu access, they’re difficult to find.  IT Pros want to see and know what’s going on with their computer, they want flexibility with it and they want to be able to customise it.  Windows 8 is not aimed at these people, it’s not about customisation and this will be the first version of Windows since XP where I can see myself and others installing third-party customisation software to allow us to do just that.

But Windows is flexible, certainly in respect to it being easily hackable.  Microsoft haven’t removed even the classic Start Menu, it’s all still in there waiting to be switched back on if you want it.  In many ways this is a strength as Windows 8 really can be whatever we need it to be.  Whether the extra effort required in getting it to where we need it to be is enough of an incentive to move away from Windows 7 is a choice each IT Pro will have to make for themselves.  Some might love new features like the improved multi-monitor support, Storage Spaces or Hyper-V.  Others may never want to use these and may be perfectly happy living without them.  That makes this review too close to call.  It could go either way with some people loving it and others hating it.

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Windows 7 Patch Removes Hardware Virtualization Requirement Of Windows XP Mode About the Author:Mike Halsey is a Microsoft MVP for "Windows Expert". He is also the author of Troubleshooting Windows 7 Inside Out from Microsoft Press and the Windows 7 Power Users Guide, a how-to guide for non-technical Windows users on how to get the best out of Microsoft's new operating system, with step-by-step and quick guides. You can follow Mike on Facebook, Twitter or on his own website The Long ClimbAuthor: Mike Halsey MVP, Friday March 2, 2012 -
Tags:beta, consumer preview, it pro, review, windows 8

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Facebook Logout Ads, Bing First to Advertise

In the past year, Facebook and Microsoft have started to work closely together. Microsoft has for instance added Facebook to its recently purchased Skype software, and to the company’s Bing search engine, where Facebook users who are logged in to their account will see their friend’s likes in the search results.

Bing on the other hand became Facebook’s web search provider. Facebook yesterday has launched a new ad unit that is poised to increase the company’s revenue noticeably.

The new Facebook logout ad unit is displayed to users who log out of their account on the social networking site. The Facebook header with the company’s logo and log in options is still showing up on the logout page, but the rest of the page is filled with the new ad unit.

The first company to take advantage of the new ad format? Microsoft with their Bing search engine of course. The ad looks like a cross-breed of Bing’s homepage and a new Facebook timeline profile. The Bing logo, search form and background image are displayed on top, while likes and popularity information are displayed in the ad’s footer.

Users who use the search form to search on the Internet will notice that their results open in a new tab in their browser, and not in the same tab.

According to Techcrunch, there are 37 million users in the U.S. alone that log out of Facebook every day.

Some Facebook users are already seeing the new ad unit when they log out, while other’s do not. It is not clear if the ad unit is only displayed to Facebook users from the U.S., or if it’s visible worldwide. With Bing being mediocre in localized markets, it is likely that the campaign is targeting Facebook users from the U.S. only. There has been no official confirmation though yet.

The ad campaign could help Bing snag away additional search market shares from its main competitor Google. Facebook users who are not interested in the ad can click on the close button to see the usual Facebook logout page instead.

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Facebook Improves Security, One-Time Login, Remote Logout About the Author:Martin Brinkmann is a journalist from Germany who founded Ghacks Technology News Back in 2005. He is passionate about all things tech and knows the Internet and computers like the back of his hand. You can follow Martin on Facebook or Twitter.Author: Martin Brinkmann, Saturday March 3, 2012 -
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Starting an inflatables business, beginning with the introduction of sumo suits.

For those with a keen business acumen, and who are willing to take a dip into the world of buy to rent, then sumo suits can be a great starting point. From these, one can then progress and become more involved in other areas of party inflatables such as bouncy castles, Zorb balls, water slides etc.

The sumo suit is a good starting point, as the start up costs are relatively low compared with other areas of the inflatables line. Bouncy castles can cost many thousands for example, so it may be wise to start off with an ounce of caution and this is where sumo suit hire come in.
For one, they are very popular and still growing. They are always a hit with all age groups and so word of mouth can be generated quickly. You can have your company name and number, or email address printed on the suits. Another idea would be to get them printed on the safety mat or ring as well, so there is a constant reminder of your business and brand. You could also give out printed cards to the party goers with all your relevant contact information. This way, you will be almost guaranteed to add some potential customers to your list.

Obviously, a website would be ideal as well, or at least a regular blog giving readers the opportunity to follow your businesses movements. This move will make sure your company can be reached by the masses and also prove how dedicated and knowledgeable you are in your product.

The beauty of sumo wrestling suits and other inflatables, is that they can be compacted down to a small size and require only minimal extra equipment to install. This means that to begin with, a large family car or small work van would suffice. If the business grows, then so too could your means of transport with it. Have the name of your company, number and email address on the transport if possible, again as a form of free advertisement. The key is to get your brand out there as much as possible. Increase your visibility, so you are known to an ever growing list of potential customers.

Take into account how far and wide you are willing to travel to. The cost of petrol can have a decisive effect on this decision, but make it clear your areas of delivery branch out to. Lastly, before taking up a venture in any inflatables product, such as sumo suit hire, be sure to research into insurance. You must be insured and your customers will want to know that you are and be needed to sign a disclaimer in case of any accident.

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Test Your PC’s Hibernation and Sleep Functionality With Sleeper

Sleep, Hibernation and Hybrid Sleep are three modes that you can make use of instead of shutting down your PC. The modes, initially designed to save power, can be used for other purposes as well.

Sleep mode is a low power mode that reduces the computer’s power consumption significantly while keeping everything at a finger tip away from resuming. It is also known as Stand By or Suspend.

Hibernation on the other hand saves the computer’s current state before the system gets powered down completely. The advantage over sleep mode is that a computer does not use any power as it is turned off completely. The disadvantage that you need to restart the computer to resume, which takes significantly longer than resuming from sleep mode.

Hybrid Sleep finally combines some of the benefits of sleep mode with Hibernation. The current state of the system is saved, before the computer enters Sleep mode. The core benefit here is that this state will remain accessible even if the computer runs out of power.

Sleeper is a free program for the Windows operating system that can be used to test a computer’s Sleep and Hibernation modes.

When you start the portable program for the first time, you are presented with a list of suspend types in the upper left corner of the screen. Here you select the modes that you want to test. You can alternatively check the “all supported states” box to run only tests on supported suspend types.

A click on Sleep Now runs the test for every state. Sleeper displays a countdown and the cycle number in the program window. Keep in mind that your PC may enter Sleep or Hibernation modes during tests, and that it is therefor recommended to save all important work before running the tests.

The configuration allows you to switch between a fixed number of cycles or unlimited cycles, how unsupported sleep modes should be handled, and the sleep durations of each tests. You can furthermore run external applications between suspends or after the last test cycle.

Sleeper is a useful application if you want to check up on your PC’s suspend state support, or if you want to stress test the ability to make sure it is working properly.

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Tags:hibernate, portable software, sleep, windows software

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