** Issue #23 July 15th, 2007 **
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#1- News, News, News
In This Issue...
#2 - Clean Vista Install with No Activation - Get a new computer with Vista? You need to read this!
#3 - Your Next Computer - A Laptop? - What will your next PC be?.
#4 - I Bit the Bullet - You will have to read the article for this.
#5 - Modify, Move, and Copy Text - Carol's tells us how to do it in Word and OpenOffice Writer.
#6 - My Recommended Software - Need software? Check this list first!
#7 - The Lighter Side - Some humor to lighten your load!
#8 - Useful web sites - Websites I've visited lately that you may find useful.
In the next issue...
I'm planning a few product reviews for the next issue. As computer users we are always on the look out for the latest and greatest gadgets. If you're a laptop owner/user this is especially true - and especially complicated. I have a few products lined up that fit into the laptop category. Even those without laptops will enjoy these. After all, I'm sure you know a laptop user and because you read Daves Computer Tips I bet they think you are the go to guy for computer advice!
Show your support for Daves Computer Tips
Daves Computer Tips is completely free for you to use, but operating the site isn't. I have monthly fees for hosting, bandwidth, and email service. I'm definitely not making a living from this site. If you would like to help cover these expenses you may do so by donating to Daves Computer Tips. Donation is easy and any amount is appreciated. Click the button on the right and donate using your credit card with PayPal.
Here is where I beg!
Please tell a friend, relative, coworker, or complete stranger about my site and newsletter. Use any means necessary to spread the word about Daves Computer Tips. Remember "word of mouth" is the best advertising!
As always I appreciate your comments and suggestions about the site and newsletter. If you would like to share please contact me at dave @ davescomputertips.com.
Carol is our resident "Office Goddess". If you have Microsoft Office, OpenOffice questions, or suggestions for future Office articles shoot her an email at carol @ carolscorneroffice.com.
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#2 - Clean Vista Install - No Activation
By David Hartsock
In the March 1st newsletter I gave the steps for performing a clean install of Windows Vista with an upgrade DVD. That article provided steps that allow you to use a cheaper version of Vista to install even if you don't have a previous version of Windows.
That's all well and good, but what do you do if you buy a new computer? Well it will have Vista already installed. Isn't that great? NO! PC Manufacturers have been installing many trial programs and helper applications, often called "bloatware". The manufacturers say they install this software to provide a better user experience and they can lower the computer cost because they get a cut of any trial software you actually buy.
I talked about this briefly in the July 1st newsletter. The long and short of the story is every single added application is not needed and slows down your computer. Very similar to buying a Corvette and finding that Chevy has added a "feature" that only allows 6 cylinders to work. I actually had the pleasure of removing the bloatware manually from a new HP laptop recently. Total time - 3hrs. Yes, I spent 3 hrs removing software, folders, and registry entries to improve the performance and stability of a brand new notebook! Was it worth it? YES! The difference in boot time alone was amazing.
A week later I had the opportunity to repeat the process on a different computer. By this time I had found a better, less time consuming, way and you are one of the first to hear about it! That's worth the price of admission alone!
When a you buy a new computer, either a laptop or desktop, you will notice a sticker applied (usually on the back or bottom) that has the license key for the version of Windows installed. Imagine a huge company like Dell or HP who literally make hundreds of thousands of these things. They have to activate each one. That's a chore! Microsoft allows them a special key which they can use on multiple computers. This allows the company to build an image, similar to using True Image, and use it to install the operating system on hundreds or thousands of computers. Sure beats typing that key in on each computer!
When I was presented with a new DV9500 to set up for a friend I knew it had the new Santa Rosa chipset from Intel, so I did some research to find out more about it. A came across an interesting article by Brian Mathis at directedge.us.
Most computers come with a recovery DVD or partition on the hard drive. If you ever use this is will restore your computer to the state it was in when delivered, including bloatware. Microsoft has a program called Upgrade Anytime which lets you upgrade to a higher version of Vista for a discounted price. Many new computers are coming with the DVD that allows this to happen. This DVD actually contains all versions of the Vista operating system without any bloatware! It's actually a full version of the Vista installation DVD including Vista's version of the Recovery Console. If you don't get one of these with your new computer call the manufacturer or buy a copy on Amazon or Ebay.
The problem here is that the license key you have probably won't work with the DVD, which will require you to call Microsoft for activation. This of course means hold times and sending data to Microsoft about yourself and your computer. If, by chance, the key does work you will still have to activate by sending personal data to Microsoft.
Brian found where the original key used by the manufacturer, called an OEM key, is stored. He then wrote a program that will find the key, store the key, and install the key after you are finished with your fresh, bloatware free, install! No activation needed! No internet connections needed! No data to Microsoft!
Gotchas? Not really. Brian's program works for all 32 bit versions of Vista, but will only restore to 64 bit versions (updated - see below). Of course you've read the February 1st newsletter and know I recommend not purchasing a 64 bit version of Vista, so all is well.
NOTE: If you did not receive a recovery DVD with your computer you must burn them from the recovery partition on the hard drive. Methods will vary based on the manufacturer. If you are unsure how to do this please read the manuals that came with your computer. This is your backup plan!
NOTE: (update 7/18/07 -File updated. Now works fully with 64 bit Vista!) This works for all versions of Vista that are 32 bit. This will NOT work for 64 bit versions, unless you are going from a 32 bit version to a 64 bit version.
The instructions may seem a bit lengthy, but in reality it doesn't take very long. Just follow the instructions.
What you need!
- Activation Backup & Restore Program (2.2mb)
- Windows Upgrade Anytime DVD or retail vista DVD
- Recovery DVD(s) for your computer
- USB Flash drive, external hard drive, or second internal hard drive
- Device Drivers for your computer
- The best place to find the most up to date drivers is the support or download area of your computer manufacturer's website. You will need drivers for your display, network card, wireless card, touchpad or mouse, chipset, modem, card reader, etc.
** Do NOT proceed unless you have recovery disk(s) and any data you want to keep backed up! **
Instructions
- Download the Activation Backup and Restore program above.
- Open the file and copy the ABR folder to your USB flash drive, external drive, or second internal hard drive.
- Double click activation_backup.exe. This will open a cmd window and extract the OEM Vista key. If all goes OK you will see two new files in the ABR folder.
- backup-cert.xrm-ms: Backed up activation
- backup-key.txt: Backed-up product key
- Insert the Vista Anytime Upgrade DVD.
- Reboot your computer. Your computer should boot to CD/DVD. If not change the option in your BIOS
- Choose your language, Time/Currency, and country. Click Next.
- Click on Install Now
- The next screen is for your Vista key. DO NOT enter anything in this box. Be sure to UNCHECK the activate box. Click Next. The installation program won't believe you, so it will ask you again if you want to enter your key. Choose NO.
- You will be asked which version of Vista you have purchased. Highlight the version that came with your computer. Check the box that says "I have selected the edition of Windows that I purchased". Click Next.
- Accept Microsoft's license terms. Click Next.
- Choose Custom (Advanced) Installation.
- Choose where you want to install Vista.
- Disk 0 is your primary drive and where you should install.
- If your manufacturer has included a recovery partition you will see Disk 0 Partition 1 and Disk 0 Partition 2. Choose Partition 1.
- Highlight Disk 0 Partition 1 (should be the first choice.
- Click on Drive Options (Advanced).
- Choose Format. This will completely erase your old installation, including all bloatware!
- The default settings for formatting will be fine. This will take some time depending on the size of your drive.
- More experienced users my delete the recovery partition and gain back the 10GB of space.
- If your computer did not come with recovery disks DO NOT remove the recovery partition unless you have burnt the disks yourself!
- The installation program will now begin copying files
- The installation program will reboot the computer. You can remove the DVD from the drive now.
- Choose a username and password.
- Choose a computer name and desktop background.
- Choose an automatic updates option.
- Choose a time zone, set date and time.
- The gears of Vista will whirl for a few moments and Vista will start! Go to Control Panel>System and Maintenance>System. You will see that Vista is NOT activated. Close this window.
- Insert your USB flash drive and navigate to activation_restore.exe. Double click the file to start.
- A cmd window will open and you will see it doing it's thing. It should say "Successful". Close the cmd window.
- Go to Control Panel>System and Maintenance>System again. Notice the difference?
- Install the device drivers you downloaded before. You will probably be asked to reboot and it is OK to do so. Be careful not to install any bloatware, or unnecessary helper applications.
- Open Control Panel>System and Maintenance>System again. Click on Windows Experience Index half way down the window.
- This will open the Windows Experience Index window. Click Update My Score. Vista uses this score to determine if it will be able to handle the Aero interface.
There you have it! A fresh, clean Vista installation with NO extra crap. Guaranteed to make for a faster and more enjoyable computing experience! I know the instructions are lengthy, but it really on takes a fraction of the time you would spend removing the extra crap manufacturers add to a new computer.
If at any time you make a mistake you can you the recovery disk(s) or your manufacturers recovery method to restore your computer.
- Use True Image or a similar program to make an disk image. This will now take the place of your recovery DVD(s) and allow you to recover your system to this exact point if you ever need to.
- Install all of your programs and customize Vista to your liking.
- Make another disk image with True Image.
I hope this helps you as much as it has me, and it will save you hours of time over doing it manually!
What do you think? Would you use this method?
Recommend this newsletter to a friend!
#3 - Your Next Computer - A Laptop?
By David Hartsock
I've been seeing this coming. Three co-workers in the last month have bought new computers. All three laptops. I can only think of one person who has bought a new desktop in recent memory. This just struck me as strange as I was sitting with my wife the other night, so I started looking around and came across an article in Business Week. The article goes on to mention that laptop sales are up 35% and desktops are down 2%.
I got my first laptop in 2001 for specific reasons. Chief among these were portability. The ability to "take it with you" is very much a part of our lives. As technology improves devices get smaller and more affordable. We, as humans, find a way to put them to use. Twenty years ago cell phones were $2500 and came in a briefcase. Most people didn't want anything to do with a "portable phone", but as prices lowered, phones got smaller, and the benefits were learned it seems that most people have found a "need". The same holds true for computers.
How long have you had a computer? Think back before that time... Did you really think you needed one? As computers have gotten cheaper and you learned the benefits it became a "need". You bought one, and I bet you wouldn't be without one!
Laptops are the next step in this evolution. They are becoming cheaper, more powerful, and more mainstream. If you go to college, or have kids in college, they surely have a laptop. When they leave college they will have the "laptop" mentality.
I just thought I would pass along my personal observation, and some reading to back it up. If you think you'll be in the market for a new computer you should have a look at a laptop. Surfing the internet from the couch can't be beat! lol
Will your next computer be a laptop?
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#4 - I Bit the Bullet
By David Hartsock
Well after seeing the DV9500 from HP in person, and spending some time with it, I bit the bullet! The Laptop Fund covered about 53% and after much begging, pleading, promises, more begging, more pleading, and a few more promises my wife allowed me to order it.
Now the penny pinching and Ramen noodle dinners are over. I can now have a cheeseburger or two! (joking) It should be arriving this week. Ahh, that new computer smell!
Recommend this newsletter to a friend!
#5 - Modify, Move, and Copy Text
by Carol A. Bratt
Modifying, Moving and Copying Text In MS Word
When you want to make changes in a large amount of Text in your document, you must first designate the text by selecting it. Some folks call it highlighting. Selected text appears as white letters on a black background. The text that is selected is the part that will be affected by commands or operations that you put into play.
When you are editing a great deal of text, you don't wan to press Backspace or Delete repeatedly. Instead, you can select the text and press Delete to erase the entire block at once. You also need to select text before you can copy or move it.
You can select text either with the mouse or the keyboard. The mouse is faster but sometimes runs away from you. The keyboard is a bit slower but you can be more exact with it.
With the Mouse:
- Place the mouse pointer to the left of the text that you want to select.
- Press and hold the left mouse button as you drag across or down to cover the entire section of text.
With the Keyboard:
- Place the insertion point to the left of the text that you want to select.
- Hold down the Shift key and press the Arrow keys or the Page Up, Page Down, Home, or End key to over the entire section of text.
| To Select This | Do this |
|---|---|
| One word | Double-click the word |
| One Sentence | CTRL + Click the sentence |
| One Line | Move to the left of text to get right-pointing arrow, click once |
| One paragraph | Triple-click, or Move to left of text to get right-pointing arrow, double-click |
| A large chunk of text | Click at beginning of section, hold down Shift, Click at end |
| Entire document | Move to left of text to get right-pointing arrow, triple-click, or Move to the left of text to get right-pointing arrow, CTRL + Click, or Press CTRL + A (A is for all) |
Be careful, because when you have whole sections of text selected, any key you type will replace the entire selection. If this should happen, simply click the Undo button or click on Edit | Undo.
When you make a mistake in typing you can easily backspace, but for a large error, such as deleting an entire block of text by mistake, you need to use the Undo feature. Undo brings back the text that you thought you had lost forever. However, if you change your mind and want to delete it again, you can simply click the Redo button.
Word keeps a record of operations you have performed and you can choose to undo the last one or as many as you like, in reverse order.
| Command | Button | Shortcut Key |
|---|---|---|
| Edit | Undo |  |
CTRL + Z |
| Edit | Redo |  |
CTRL + Y |
As soon as a block of text is selected, you can rearrange it. You will use the Cut, Copy and Paste commands in conjunction with the Office Clipboard to duplicate or move the text to a new location.
You will use the copy and paste process to duplicate a block of text and put the copy in another location. Other times you will want to remove the text from where it is situated and put it elsewhere. This is when you use the cut and paste technique.
| Command | Button | Shortcut Key | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edit | Cut |  |
CTRL + X | Removes selected text, puts it on the Clipboard |
| Edit | Copy |  |
CTRL + C | Puts duplicate of selected text on the Clipboard |
| Edit | Paste |  |
CTRL + V | Inserts contents of the Clipboard at the insertion point |
Another method to move text which is perhaps easier to use than the cut and paste method, is the drag and drop method. You don't have to choose menus, click buttons or press keys. All you have to do is drag with the mouse.
Follow the steps below but be careful and make sure you use your mouse expertly to obtain the results you want.
- Select the text you want to move.
- Move the mouse pointer over the selected text until it turns into a left pointing arrow.
- Hold down the left mouse button, and you will see the mouse pointer change shape - now it contains a rectangle next to the arrow. You will also see a gray insertion point inside the text.
- Drag the mouse pointer until you see the gray insertion point move to the destination where you would like to insert the text.
- Release the mouse button.
Now the Same Operation in OpenOffice
To change some of your text, select it and type the new text. Whatever you type will replace the selected text.
to insert text, you can also place the I-beam cursor where you want to add text and just start typing. By default, the new text that you type appears at the cursor and any existing text moves to the right. This is called the Insert Mode because the new text is inserted in front of the existing text.
If you want existing text to be overwritten, change to Overwrite mode. To change to Overwrite mode, press Insert or click the Insert button on the Status Bar. 
If you do not see the Status bar, click on View | Status Bar to make it appear.
The Insert key is used to toggle between Insert and Overwrite mode.
You should use the Insert mode for most of your work. If you accidentally press Insert, you will find that all of your existing text disappears as you try to insert text.
If you make a mistake while typing or editing, you can undo your last action. Click the Undo button on the Function toolbar. Alternatively, you can choose Edit | Undo or press CTRL + Z. 
+ Z on the Mac.
To undo several previous actions, click the Undo button's down arrow and select the actions that you want to undo. To redo an action that you have undone, simply click the Redo button or choose Edit | Redo. You can also press CTRL + Y. 
+ Y on the Mac.
You can copy and move text in OpenOffice just as easily as you do in MS Word. You can copy and move text in the two methods described below:
Drag and Drop
You use the mouse with this method to move or copy text.
- To move text, select the text and drag it to a new location.
- To copy text, press CTRL as you drag the text.
- Press on the Mac.
Use the Drag and drop method when you can see both the original location and the destination location on your screen at the same time.
In MS Word and other word processing programs you will see an arrow cursor when you point to selected text, but you will not find this in OpenOffice. You cans till just click and drag in the same way that you are accustomed to, and the text will move.
Cut, Copy and Paste
You use the clipboard to move or copy text.
To move text:
- First select the text and choose Edit | Cut.
To copy text:
- Choose Edit | Copy.
- To paste the text, click at the desired location and choose Edit | Paste.
Use this method when the original location and the destination are not both visible on the screen. You can also use this method to move or copy text from document to document or even across applications.
Cut, Copy and Paste also have toolbar and keyboard shortcuts.
| Command | Button | Shortcut Key |
|---|---|---|
| Cut |  |
CTRL + X |
| Copy |  |
CTRL + C |
| Paste |  |
CTRL + V |
| Mac | |
+ the letters above |
Carol writes the monthly Word Bytes Newsletter with more tips and tricks each issue. Visit Carol's website for more great Microsoft Office tips and tricks! Visit Carol's site at www.carolscorneroffice.com
Did you find Carol's Article helpful?
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#6- My Recommended Software
Anti-spyware and Anti-malware Software
Webroot SpySweeper - Daves Computer Tips Seal of Approval Winner! See the test results HERE. Spysweeper provides the best protection of the seven anti-spyware programs tested! Great detection and removal rates with a small real-time protection memory footprint. This is the one you want! SpySweeper includes the ASK toolbar. Be sure to uncheck this option during installation. Free 14 day trial.
CounterSpy - Runner-up in my Anti-Spyware test. Not only does CounterSpy scan and remove spyware, it also uses real time protection. Real-time protection prevents spyware infection. Free 15 day trial. Winner of Computer Shopper Magazine's Best Buy Award!
Antivirus and Firewall Software
ESET Smart Security - New from the maker's of NOD32. Antivirus, Antispyware, Antispam, and Firewall all wrapped into one effective, swift, and low resource package. It is what I use to protect each of my computers!
Kaspersky Antivirus - Kaspersky is my second choice for antivirus software. A good program that is very close in performance to NOD32. Free trial.
Online Armor Firewall - You shouldn't be on the internet without a software firewall that offers inbound and outbound protection. Online Armor is the Best of the Best. Online Armor uses an interface that is easier to navigate than most other firewalls and the protection level can't be beat! Online Armor is available in both a free and reasonably priced paid version, which offers even more protection!
Audio and Video Software
Acoustica Audio Converter Pro - This program converts audio formats and bitrates. Perfect for those with portable audio players or large music collections. 30 day trial.
Adobe Premier Elements - Elements is the consumer version of Adobe Premiere. It costs 1/6th the price, but is very capable of making videos that will impress everyone.
Ashampoo Burning Studio - My current pick for a low resource, easy to use CD/DVD burning application. Easier to use than Nero or Roxio, with a low memory footprint and much smaller installation requirement.
Computer Hardware
Crucial Memory - Memory (RAM) is the upgrade that gives any computer the best bang for the buck. If you want to speed things up with more memory, why not purchase it from the leading source of quality RAM memory. Great selection, good prices, excellent support, and a lifetime warranty! A real winner!
CyberGuys - The place to get those hard to find cables and accessories for your computer!
HP Computers
- My current pick for new laptops and desktops. In the current market I don't think you can beat HP's combination of price and performance. Their laptop line is very cost effective and the design is absolutely beautiful!
Newegg - Newegg.com is known for great service and awesome pricing on computers, upgrades, and electronics. If you're looking for computers, computer parts, or electronics you owe it to yourself to start here! Great Products. Great Prices. Great Customer Service!
Computer Maintenance Software
Diskeeper 2008 - My current favorite defrag program. As files are written and erased from the hard drive they begin to leave "spaces" behind. When the drive is written to again files are broken up to fill in these spaces. This causes the drive to go to several different locations to read an entire file, which slows performance greatly. Diskeeper has several advanced features such as; automatic defrag, scheduled defrag, and the ability to defrag the MFT (Master File Table) and paging file. 30 day trial.
Registry Mechanic - A very thorough and efficient registry cleaner and defragmenter. A definite must to maintain peak performance and stabile operation. 30 day trial.
Computer Utility Software
Acronis True Image 11 - Do you value the data on your computer? Do you value your time? How much time will you spend recovering data and returning your computer to its original state after a hardware failure or software glitch? True Image is my #1 choice in backup tools. Whether you choose file or image based backups (you should use both!) True Image will perform better than any other application I've used. Disk images created with True Image are generally 10-20% smaller than those from comparable programs. If your time and files are as important to you as mine are to me this is a must have.
Acronis Disk Director - My favorite tool to partition, format, and resize hard drives.
Roboform - This program is the next best thing since sliced bread in my book! This program integrates into Internet Explorer and firefox. It generates very secure passwords at the click of a button. How do I remember these complex passwords? Roboform allows you to save passwords and personal data in an encrypted format. A master password (yes only one password to remember!) allows access. Roboform in IE and FireFox works like a super powered bookmark. You click the site you want to go to and Roboform opens the site, enters your username and password for the site (if required) and as if by magic clicks the submit button. If you shop online Roboform can enter your personal information and credit card information, which is also stored in a secure encrypted file, in one click. A real time saver with great security thrown in to boot! 30 day trial.
WinRar - What is commonly called a zip utility, similar to the more widely known WinZip. WinRar is faster and works with more formats for about 1/2 the price of WinZip. 30 day trial.
Desktop Utility Software
LogonStudio - Change the screen that appears when you boot Windows (the one with the moving bar graph). Hundreds of free skins available online. It's free.
Cursor XP Plus - Change the cursors on your computer. Hundreds of cursor packs are available online for free.
Icon Packager - Change the icons on your computer. Icon Packager puts you in control to change every icon with the click of a button. Tired of the plain icons built into Windows? There are hundreds of Icon Packs available online for free, which will add a truly personal feel to your computer.
WindowBlinds 6 - This is the icing on the proverbial cake. WindowBlinds changes the look and feel of Windows. By changing the appearance of the task bar, start menu, and any other window or program you open. It adds transparency, shadows, alpha blending, and animations. Hundreds of themes are available online for free.
Internet and Email
1&1 hosting - If you want to start your own website, blog, photo gallery, or have a personalized email address then 1&1 is for you. 1&1 can not be beat for reliability, features, support, and price. 90 day guarantee.
Google Gmail - The best internet based email (webmail) available. Each mailbox has a 6.5GB limit. The interface is superb, and the spam filter is top notch. You will never need to delete an email again! It has a great search function and a feature called thread view, which makes finding emails easy. A webmail account offers several advantages including not being required to change your email address if you change service providers. Gmail requires an invitation from a current member. If you are interested shoot me an email and I'll send you an invite.
Microsoft Outlook 2007 - Outlook is the current email client of choice for corporate America. I get well over 200 emails a day. Outlook has a few features I really need such as a plug in for automatic backups, office sounds which offers me some audible feedback, and the ability to change headers. I've used Mozilla Thunderbird and liked it a lot. With the amount of mail I go through I really need the features of Outlook. If you aren't a heavy user, or don't need the features I do then Thunderbird is a great alternative.
- An amazing, free, web browser. If you aren't using it you should be! Highly customizable through addins called extensions. There are thousands of extensions which can allow FireFox to do just about anything you can imagine. More importantly, Firefox is not subject to ActiveX, which is a large part of Internet Explorer, AOL, and MSN. No ActiveX means much less chance of getting spyware! Firefox also conforms to web standards more closely than Internet Explorer, which means you will see what the authors intended, not Microsoft.
Mozilla Thunderbird - A great free email client, from the same folks that brought us FireFox. Easy to use and highly customizable through extensions.
Photo and Picture Software
Adobe Photoshop Elements - Photoshop Elements is a consumer version of Adobe Photoshop. If you are serious about digital photos you will find Photoshop Elements a great program to have at your disposal. Elements provides all the functionality most will need at 1/6th the price.
Picasa - A great (FREE) way to organize, edit, and share your digital photos.
Comment on Dave's recommended software!
Recommend this newsletter to a friend!
#7 - The lighter side
After spending countless hours surfing the web in search of various funny or interesting things to share with you here are a few of my finds to lighten your day! I go through a lot to please my readers!
I love Rube Goldberg type things. Click here to see what Rube would have done if he were a pyromaniac!
Human Space Invaders - 48 volunteers with a lot of free time!
Another Rube Goldberg video! Thanks to Larry for pointing this one out.
People definitely have too much time on their hands if they are playing pc dominos!
Did you enjoy these? What would you like in the future?
Recommend this newsletter to a friend!
#8 - A few websites you may find useful
Inside the Mind of a Hacker - a very revealing article from Microsoft. Thanks to Herbert.
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