Most people have a little free time between Christmas and New Year. If you take 15 minutes to clean up your PC, you will probably be rewarded with a computer that runs faster and has space available for any new games you might find under the Christmas tree this year.
Checking your computer’s pre-installed software is a good starting point when looking for ways to free up hard drive space. Many computers come with redundant versions of programmes - for example, several different photo processing programmes even though most computer users use only one.
Most computers that run on Windows-based operating systems also slow down over time as many programmes install themselves as automatic start-up functions and while they remain in the background, they still use up memory.
However, there are ways of tackling the problem. One is by using the “msconfig” command. On computers with the Vista operating system, a user accesses this by typing the command in the computer’s search field. On computers that use the XP system, it’s accessed under “run” in “start” menu.
Starting msconfig allows the user to see all programmes in the automatic start-up menu. However, it’s not advisable to remove all programmes from the automatic start-up list, especially ones responsible for virus scans and computer security, says Axel Vahldiek of the Hanover-based c’t magazine.
De-fragmenting the hard drive is another possible fix for computers that have slowed down with time. On Windows XP systems, the “disk de-fragmenter” function can be found by first accessing “All Programs” and then searching “Accessories” followed by “System Tools.”
De-fragmenting takes data that belongs together, but has nonetheless been saved on different parts of the hard drive, and pulls it back together. But the biggest chunk of computer junk comes from regular installation and de-installation of computer programmes.
Software leaves an entry in the computer’s register every time it’s installed. That entry is then checked every time the computer is booted up. But that registry data is not always removed during de-installation. That means the registry keeps growing and slows down start up times. Nonetheless, neophyte computer users should probably let the registry be since poking can cause irreparable system damage. “You really have to pay close attention,” says Kock.
Starting any programme creates temporary data, which is stored in the C:\WINDOWS\TEMP directory. Frequently, temporary data remains there after the programme is ended. Vahldiek says these leftovers can be removed at the press of a button. By right clicking on the icon of the hard drive in question and choosing “properties”, the user gets the option of “disk cleanup”.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Thursday, January 3, 2008
New Year Resolution…Seriously it’s Fun
In Roman tradition, Janus, the two faced God was depicted on calendars as he could look back on past events and also look forward to the future. Eventually, Janus became a symbol of making resolutions. This has also given a handle to killjoys who deride resolute resolution-makers as being Janus-faced as they seldom keep their promises.
How ever, the first few days of the New Year are good time to reflect on the past as well as chalk out the future by resolving to do better. The ritual of making New Year resolutions is a way of undertaking mental spring-cleaning, throwing out useless stuff, shaking off unhealthy habits and introducing fresh lifestyle patterns that could brighten the future.
Most resolutions made in the New Year end up being just that. Mere promises we make to over selves but are unable to fulfill. Yet, come another year, we’re energized once again to draw up a list of dos and don’ts to follow in the days ahead. And so the cycle continues. But, in the process, with each new self-commitment- though it might not be kept – something happens that helps us evolve. Beginning the new year with a resolve to get rid of a pesky habit is much more fun than being cynical about it. And who knows? One day we might surprise over selves – and others- by sticking to our resolve for not just that one year but may be for the rest of our lives.
Most resolutions made on new year’s day are to do with correcting lifestyle habits- saying ‘no’ to smoking, choosing a diet plan, walking regularly or enrolling in a gym for physical fitness- but some are also about keeping in touch with friends and relatives, reading more, making time for leisure activity, being kind and budgeting well. Students might plan study schedules or aim to watch less TV. It does not matter if the enthusiasm is sporadic or short-lived. Making resolutions is as integral to the new year spirit as is partying on new year.
How ever, the first few days of the New Year are good time to reflect on the past as well as chalk out the future by resolving to do better. The ritual of making New Year resolutions is a way of undertaking mental spring-cleaning, throwing out useless stuff, shaking off unhealthy habits and introducing fresh lifestyle patterns that could brighten the future.
Most resolutions made in the New Year end up being just that. Mere promises we make to over selves but are unable to fulfill. Yet, come another year, we’re energized once again to draw up a list of dos and don’ts to follow in the days ahead. And so the cycle continues. But, in the process, with each new self-commitment- though it might not be kept – something happens that helps us evolve. Beginning the new year with a resolve to get rid of a pesky habit is much more fun than being cynical about it. And who knows? One day we might surprise over selves – and others- by sticking to our resolve for not just that one year but may be for the rest of our lives.
Most resolutions made on new year’s day are to do with correcting lifestyle habits- saying ‘no’ to smoking, choosing a diet plan, walking regularly or enrolling in a gym for physical fitness- but some are also about keeping in touch with friends and relatives, reading more, making time for leisure activity, being kind and budgeting well. Students might plan study schedules or aim to watch less TV. It does not matter if the enthusiasm is sporadic or short-lived. Making resolutions is as integral to the new year spirit as is partying on new year.
Sacred Space.....Things to Do
Spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
Say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that will grow up and leave your side.
Give warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a thing.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
There is no such thing as instant improvement in life, and as you know in agriculture, growth can only happen little by little over time…….
The things that you do daily may seem small and insignificant, but over time people will be surprised to learn how much you have grown in life.
Focus on the small things you do daily. The key word here is daily. If you do not have the persistence to do these small things consistently, you won’t be able to see the results over the long term.
Say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that will grow up and leave your side.
Give warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a thing.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
There is no such thing as instant improvement in life, and as you know in agriculture, growth can only happen little by little over time…….
The things that you do daily may seem small and insignificant, but over time people will be surprised to learn how much you have grown in life.
Focus on the small things you do daily. The key word here is daily. If you do not have the persistence to do these small things consistently, you won’t be able to see the results over the long term.
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