Welcome to the Geek Choice Blog

By Sean Wilcoxson

About a year ago Windows 7 hit the computer world, offering a wide variety of new features, and in the past year it has showed everyone just how strong a Operating System it is. How else did it become the fastest selling OS in history?

Among the many things that make Windows 7 what it is, there are seven that stand out. Let’s take a look at what exactly is going on when we look out of the Windows 7:

The first one is a cool feature that allows you to customize your desktop wallpaper. Instead of just seeing the same old picture of a tree or the face of your baby, now you can put a slide-show that can be displayed in intervals on the background. I have tried it, it is a pretty neat seeing a whole trip I took change pictures on my desktop. The feature gives Windows 7 its true name: a window into exciting technology at our fingertips.

The second feature is the back-up tool that you can use to make sure your files will never be lost. By plugging in a flash drive or inserting a CD-R, the window pops up asking you if you would like to back-up your files. Once you do this, whenever you insert them in that same computer you can re-run that operation. It is an easy way to protect those important files you have stored.

The third feature is found in the taskbar, where your whole hard drive is at your fingertips with the search box. Type in that missing essay you wrote last week and need to edit, like magic it appears right before your eyes found in seconds. A common problem exists with iTunes when certain music files are moved around by accident, and when you try to play the song you have to locate it. Instead of trying to search your memory, search with the box and you will find what you are looking for.

The fourth feature is something that was anticipated by the makers of Windows 7, the inevitable clashing of OS like Windows XP(an older version). So Windows 7 includes a program that allows users to run XP from within Windows 7.  Not all programs run smoothly on Windows 7, so having this feature is vital to performance.

The fifth and final feature that makes Windows 7 a great system is the time it takes to boot up. In a test with Windows Vista, Windows 7 beat it out by 30 seconds, making it 20% faster than it’s competition. This time adds up, especially when you are in a hurry and need to get up and running as fast as possible to get on the web or get to your business.

Overall Windows 7 is definitely worth the upgrade. It has been open only a year, and guess what? Rumors around the computer world are whispering about a Windows 8 release in 2012. Can it get better than Windows 7? For now the best is in the number 7.

by Sean Wilcoxson

A new PC utility enables users to slim up there computer and cut down on all those programs you do not need which fills up disk space.

“Bloatware”, or software bloat, is a term that is used to describe the unnecessary features that are not being used but takes up valuable space on your computer. In the beginning, back in the 1970’s, every byte was accounted for because disk space was like gold not to be wasted. It seems in today’s world the reverse is the normal: pack in the useless nonsense!

With all the new operating systems, browsers, protocols, and storage formats, no wonder your computer is fat and farting! For example, a program that once could only save in text format is now demanded to save in HTML, XML, XLS, CSV, PDF, DOC, and other formats.

In comes SlimComputer software from SlimWare Utilities, a useful tool that collects user ratings of programs that ship with that PC you ordered and aggregates them to make it easy to decide which ones to delete, and which ones to keep.

“As more users participate, we get more data. As we get more data, the better the ratings are,” said Chris Cope, CEO of Slimware, based in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Looking at these ratings, you might still be skeptical at whether or not certain programs are valuable or not. The tool will identify and remove programs that many users don’t want, like the free games that come with many PCs, and also list nonessential toolbars, startup items and shortcuts. Basically the SlimComputer eliminates all those annoying programs that take up all the space that you could be using to store all those “movies”.

Why Is Bloatware Bad?

How does it feel to be bloated? Not good. That is what your computer feels, and it will go a lot slower than usual because it is too busy farting. Software companies often pay PC makers to include trial versions in the computer so you will get a nice variety of nothing!

This software can slow boot times, drag on performance, and take up disk space. Other examples of bloated software are trial productivity tools and accounting. So what can you do to get your PC up and running full speed?

With Slimware the main goal is to not interfere with important programs that are used to help the computer function properly. That would screw things up big time, no, what this program does is make it so that when you get a new computer or have an existing one, based on user ratings of how important a program is you can decide for yourself which ones to get rid of.

This is a valuable tool in this day and age of endless content that never ceases to fill up your screen with useless nonsense. Get rid of all that crap with slimware.

Microsoft, iTunes, and other applications like NERO burning ROM have been accused of being bloated. They come with all sorts of ridiculous add-ons and downloads that look great, but actually are just there to slow you down.

Here is a tip: if you feel your computer is bloated and is not as fast as you would like? Instead of buying a new expensive Sony laptop, download this free program and see how much money you can save by freeing up space.

If you’re the administrator of a shared computer on which you have multiple users, you very well could be someone who wants that computer used for a specific purpose, wanting to limit access to a select few applications. This is especially true of businesses where lapses in productivity could be a concern. You could be a manager looking to have your network administrator to craft a means of increasing the productivity of employees, or you might be a parent who’s mindful of the impact your children’s computer use is having on their studies.

For whatever the reason, Windows 7 allows you to decide just which applications users of that shared system can open.

This feature is not available for users of Windows 7 Home versions.

First, you want to click on the Start button and enter “gpedit.msc” in the search box. Press Enter.

Then, you’ll want to go to User Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ System. Once there, look under “Setting,” where you will then double-click on “Run only specified Windows applications.”

You” have to set that to “Enabled.” Then, in the Options section, click on the “Show” button.

Doing so will pull up a “Show Contents” window in which you can enter only those applications you want users to have access to. Once you’ve completed the list, click “OK.” Close out of the Local Group Policy editor.

With that done, you have now set restrictions on which applications users of your computer can avail themselves of. Should someone try to use one that isn’t included on your list of allowed applications, they will see the following message:

If you’re someone who monitors which applications are being used on your computer, this a great feature that will assist you in that regard.

While being a release that has seen Microsoft regain much of the faith it lost with recent installments of its operating system, Windows 7 arrived with many long adored features either missing or peculiarly buried in such a way as to make their use unnecessarily tedious.

For those of you pining for the Quick Launch toolbar, it’s still available, but you’ll need to perform a few quick tweaks to get it working.

The contents of your Quick Launch folder can be found at this location: %appdata%\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Quick launch. Very easily, this tool will transform those shortcuts into a list that effectively acts as your Quick Launch toolbar.

Called JumpLaunch, this application is a free tool that adds a blue orb to your Windows 7 bar. Right-clicking on the orb will bring a list of applications stored in your Quick Launch list. When left-clicking on the same orb, you’re able to add or remove programs from this list, customizing it to your preferences.

Windows 7 is an excellent addition to Microsoft’s stable of programs, but it’s not perfect. At Geek Choice, we’ll continue to offer you tips that aid you in getting the most out of this new operating system.

You can download JumpLaunch here.

On a shared computer, the administrator may not wish to see the computer shut off by those authorized to use it. This is particularly true in an office, where productivity can be hindered when employees arriving to work find themselves having to wait as the computer boots up rather than being able to immediately log back into their computer console.

In Windows 7, using the Local Group Policy Editor, those functions can be removed by hiding the “Shutdown” and “Restart” buttons from the users.

*It should be noted that this feature is not available in personal and home versions of Windows 7.

To begin, we’ll click on the “Start” button and type “gpedit.msc” – hit Enter.

Once the Local Group Policy Editor window is open, take the following route:

User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Start Menu and Task Bar

Once there, select Remove and prevent access to the Shut Down, Restart, Sleep, and Hibernate commands.

Once selected, it’ll prompt you to enable the service, which is done by clicking on “Apply” and “OK”

After this is completed, return to the desktop. You’ll notice, when reviewing your options in the Start menu, the only ones available are “Log Off,” “Switch User,” and “Lock.”

Once implemented, the omission of those features is immediately apparent, with no possible means – outside of unplugging it – of a user turning their computer off.

With the release of Windows 7, Microsoft has seen something of a resurgence in its standing, delivering on promises that past versions of their operating system has failed to fulfill.  Microsoft offers users the opportunity to download an .ISO image of Windows 7. This is convenient if you have a netbook to which you’d like to install the program.

If you’re looking for a quick and painless way of simply taking that .ISO image and installing it with a thumb drive, which is particularly useful if you want to use Windows 7 with a netbook, the following tool will allow you to do so.

Called the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool , this utility creates a bootable flash drive – or, if you so choose, a DVD –from the .ISO image, taking just a few steps to have a quick solution for whenever you wish to install Windows 7. For those using a flash drive, you’ll require one with a capacity that’s equal to or greater than 4GB.

This is a quick solution for installing Windows 7 on your netbook, but it’ll also prove helpful if you’re someone who opted to download Windows 7 from Microsoft rather than order the installation DVD.

You can get the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool here.

Ensuring that the latest drivers are installed on your computer can go quite a distance towards shielding you against the much dreaded “Blue Screen of Death.” Drivers are files  upon which your software and hardware depend, facilitating conflict-free communication between the various programs and devices comprising your computer system.

For streamlined solutions that scan your computer for outdated drivers and provide the necessary updates, you’re usually looking at a fee. However, there is one solution that comes at no expense to you, provided as an absolutely free alternative that effectively assesses and addresses your driver needs.

Called Device Doctor, this utility is very easy to use, limited to just one screen from which you’ll be able to see what drivers are needed and how to obtain them. All you need to do is click the “Begin Scan” button, which will commence with a thorough appraisal of your system’s drivers, ending with a list that shows you which drivers needed to be updated. After the scan is complete, you’re prompted to download each update.

Although the drivers aren’t installed automatically, it’s still fairly straightforward, with very little chance of error. On the page for downloads, you simply click on that driver you want to install and sit back while it updates the driver.

With such a staggering variety of hardware all serving the same essential purpose, the number of drivers is just as varied, requiring you to be attentive to just what it is you’re updating. There is always the slight chance of Device Doctor linking you to an incorrect driver or one that has since been replaced by a more current one. If that happens, they provide a link for you to alert the developers of this utility to the error.

Saving you the time of hunting down each specific driver, this is a great tool that simplifies and hastens the important process of updating your drivers.

You can download Device Doctor here.

Windows 7 is fast becoming Microsoft’s most popular release of their seminal operating system. More reliable than previous versions, with faster performance and considerably greater stability, this is an operating system that has returned Microsoft to an enviable position that they were displaced from because of problems encountered when using the two most recent installments – XP and Vista.

With Windows 7 being a new version of the operating system, despite having many familiar holdovers from past installments, there are several new options that add ease and functionality which previously didn’t exist.

One of those is the ability to send the Recycle Bin to your taskbar.

For those of you handling multiple operations on your PC, accessing the Recycle Bin (which is very useful for those of you who’re mindful of that data which you absolutely no longer need) can become a tedious routine. Windows 7 offers a fast way to permanently affix it to your taskbar, making it readily available for those times it’s needed.

To place the Recycle Bin in your taskbar, the following short steps are required:

You’ll want to create a shortcut on your desktop. It’ll ask you for the location of your shortcut, for which you’ll enter the following in the field:

explorer.exe shell:RecycleBinFolder

To proceed, click Next.

You’ll then be asked to name it. Some might call it “Recycle Bin,” while others may want to be creative; either way, it’ll still have the functions of your recycle bin.

Once that’s finished, you’ll need to modify the look of the icon so that it reflects the trash bin we normally associate with this function.

Right-click on the icon and select “properties.”

Click on “Change Icon.”

In field that asks where you’d like to look for the icon, type:

%SystemRoot%\system32\imageres.dll

The Recycle Bin icon will appear in the new assortment of available icons.

Once you’ve applied that, click on OK to exit the Recycle Bin properties screen. As you’ll see, the Recycle Bin now looks like that familiar container. To send it to your task bar, you can either drag it there or right-click on the icon and choose “Pin to Taskbar.”

And, That’s it. This is nice way of bypassing steps that eventually weigh down on those involved with routine tasks. Instead of having to open the Recycle Bin each time you use it, it’s sitting right in your task bar, awaiting whatever trash you see fit to dispose of.

If you’re a user of Microsoft’s most recent operating systems –XP, Vista, and the recently unveiled Windows 7 – you may want to heed the latest warnings about new security updates released. According to reports, these recent security updates may be what’s precipitating a spate of system crashes that render the computer a lifeless black screen.

Coming by way of PrevX, a UK based security company, users of its security software began complaining of the problem last week. It would seem that Microsoft made significant changes to the ACL (Access Control List), which contains permissions for user accounts. This list of permissions communicates with the registry keys, making observable changes to the desktop such as the addition of a sidebar.

Unintentionally, however, the recent security patches are amending those registry keys. As a result, being unaware of those registry changes, a number of applications are responding with confusion – explaining the black screens during their use. We should note that those applications which seem  most affected are security programs.

 For those affected by this problem, PrevX has released a patch that would seem to correct the issue, bringing the registry in line with the ACL settings introduced by the security updates.

Not everyone is being affected by this problem, but if you feel as if you’re one of those unlucky users who recently suffered a black screen that may be tied to your recent download of Microsoft security updates, PrevX has released a free fix that can be downloaded here.

If you continue to experience problems, always feel free to give us a call.

Many computers are shared by multiple people, be it a family or a small office filled with employees. If you have administrative privileges, provided the computer is your property, Windows 7 grants you the ability to determine just what applications can be accessed by the users of that computer with the use of AppLocker.

There could be an application that only one or two people in your office are authorized to utilize, or you could be a parent who wants to restrict the use of games by children during homework hours.

You must be logged in as an administrator to use AppLocker. First, click on the start menu, which will bring you to search field. In that field, you will enter: gpedit.msc and press Enter.

Looking at the “Local Computer Policy” tree, you will go to: Computer Configuration\Windows Setting\Security Settings\Application Control Policies\AppLocker

Once you’ve selected that, you will see the controls for the applications, which is where you’ll begin setting those privileges.

Click on the “Configure Rule Enforcement” link.

On the “AppLocker Properties” panel, you’ll see an unchecked box immediately beneath “Executable Rules.” Click on that.

Now, press OK.

As an example of how this process works, we’ll use the example of “Jack,” someone who whittles away time playing games while his productivity in the office declines. We’re going to restrict his access to games.

On the “Overview” panel, click on “Executable Rules.”

With being the first time you’ve implemented this feature, you’ll find that there are no rules defined. If you right-click on that clear window, you can then “Create New Rule.”

You’re now at the “Create Executable Rules” wizard.

After selecting “Permissions” on the left hand bar, you will then choose “Deny.”

You will then add Jack as a user who you’d like to place a restriction on.

After he’s added, press OK, which will allow you to toggle him with the “Deny” action.

The “Conditions” panel enables you to determine those conditions under which his access is denied. Selecting “Path” will allow you to deny him access to those games.

Clicking on “Browse Folders,” you can now prevent him from using any of the games within the “Microsoft Games” folder.

You’re given the option to select the name for this restriction, an option that allows you to monitor several restrictions if you so choose to add them.

Once that’s complete, a message will read “The default rules are currently not in the rule list for this rule collection.” With it being necessary to know what this rule or restriction entails, you should click “Yes.”

Looking at the list, you’ll notice that Jack is now restricted from accessing the Microsoft Games directory.

When accessing his user account, Jack will see that he can no longer play those games, which is indicated by a window that will pop up and alert him to this restriction each time he attempts to do so.

This is how you can deny certain applications to those users you specify, being just one of many features included with Windows 7. With it, productivity is guaranteed to be increased — in the office and, if you have children who need to do their school work, at home.

If you have additional questions about Windows 7 and its powerful set of tools, Geek Choice is here to assist you.