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How to improve Windows 7 Explorer

It stands to reason: the less software you have on your system, the lower the risk of software conflicts.

Windows 7 is complete enough to not need any added helper programs. The Windows Firewall, Security Essentials, Windows Update, and other components of Windows 7 are sufficient to keep your machine running smoothly and virus-free.

(Technically, Security Essentials is freeware supplied separately by Microsoft, but I consider it part of the operating system.)

In the past, I have recommended free file-management programs for Windows Vista and XP to replace or enhance Windows Explorer. Windows 7 Explorer is not a big departure … Read more

Ten handy AutoText shortcuts you should create in iOS 5

One pretty cool iOS 5 feature that flew in under the radar is Shortcuts, which CNET's Jason Cipriani dubbed AutoText in his June preview, How to customize AutoText shortcuts in iOS 5.

If you've ever used AutoHotKey, PhraseExpress, or even Microsoft Word, you're probably familiar with this time-saving capability: When you type a customized abbreviation, iOS expands it into a complete text blurb. Thus, something like "omw" becomes "on my way," which is handy when you're texting.

Indeed, shortcuts are most useful for composing e-mail and text messages, though you can … Read more

Search faster with Google's built-in shortcuts

In today's plugged-in world, "right now" is too slow. We're spoiled by the ability to discover the most obscure bits of information in less than a second simply by entering a word or phrase in a Web search engine. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

The need for search speed may not let up until Google is able to read our minds--a day that may not be far off, for better or worse. Putting aside fears of an information-utility monopoly, there's no denying Google's ability to save time. To ensure the productivity-boost … Read more

How to create shortcuts for Windows 7 settings

Instead of using the Windows 7 Control Panel to get to settings you use frequently, why not use shortcuts? You can create both graphical and keyboard shortcuts for Windows 7 settings. Here's how:

Category shortcuts Category shortcuts allow quick access to any category or subcategory of the Control Panel.

Step 1: Open the Windows Control Panel and navigate to the category you want to create a shortcut for.

Step 2: Hover over the text of the category you want, then drag it over to your desktop.

Task and configuration shortcuts Task and configuration shortcuts allow direct access to specific … Read more

How to customize Firefox keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are a great time-saver, but they're not always easy to remember. Customizing shortcuts is a great way to set them to key combinations you'll actually remember. Here's how to customize Firefox keyboard shortcuts.

Step 1: Install the Firefox extension called Customizable Shortcuts from Mozilla.

Step 2: Click on the orange Firefox button, then Options.

Step 3: Click on the last tab called Shortcuts.

Step 4: Double-click on the shortcut you want to customize, then type in the key combination you prefer to use.

That's it. Now you can use Firefox shortcuts that you might … Read more

Useful OS X keyboard shortcuts for troubleshooting

Getting used to various keyboard shortcuts and other shortcuts in OS X can greatly enhance your workflow efficiency. The basics of holding the Command key followed by Q, W, S, or other letters to invoke common functions like quitting, closing windows, or saving, are well known, but OS X and various applications you use may have some unique shortcuts that can be exceptionally useful to some people. Memorizing shortcuts can be a daunting task, but if you incorporate them over time into your workflow you can begin to build a great deal of efficiency into the way you use your … Read more

Cut and paste files, and more new keyboard shortcuts in OS X Lion

As with previous versions of OS X, Apple has updated and refined a few of the keyboard shortcuts that allow you to navigate and manage files and applications. Some of the updated shortcuts have to do with new features in the Lion operating system such as the Resume option for applications and organization of the Finder, but others are enhancements to features that have been around in OS X for a while such as copying and pasting of files.

Move files instead of duplicating them

The first is a feature that has been missing in OS X for a while, … Read more

Six ways to work faster in MS Outlook

Organizations large and small rely on Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations to get the job done. In some ways Outlook is the poor cousin of the three high-profile Office apps. But the true workhorse in Microsoft's ubiquitous suite is the unglamorous e-mail/contact manager/task scheduler.

These six tips for Outlook 2010, 2007, and 2003 will let you spend less time reopening archived messages, jog your memory about reminders, drag files to send them as attachments, add terms to the spell checker, clear space on the taskbar, and enhance your list of click-saving keyboard shortcuts for Outlook.… Read more

How to stop Honeycomb from adding new apps to desktop

Honeycomb tablets have a feature that adds a shortcut for any app that you download from the Android Market. This can be helpful if you're new to Android and want a quick way to find your new apps. However, once you're comfortable with your tablet, chances are you want the ability to choose which shortcuts you'll see every time you turn on the screen. Follow these quick steps to stop new app icons from landing on the home screen:

Step 1: Open the Android Market.

Step 2: Press My apps in the top right corner.

Step … Read more