Accessing\utilities programs easily

Using the run command line, can help you quickly maneuver through programs and utilities on your PC.
Some of the common commands you can use and the programs and utilities you can access.
All you need to do is hold down the windows logo key and then press R and type the appropriate command .

Notepad- notepad
Wordpad - write
Word- winword
MS Access- msaccess
MS Excel - excel
Solitaire- sol
Add \Remove Programs- appwiz.cpl
Disk Deframentation- dfrg.msc
Disk clean utility- cleanmgr
Display Properties- control desktop
Printers and Faxes- control printers

viruses, worms and spyware

Many computers users can hardly differentiate between Trojan horses, viruses, worm, spyware, malware and adware. In most cases users refer to the entire group as viruses.

These can be prevented or cleaned using antivirus and anti spyware software, though most antivirus software have an anti-spyware utility, it is handy to have a purely anti-spyware software .

Malware is software designed to infiltrate or damage a computer system without the user’s informed consent.

Trojan horse is a piece of malware which disguises it self as performing a certain task yet it is performing another e.g transmitting a virus eg during installation of backdoor programs.

A worm is a self-replicating program. It uses a network to send copies of itself to other nodes (computer terminals on the network) and it does so automatically.

Spyware is program that is installed secretly on a computer to intercept or take partial control over the user's interaction with the computer.

Adware or advertising-supported software is any program which automatically plays, displays, or downloads advertising material to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is being used.

A Virus is a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without permission or knowledge of the user but it usually requires user intervention to spread.

Ease tasks with software

There over 10.000 software programs that are available on the market, many people are not even aware of them.

Your PC can perform various tasks beyond what you image it is capable of doing. This is mainly enhanced by software and additional hardware. Many of these software programs are actually freeware.

Some common software programs that you can use to simplify some tasks

Labels unlimited. To create labels

Adobe distiller. This program helps you to convert your word, Excel documents to PDF format.

PDF2Word. To convert a PDF format document to Word

Driver Magician. Searches and backups \ restores drivers on your computer.

CCleaner. Cleans the system registry for un wanted files, this software is used to optimize your personal computer.

SpeedUpMyPC. This program helps to improve PC security, performance and stability.

Internet Download Manager. The program enables you to make faster downloads on the internet.

FreeDownloadManager. It’s a freeware for faster downloads.

Data Recovery Software:- There are various data recovery software on the market. Below I give you two common ones:-

i. RecoverMyFiles

ii. File Recover

EpiInfo: A statistical, word processing and data management software for public health.

Another feature that makes windows tick

For mobility impaired users to use the computer they need a special utility to help them
The Windows Onscreen Keyboard helps users to use the mouse to use the keyboard.
To access the windows onscreen keyboard, click start, then run and type OSK and enter.

Activating, deactivating sticky keys.
When a shortcut requires a key combination , the sticky key feature helps you to press a modifier key like ctrl, windows logo key, or shift key and makes it active until you press another key.
To active sticky key feature, press shift key five times and then click on the ok button.
To deactivate sticky keys click shift key five times.

terms demystified

Whiz kid
Exceptionally intelligent, successful, or influential person in a given field, but this world is mainly used to refer to people in the ICT field.

Nerd
A person who passionately pursues intellectual activities

Geek
A computer expert or enthusiast (a term of pride as self-reference, but often considered offensive when used by outsiders.)

Top 5 Movies for geeks

my top five movie selections for geeks

1.The NET
2.Takedown
3.Enemy of the State
4.Mission Impossible I
5.Mission Impossible II

Some gimmicks to make your PC run faster than Usual-windows XP users

Set up a basic plain wall paper

Turn off animations, go to display settings, appearance tab, click on effects button and then uncheck all the options that are ticked.

Run disk clean up and disk defragmenter frequently at least once every month.

Limit the number of shortcuts on your computer’s desktop

Lower the display resolution. Go to display properties click on settings and then adjust the screen resolution.

Faster start menu access. Edit the registry hkey_user\controlpanel\desktop to change the MenuShowDelay value to 0.

Let the PC boot completely before you start performing any tasks.

Limit the number of programs during the boot up process. Click start, run, the type msconfig to access the system utility and click the startup tab and an check programs you do not want to start up.

interesting discovery

Open a blank MS Word document and then type the following
=rand(200,99), hit the enter button.

Working faster with your Personal Computer

In order to quickly view system information in windows XP
Click Start, then click run and then type msinfo32

Or click on the windows logo button on your keyboard + r and then type msinfo32

Using the command prompt
Click start, click run and then type cmd or Or click on the windows logo button on your keyboard + r and then type cmd and then click the enter key

To easily access the DirectX diagnostic tool which helps to test functionality, diagnose problems and change your system configuration for DirectX components and drivers to work optimally
Click start, click run and then type dxdiag

To analyze disks, locate and consolidate files and folders for optimal PC performance you can use the disk defragmenter.
Click start, click run and then type dfrg.msc

To quickly access the system registry for troubleshooting
Click start, click run and then type regedit

Is your computer slow?

Is your computer responding slowing?, or it is hanging?
This tells you that it's time to run Defragmentor!
When you "defrag" your hard drive, you run a disk defragmentor program to optimize the placement of files on your hard drive. Here's what happens. As you use your computer, it writes to the first available spot on the hard drive. Over time, files tend to get rearranged on your hard disk, or fragmented.
If your disk is fragmented, when it tried to load a program, it may have to grab one file from the middle of the hard drive, one towards the outside, then back to the inside. The net result is that your computer runs slower.
When you run a defrag program, it puts the pieces back together, organizes them in similar groupings, so stuff loads faster. It's probably a good idea for the average user to defrag once every 1-2 months or so.
Warning - Be careful when running defrag. First off, it takes a long time (I usually run it at night) to defragment a large hard drive . Also, the defrag program takes files off your hard drive and sticks them into your system RAM while it's reorganizing your disk. If you lose power during a disk defragmentation, it can spell disaster for your computer. At best you'll mess up a program or two and at worst you may no longer be able to access your hard drive and Windows. Definitely not something to do during a thunderstorm!
First, you need to run Scandisk.
Windows 95/98/ME Users: Click on the Start Menu then select Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then Scandisk . Select the drive you would like to check, then select the type of test you would like to run (standard or thorough). Finally, click Start .
Windows NT/2000/XP Users: Double click your My Computer icon. Right click on the C: drive. Select Properties then choose the Tools tab . Under Error Checking , click the Check Now button. A dialog box will pop up, check both check boxes and click Start
A dialog box will pop up telling you, "The disk check could not be performed because exclusive access to the drive could not be obtained. Do you want this disk check to be scheduled the next time you restart the computer?. There may be good reasons to back down now but I can't think of any. click the Yes button! Now, on to the Disk Defragmenter
Make sure all Antivirus software is disabled along with any background applications that may write to the hard drive, which you are defragmenting.
Click on the Start Menu, Programs, Accessories, System Tools , and select the Disk Defragmenter . Highlight the drive you want to defrag and click Defragment .

Quick way to print a document

There are many ways carry out one task when using computers.Printing a document is no exception, but you can print a document quickly if you put a shortcut to the printer on your desktop and drag a document icon to it, no need to open file for printing just drag a file to printer icon and get your print.
To do this, first click Start button, Settings, then Printers (first make sure you installed your printer driver). When the Printers window opens, hold down Ctrl and drag the printer icon to your system desktop.
Drag the document icon and drop it in printer icon on your desktop. Here you will get a print quickly and with out opening a file.

PC Optimization

Most of us buy computers and a long the way we install on them numerous software and data this tends to slow down in the process when we are using them.
At times we then become so frustrated with our computers
Well it is actually pretty normal for computers to slow down over time, reason being that the Windows Operating System tends to get clogged up with extra files and programs that then slow down the computer's performance and causes it to behave strangely or even stop working altogether.
Below are ways to optimize your Personal Computer: -
Delete Unwanted Programs and files
Windows Disk Cleanup Utility keeps your hard drive free of unnecessary files and programs, frees disk space, and can even speed up PC performance.
Ø Click Start All Programs Accessories System Tools Disk Cleanup to start the utility.
Ø Select the hard drive you want to clean from the pull-down menu and click OK.
Ø Be patient. It may take a while for Windows to scan the disk. When done, Windows displays the categories of files it deems suitable for deletion.
Ø Click a category to see a description of the selected files to be deleted. If you want to see a list of the individual files in a category, click View Files.
Ø Double-check to ensure you're not deleting any important files, especially those in the Recycle Bin.
Ø Click the More Options tab to remove even more files.
Ø When you're ready, click OK to begin the cleanup process.

Delete Unwanted Startup Programs
Ø As you add software to your computer, the number of programs that automatically start with Windows get bigger and bigger. You probably don't need all these programs running all the time; they just eat up memory and increase the chances of a software conflict. To remove the ones you don't want:
Ø Go to Start Run and type msconfig in the text box shown in. This brings up the System Configuration Utility.
Ø Select the Startup tab. you'll see a list of all the programs that automatically start with Windows. Remove the check in the box next to a program name, and that program won't start with Windows.
Ø Click the Enable All or Disable All buttons to do just that.
Ø If you're unsure what a particular program does, look under Command for the location of the program file.
Ø Pick the programs you want to disable, or click Enable All or Disable All to manipulate all the programs at once. Remember, you can always start a disabled program manually from the Start All Programs menu or by finding the program's executable file in Windows Explorer and double-clicking it.
Ø Reboot your computer to compete the process.

Keep Windows up to date.
This can only be applicable to those whose computers are connected to the Internet.
Ø Windows is a work in progress; Microsoft is constantly issuing updates to fix bugs, security holes, and problems. Updating your Windows files is one of the most effective ways to keep your computer running smoothly and safe from unwanted intruders.
Ø Click Start Help and Support. Under Pick A Task click Keep Your Computer Up-To-Date With Windows Update.
Ø Windows will scan your Computer and offer you two choices. Pick Express Install to install critical updates or Custom Install to install some or all of the available updates.

Ø Windows can automatically download updates and alert you when they're ready to install. To enable this, go to Start Control Panel System and select the Automatic Updates tab. Select Download Updates For Me, But Let Me Choose When To Install Them.

sms untill you drop

7197.ug
formally trueafrican.com. This site has been around for quite sometime, it was the first free sms service I ever used. You can send free sms to all the mobile networks in the country.

Great site for downloading ringtones, logos. From this website you can also get updates of the local and international news through your mobile phone at a small fee.

Sendairtime.com
Through this website Ugandans in the diaspora can buy airtime from any of the mobile phone companies for their relatives.
Payment is accepted from the following credit cards VISA, Paypal, Discorver, and American Express.

Free sms to all the three major networks Celtel, MTN, UTL. All you need to do is to register and then you can able to send an sms.

Sendsmsnow.com
This is a fabulous website from which you can send and receive local and international sms from different Mobile Networks from the world and all this is for free.
You can register now and be able to send sms to your relatives and friends abroad.
With this website you can be able to receive text replies in your sendsmsnow inbox.
History of received sms
Others include africanpearl.ug, socnetsolutions.com, eacraze.com, campuser.net, smsmedia.ug, ugandaconnect.net

Online storage

You have run out of storage space on your memory stick, CD or tired of always carrying these items then look no where else but the internet.
Drivehq.com
You can register freely and be allocated 1GB of storage space to store and manage your files online, file transfer access, data encryption, scheduled backup and lots of other services.
You can get 6GB of storage space at $7.99 per month.

There is also FTP hosting , software and small mail transfer protocol(smtp)/pop3 email hosting.

Other online storage space include flipdrive.com which offers 25MB of free online storage space.
Xdrive.com offers 5GB of online space.

The growth of the internet has brought about use of usernames, passwords, personal identification numbers. Majority of the websites require individuals to sign up before you can access any services or gain access to any vital information.
It becomes difficult for one to memorize different usernames, passwords, PIN’s.boxknox.com has helps to store passwords, usernames offering encrypted storage, at no cost while protecting anonymity. You only need to remember one password to let you into your boxknox account.
No need to leave personal details and a safe way to recall logins
The world is unsafe. You could lose your passport, your mobile, your trunk, your money. Keep your information safe.

something worthy knowing about junk e-mail(spam)

Junk e-mail, or spam has become the scourge of the modern computer world .Spam is like a disease it does not care about sex, age, tribe, race religion or wealth. It does not discriminate. Spam affects all of us.
Spam is flooding the Internet with many copies of the same message, in an attempt to force the message on people who would not otherwise choose to receive it. Most spam is commercial advertising, often for dubious products, get-rich-quick schemes, or quasi-legal services. Spam costs the sender very little to send -- most of the costs are paid for by the recipient or the carriers rather than by the sender.
According to wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Spamming is the abuse of electronic messaging systems to send unsolicited bulk messages, which are generally undesired. While the most widely recognized form of spam is email spam, the term is applied to similar abuses in other media: instant messaging spam, Usenet newsgroup spam, Web search engine spam, spam in blogs, mobile phone messaging spam, internet forum spam and junk fax transmissions. Spam is also called junk mail. Some email clients or servers have spam filters, which try to delete or move the spam messages.
One particularly nasty variant of email spam is sending spam to mailing lists (public or private email discussion forums.) Because many mailing lists limit activity to their subscribers, spammers will use automated tools to subscribe to as many mailing lists as possible, so that they can grab the lists of addresses, or use the mailing list as a direct target for their attacks.
It is said the typical profile of a spammer is as follows: Male 18-30 years of age, single, technically competent and with little regard to his status as a public nuisance. There are female spammers out there, but unfortunately, this is predominantly a male preserve.
The are many tools available to the spam merchant,. The main ones are CD lists, email extractors, news group harvesters. E-mail extractors are programs which wander around the internet gathering e-mail addresses from web sites and web based forums. A good extractor can gather 20,000 email addresses per hour.

Spammers are “entrepreneurs” or at least they like to think of themselves as such, guess they are like some of the so called Ugandan investors. The vast majority of those involved in the spam business are self employed and work at home. Sending spam is almost the ideal home based business. You name your hours and the business itself is virtually automatic. In other words, its maximum gain from minimum effort.
The motivation for most spammers is money. Considerable amounts of cash, actually each spammer who sends out one million junk e-mails is certain of approximately 200 sales. Many of the products they sell are worth approximately $100 to $200 to them in commission, far better than our kabagala(pancake) “investors”.
Shocking, the average spammer can earn in excess of $200,000 per year. Maximum return for minimum effort.
The best technology that is currently available to stop spam is spam filtering software. The simplest filters use keywords such as "sex,", "xxx," "viagra," etc., in the subject line to attempt to identify and delete spam. These simple filters are easy to sidestep by spelling "sex" as "s-e-x." There are, of course, thousands of ways to spell "sex" if you are willing to add extra characters like that, and it is difficult for the simple filters to keep up. Also, simple filters are most likely to block "real" e-mail that you do want to receive. For example, if your friend sends you his favorite recipe for baked chicken breasts, the filter blocks the e-mail because of the word "breasts."
More advanced filters, known as heuristic filters and Bayesian filters, try to take this simple approach quite a bit further to statistically identify spam based on word patterns or word frequency. But there are still ways to get around them (mainly by using short messages).
Large ISPs tried blocking multiple e-mails with the same subject line or message body. This had the unwanted side-effect of blocking e-mail newsletters, so ISPs made "white lists" to identify legitimate newsletter senders. Then spammers sidestepped the issue by inserting different random characters into each subject line and message body. That's why you get e-mail messages with subject lines like: Women Wanted puklq
The word "puklq" is random, and it is different on every e-mail the spammer sends.
The final front in the war on spam is the elimination of e-mail in the traditional sense. Many businesses are being forced to take this approach. Even HowStuffWorks has been forced to use forms. It used to be that you could send e-mail directly to individual HowStuffWorks staff and departments, but those e-mail addresses started to receive so much spam that they now use a set of online forms, instead. That may be what happens to all e-mail in the long run. The amount of spam, and the inability to control that spam, may become so unmanageable that the traditional e-mail system we know today collapses and gets replaced either with forms or with a set of advanced, secure servers that put spammers out of business

Services

ICT stands for Information Communication Technologies, it is the business of developing and using technology to process information and aid communications.

The need for ICT in a company is enormous, and there are many ICT issues/challenges which arise time to time. It is a prudent idea for a company to employ a full time ICT person(s). Many SME’s (Small Medium Enterprises) have embraced ICT in their companies because of the efficiency and cost effectiveness it brings to their disposal, it is difficult for SME’s to employ full time ICT personnel because it is more cost effective to outsource ICT services.

It is in this regard that I wish to present my self. I am a practiced and proficient ICT person with ten year’s experience; I offer freelance ICT services to individuals and SME’s.
Services offered at very negotiable rates:-
ICT training
Computer Optimization
Data Management
Website design
Networking, support and maintenance
Data entry and Analysis
Software and Hardware installation and configuration
Computer repair and maintenance
Computer troubleshooting
Database design
ICT Consultancy