Top Windows 8 tips and tricks

Customize your tiles

Windows 8 tilesMake the most of your Windows Start screen tiles by adjusting the sizes, where they are located, and what is listed.

•  Move any tile by clicking and dragging the tile. While moving a tile, if you need a larger view of the Start screen move the tile towards the top or bottom of the screen to zoom out.

•  Use your mouse wheel to scroll left-to-right through your tiles.

•  Any Desktop shortcut or program can be pinned to the Start screen by right-clicking the icon and choosing Pin to Start.

•  In the bottom right-hand corner of the start screen is a magnifying glass with tiles, click this icon to get a zoomed out view of your Start screen. In this view, if you right-click on a group of tiles you'll be given the option to name group, which can be useful if you have a group of related tiles (e.g. games). In this view, you can also click and drag a group to organize your tile groups.

• Create a new speed bump between tile groups by moving a tile to a speed bump.
• Resize any User tile or Live tile by right-clicking the tile and choosing resize.

• If there is a tile you want on your Taskbar, right-click the tile and choose Pin to taskbar. 

• Show admin applications on the Start screen by clicking Settings in Charms, click Settings, and change the Show administrative tools from No to Yes.

• In Internet Explorer 10, you can also pin any of your favorite web pages to your Start Screen.

Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts

 Knowing at least some of the Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts will make your Windows 8 experience much more enjoyable. Try to memorize these top Windows 8 shortcut keys.

•     Press the Windows key to open the Start screen or switch to the Desktop (if open).

•     Press the Windows key + D will open the Windows Desktop.

•     Press the Windows key + . to pin and unpin Windows apps on the side of the screen.

•     Press the Windows key + X to open the power user menu, which gives you access to many of the features most power users would want (e.g. Device Manager and Command Prompt).

•     Press the Windows key + C to open the Charms.

•     Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings, which is the same Settings found in       Charms.

•     Press and hold the Windows key + Tab to show open apps.

•     Press the Windows key + Print screen to create a screen shot, which is automatically saved into your My Pictures folder.

Microsoft Windows shortcut keys

Below is a listing of all the major Windows shortcut keys for all versions of Microsoft Windows. If you're looking for shortcut keys for Windows programs see our other computer keyboard shortcuts.

General Windows keyboard shortcuts
Windows function key shortcuts
Windows keyboard key shortcuts
How to navigate Windows using a keyboard
Other computer keyboard shortcuts

General Windows keyboard shortcuts

Alt + Tab

Switch between open applications in all versions of Windows. Reverse the direction by pressing Alt + Shift + Tab at the same time.

Ctrl + Tab

Switches between program groups, tabs, or document windows in applications that support this feature. Reverse the direction by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Tab at the same time.

Alt + double-click

Display the properties of the object you double-click on in Windows 95 and later. For example, doing this on a file would display its properties.

Alt + Print Screen

Create a screen shot only for the active program window in all versions of Windows. For example, if you opened the calculator and did this only the calculator window would be created as a screen shot. If just the Print Screen key is pressed the whole screen will be made into a screen shot.

Ctrl + Alt + Del

Open the Windows option screen for locking computer, switching user, Task Manager, etc. in later versions of Windows. Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del multiple times will reboot the computer.

Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Immediately bring up the Windows Task Manager in Windows 2000 and later.

Ctrl + Esc

Open the Windows Start menu in most versions of Windows. In Windows 8 this will open the Start screen and in Windows 3.x this would bring up the Task Manager.

Alt + Esc

Switch between open applications on Taskbar in Windows 95 and later.

Alt + Space bar

Drops down the window control menu for the currently open Windows program in Windows 95 and later.

Alt + Enter

Opens properties window of selected icon or program in Windows 95 and later.

Alt + Space bar

Open the control menu for the current window open in all versions of Windows.

Shift + Del

Will delete any file or other object without throwing it into the Recycle Bin in Windows 95 and later.

Hold down the Shift key

When putting in an audio CD or other CD that uses Autoplay, holding down the Shift key will prevent that CD from playing.

Windows function key shortcuts

 

Below is a listing of keyboard shortcuts that use the keyboard function keys. See our what are F1 through F12 keys page for a full listing of what function keys do with all other programs.

F1

Activates help for current open application. If you're at the Windows Desktop, this will activate the help for Windows.

F2

Renames a highlighted icon, file, or folder in all versions of Windows.

F3

Starts find or search when at the Windows Desktop in all versions of Windows.

F4

In Windows 95 and later this opens the drive selection or address bar when browsing files in Windows Explorer.

• Pressing Alt + F4 closes the current open program window without a prompt in all versions of Windows.
• Pressing Ctrl + F4 closes the open window within the current active window in Microsoft Windows. This will only work in programs that support multiple windows or tabs in the same program window.

F6

While in Windows Explorer, this will move the cursor to different Windows Explorer pane or in Windows 7 browse available drives.

F8

Pressing F8 over and over as the computer is booting will start the computer in Safe Mode.

F10

Activates the File menu bar in all versions of Windows.

• Simulates a right-click on selected item. This is useful if right-click is difficult or impossible using the mouse.

Windows keyboard key shortcuts

Below is a listing of Windows keys that can be used on computers running a Microsoft Windows 95 or later and using a keyboard with a Windows key. In the below list of shortcuts, the Windows key is represented by "WINKEY" and because not all these shortcuts will work in all versions of Windows we've mentioned what versions of Windows support each Windows key shortcut key.

 

All versions of Windows

WINKEY

Pressing the Windows key alone will open or hide the Windows Start menu. In Windows 8, this will open or hide the Start screen.

WINKEY + F1

Open the Microsoft Windows help and support center.

WINKEY + Pause / Break key

Open the System Properties window.

WINKEY + D

Opens the Desktop to the top of all other windows.

WINKEY + E

Open Microsoft Windows Explorer.

WINKEY + F

Display the Windows Search or Find feature.

WINKEY + Ctrl + F

Display the search for computers window.

WINKEY + L

Lock the computer and switch users if needed (Windows XP and above only).

WINKEY + M

Minimizes all windows.

WINKEY + Shift + M

Undo the minimize done by WINKEY + M and WINKEY + D.

WINKEY + R

Open the run window.

WINKEY + U

Open Utility Manager or the Ease of Access Center.

Windows XP only

 

WINKEY + Tab

Cycle through open programs through the Taskbar.

Windows 7 and 8 only

 

WINKEY + 1-0

Pressing the Windows key and any of the top row number keys from 1 to 0 will open the program corresponding to the number of icon on the Taskbar. For example, if the first icon on the Taskbar was Internet Explorer pressing WINKEY + 1 would open that program or switch to it if already open.

WINKEY + (Plus (+) or Minus (-))

Open Windows Magnifier and zoom in with the plus symbol (+) and zoom out with the minus symbol (-).

• Press the WINKEY + ESC to close the Magnifier

WINKEY + Home

Minimize all windows except the active window.

WINKEY + P

Change between the monitor and projection display types or how second screen displays computer screen.

WINKEY + T

Set the focus on the Taskbar icons

WINKEY + Left arrow

Shrinks the window to 1/2 screen on the left side for side by side viewing.

WINKEY + Right arrow

Shrinks the window to 1/2 screen on the right side for side by side viewing.

WINKEY + Up arrow

When in the side by side viewing mode, this shortcut takes the screen back to full size.

WINKEY + Down arrow

Minimizes the screen.  Also, when in the side by side viewing mode, this shortcut takes the screen back to a minimized size.

Windows 8 only

WINKEY + ,

Peek at the Windows Desktop.

WINKEY + .

Snap a Windows App to the sides of the screen. Pressing it multiple times will switch between the right and left-hand side of the screen or unsnap the app.

WINKEY + Enter

Open Windows Narrator

WINKEY + C

Open the Charms.

WINKEY + G

Cycle through Desktop gadgets.

WINKEY + H

Open Share in Charms.

WINKEY + I

Open the Settings in Charms.

WINKEY + J

Switch between snapped apps.

WINKEY + K

Open Devices in Charms.

WINKEY + O

Lock the screen orientation.

WINKEY + X

Open the power user menu, which gives you access to many of the features most power users would want to use such as Device Manager, Control Panel, Event Viewer, Command Prompt, and much more.

Know your hot corners

The corners on your screen are hot corners and give you access to different Windows features. Below, is a brief explanation of each of these corners.

Bottom Left-hand corner

The bottom left-hand hot corner of the screen will allow you to access the Start screen, if you're in the Start screen and have the Desktop open, this corner will open the Desktop from the Start screen.

Tip: Right-clicking in the left hand corner will open the power user menu.

Top-left corner of the screen

Moving the mouse to the top-left corner and then down will display all the apps running on the computer. Clicking and dragging any of these apps to the left or right-hand side of the screen will snap that app to that side of the screen. Each of these open app icons can also be right-clicked to close or snap.

Right-hand side of the screen

On the full right-hand side of the screen will be given access to the Windows Charms.

Taking advantage of search

 

The Search in Windows 8 has been significantly improved when compared to all previous versions of Windows. To search for a file or run a program in Windows 8 from the Start screen just start typing what you're trying to find or want to run.

As you begin typing, the results will start appearing on the left-hand side. In addition to being able to search for files and run programs, the Search also supports limiting the search to apps such as Finance, People, Maps, Photos, Mail, Music, Videos, Weather, and much more. If what you are searching for is not a file or program, click on the app you wish to use as the search. For example, if you were searching for "New York" and selected the Weather App you would be shown the weather in New York, NY.

By default, Search organizes the available Apps by how frequently they are used and then in alphabetical order. If you want to keep your favorite app at the top of the Search list, right-click the app and choose Pin. Pinning the app will lock it in place regardless of how often it is used. If there is an app you don't want (e.g. Finance) you can turn on and off any of the search apps through the PC settings, which is found under the Settings in the Charms.

Bonus tip: The Search is also found through Charms and can also be opened by pressing Windows key + F.

Running two apps side by side

Any app can be pinned to the left or right-hand side of the screen. For example, open the People app and then press the Windows Key + . (period) to move that app to the right-hand side of the screen, pressing the same keys again will move it to the left-hand side, and pressing the same keys again will make it full screen. While an app is pinned, any other app or program can be opened and loaded into the available space on the screen. For example, in the below picture, we've opened a browser window and have the People app running to monitor our social networks.

Any open app can also be pinned using your mouse by clicking at the top of the tile and dragging it to the left or right-hand side of the screen.

Bonus tip: The Desktop can also be pinned to the left or right-hand side of the screen.

Note: In order for snap to work properly your resolution must be at least 1,366 x 768.

Windows 8 Task Manager

The Windows 8 Task Manager has been significantly improved over previous versions of Windows. Some of the new changes include showing a total percent usage at the top of your Processes, which makes it easier to determine total memory and CPU usage, improved Performance graphs, a Startup tab to see startup processes and their impact to system performance, and the App history tab (as shown below) that gives you the total resources an app has used over a period of time. Press  

Ctrl + Shift + Esc to start exploring the new Task Manager.

Use a picture password to log into your computer

Windows 8 includes a new feature called Picture password, which allows you to authenticate with the computer using a series of gestures that include circles, straight lines, and taps. Enable this feature if you want a new way to access your computer or have a hard time with passwords.

1. Open the Windows Charms.
2. Click Settings and then More PC settings
3. In the PC settings window click Users and then select Create a picture password

Bonus tip: A four digit pin password can also be created and used to access your computer.

Build a bootable UFD for flashing AMI BIOS

Both notebook and desktop PCs occasionally require BIOS updates. When you visit a vendor's Web site (either the PC mfgr or the BIOS maker) and discover a new BIOS with features you want, or upgrades require a new BIOS, it's time to put all the ingredients together, make a backup of the current BIOS, and then flash the EEPROM where the BIOS resides with the new version. Afterward, a little clean-up is also usually required.

Warning! Problems or failures during the BIOS flashing process can do serious harm to a PC. Don't flash unless you really must, and never flash without making a backup and rounding up necessary repair tools. With a little luck, your BIOS System information will look like this screenshot, and reflect your successful addition of a new version to your PC.

Step 1: Round up the ingredients

The best place to get a BIOS update is from your PC manufacturer's Web site, on the downloads page for your notebook or desktop PC, if you purchased a complete system, or for your motherboard if you built your own system (or purchased a "white box" PC from somebody else who builds them from stock parts).

A good way to find BIOS versions and info is to use Google to search using strings like "download <make><model> BIOS" for complete systems, or "download <make> <model> for motherboards. Thus, for the MSI PR200 notebook I just updated, I searched on "download MSI PR200 BIOS." This took me right to the MSI product page for the PR200 where the latest BIOS versions for Vista and XP were both available.

You'll also need a USB Flash Drive (UFD) formatting tool that can create a bootable DOS image on that drive. This requires a special formatting tool, and DOS source files to make the drive bootable. For this task, your best bet is a tool called the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool, V2.1.8. It not only formats UFDs to FAT or FAT32, it can also copy DOS boot files from any target directory you supply to this tool. Extreme Overclocking has a readily available download link. The .exe file is self installing, and adds the program to your Program Files directory by default.

Of course, that means you also need a minimal set of DOS boot files (command.com, io.sys, and ms.sys at a minimum). Extreme Overclocking also makes the Windows 98 system files available in a download as well. Grab these files and put them in their own directory. I called mine DOS-boot.

Step 2: Run The HP Format Tool

 Run the HP UFD format utility (this program usually resides in the Programs listing under the Start menu beneath a heading that reads "Hewlett-Packard Company.") Select the UFD drive you wish to use (warning! this process destroys its entire contents; if you need any files from this device, copy them to a hard disk before you start this process). Click the Quick Format checkbox, and also the Create a DOS startup disk checkbox, then click the browse button to the right of the textbox to identify the directory where you unzipped the Windows 98 DOS files. This produces a screen like the one shown in the first screencap.

Step 3: Format and Copy Files to UFD

Step 4: Let the HP tool do its work

The program creates a partition on the drive, marks it active (to make it bootable), then formats the drive and copies all the files from your DOS files directory. The whole process took less than 20 seconds for the 2 GB UFD I used to shoot these screenshots. Note: this is much faster than the XP or Vista format utility built into Windows Explorer; this tool is handy whenever you need to reformat any UFD. This produces the final report screenshot, which provides info about disk structure and layout.

Step 5: Copy the BIOS files to your UFD

Now, you must unzip the BIOS download and copy the necessary files onto the UFD as well. For my notebook PC, these came in an archive named 1221_148.zip. This archive includes all the files you need for a DOS BIOS flash, and only those files, as shown in the WinZip window. Simply extract these files onto the UFD and you're more or less done with prep. You'll want to inspect your BIOS download carefully, however, many of them include Windows BIOS flashing tools and other data files as well, along with a readme file to tell you what's what. Be sure to find out which files the DOS flash needs and copy only those files to the UFD.

Step 6: Reboot your system, use boot device menu

Next, you must reboot your system so you can start it up from the UFD. Be sure to leave your UFD inserted into the machine. As most systems boot, they provide info about special control keys to let you change its boot behavior. On AMI BIOS systems the following conventions usually apply
1. Strike the delete (DEL) key to enter BIOS setup
2. Strike the tab (TAB) key to show POST and boot status info
3. Strike the F11 key to change the boot drive order one time only

If you strike F11 you'll see a list of devices from which your system can boot, with the current default selection highlighted. Use the arrow keys to move up or down, then hit Enter to select your DOS boot UFD.

Step 7: Using the BIOS Setup Menus instead

If F11 doesn't work for you, strike DEL to enter the BIOS Setup program. You'll see a section in the BIOS program labeled boot, with various entries. Pick the one labeled Hard Disk Drives. In the resulting screen, select the first item in the list, then hit Enter. In the item window that pops up in response, highlight the UFD from which you wish to boot. Then hit F10 to save this change, and hit enter to commit the change to the BIOS and restart the machine.



Step 8: Check your boot directory

Here you run the DOS dir command to list the files on the UFD, just to remind yourself about what to do. MSI thoughtfully provides a batch file named FLASH.BAT, which I will run in the next step to actually flash the BIOS. Here, you get a visual reminder that this is the right tool for that upcoming job.

Step 9: Save your current BIOS!!

Before you can flash the existing BIOS, which really means wiping out the old one and replacing it with a new one, you must back that existing BIOS up. Why? Because if anything goes wrong with the new BIOS you're going to install, you must have some way to return to the old version. This step lets you create a backup before making any changes. It's an absolutely essential CYA maneuver any time you mess with your PC's BIOS. Get in the habit!

To make the backup, we'll use the flash utility included on the UFD. It's named AFU414sD. You make a backup by typing this command at the C:\> prompt on your PC: AFU414sD AMIBOOT.ROM /O (the final character is a capitol O, not the number zero). This copies your existing BIOS into a file named AMIBOOT.ROM (this name is important because if the new BIOS causes your PC to stop booting complete, AMI supports an emergency repair maneuver whereby you insert a floppy disk into your system, turn the power on, then hold down the CTRL and HOME keys until the PC beeps once to tell you it's loaded that BIOS file). Alas, this doesn't work on notebooks because so few have floppy drives (I experimented to see if this technique worked with a UFD, and it does not).

Save the AMIBOOT.ROM file onto another drive as soon as you finish flashing the BIOS in the next step. This is definitely one case where your backup needs a backup!


Step 10: Flash that BIOS!

After all the work that's gone before, this is pretty anticlimactic: all you have to do is type the name of the batch file, FLASH, at the command line, then hit return and it does the rest of the work. You really, really want to see a screen shot like this one when the process is finished because anything else could mean big trouble. That's why you should make sure any notebook is plugged in to a wall socket, and never flash a BIOS during a thunderstorm or at other times when the power might go out.

If you get in trouble and the BIOS flash fails for any reason, as long as your system will still boot (at least to a UFD) you can probably get yourself out of trouble by reflashing the BIOS with your backup. You might want to search the Web for information on any error messages the BIOS flash utility shares with you, should that occur. You will also find the Wim's BIOS site chock full of useful information and helpful tools and diagnostic downloads.

Should trouble rear its ugly head, it's important not to panic. If you can bail yourself out, you can always call the motherboard or system maker's technical support staff for help, or post to their online message forums. The people on the forums at Wim's BIOS are also incredibly helpful and knowledgeable as well. Just don't go bonkers and try to start changing a bunch of stuff until you have a very good idea of what to do next. If you try to restore your old BIOS and can't get it to work, that's a sign it's time to ask for help.



Step 11: Post Install Clean-up

The first time you reboot after updating your BIOS, you'll get an error message from the BIOS load utility that says something like "CMOS Checksum Bad." Don't fret: this is normal, and merely reflects the fact that you've made changes to the BIOS (and hence also to its checksum). Strike whatever key the PC tells you to enter the Setup utility (F1 on my notebook, in this case). Arrow right over to the Exit screen where you'll find a setting that reads "Load Setup Defaults." Hit enter, and the machine will reload the same defaults that were installed at the factory.

For most notebook PCs, that's fine because they aren't often subject to major BIOS tweaking anyway. For desktops, especially overclocked or tweaked systems, if your BIOS, PC, or motherboard maker doesn't offer a BIOS settings save/restore function (many of them do, but some of them don't) you should go through all the screens in your BIOS setup and record the settings (or photograph them, as I did for this tutorial). Once you go back to the defaults, you'll want to reboot again, and restore the settings you want, rather than the plain-vanilla ones that the factory fresh reinstall will impose.


Step 12: Take Your Updated BIOS for a Spin

OK, once you've restored the BIOS settings to where you want them to be, you're ready to try out your revised computing environment. Realistically, this means getting back to work, but keeping an eagle eye out for symptoms of trouble. Slower performance, missing devices, system instability, and even different sounds can all point to BIOS problems, especially in the immediate aftermath of a BIOS update. Just be ready to re-flash and roll back to the original, and you should be OK. If your experience is the same as 99% of those who update their BIOS for a good reason, you'll notice none of these things, and your system may be even snappier than it was before. Enjoy!

BIOS Update AMI , Award , Phoenix

This BIOS Update documentation will demonstrate how to update a computer’s BIOS that may be required in order to fix computer bugs or add new features to your system. It is important that you have a specific reason for updating your BIOS, doing so when there is no need is an unwanted risk that should not be taken into consideration. Usually, a motherboard or computer manufacturer will tell you if an update for your system is required. Additionally, if you have a greater knowledge of your PC and want to modify your BIOS to achieve a specific goal, consider making an inquiry in our Forum.

The first thing to identify when updating your BIOS is what platform you’re system uses; the most common being Award, AMI, and Phoenix, which we will go into further detail later.

To identify what platform your BIOS uses, check to see if any of these logos appear on bootup:

If none of these images help you identify your motherboard BIOS company, the easiest way to check this information is use identification tools like Everest or CPUID, or simply consult your manual or OEM manufacturer.

After you have determined the BIOS type, you can use the correct corresponding methods listed below. We will also review situations where the manufacturer provides the easy “one click” solution.
The “One Click” Solution: This is a term that refers to computer companies that package BIOS updates that are designed to be run in windows without any hassle. If you are simply trying to update to the latest BIOS released from a computer manufacturer and are not computer savvy, please download the package found on your support page (only applies for prebuilt systems!) A generic list of links to support pages is listed below:

Acer | ASUS | Dell | eMachines | Gateway | HP | Lenovo | Toshiba

If you don’t fall under the one click cattegory, then its time to prepare a bootable USB drive that we will use to boot DOS. This is needed to run the FLASH routine.

Download the HP USB disk format tool and install it here

Once installed, open the utility and select the USB to format. Below, tick the bubble for creating an MSDOS startup disk. It will then want you to point it to a DOS image folder. You will need to download and unzip this DOS image (do NOT use your own DOS image) here Once it has completed formating your drive, open up the USB in My Computer. Verify that there are only three files on the USB, making sure to unhide protected operating system files in explorer to see them. If you see three DOS files, you are ready for the next phase.
Then, copy the BIOS update image that you want to update. (If you are unsure of where to get this, please post in our forums) For the award platform the bios file should be named bios.bin; for AMI name it bios.rom; and for the Phoenix BIOS bios.bin
The final preparation stage needed for our USB is the flash utlity itself, which varies according to the platform. According to your platform, download the appropriate utility to your flash drive below.

Award BIOS= Award Flash

AMI BIOS= AFUDOS

Phoenix BIOS= PHLASH

Finally, reboot and select your USB as your boot DOS. Then, enter the following command based on your BIOS: (for a complete list of switches, consult our forums)

AWARD= awdflash  bios.bin  /py /sn /f /cc /r

AMI= afudos bios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K /Q /REBOOT

PHOENIX=phlash bios.bin

While the update is in proccess, do NOT touch your keyboard or turn off your PC. Avoid doing this while there is a possibility of a power outage as well.
If you followed all of these steps correctly, then your computer will successfully reboot with the updated BIOS!


AMI Bios flash tool - AFUDOS.EXE 
 

Here's the command line syntax for AFUDOS.EXE "AMI FLASH UTILITY for DOS". Type these commands just like you see them, while replacing "mybios.rom" with the name of the file and ext you are trying to flash. This should help alot of people struggling with understanding how to type these commands properly.

Display ROM file's ROM ID

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /U

Save current system BIOS ROM into disk

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /O

AFUDOS Help

Code:

afudos /h

Update Boot Block only

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /B

Update main BIOS image only

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P

Update NVRAM only

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /N

Update Embedded Controller Block only

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /E

Update Embedded Controller Block if newer version is detected

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /ECUF

Update 2nd non-critical block only

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /K2

Update main BIOS image, Boot Block and NVRAM at once

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N

Update whole BIOS ROM

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K

Update whole BIOS ROM and load current CMOS optimal settings

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K /L0

Update whole BIOS without checking ROM ID <-Don't use unless your sure

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K /X

Update whole BIOS with quiet execution

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K /Q

Update whole BIOS in quiet mode and REBOOT quietly

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K /Q /REBOOT

Update BootBlock MAC address<-Used for changing MAC if your mobo has onboard Ethenet that supports the option to boot from network

Code:

c:\>afudos /M "MAC_ADDRESS"

Update whole BIOS and BootBlock MAC address<-Used for changing MAC if your mobo has onboard Ethenet that supports the option to boot from network

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K /M "MAC_ADDRESS"

Update whole BIOS except existing SMBIOS structures<-this prevents overwriting current DMI and CIM data in the bios

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K /R

Update whole BIOS but preserve SMBIOS type 0 and 11<-this prevents overwriting current DMI and CIM data at specific locations in the bios

Code:

afudos mybios.rom /P /B /N /C /E /K /R0 /R11

Red Alienware Skin Pack

Transform Windows 7 to Red Alienware 

 

Download offline installer:
X64: Download

X86: Download

Mirror Link: X64:

Mirror Link: X86:

Note : Skin Packs installer have easy and safe install option , Please uninstall old or other version of skin packs before install new version. Before install close all running program , after finish restart your system.

Support:

Windows 7 , Windows 7 SP1 – [X86_X64] – [All Language] – [All Version]

For windows 7 starter and home basic first need to patch and Unlock Aero effect from here

How to make a bootable USB pen drive - A complete guide

I start this thread as many of the novice users have to face problems, while he/she got a netbook and have to install an os from usb or want to flash his/her bios, but have no knowledge to make a dos bootable usb. The informations can be easily found in the net; but I just gathered them in a central place....

	DOS	Windows XP, 2003 & 2003 R2	Windows PE based (Vista, 7, 8, Server 2008, Server 2008 R2, WHS etc.)	Linux & Linux based live discs	Multiboot
A Bootable USB			*
HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool (Mirror)	*
Manual way (Only for Windows PE based)			*
Novicorp WinToFlash	*	*	*
LinuxLive USB Creator				*
RMPrepUSB	*	*	*	*	*
Rufus	*	*	*	*
SARDU		*	*	*	*
UltraISO + EasyBoot		*	*	*	*
UNetbootin				*
Universal USB Installer				*
Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool			*
WinSetupFromUsb with GUI		*	*	*	*
WiNToBootic			*
WinUSB Maker	*	*	*
XBoot				*	*
YUMI				*	*

Thats it.......... lastly, I wanna quote from Opa's guide:

Chameleon theme for win8

This is a really nice looking and have glass effect!

 How to Install this Theme?

You need to copy Chameleon theme in C:\Windows\Resources\Themes

For using this theme first you need to Patch Uxtheme. 

 Download  Mirror: 

Easily Repair all Your Internet Connection Problems using Complete Internet Repair

Complete Internet Repair is a small utility application that can repair all your Internet connection and Network related problems easily with just one click.


You don’t need to install this application because Complete Internet repair is portable. You can easily take this application in USB drive to fix your Internet problems. This Applications won’t change any registry settings and don’t leave any error traces on your computer. It will only fix your internet connection problems  Just Download this Complete repair Internet Application and keep it safe in your computer. So that you can use this Repair program, when you have the problem with your Internet connection.

Complete Internet Repair could resolve following Internet problems:

• Internet or network problem after removing adware, spyware, virus, worm, Trojan horse, etc.
• Loss network connection after installing/uninstalling adware, spyware, antispam, vpn, firewall or other networking programs.
• Unable to access any webpage or can only access some webpages.
• Pop-up error window with network related problem description.
• No network connectivity due to registry errors.
• DNS lookup problem.
• Fail to renew the network adapter’s IP address or other DHCP errors.
• Network connectivity issue with limited or no connections message.
• Windows update does not work
• You are having problems connecting to secured websites (ex. Banking).
• Internet Explorer stopped working or crashes all the time.
• Other networking problems.

Complete Internet Repair 1.3.2.1322 is only 447 Kb. It supports Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8.

Download Photoshop CS6: Your Ultimate Overview

First of all, let’s see what the CS6 system requirements are:

Windows

• Intel® Pentium® 4 or AMD Athlon® 64 processor
• Microsoft® Windows® XP* with Service Pack 3 or Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 (recommended)
• 1GB of RAM
• 1GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation
(cannot install on removable flash storage devices)
• 1024x768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 256MB (512MB recommended)
of VRAM
• OpenGL 2.0–capable system
• DVD-ROM drive

Mac OS

• Multicore Intel processor with 64-bit support
• Mac OS X v10.6.8 or v10.7
• 1GB of RAM
• 2GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional free space required during installation
(cannot install on a volume that uses a case-sensitive file system or on removable flash
storage devices)
• 1024x768 display (1280x800 recommended) with 16-bit color and 256MB (512MB recommended)
of VRAM
• OpenGL 2.0–capable system
• DVD-ROM drive
But those are minimum requirements. I work on a Windows desktop (4GB RAM, 1GB of VideoRAM) and still Photoshop
freezes at times, or slows down when multitasking. So if you are on a slower machine, the tips I will provide will be useful
for your workflow:

1. Close unused documents – every single image in Photoshop is a big memory consumer, so if
you’re done with an image – close it and you will free some memory up;
2. Use Purge – every now and then use Edit->Purge All (it will delete all history, empty the clipboard)
and it will feel like you’ve just opened Photoshop;
3. Disable Animated Zoom – go to Edit->Preferences->uncheck Animated Zoom;
4. Disable Flick Panning - go to Edit->Preferences->uncheck Enable Flick Panning;
5. Set Memory Usage to something like 70% - Edit->Preferences->Performance;
6. Add Scratch Disk(s) - Edit->Preferences->Performance;
7. Reduce the image resolution – if the final product is more likely to be used in a low resolution,
reduce it to tolerable values and you will see that it works faster now;

How to Get Full Aero Glass Transparency in Windows 8 easily

Windows 8 a new Modern Operating System from Microsoft has gaining popularity day by day. So far Windows 8 has mixed response from the end users. Because Microsoft has removed many the classic
In this Article I’m going to discuss about How to get the Windows 7 Aero Glass Transparency in Windows 8.

Now you can get windows Aero Glass Transparency in Windows 8 by using the ‘WinaeroGlass’  which is a free Portable Application. Actually this Winaeroglass app enables the default built-in Transparency effect in Windows and makes that permanent. This program uses very low resources and runs in background and won’t reduce your Windows 8 Performance and speed.


Just download the Application and run the app using the Exe file. That’s it now you will get Aero glass transparency in Windows 8. This Application has no user interface, so that you won’t get any windows for changing transparency options etc..
So if you want to close the application you need to log off your PC or you have to end the Winaeroglass process using the taskmanager.
Stay tune for more updates from this app.

 | 14Kb | Free

Transform Windows 8 to Equinox Skin Pack

Transform Windows 8 to Equinox

Download
X64: Download
X86: Download

MEDIAFIRE :    CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

  Note : Skin Packs installer have easy and safe install option , Please unistall old or other version of skin packs before install new version. Before install close all runnig program , after finish restart your system.

Support:
Windows 8 – [X86_X64] – [All Language] – [All Version]

God Mode in Windows 8- Secret Code Folder For All Settings at One Place

God Mode isn’t new; it was discovered in Windows 7 itself. It is a secret folder or better I’d say a hidden feature in Windows 8. It enables you to access all settings and controls at one place and hence the name- God mode. Here is how to get inside God Mode folder in Windows 8 with a secret code.

Creating God mode folder is just like any other folder. You just need to create a new folder and add Gode mode to it.

God Mode Code for Windows 8

.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

For example: Create a new folder and rename it to God Mode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. You will notice that it is no more a normal folder but its icon has changed which looks like Control Panel.

Open it to access God Mode folder of Windows 8.



Just like God, you have full control over Windows 8 system settings from here. May be managing sound devices, adding a startup item or editing group policy or even as simple as changing Date and Time.


Folder shows a loong list of settings name categorized under sub-headings. How to find a specific settings of windows 8 in God Mode? I would recommend using the search box to find the thing you are looking for instead of browsing the list.


Type which setting you want to access or what you want to change in search box on upper right corner. List will now show settings restricted to your keyword only. This makes it easy to work.

Here, you get control on 254 setting items which covers almost all areas.

Getting Started: Your Guide to Windows 8

1. On Windows 8 Installation
Installation of Windows 8 from disc is remarkably straightforward. As long as your system hardware meets the minimum
requirements, you should have little problem running the installer.
Processor: 1 GHz (with PAE, NX and SSE2 support) either 32-bit or 64-bit
Memory: 1 GB 2 GB
Graphics Card: DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Storage: 20 GB
The process is very similar to Windows 7. To begin with, the language preferences are set early on, and after clicking
Install Now, you will be prompted for the product key, and required to agree to the Microsoft license.
After this, you will need to choose between an upgrade and a custom install. If you’re installing from scratch, use the
second option; the location for installing the new OS can be set with ease (assuming the device or partition is fast
enough).
A green bar will chart the installation’s progress, and when almost done you will be prompted to make some personalization
choices. Your favoured background colour and a name for your PC should be selected, while you will be given
a choice between Use express settings and Customize when the installer comes to setup automatic updates, personalise
apps, enable sharing and more. The second option is better if you prefer to configure these settings yourself.
You will then be prompted to sign into Windows 8, using either a Windows email account or a local account. Either can
be created as long as the computer is online. Once this is done, Windows 8 will prepare itself for first use.
2 Upgrading from Previous Windows Versions
 
2.1Windows XP
Of course, you might not be installing from scratch. If you already have a fully functioning computer then you will prefer
to upgrade your current version of Windows.
Upgrading from Windows Vista and 7 is straightforward; upgrading from Windows XP isn’t.
It would be foolish to attempt either type of upgrade without backing up all vital data on your computer, but in the case
of Windows XP it really is a case of making an archive, wiping your hard disk drive and then using the steps above
for a clean install. Once this has been done, you can manually restore your vital data back to Windows 8 in Desktop
mode, where you will be able to access the user libraries (Documents, Pictures, Music, etc.) that were introduced in
Vista.
2.2 Windows Vista and Windows 7
It’s a little easier installing Windows 8 with onto a Vista/7 computer due in the main to the similarities between the
three operating systems.
Again, the steps in Appendix 1 should be followed, but instead of choosing the custom install, select Upgrade. However
it cannot be repeated enough – backup your data before performing the upgrade, as failures in the installation
can happen, something that might leave your computer unable to boot.

Download Link : 

Microsoft_Press_eBook_Programming Windows 8 Apps with HTML CSS and JavaScript

Download Link :

 

Windows 8 for Dummies

About the Author

Andy Rathbone started geeking around with computers
in 1985 when he bought a 26-pound portable
CP/M Kaypro 2X. Like other nerds of the day,
he soon began playing with null-modem adapters,
dialing computer bulletin boards, and working
part-time at Radio Shack.
He wrote articles for various techie publications
before moving to computer books in 1992. He’s written
the Windows For Dummies series, Upgrading &
Fixing PCs For Dummies, TiVo For Dummies, PCs: The
Missing Manual, and many other computer books.
Today, he has more than 15 million copies of his
books in print, and they’ve been translated into
more than 30 languages. You can reach Andy at his
website, www.andyrathbone.com.

Download Link: 

Microsoft Press ebook Introducing Windows 8 PDF

The Windows 8 operating system is the newest member of the Windows
family.
It’s different than earlier Windows releases as much for what it does
not change as for what it does change. That is, the features that IT pros loved
about Windows 7 are still there in Windows 8—just better. The same keyboard
shortcuts, management tools, security features, and deployment options are
available in Windows 8. But in many cases, Windows 8 improves them in intuitive
and significant ways. Random examples are the ribbon in File Explorer and faster
disk encryption when using BitLocker Drive Encryption. This book describes these
enhancements plus many of the new features in Windows 8.
Of course, everyone is talking about the new user interface in Windows 8: the
Start screen, the modern looking windows graphics, and so on. These are not
replacements for the desktop, and it is not an either-or choice that you have to
make. For desktop apps, the same desktop that you used in Windows 7 is still
there in Windows 8. You can still pin apps to the taskbar, pin files to those apps,
and so on. The keyboard and mouse work the same way as it did before on the
desktop. But Windows 8 uses a Start screen instead of the tiny Start menu in
Windows
8. The most obvious benefit is that there is more real estate available
and so apps can display dynamic, live information on their tiles (icons) to bring the
latest information to you at a single glance.
Windows 8 also introduces Windows 8 apps. These are full screen, immersive
apps that provide a different experience than you might be used to with
traditional
desktop apps. They do not have chrome. App commands (menu items)
only appear when you need them. Importantly, Windows 8 and Windows 8 apps
provide
a first-class touch experience, so you can swipe, flick, and use other
intuitive
gestures to get around them.
This book describes these new and improved features. It focuses on IT pros,
however, so we spend fewer pages talking about the new user interface and
more talking about management, deployment, and security. This book is just
an introduction,
an overview. For more detailed information about any of the
features
and capabilities you learn about in this book, the one resource you
need to know about is the Springboard Series on TechNet. The URL is simply
http://www.microsoft.com/springboard.