Let's face it: we all need faster computers. Or, to be more precise: We all think we do.
Just when you realise you can handle a 600 MHZ processor, a newer one hits the market. Thing is, hardware doesn't really make too much of a difference to those who know how to utilise their machines well. It's all about gaining optimum mileage, and most PC users don't even come close. All one needs to do, then, is get some help to make that desktop seem a lot faster than it currently is.
You could start with OfficePower, a company that has products, services, and information specifically for those using office productivity applications like Microsoft Office or Corel WordPerfect suites. The site has news, how-tos, articles on software development, user communities and lots more. As for its products, you could try the TypingTrainer, an 'integrated touch-typing and spelling tutor' for Microsoft Word. Then, move on to SiteTagger, a powerful way of analysing and preparing your FrontPage site for Internet and intranet search engines, or PollWizard, which enables FrontPage users to add interactive polls to Windows-based sites without relying on a third-party. Other services at OfficePower include macro conversion, custom development, site design and building.
Woody's Office Portal also has a number of downloads that add to power desktop surfing capabilities. Its Office Power Pack is an award-winning add-on for Microsoft Word users, and enhances the software with tools that, it claims, will be used everyday. There's a free trial, so that can't hurt. Also available is a free download of VBA PowerTools with goodies like an enhanced font list and thesaurus menu.
A good way of getting some tips on a particular product is to try the website of its manufacturer. Microsoft, for one, has a Keyboard Shortcut Search page, which helps you locate all kinds of shortcuts for products that include Access, Excel, Internet Explorer, Outlook, Word, and Windows.
By clicking on Windows 98, for example, it tells you that CTRL+SHIFT+F6 lets you go to the previous document window in an active application. Or, that ALT+SPACEBAR+X maximises an active window if it is minimised.
Suppose you want help with little things like, maybe, removing icon text background, changing your wallpaper easily, or hiding desktop icons, Desktop Tools has stuff you could use, and so does Desktop Management.
Needless to say, there are loads of tips and tricks available for users of individual applications, whether it's UNIX resources, advice for Mac users, or tricks for Outlook Express regulars.
'Tips and Tweaks' for the still popular Windows 95 system can be used, to a certain extent, for later versions. The site has power user tips on desktop and general operations, using explorer, and solving problems. It also has a section on desktop customisation, interface enhancements, Internet access set-up and how you can increase overall performance of your PC.
For desktop tips and tricks related to Windows 98, you could log on here, while the Trent Desktop 2 website offers tips, tricks and shortcuts for everything from customising and modifying desktop properties, to using Windows efficiently, copying or moving files quickly.
Still more keyboard shortcuts can be found here, with sections on Win95 shortcut keys, general and explorer keys, hot keys, etc. A good place for tips, all neatly sorted out, is the Online Tips Database which boasts a collection of 2,612 tips, all categorised.
How you use your desktop also affects your Internet surfing experience. There's loads of info you can read up on, or download, to enhance your browser capabilities. Special tools like LinkFox load your favourite links and place them directly into your browser's cache. Then there are Bookmarklets -- tools that extend surf and search capabilities of your browsers -- that are a good idea, but take time to get used to.
What it all boils down to is the degree of control you can exercise over your desktop. Get used to those tiny keys, and watch all neighbours with faster processors try hard to keep up.
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