Archive for the 'Microsoft' Category

In a previous article, I described how to burn DVDs with DVD Shrink. Some forms of copy protection found on newer DVDs will cause DVD Shrink to produce some confusing errors, which will prohibit users from ripping discs with DVD Shrink. Errors I have seen include “Cyclic Redundancy Error” or “Invalid DVD navigation structure”.

This article is a tutorial that explains the process of backing up a DVD on a PC using DVD Shrink. While there are many software solutions for backing up DVDs, the one on Windows I like is DVD Shrink. The program I use to burn CDs and DVDs is Nero. This article assumes your computer is already equipped with a burning program. An explanation of DVD Shrink and its features is available in a previous article. DVD Shrink will use Nero for burning if it is detected, but does not require Nero.

DVD Shrink is a lightweight, freeware, windows application that makes DVD burning easy. If you have a DVD burning drive, you can rip and burn a DVD by following just a few steps. A couple of years ago, I would have to use something like DVD Decrypter to decode the built-in encryption on the DVD, then rip the disc to an image on my hard drive, then use a burning utility like Nero to burn the image. DVD Shrink simplifies this process, down to one click if you have two optical drives.

If you are running a wireless card on Windows XP and have experienced problems maintaining a connection to your wireless router, I highly recommend that you disable the “Wireless Zero Configuration” service.

This article is an opinion piece on what a home entertainment PC should be, and also suggests an easy to implement software solution for Windows called MediaPortal. This free application is still under development. Read this article, download the app, and contribute if you feel inclined. Please leave comments on what PVR/DVR you use and why you like it.

Technology should be enabling, not disabling

Like most people reading this, I keep all of my music on my hard drive and my best

AceMoney Lite is Windows freeware that lets you easily categorize your expenses (e.g. Clothing, Food, Entertainment, etc.) and then view charts and graphs that represent those categories. I have found it to be an easy way to manage my checkbook.

The download size is small, there are no advertisements or spyware, it is totally free, and best of all, the application makes it easy to import the latest information directly from your bank account. If you have an account with a larger bank like TCF or Wells Fargo, they will support .qif file type downloads,

Memorizing keyboard shortcuts will save you time, especially if you work in one environment for many hours each day (this article is written for a Windows environment). Some shortcuts will only give you a marginal time savings, while others will save you a lot of time when used throughout the work day. In this article I have categorized my most frequently used keyboard shortcuts. Please feel free to contact me or leave a comment with Windows keyboard shortcuts I haven’t mentioned.