Showing posts with label Windows 8. Show all posts
Every once in a while I do a bit of spring cleaning on my computer and that’s when I delete old files and uninstall old programs. While deleting files and folders is an easy task in Windows, built-in options to uninstall the programs have not evolved yet. The Control Panel still allows no more than one app at a time to be uninstalled, which can be really time consuming when you have a bunch of them to get rid of. Even my Android phone has a better uninstaller than Windows.
A row of recycle bins on the sidewalk shot at a diagonal. Image via Shutterstock.
We have talked about an application called the iObit uninstaller that brings the batch uninstallation option to Windows. It’s been about 3 years since we last wrote about the tool and it’s evolved a lot. The app was redesigned for Windows 8 and comes with cool new features. So let’s have a quick look at the remodeled app and examine its new offerings.
iObit Uninstaller 4 for Windows
Once you install iObit Uninstaller 4 you will see all the applications that are installed on your computer in the Programs tab. After you check the batch uninstall option, the app will allow you to check off the apps you wish to uninstall and then will process each of them one by one.
Now I haven’t read about the feature anywhere in the online catalogue, but iObit did most of the uninstallation in the background without even prompting about it. For a batch of about 10 programs, I was asked only once for my approval. Everything else was carried out by iObit itself. I am not sure which applications it’s capable of removing silently and which require explicit permissions. But 9 out of 10 programs is a decent score if you ask me.
Note: The apps listed next to a Quick Uninstall button support silent uninstallation in batch mode.
After the initial uninstallation is over, the app scans for left over files and registries and deletes any traces of the programs in the system. The app even gives the option to shred the files and securely delete them. There’s also an option to make a system restore point prior to uninstallation that can restore any changes made to the system.
The second section contains Toolbars & Plug-ins installed in your computer. The app currently only supports Firefox and Internet Explorer, so it cannot detect and uninstall Chrome extensions. Here also you get a batch uninstall feature. The Win8 Apps section lists all the modern apps installed on your computer including the ones that come pre-installed with the operating system. Every one of these apps can be uninstalled from the system easily with just a single click.
Cool Tip: The app comes with a Force Uninstall mode that can uninstall or delete any programs which cannot be removed from the computer in the conventional way.
Conclusion
iObit Uninstaller has come a long way from the version we looked at a couple of years back. I see improvements. The option to silently uninstall the apps is one of the features I hoped for while writing the initial review 3 years back and I am really happy to find the option now. So go ahead and install the app to easily uninstall programs from your computer.
CCleaner is arguably one of the most beloved apps for any Windows enthusiast (an Android version is also now available). It started from the XP days when we used to clean Windows every weekend to keep the system in tip-top shape. Fast forward to Windows 8, add in next to next to next generation hardware and the problem doesn’t seem nearly as dire.
But this is Windows. It added a “Modern UI” start screen with a gorgeous interface and smooth transitions and all it’s really used for is adding even more bloatware. So although maybe not as much as before, Windows does still need cleaning up. Like an unruly teenager, it simply won’t tidy up its own mess.
If you search on the internet for the best cleaning/maintenance tools, CCleaner will show up at the top, with Glary Utilities trailing not far behind. To be honest, Glary Utilities is not solely a cleaning app. But both can be used for the same purposes.
So let’s see which one is for you.
The Similarities
When it comes to cleaning up, both CCleaner and Glary Utilities will get the job done. Both apps give you quick ways to clean registry files, delete temporary files, delete application caches, browsing history, uninstall apps and manage startup apps.
CCleaner Is Best For One Click App Data And System Clean Up
When you launch CCleaner, it will default to the Cleaner tab. From the tabs Windows andApplications you can cherry pick what you want to clean. In the Windows side you’ll find actions like emptying the Recycle Bin, clearing the clipboard, Windows log files, the memory dump, etc.
The Applications tab lists the browsers you have installed plus apps like Photoshop, media apps, and even utilities like 7-zip.
If you want a one-click solution for clearing browser history and caches from multiple browsers, CCleaner is the way to go.
Cleaning Up App Data With CCleaner
Be careful when you’re cleaning up app data with CCleaner. The app is good at knowing what’s junk and it usually just cleans up small temporary thumb and log files, but it never hurts to be cautious.
Glary Is Not A Cleaner App
As I’ve stated above, Glary Utilities is not specifically a cleaner app. You won’t find a “Cleaner” tab in the app anywhere and it doesn’t provide the controlled cleaning of app and browser data like CCleaner does.
What Glary does provide is a set of fantastic system management tools. There’s a 1-click maintenance mode that will check registry, shortcuts, startup apps, repair disk damage, and even remove spyware. All from a single click.
Just running this 1-click maintenance will assure that your Windows ship encounters smooth sailing.
Glary Has Advanced Tuneup Options
Glary gets interesting when you go to the Advanced Tools tab. Here you’ll find specific tools for registry cleaning, privacy management, hard disk defrag, disk space cleanup, system control, driver backup/restore, malware utility, and app uninstall (with a batch uninstall feature).
As you can see, there’s a lot to do here and Glary does it all well. The Disk Space Cleanup is my favorite feature.
Free Vs Paid
CCleaner’s free version has all the cleaning features we talked about above. The “Professional” and “Professional Plus” paid versions add features like real-time monitoring, automatic updates, defragging, file recovery, and hardware analysis.
Glary Utilities’s basic version with all the features listed in the section above is free for personal use. The $28 pro update adds features like automatic maintenance in the background, free technical support, and a commercial license.
The free version of Glary Utilities is mighty powerful in itself. It actually has all the features of the CCleaner Professional Plus paid upgrade.
CCleaner Vs Glary Utilities. Which For What?
The days where people used cleaning apps like CCleaner are quickly fading. Browsers like Chrome let you clean cache, cookies, history, etc in one click from the browser itself. Recycle Bins can easily be cleared from the right-click menu.
But the services of Glary Utilities are still very much in need, with things like:
- Defragging
- Malware and spyware check
- Duplicate cleaner
- Disk space utility
- And most importantly, a 1-click maintenance mode
In this unfair fight, Glary wins hands down. There are still things CCleaner does that Glary does not. But there’s no reason to run both apps unless you just can’t stand doing per app/browser based cleanup yourself.
Just like a bag of chips or a piece of cake, when it comes to monitors, you can always have more. If you’re a coder, writer, or you do any kind of work that involves more than two windows, you’ll appreciate the hell out of a multi-monitor setup. For coders, you often have multiple browser windows open for testing, and being able to emulate different devices on a separate screen while you code is a godsend. And unlike a couple of years ago, getting there is easy and cheap. Windows 8 comes with spectacular multi-monitor features, and good displays start at just $150.
So whether you want to add a trove of monitors to your high-end desktop or just an external monitor to your laptop, I’ve got you covered. Best of all, you don’t need to install any extra piece of software to do any of this. Let’s get started.
Adding An External Monitor To Your Laptop
If you have a modern laptop you can use an HDMI cable to connect to an external monitor. You can get full HD 21–23 inch monitors well around the $150 range. And there’s always an option to go for a 27 inch IPS display.
Yes. Yes, I know this is a MacBook but I don’t have a Windows laptop lying around. So here’s the disclaimer : Image for representation purposes only.
These are especially helpful for multi tasking/monitoring. Also, movies and games will look much better on these full HD screens than your small, reflective laptop’s screen. And before you ask, your laptop can handle it. Even the 2–3 year old laptops with Intel’s integrated graphics are more than capable of firing pixels onto an external monitor (gaming not included).
Related: If you don’t want to buy an external display, you can turn your Android tablet to an external display. Check out our guide to know how.
Using Your Laptop In Clamshell Mode
If you’re attaching one or two external displays to your laptop and don’t want to look at the laptop’s screen, there’s a way to essentially turn the laptop into a desktop PC.
To do this, go to Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Change What the Power Buttons Do. Here you’ll seen an option called “When I close the lid”. From either the On Battery or Plugged In section, change the option to Do Nothing. Now when you close the lid, the computer won’t go to sleep. I’d suggest you choose the Plugged In option because driving external displays on your laptop’s battery isn’t the best idea.
Span Taskbar And Single Start Page
Windows 8 and 8.1 span the taskbar to all the displays by default so no matter where you are, you’ll be able to quickly switch between applications. If you don’t want this feature, you can turn it off by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting Properties.
There’s no missing the Start page. Sure you can directly boot into Desktop now but if you put in some time, you can learn to love it or live with it. Either way, having a multiple monitor setup gives you a bit of both old and new. The Start page will show up on your default screen while the secondary monitor will show the good ol’ desktop.
Individual Or Panoramic Wallpapers
Let’s say you’ve got three 27 inch monitors arranged on your desktop, which is starting to look something like an airplane cockpit. It’s a shame if all of them show different pictures. Thanks to a built-in mode, you can apply panoramic wallpapers to your displays and stretch that skyline to the edges of the horizon.
You don’t need to download a special program to apply panoramic wallpapers. Right-click on the Desktop and go to Personalize. From the Wallpapers tab select your downloaded panoramic wallpaper. In the bottom you’ll see a Picture position option. From here select Span and now your wallpaper is stretching across your displays.
Want to set different wallpapers for each screen? That’s cool. In the same window, right-click on the image and select either of the displays.
Where To Get The Wallpapers From
Wallpaperfusion is the best place to get dual, triple or quad screen panoramic wallpapers.Dualmonitorbackgrounds.com also has a great collection.
If you don’t want to download panoramic wallpapers, both websites offer cut-out wallpapers for individual screens as well.
Window Management Between Screens
I’m sure you know about Windows Aero Snap feature that allows you to split two windows to take up exactly 50% of your screen, like seen below.
All you need to do is either drag the window to the left or the right edge of the screen and it just docks there.
I know what you’re thinking, This won’t work with your dual monitor set up. Dragging it to the left edge from the monitor on the right will just take the window over to another display. You’re smart but then so is Windows. This is when keyboard shortcuts come into play.
Use Win + right arrow/left arrow to dock a window in the respective direction on the current screen.
If you want to move the window over to the display on the left, tap Win + Shift + Left Arrow.Win + Shift + Right Arrow key will bring the window to the display on the right. It’s that easy.
Happy Productivity
You’re now ready to supercharge your productivity with the help of multiple monitors. If you have any tips or tricks related to the topic, feel free to share in the comments below.
Before I start, let’s take a look at a scenario we might face in everyday life. Suppose you’re in the middle of watching a movie on your computer and you suddenly feel like moving to the balcony to enjoy the movie on your tablet with the fresh air and a cup of coffee. What a tempting scenario indeed! But how do you quickly transfer the movie that’s playing on your computer to your Android tablet or phone?
You can copy the file to your portable device, which will take considerable time and interrupt your movie. Another option is to share the file on Windows and then access it on Android (Check out our guide if you are wondering how that’s done). This second option might take less time than the former, but again, you would have to pinpoint the exact time you paused the movie, and all these extra tasks break the fun in enjoying the coffee.
But don’t worry, I always make it a point to find ways you can get the most enjoyment with the least effort. So today I am going to show how you can stream your Windows screen and audio directly to any Android device. This way, you can enjoy a fresh cup of coffee along with your movie without wasting even a minute.
Using Splashtop Streamer
So to get started, download the Splashtop streamer on your computer and as an app on your Android device. The app is free for personal use and both files can be downloaded easily. Once you have installed the Windows application, launch it and create an account. The account creation might be the company’s way to monitor the usage of the application. After you create an account, sign in and configure some basic settings.
If you need to secure access while connecting, you can set a passcode in the Security tab. After doing that, make sure both the devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network and make a note of the IP address that’s shown in the Advanced tab. If you don’t have a Wi-Fi router to connect to, you can easily create a virtual hotspot on your laptop quickly following our guide. Now that everything is in place on the Windows side, let’s open up the app on our Android device.
In the app, log in using the credentials you used while creating the Splashtop account. Once that’s done, the app will list the computer that has the streamer running on them. Now all you need to do is tap the computer icon.
The connection will be made instantly and you can now see your computer’s screen mirrored on your Android. Any action you perform on your device will be remotely done on your computer. So you can now think of your Android as an interactive visual remote for your computer.
For personal use, Splashtop streamer comes without any price tag. While streaming the color depth remains the same, and even the audio is streamed to the handheld.
The ability to control the computer wirelessly is an added advantage. So try out the all-new trick on your Android today and share all the creative ways you are thinking of using it. Feel free to express any questions or concerns in the comment section below!
Today, the hot topic of discussion in my friends’ circle was the Windows 8 Developer Preview and we went on talking about it for hours.
One obvious point that popped up in the discussion again and again was whether Microsoft did the right thing by removing the start menu as most of the people who will run Windows 8 are still on desktops and laptops, and the metro style interface that caters to tablet owners mainly probably won’t be liked by the longtime Windows users who are accustomed to the good old start menu.
Well, the good thing about Windows is that there’s never a dearth of hacks and tweaks that can make your Windows behave the way you want. The deal’s the same with Windows 8 too. Yes, there’s a way to get the old start menu back!
So let’s see how we can get back the old start menu on Windows 8.
Note: This guide was written on Windows 8 Consumer Preview.
Step 1: In Windows 8, the start orb place is occupied by the first pinned application on the taskbar and thus the first thing we need to do is make a place for the Start Orb on the left end of the taskbar. Begin by creating a new folder anywhere on your computer. Renaming the folder is totally up to you.
Step 2: Right-click anywhere on the taskbar and click on Toolbars—>New Toolbar. Now browse for the folder you have created and select it to add it to your taskbar.
Step 3: Again right-click on the taskbar and unlock it by unchecking Lock the taskbar option. Now select and hold the separator near the New Folder tool on the taskbar and drag it to the leftmost section of the screen such that it holds the first position on the taskbar and all the pinned apps start after that.
Step 4: Right-click on New Folder text and deselect Show Text and Show Title to make the folder text disappear.
Step 5: Now when everything is in place, download and install ViStart on your system to bring back the Start Orb (and hence the menu) where it belonged.
Note: ViStart installer comes packed with two adware programs, and I recommend you carefully deselect them while installing.
If you want to remove the Start Orb in future just remove the New Folder tool from the taskbar and uninstall ViStart from your system.
ViStart will bring the old Start Menu back to Windows 8 but don’t expect it to be as smooth as the Windows 7 stock start menu. Moreover, the Metro Start menu will remain there and you may use it too. You might encounter some other issues too (like the button disappearing at times). So it’s a workaround, not a solution, but should be more than enough for those who can’t stand the new start menu (or lack thereof).
How to Personalize the New Windows 8 Start Menu (or Start Screen)
Tag :
Desktop Enhancement,
Windows 8
The new start menu or the start screen in Windows 8 is certainly going to be the biggest change from the point of view of an average user. As always, some are loving the new interface and others are grumbling at the loss of the old, conventional Windows start menu.
Now for those who love the old Windows start menu, we have already given you a solution for getting the same on Windows 8. For those of you who love the new Windows 8 start menu, let’s see how you can personalize it and make it even more lovable.
Using Windows Native Settings
Step 1: Press the windows key or drag and click your mouse button to the bottom left corner of the screen to launch the start menu. Type start and click on Settings. You will see shortcuts of a number of windows control panel settings.
Step 2: Click on the Start Screen settings (usually the first one in the list) to open the PC Settings.
Step 3: Under the personalize settings, you can change the background color of the start menu by selecting one of the nine available color choices. You can also change the background vector pattern on the color that you have chosen.
Step 4: That’s all, no Apply or OK button. All your changes will be applied instantly, and thus you can close the settings window.
Personalization options for the start menu using the Window native settings are very limited. You can only choose one of the nine available colors, and the choice of background are also very few.
If you are not satisfied with the built-in tool, you can try Start Screen Customizer, a nifty tool that lets you change the looks of your start menu with a greater range of options.
Using My WCP Start Screen Customizer
Step 1: Download and run the My WCP Start Screen Customizer portable tool on Windows 8 computer.
Step 2: The tool interface is self-explanatory, and you can easily change the color and styling of your start menu. You can also reduce the number of application titles on the start menu ( four by default).
Step 3: Once you are done, click on Apply new settings for the changes to take effect. If at all you create a mess of your start menu by trying out different styles, you can click on the Restore Default button to bring back the default look.
For the time being, you can use My WCP Start Screen Customizer for a better grip on the start menu customization but Windows 8 is still in a beta stage, so there are chances the final release will have a better personalization option for the users.
A Windows theme can show your uniqueness and creativity if you
build your own, but there are also tons you get download from other people. We
looked at building your own theme here,
so now we’ll take a look at what others have to offer.
We’ve gathered 15 spectacular themes for Windows 8. Be it
animals of all sorts or wonders of the sky, it’s all in here. Each theme has
one of the backgrounds listed here but you can choose the download link for any
of them to see what it is you’ll be downloading before you actually get it.
These are all free Windows 8 themes, so take them individually or even download
them all at once at the bottom of this page.
1. Nightfall and Starlight
This Windows 8 theme can be downloaded here and has 9 images. You’ll find mountains and galaxies that expand all the way across your screen. These are designed for dual monitor setups but still look great on a single screen.
2. Beautiful Birds
Available from Microsoft here, this theme has 17 wonderful shots of birds. Some are in-flight while others are still. Each provides a glimpse into the beauty of these creatures. They’ll look great on a nice big, bright screen. Some images include swans, peacocks, and other exotic birds.
3. Four Seasons Reincarnation
Download 13 images that correspond with the four seasons here. You’ll find leaves, snow, water, and sun in these wonderful backgrounds. These are suitable all year round without the need to swap our themes.
Cool Tip: Don’t just include new themes in Windows 8, but also learn how you can personalize the start menu here.
4. Pretty Town
This theme, which you can grab here, describes a settlement larger than a village but smaller than a regular city: a town. And a pretty one at that. You’ll find images from Turkey, the Swiss Alps, England, and Slovakia. There are 12 images to be found in this theme.
5. African Wildlife
With 14 wildlife images, this theme will make you feel like you’re on a safari! Journey through the African plains and waters with this brilliant theme. You can find the great animals like elephants and lions or the small ones like meerkats and hyenas.
6. Eerie Autumn
If you’re in the mood for some scary wallpapers, consider getting this theme that includes 15 ghostly creatures and scenes. Maybe not beautiful in the classical sense. You can find pumpkins, frightening trees, and ghost towns. Notice the change in system sounds when you use this theme. Perfect for Halloween!
7. Beauty of Nature
Get this nature theme for 15 rather soft nature images. You could stare at these all day to grasp the stillness of the land, water, and sky. You’ll find four wonderful sunsets complimented with mighty mountains.
8. Simple Elegant and Fresh
In contrast with the previous theme, this one details nature up close. Forget the mighty structures of the sky and land and focus on the small, complex geometry of these 6 plants and flowers.
9. Earth-like Planets
Step out of reality and cross over to science-fiction with this theme. You’ll receive 48 stunning planetary backgrounds, replete with multiple worlds, explosive rock, and colliding masses. Far from reality, they will definitely pull you away for a bit.
10. The Vast Sky
Here’s another theme of the brilliant structures of the sky. Cycle through these 32 backgrounds for a confirmation of just how small you are. You’ll find different designs and colors in this theme pack.
11. Simple Love
Sometimes the simple things in life help us pull things together and see the greater picture. Grab this theme here for 11 artistic and elegant backgrounds.
12. Cityscapes
This theme contains 7 images of different parts of the world. Find Hong Kong, London, and other locations together in this one theme. Designed for a dual display environment, the long backgrounds will bring these locations to life in an instant.
13. Sugar and Spice
Find this mouth-watering image in this theme here with 8 other scrumptious backgrounds. These will surely get you in the mood for the holidays.
14. Natural Scenery
Download this theme to gather 13 spectacular sights. Whether you like water, open land, or mountains – this theme can be accepted by anyone.
15. Diffusion
Download this theme here to get 13 beautiful abstract designs. Find smoke figures of different colors bursting forth with life right before your eyes. The Windows color for this theme is a light blue.
Cool Tip: If you like each of these themes you can download them all in this one folder here.
These theme collections will catch anyone’s eye when walking past your computer. Grab one for any time of the year or select a specific one for your own interests – there should be one here suitable for anyone.
