Search like A Pro

In Windows XP you can start the System Configuration utility by clicking "Start" then "Run" and typing MSCONFIG and pressing the Enter key. On Windows Vista, you do exactly the same thing. However, if you haven't added "Run" to your Start menu you won't find it. So, the first thing you need to do, since you're using Vista is add the RUN command to your start menu.

To add the Run command back to the Vista Start Menu:

1. Right click the Taskbar in an empty area (where no icons or text lives)
2. Click on Properties
3. Click the "Customize" button and select "Customize Start Menu"
4. Scroll down in the dialog windows until you find the "Run" command checkbox and check it (Duh!)
5. Click OK

After you've done that, click the Start button (orb) and type MSCONFIG and press the Enter key. The following instructions are the same for Windows XP or Windows Vista - after System Configuration opens the dialogs are almost the same.

From the System Configuration window, click the "Startup" tab at the top. You will see all of the programs that start when Windows boots. Your anti-virus program and one anti-spyware program need to start with Windows. So, when disabling start up programs, do not disable your anti-virus or anti-spyware program (if you have two or more anti-spyware programs, only allow one to start with Windows. The others should be used to run weekly checks. There is no reason to have two anti-spyware programs running in the background; one is sufficient). You don't need printers, chat programs, graphic editors, image viewers, feedback agents, email programs, etc. to start with Windows. Printers will start when you click the Print button, other programs can be opened from the start menu as need.

One of the biggest shortcomings of MSCONFIG is the lack of details about programs. It sometimes makes it hard to decide which programs to allow and which programs to disable. That's why we recommend that everyone who has not already done so, download the free version of WinPatrol (available at www.winpatrol.com ). WinPatrol has a built-in function similar to the System Configuration utility. However, WinPatrol gives you a lot more information about the programs that are starting up with Windows than the System Configuration tool does. And, the more information you have about the programs which start with Windows, the more easily you will be able to determine which start up programs to allow and which programs to disable. WinPatrol takes the guesswork out of disabling startup programs.

One of the biggest causes of poor computer performance is too many programs starting with Windows. Each program that starts with Windows continues to run in the background when your computer is running. Each one of these programs uses up precious system resources. So the more programs you have starting with Windows the less resources you have available to run your computer and other programs you want to run.

Search Like A Pro
All computer users, all browsers

Do you ever search for things using a search engine and find yourself scrolling through page after page of irrelevant search results until you finally get to what you were search for? Here are some search engines tips and tricks that we use that work in almost all search engines. We use Google, but these work in MSN, Yahoo and most other popular search engines as well.

We'll use an example to show you some of our favorite tips: Let's say you're looking for sports cars and all you're getting is information on football, baseball, basketball and all kinds of cars. Try some of the try some of these tips for defining your search.

1. Search for: sports + cars
Most search engines will interpret this as meaning you only want results that have both the word "sports" and "cars" in them.

2. Exclude terms: sports+cars -football.
The minus sign tells the search engine to exclude the term with the minus sign preceding it. Just be sure you don't put a space after the minus sign. As in the example above, if you want to exclude "football" from your results type -football.

3. Most search engines have an "advanced search" option that gives you a web-style way to help you accomplish the same thing as the tips above. The "advanced search" option gives you multiple choices via drop-down menus and other choices to help you narrow your search so that your results are more targeted to what you're looking for. Although the advanced search option is easier, using + and - in your search terms is almost always faster and produces much the same result as the search engine's "advanced search" option.

4. You can also try being more specific. Instead of typing sports cars , try using specific names. For example sports+cars+mercedes or sports+cars+vintage (you get the idea). The possibilities are virtually endless. The more you narrow your search terms the more likely it is you'll find exactly what you are looking for the first time and on the first or second page of search results. If you narrow your terms it's unlikely you'll find yourself scrolling through eighty pages of irrelevant search results to get to results you want.

5. Another good tip. Quotes will often help search engines define your terms. If you're searching for sports cars, try typing "sports cars". The words between the quotes are interpreted as a phrase by most search engines. If you're looking for knitting supplies, try typing "knitting supplies". Try it both ways. Many times you'll see different results. You should only get results that match your exact phrase in the exact order you typed them. So type them in the order that is most likely to give you the results you want.

Remember too, that the above tips work with most, but not all search engines. These tips work well in Google and probably in your favorite search engine too. It's worth a try. If these tips work for you, you'll find yourself using them all the time. It's great to get the results you want the first time rather than having to go through pages and pages of irrelevant search results to find whatever you're looking for.

Google Secrets and Fun
Windows all versions, all browsers

There are hundreds of things about Google that most of us aren't aware of. It's not that Google is hiding things, it's just that sometimes things get buried and forgotten. We feature some of favorite Google secrets tips & tricks feature.

Search Google without the ads.

Google.org - The philanthropic side of Google

Google Logos designed by Google fans

Google's code of conduct (Don't be evil)

Google History: The milestones

Google Fights Spyware
There are some excellent ideas here.

Google Search Cheat Sheet
You'll want to keep this one!

20+ Years of UseNet
Really interesting way to see the history of the Internet starting in 1981

Google Zeitgeist Archive 2001 through 2007
See what people were looking for the past 7 years

Mail Order Catalog Search
With the Holiday season approaching, you'll love this

1-800-GOOG-411
Google's new 411 service is free, fast and easy to use. Give it a try now and see how simple it is to find and connect with local businesses for free. No typing. Just say what you want and get connected.

Google Experiments
Try some of Google's new ideas in search technology

Google Web Page Creator
Create your own Web pages quickly and easily -Requires a Gmail account or other Google account (free)

How To Find Your IP Address in Windows XP
Windows XP Home, Media and Professional

There might be times when you'll need to know your IP address, Anyway, if you want to find your IP address in Windows XP, here's how you do it:

Click Start/Run and type in COMMAND. When the command window appears (it's a black window - no not a black widow! - and looks like an old DOS box) type in IPCONFIG /ALL. Please don't forget the space between IPCONFIG and the slash or you won't get anything!