Backing Up With Just Windows

One of the consistent questions, as a result of an article on doing computer backups, is one that asks which third party software program I would recommend. The answer is that I can’t recommend any because what Microsoft supplies with Windows is fine for me. I don’t see the need to spend money on additional software when the backup function that Microsoft supplies is perfectly adequate.

For example, in Windows XP, the backup function can be found at:

Start - All Programs - Accessories - System Tools and then Backup

Ed Bott has an excellent presentation in a 2003 article:

link: Windows XP Backup Made Easy

Third party software may have added features - perhaps users of those programs can add some comments. However, Microsoft has made it easy to do backups and that is all that I have had to use. It just works well for me.

Catherine Forsythe

Clocx: A Free Analog Clock

Analog clocks for the desktop seem to be hugely popular. One useful application is Clocx. It is also a reminder system, as well as a calendar. It has numerous backgrounds (skins) so that the look can match your desktop theme. It can be sized easily. The program is available in numerous languages:

link: Clocx

Clocx is suitable “for analog clock application for Microsoft Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista“. And yes, Vista users, you do have something like this already. - Clocx is a well written program which is extremely handy. - I use Clocx and I have no hesitation in recommending this free software.

Catherine

Free IrfanView Extension

For years, many people have made IrfanView a very popular graphic viewer. It is freeware and an exceptionally well written program. Baxbex offers a free IrfanView Shell Extension:

“IrfanView Shell Extension is a Freeware Dll that adds the ability to call some IrfanView functions from within the Windows Explorer.”

link: IrfanView ShellExtension 1.02

With this shell extension, it is possible, for example, to right-click an image and convert to the graphic to a different format. The extension is good for Windows: from 95 through to XP. It just makes managing graphics much easier and it is free.

Catherine Forsythe

ESBCalc: A Free Scientific Calculator with Trail of Entries

There are many instances when the calculator supplied by Microsoft is limiting. ESBCalc is a scientific calculator which shows a trail of the entries. This allows a check of the entries to see if there have been any keying errors.

“ESBCalc is a Freeware Scientific Calculator for Windows with Infix Notation, Brackets, Scientific Functions (Trigonometric, Hyperbolic, Logarithmic - including Base 10, Base 2 & Natural - plus more), Memory, Paper Trail, Result History List and more. v5 Includes support for Prefix functions so to evaluate log (10) you can enter log 10 rather than 10 log (which is the default behaviour)…”

link: ESBCalc

This application is good for Windows from 95 through to, and including, Vista. ESBCalc also has a Pro version that is shareware. However, you may find that the freeware version will do a good enough job.

Catherine Forsythe

Using the Briefcase Feature to Backup

In a few weeks, the college and university campuses will be back to full activity. There will be many new computers and new laptops put to use for academics and not just for gaming, music and Facebook / MySpace. The importance of doing a routine backup of school material has been emphasized previously and this is an easy way to do routine backups.

With every class session, with every lab / seminar and with every library session, there is new material that should be backed up. The chance of actually doing a backup to an external drive or to a desktop is far greater if the process is simple and easy. One way to simplify is to use the Briefcase feature in Windows:

For example, in Windows XP:

“…The Briefcase feature in Windows XP helps you keep your files updated by automatically synchronizing multiple copies of individual files. In other words, Briefcase keeps track of the relationship between files on two or more computers. For example, if you use a desktop computer at the office, and you use a portable computer when you are on the road, Briefcase synchronizes and updates the files on your desktop computer to the modified versions when you reconnect your portable computer to the desktop computer.”

link: How To Use the Briefcase Feature in Windows XP

Using the Briefcase feature, there is not the need to drag and drop files (and remember which class file has been moved to backup). It can be as simple as using the “Update all items” on the Briefcase menu.

If the Briefcase functions are not a familiar Windows feature, now is the time to experiment and see how easy it is to synchronize files. Create some “dummy files” and become familiar with the system. In a few weeks, when classes begin, there will be far less time to experiment and the stakes will be much higher. You want to have this skill from Day One of classes.

Catherine Forsythe

MacroMaker: A Tried and True Macro Program

To increase work speed, to avoid repetitive typing and to prevent keyboard errors, MacroMaker is a terrific program. This software has been available for years and years. It first made its appearance in 2000 and, personally, it is one of the programs I miss the most when I am using someone else’s computer.

Macros are shortcuts. It means that, with a few keystrokes, a computer task can be accomplished. For example, you can open a program with a two key combination that you set. The less typing means you work faster. And, if that hand leaving the keyboard and reaching for the mouse is decreased, then your computer work increases in speed. “Most anything you know how to do by hand can be translated into a macro or recording in MacroMaker. If you are having to perform repetitive tasks, this program will help you out tremendiously (sic). The user can simulate a series of keystrokes, mouse events, play back previous recordings of keystrokes and mouse events or execute some built-in functions with just a keystroke…”

link: MacroMaker

This program has been reviewed extensively. It is freeware and there is a link to make a donation. The program is good for Windows - from 95 to XP. It does not state whether it is suitable for Vista. Perhaps some Vista users will let us know.

Catherine Forsythe

Extending the Copy / Paste Function

One of the long term deficits of Windows is the limited clipboard. It allows one copy. If the user finds something else to copy, the initial copy is gone. Most people have had the frustration of re-searching for that initial copy (or a much earlier copy) because it is needed again.

101 Clips solves this problem. “101 is the simplest of all multi-clipboard programs. Just have it running minimized and it captures everything you cut or copy from other programs. It keeps the last 25. When you want to paste one back, all you have to do is restore it and click on the clip you want. If you prefer to work entirely from the keyboard, you can choose a function key to restore and then paste any clip by typing the letter shown next to it.”

link: 101 Clips

This simply saves time. There are other shareware multiple clipboards available and some are very expensive. 101 Clips is free. 101 Clips is good for Windows 95 through to Vista. After a couple of sessions on the computer, you will wonder how you worked without it. And the price can’t be beat.

Catherine Forsythe

Saving and Restoring Desktop Icons

Jamie O’Connell has a small application that saves time and minimizes frustrations. The application saves your desktop, in the configuration that you like. If anything disrupts that order, it is possible to fix the problem easily:

“…It records the layout and positions of icons and programs on the Windows desktop, and permits restoration of the layout. It appears to operate correctly under Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP.

I wrote this program after severe frustration of having my layout trashed every time I switched screen resolutions. Sometimes other programs will switch screen size and trash your layout as well…”

link: Desktop Restore

It seems to work on Vista, too. This is freeware. It just needs a reboot after installing. Thanks, Jamie.

Catherine Forsythe

A Bill Gates Rant: “What An Absolute Mess”

What day is it today? - I have been caught up in a Microsoft torment that sadly includes the word “format”. It was to the point where the solutions needed solutions. To commiserate, some friends have been sending an old (2003) Bill Gates rant wherein he sums up a Windows experience by saying “What an absolute mess”. Here is Todd Bishop’s presentation of that Bill Gates’ email:

link: Full text: An epic Bill Gates e-mail rant

Over five years after that email was sent, it seems that Bill Gates may well be describing my present computer conundrum… “What the heck is going on during those 6 minutes? That is crazy. This is after the download was finished.” - It is strangely reassuring that the founder of Microsoft has experienced a similar Windows insanity.

Catherine Forsythe