Windows Media Player 11

Windows Media Player 11
Help and Tips
Advice and support for Windows Media Player 11. Topics include purchasing music and movies from online stores, tweaking the user interface, adjusting multimedia playback volume, and diagnosing streaming media issues.
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#1: Configure File Types That Launch Media Player
Determine the types of files that, when accessed, open and play in Windows Media Player 11.

#2: Download Visualizations
Download visualization animations that display when multimedia files are played with Windows Media Player 11.

#3: Change Where Ripped Songs Are Stored
Configure Windows Media Player 11 to place ripped audio files in a different folder than your "My Music" folder.

#4: Crossfade From One Song to the Next
Fade one song into the next in Windows Media Player 11.

#5: Enable SRS WOW Effects
Enhance media playback in Windows Media Player 11 with SRS WOW 3D and TruBass effects.

#6: Toggle Downloading Usage Rights for Protected Files
Determine whether Media Player 11 should automatically try to acquire usage rights for protected files that are out-of-date or lack rights.

#7: Toggle Screensaver Display
Toggle whether or not your screensaver should appear while media files are played with Windows Media Player 11.

#8: Slow Down or Speed Up Podcasts and Audiobooks
Is a speaker talking too slow or too fast in a multimedia file? Adjust the playback speed in Windows Media Player 11.

#9: Switch Between Full, Compact, and Skin Modes
Switch how Windows Media Player 11 is displayed - with a full set of features, compact, or with a skin.

#10: Disable Video Acceleration if Experiencing Playback Problems
If videos do not display correctly in Windows Media Player 11, reduce or disable video acceleration.

#11: Multimedia Playback Keyboard Shortcuts
A list of commonly-used keyboard shortcuts when playing multimedia with Windows Media Player 11.

#12: Adjust the Volume or Mute Sounds
Easily adjust Windows Media Player 11's playback volume with your keyboard or mouse.

#13: Show or Hide the Menu Bar (Classic Menus)
View or hide Windows Media Player 11's menu bar to access features or save space for multimedia playback.

#14: Force Windows Media Player to Stay on Top
Tired of watching movies with Windows Media Player 11 and having other windows vie for your attention?

#15: Toggle Full-Screen Playback
Cover your entire screen with Windows Media Player 11 during multimedia playback.

#16: Streaming Media Playing Poorly?
If streaming media files in Windows Media Player 11 start and stop constantly, try this tip.

#17: Rolling Back to Windows Media Player 10
Want to downgrade your Windows XP machine to Windows Media Player 10?

#18: Change the Default Online Store
Instead of purchasing multimedia from URGE, what if you want to use a different online store?

#19: Play Media Randomly
Activate the Shuffle playback mode in Windows Media Player 11.

#20: Cannot Play DRM (Digital Rights Management) Protected Content
The following articles may assist if you are having difficulty playing protected DRM content in Windows Media Player 11.

#21: Clear the Player History
Clear the history of files opened by Windows Media Player 11.

Firewall

Firewall
Help and Tips
Defines the term firewall, explains how a firewall can help increase computer security and prevent identity theft, and provides links to download firewall software.
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#1: I Run a Mac / Linux / Solaris / etc. Machine - Do I Still Need a Firewall?
Aren't firewalls only needed for Windows machines? The answer is NO.

#2: Windows XP Firewall Explained - How Good Is It?
Windows XP comes built-in with a firewall. Will it protect your machine when on the Internet?

#3: Do I Need a Firewall If My Software Is Up-To-Date?
Are firewalls needed even if you patch your operating system and software with the latest updates?

#4: Where Can I Get a Free Windows Firewall?
Several locations you can download free firewall software for Windows.

#5: What is a Firewall?
This tip defines a firewall and why it is important for your computer's security.

File Extensions

File Extensions
Help and Tips
Explains DOS/Windows file extensions, how to view files of various extensions, and why unexpected file extensions can cause security risks.
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#1: REG File Format
Provides details of the .REG file format in Windows used by the Registry Editor.

#2: AIF / AIFF File Format
Explains .AIF / .AIFF files - audio files most often used on the Macintosh platform.

#3: CFG File Format
Information on the .CFG file format, normally a configuration file.

#4: CPL File Format
Some details about .CPL files, Windows Control Panel applets.

#5: RAR File Format
RAR archives defined. How they are packed and unpacked.

#6: What Are File Extensions?
File extensions defined. This tip explains what the usually three characters are for.

#7: PL and PM File Formats
A brief explanation of Perl scripts found in .PL and .PM files.

#8: BAK or BK File Format
BAK and BK files usually are backups of other documents or files.

#9: MID File Format
MID files represent MIDI music. Learn how to play and create these songs.

#10: TXT File Format
The TXT plain-text file format defined.

#11: ARC File Format
Explains what ARC files are. Although rarely-used nowadays, some may run across these archives.

#12: TMP File Format
TMP files are temporary files that can sometimes be safely removed.

#13: DOC File Format
This defines the DOC file format, usually word processing files created from WordPerfect or Microsoft Word.

#14: PSD File Format
PSD files are graphic files created by Adobe PhotoShop and other tools.

#15: SCR File Format
Screensavers defined. Also contains links to websites where you can download screensavers.

#16: EXE File Format
The EXE executable (program) file format defined.

#17: LOG File Fomat
LOG files are usually text file logs of processes running on your machine.

#18: FNT and FON File Formats
Explains .FNT and .FON fonts and why they differ from TrueType fonts.

#19: 1ST File Format
The 1ST file format defined. These are usually text files with instructions to read before running software.

#20: ANI File Format
Defines .ANI files - Windows animated cursors.

#21: ASC File Format
Defines the ASC file format that normally represents text files.

#22: PDF File Format
Explains what PDF files are and how they can be created or read.

#23: Be Careful with Files Containing Multiple Extensions
Files with multiple extensions may be Trojan Horses waiting for you to open them and release their nefarious content. Be careful with these files.

#24: DAT File Format
Just what are .DAT files, and are they readable?

#25: AU File Format
AU files are audio files popular on the Solaris and Unix platforms.

#26: DIZ and NFO File Formats
Description files .DIZ and .NFO defined.

#27: PPT File Format
PPT files are presentations (slideshows) created by Microsoft PowerPoint. This tip has links to free software that can view PPT files.

#28: BAT File Format
The BAT file format defined. These are batch files for MS-DOS or MS-Windows systems.

#29: TTF File Format
TrueType font definitions. Also includes websites you can download TrueType fonts.

#30: Viewing File Extensions on Windows
Help protect yourself from accidentally opening rogue files by forcing Explorer to show all files' extensions.

#31: BMP File Format
BMP files are uncompressed images, Windows bitmaps.

#32: ZIP File Format
Zip archives defined, including how they are created and unpacked.

#33: WAV File Format
WAV files are audio files popular on the Windows platform.

#34: MOV File Format
A brief explanation of .MOV files - QuickTime multimedia

Windows Vista Installation and Upgrading

Windows Vista Installation and Upgrading
Help and Tips
Advice on installing and upgrading to the Windows Vista operating system. Topics include the differences between the Windows Vista editions and using the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor.
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#1: View Applications Certified for Windows Vista
Need to see if an application works with Windows Vista? Check the official lists.

#2: Plan A Few Hours to Upgrade
Upgrading to Windows Vista will not take just a couple of minutes. Plan up to a few hours to complete the upgrade process.

#3: What Are Windows Vista's Minimum Hardware Requirements?
Explains the minimum RAM, CPU speed, hard drive space, and other hardware needed to run Windows Vista.

#4: Can I Later Switch From One Edition of Windows Vista to Another?
If you purchase one edition of Windows Vista, can you upgrade it to a more enhanced edition?

#5: Can My Machine Run Windows Vista? Download the Upgrade Advisor
Use Microsoft's free Upgrade Advisor to see if your computer can be upgraded to Windows Vista.

#6: What are the Differences Between the Full Package and Upgrade Versions?
Explains the differences between buying an Upgrade version of Windows Vista or the full Retail product.

#7: What Are Windows Vista's Activation / Licensing Requirements?
Must Windows Vista be activated to use it beyond a certain period of time? Can you transfer the license?

#8: Turn Off Anti-Virus Before Upgrading
Be sure to read Microsoft's instructions for upgrading Vista located inside the CD/DVD package.

#9: 5 Questions to Ask Whether You Should Upgrade or Buy a New Machine
Suggestions on whether or not you should buy a new machine rather than upgrade an old one to Windows Vista.

#10: Which Edition Should I Buy?
Microsoft has released several editions of Windows Vista. See which one is right for you.

#11: What is Windows Vista?
Explains the basics of the Windows Vista Operating System.

Windows Vista - Windows Sidebar

Windows Vista - Windows Sidebar
Help and Tips
Defines the Windows Sidebar for Windows Vista, contains Sidebar tweaks, and explains how to download and install Windows Sidebar gadgets.
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#1: Windows Sidebar Alternatives
Three widget / gadget alternatives to the Windows Vista Sidebar.

#2: Display Stock Updates
Add a Gadget to the Windows Vista Sidebar to view stock prices.

#3: Uninstall a Sidebar Gadget
Uninstall a Sidebar Gadget from your Windows Vista system.

#4: Add Notes Gadget
Add a Gadget to the Windows Vista Sidebar you can use to jot down a quick note or two.

#5: Change Widget Opacity
Configure whether Windows Vista Sidebar Gadgets should appear slightly transparent.

#6: Show Windows Sidebar if Hidden
Temporarily force Windows Sidebar to appear in front of other Windows Vista applications and windows.

#7: Keep Windows Sidebar on Top of Other Windows
Are Windows Vista applications constantly covering the Windows Sidebar? Learn how to force the Sidebar to remain on top of other windows.

#8: Place a Gadget Directly on the Desktop
Windows Sidebar gadgets can be moved to anywhere on your Windows Vista desktop.

#9: Install a New Gadget
Add informative, entertaining, and useful visual gadgets to Windows Vista's Windows Sidebar.

#10: Close a Sidebar Gadget
Clear a Sidebar gadget from your Windows XP desktop or Windows Sidebar

#11: What is Windows Sidebar? What are Gadgets?
Basic information on Windows Vista's Sidebar and visual gadgets.

#12: Move the Sidebar to a Different Monitor
Move Windows Vista's Sidebar to another monitor if it is more convenient.

#13: Move the Sidebar to a Different Edge of the Screen
Configure Windows Vista's Sidebar to appear on the left or right-hand side of the Desktop.

#14: Enable or Disable Windows Sidebar
Turn Windows Vista's Sidebar on or off to display or hide gadgets.

#15: Configure a Windows Sidebar Gadget
Most Windows Sidebar Gadgets have configuration options you can tweak.

Windows Vista - Windows Media Center

Windows Vista - Windows Media Center
Help and Tips
Troubleshooting and configuration tips and support for Windows Media Center in Windows Vista.
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#1: Disable Navigation Sounds
In Windows Vista, if you find the sounds that play when navigating Windows Media Center annoying, disable them.

#2: Hide Games or Other Applications
Prevent games or other applications from appearing inside Windows Media Center.

#3: Remove Invalid or Unwanted Channels from Guide
If the TV Program Guide in Windows Media Center displays channels you cannot get in your area or those you do not care to watch, remove these listings.

#4: Limit Hard Drive Storage for TV Recordings
Prevent accidentally using too much hard drive room for storing TV recordings in Windows Media Center.

#5: Toggle Taskbar Notifications
Toggle whether Windows Media Center should display notifications in the Windows Taskbar.

#6: High Contrast Color Schemes
Configure Windows Media Center to use a high contrast color scheme that may be easier to read.

Windows Vista - Start Menu - Taskbar - Toolbars

Windows Vista - Start Menu - Taskbar - Toolbars
Help and Tips
Tweak the Windows Vista taskbar, Start Menu, and taskbar toolbars. Includes tips on resizing the Windows Vista taskbar, displaying hidden taskbar notification icons, and more.
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#1: Expand or Clear List of Recent Programs Displayed on Start Menu
Expand the list of recently-accessed programs displayed on the Windows Vista Start Menu, or clear this list altogether.

#2: Remove Your Name from the Start Menu
Remove your name as a link to your personal folder from the Windows Vista Start Menu.

#3: Stop Highlighting New Programs
Prevent Windows Vista from highlighting new and updated software in the All Programs menu.

#4: Display Administrative Tools on the Start Menu
Provide links to Administrative Tools such as the Event Viewer and Task Scheduler directly from the Start Menu.

#5: Automatically Hide the Windows Vista Taskbar
Hide the Windows Vista Taskbar when not in use to provide more room for your opened windows.

#6: Remove Games from the Start Menu
For business machines, clear the Games option from the Windows Vista Start Menu.

#7: Add a Desktop Toolbar
Access Desktop icons quickly on the Windows Vista Taskbar.

#8: View or Clear List of Recently Opened Files
View or clear a list of recently accessed files from the Windows Vista Start Menu.

#9: Expand the Control Panel to a Menu
Provide easier access to Control Panel items via the Windows Vista Start Menu.

#10: Disable Showing Window Previews on Taskbar
Prevent Windows Vista from showing previews of open windows on the Taskbar.

#11: Add an Item to the Quick Launch Toolbar
Two ways to add icons to Windows Vista's Quick Launch icon area.

#12: Resize the Taskbar
Increase or decrease the size of Windows Vista's Taskbar.

#13: Move the Taskbar
Move the Windows Vista Taskbar around the screen.

#14: Unlock the Taskbar
Unlock the Windows Vista Taskbar so you can modify how it is displayed.

#15: Stop Hiding Inactive Icons
Keep Windows Vista from hiding icons in the Taskbar notification area.

#16: Provide More Room for Quick Launch Icons
Add room for Quick Launch icon's in Windows Vista's Taskbar to make certain software easier to access.