Fix Common Computer Network Issues
Are you experiencing problems with your computer network? Are these error messages appearing?:
* Unable to clear the DNS cache
* Unable to renew your IP address
* An operation was performed on something that is not a socket
* Unable to clear the ARP cache
If so, here are some potential solutions for Windows XP/Vista.
1. Check to make sure your computer is on and is connected to a network.
2. Be aware that Windows has a built in function to repair a network connection. This function can give valuable information in the form of an error message if you know what you are looking for. Some common error messages given are:
* Unable to clear the DNS cache
* Unable to renew your IP address
* Unable to clear the ARP cache
3. Deal with a message that states “Unable to clear the DNS cache.” When you get the message “Unable to clear the DNS cache”, this usually means that the DNS client service has been disabled. Follow these steps as an administrator to re-enable it:
* Open the Services MMC plugin, located under Administrative Tools in the Control Panel;
* Find the “DNS Client” service in the list presented and enter it’s properties by double-clicking it;
* Change the Startup Type from Disabled to Manual or Automatic then click apply;
* Either reboot or click “Start” to start the service;
* Verify by attempting to repair the connection again.
4. Fix a problem related to an IP address. If the repair process reports that it has been ‘Unable to obtain an IP address’, it is probable that more information can be obtained through the command line. Open a Command Prompt by going to Start > Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt, then type ‘ipconfig /renew’ to attempt to obtain an IP address from the command line.
5. Follow up the error messages that will likely appear. There is a high likelihood of an error message similar to the one below occurring, the remainder of the guide will focus on this error.
* “An operation was performed on something that is not a socket”
6. Fix the error message “An operation was performed on something that is not a socket.”: This is a Winsock corruption generally due to spyware. The fixes are:
* A simple fix can be done with Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista (Start > Run > cmd > netsh winsock reset), then reboot your computer. If you do not have SP2, you can download a small program to reinstall Winsock: winsockfix.exe.
Super Faster Firefox Mozilla Tweaks
Firefox 3 one of the maximum downloaded open source browser which has set a Guinness world record. Their were Over 8,000,000 downloads in 24 hours!. Along with Firefox 3 Spreadfirefox also got new cool look.
Firefox 3 about:config file is the core configuration file of Firefox. By editing about:config file we can get amazing hacks for Firefox 3. Firefox allows the users to change many preferences in the about:config file so it’s totally ethical to do it.Here is list of 21 Firefox 3 hacks & tweaks.
To get the Firefox 3 configuration file type “about:config” at address bar.
Here is List of about:config hacks for Firefox 3
1) Disable Extension Compatibility Checksextensions.checkCompatibility = False
extensions.checkUpdateSecurity = False
2) Location Bar (Set number Auto Complete URL at Address Bar)
This is a good hack to trim down that huge auto-complete list on your URL bar. By default it displays maximum 12 URL
browser.urlbar.maxRichResults = #
Enter Number at # (3,10,12 etc)
3) Stop Displaying Website Icon (Favicon) in Address bar & On Tab
browser.chrome.site_icons = False
4) Disable Prefetch (Helpful for frequent Google searcher, low-speed internet connection or low RAM)
network.prefetch-next = False
5) Extend Spell check to forms
layout.spellcheckDefault = 2
Change Value from 1 to 2
6) Disable Blinking Text
browser.blink_allowed = False
7) Speed Tweaks
network.http.pipelining false to true
network.http.pipelining.maxrequests 30 to 8
network.http.max-connections 30 to 96
network.http.max-connections-per-server 15 to 32
network.http.max-persistent-connections-per-server 6 to 8
network.http.pipelining.ssl false to true
network.http.proxy.pipelining false to true
8 ) Disable Annoying Browser Behavior
dom.disable_window_open_feature.menubar
dom.disable_window_move_resize
dom.disable_window_open_feature.titlebar
dom.disable_window_open_feature.toolbar
Set all of above to value False
9) Remove Tab Close Button from all Tab and set A single Close Button at Right
browser.tabs.closeButtons = 3
Single Close Button to control all Firefox Opened Tabs. (value should be 3 and not 2 Thanks Andreas )
10) Disabler Browser Toolbar Tip
browser.chrome.toolbar_tips = False
11) Show More Tabs on Single Firefox Window before Scrolling
browser.tabs.tabMinWidth = 75
Setting lesser value with reduce Tab width
12) Past Copy Content with Middlemouse Click
middlemouse.paste = True
13) Scroll webpage in One Go
mousewheel.withaltkey.action=1
14) Disable Delay Time While Installing Firefox Add-on
security.dialog_enable_delay = 0
(Zero is number of seconds Firefox should wait while installing Add-on)
15) Increase History Undo Close Tab Limit ( Recently Closed Tabs )
browser.sessionstore.max_tabs_undo=15
By default you can undo 10 recently closed tabs inorder to increase your history closed tabs. Change number 13 to as per your choice.
16) Open Firefox Default Search Bar Result in New Tab
browser.search.openintab=True
17) Right Click View Source in Your Favorite Editor
view_source.editor.external=True
view_source.editor.path= Path of Editor
(e.g. path C:\Program Files\npp.4.8.2.bin\notepad++.exe)
18) Enable/Disable Single Click to Select Whole URL in Address bar
To Enable Single Click Select URL of address bar use the below about:config Tweak
browser.urlbar.clickSelectsAll = True
To disable Single Click Select
browser.urlbar.clickSelectsAll = False
19) Emule/ed2k link association (Linux users)
network.protocol-handler.app.ed2k= /usr/bin/ed2k
network.protocol-handler.external.ed2k = true
20) Fast Scrolling Across Tabs
toolkit.scrollbox.scrollIncrement =75
( 75 is number of pixels to scroll at a time when scrolling the tab strip’s scrollbox. (Default: 20)
21) Auto Complete URL while You type at address Bar
browser.urlbar.autoFill=True
Many of above about:config hacks are available in Older Firefox Version, at the end if some thing goes wrong then feel free to restore your about:config to older setting see the below image of how to restore about:config
Hope you guys like this Firefox 3 hacks, If you have any tips or hacks related to Firefox 3 about:config, hacks, tweaks do let me know I will include it in above list.
Make Windows XP Shutdown Faster
Steps: (download the registry file)
1. This step is very important.
Export (right click > Export) the following keys and save it to a safer place.
HKEY CURRENT USER\Control Panel\Desktop
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control
2. Open Notepad, copy and paste the following to the Notepad.
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop]
"AutoEndTasks"="1"
"HungAppTimeout"="1000"
"WaitToKillAppTimeout"="2000"
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control]
"WaitToKillServiceTimeout"="2000"
3. Save the file and close Notepad.
4. Change extension of the file from .txt (text file) to .reg (registry file).
5. Double click open this file and click Yes and the OK
Source: learn-how-to-hack.blogspot.com
Download Unlimited from Rapidshare without paying
I knew a lot of us here use Rapidshare to download and share a lot of stuff. It's quite annoying when we were unable to download for a certain period after downloading a big file. What are going to be shared to day is how to download from Rapidshare using proxy so that you won't have to face the 1 hour limitation problem again.
The programs that we need are a browser with ability to use proxy. I use Slimbrowser for two reasons:
1) I don't want to delete my Firefox or IE cache and cookies files.
2) It's very lite and not a resource hogger
Steps:
1. Download the browser from this location. Install it.
2. Get a proxy list here. This trick requires the usage of proxy server to work. So don't skip this step. Grab one proxy or more!
3. This is how you are going to setup your proxy
:Click Tools > Proxies > Organize Proxies
- In the Name field, enter something to identify your proxy, for example, Brazil #1
- In the first address field, enter the proxy address you got from Proxy4Free,
for example, 200.162.195.62
- In the second address field, enter the proxy port, for example, 3128
- If you want to set the entered proxy as the default proxy, then click the
Set As Current Proxy button
- Click OK to close the dialog box
* If you want to add more proxies, repeat the steps above again and again.
4. After you have setup the proxy, copy and paste the Rapidshare download link to your
browsers’ address bar, and wait for the Rapidshare page to launch.
5. In Rapidshare website, do the followings:
- Press enter and scoll down to bottom and click the FREE button
- Wait until the counter reaches zero or use any auto-reveal-link-utility
- Copy paste the download link into your favorite download manager, for
example, Flashget
- Download the file happily
Troubleshooting
Note that if Rapidshare gives you error like this;
This IP is not allowed to use free anonymous services.. or Your IP, xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is downloading a file…
It's time to use another proxy!!! In Slimbrowser, go to menu, Tools > Proxies and select another proxy you already entered before
6) After downloading a file, don’t forget to clear your trace!
In Slimbrowser go to menu Tools > Internet Options to open the Internet Options applet
Click both Delete Cookies and Delete Files button to wipe out all references to Rapidshare. If you need to download more files, repeat all steps from 1 to 6, and hopefully you’ll be happier than ever.
Tips:
1. Do not choose proxy with port 80
2. Avoid choosing proxies addresses
Secrets of Your Computer's Motherboard
While not science fiction, the motherboard in your computer does have some similarities with the idea of a mother ship in old science fiction movies. The motherboard is the one piece of equipment in your computer that ties everything else together in a workable manner. It is the piece of the computer that allows all other computer components to receive power and to communicate with one another to deliver the desired result when you give the computer a command.
Motherboards have developed over the past twenty years from where they started when first created. Back then, the motherboard held little in the way of components. Floppy drive controllers and memory slots comprised just about all that a motherboard held. Now, motherboards boast a variety of features that have been built in and directly affect the capability of your computer to be upgraded. This capability is mandatory when considering the speed at which operating systems change and evolve as end users require more from the desktop and laptop computers.
The main purpose of the motherboard is to hold the computer's microprocessor chip and then direct everything else connect to that chip. Everything that runs on your computer is either part of the motherboard or it plugs into the motherboard to be routed to the chip in order for it to be able to run.
The form factor, which is the shape and layout of the motherboard, affects where the components of your computer go and the shape of the computer's case. Most motherboards use some form of standard form factors in order to fit into standard cases in computer models today.
While the form factor is important to the motherboard, it isn't the only thing that controls how your computer works with the motherboard. The type of central processor your computer uses is determined by the socket for the microprocessor on the motherboard. The chipset, which is part of the logic system on a motherboard, connect the central processing unit to the rest of the computer. The BIOS chip controls the most basic checks on the computer every time you turn it on and does so from the motherboard. The real time clock chip maintains these basic settings and the time for the system.
Motherboards also contain slots for PCI, AGP, IDE, firewires, USB, and memory slots. Every one of these items requires a working motherboard in order to get power to run as expected by the end user. Each of these slots are necessary for computer operations to function in today's world of internet and business applications. Without these vital functions built into the motherboard, the average user could not conduct meaningful business in the competitive aspect of today's society.
New technologies are being added to motherboards all the time. They are not scary pieces of equipment to be avoided, but rather an integral part of your computer that enhances your computer using experience. It can be upgraded to fit your needs with little trouble and operates on a constant basis to deliver what you expect in your computer.
Ten Better Google Chrome Tips and Tweaks
ONE: Surprisingly Handy Keyboard Shortcuts
Google Chrome offers some unique shortcuts that go beyond the typical CTRL + T for opening new browser tabs. Here is a link to all of Google Chrome keyboard shortcuts. And here three that I find unique, when compared to those offered by Firefox and IE.
CTRL + SHIFT + N automatically opens up a Chrome 'incognito' window which allows you to surf on a PC without leaving behind any digital footprints.
SHIFT + Escape allows for fast access to Chrome?s Task Manager utility that allows you to nix browser processes that have gone awry.
CTRL + SHIFT + T will open recently closed browser tabs.
TWO: Custom Searches
When you want to run a search directly from Google's address bar (a.k.a. Omnibox) just type a question mark (?) followed by a keyword. The default search engine is Google. To change the default search engine to anything you want go right-click inside the address bar and select "Edit search engines." You can choose from a predefined list, or create your own.
Here is how to create your own shortcut to search the site of your choice directly from Google Chrome's Omnibox.
1) Right-click inside address bar and select "Edit search engines."
2) With that dialogue box remaining open, now go to a website you would like to create a custom search for. For the sake of example try Dictionary.com
3) Once you visit the site now look at your "Search Engines" configuration window and you'll notice under the "Other search engines" field Dictionary.com has been added.
4) Next you'll want to change the "Keyword" to something short and easy to remember such as DIC.
Now when you want to look up a word at Dictionary.com all you have to do is type in Chrome's Omnibox "DIC" proceeded by the word you want to look up.
THREE: Everyone Loves an Easter Egg
Type about:internets into the address bar and you'll see a tribute to United States Senator Ted Stevens' take on the Internet. (This only works in Windows XP)
FOUR: Larger Comment Boxes
Comment boxes on Web sites soliciting feedback can sometimes be way too small. With Chrome you simply click on the corner of any Web-based comment field and stretch it out as large as you like.
FIVE: Help Direct Me Home, Please
I appreciate Google Chrome's minimalist approach to design that leaves the interface clutter-free. But without a Home button Chrome feels a bit like a house with no front door. To regain the Home button on your browser simply go to the wrench icon, select the Google Chrome Options, click on the Basics tab, and check the "Show Home button on the Toolbar" box.
SIX: Fun With Tabs
Browser tabs are an incredibly useful feature in browsers today. Google has spent some time and made them even more useful by allowing more tab flexibility than is currently possible with IE or Firefox. Chrome allows you to peel browser tabs off a browser so they can become their own browser window. Chrome also allows you to take two separate Chrome browsers and drag them together creating one window with two tabs.
SEVEN: More Privacy Please
As privacy issues continue to swirl around Google new concerns have been raised regarding Google's Chrome browser. According to reports Google's auto-suggest (featured in the Chrome browser Omnibar) allows Google to know everything you type into it ? even if you don't hit enter. CNET's Ina Fried suggests you disable the feature.
To disable the auto-suggest feature right-click inside the Omnibar and un-check the "Use a suggestion service to help complete searches."
EIGHT: Go Incognito on the Fly
Not sure what awaits you when you contemplate clicking on that link? If you want to make sure your Web tracks are covered just right-click the link and select "Open link in incognito window."
NINE: No Google Toolbar for Google Chrome, No Problem
Former PC World Editor in Chief, Harry McCracken, has been bemoaning the ironic fact Google Chrome doesn't support the handy Google Toolbar at his Technologizer Web site. The Google Toolbar, available for IE and Firefox, bring much versatility to the browser including a shortcut to Gmail, access to online Google Bookmarks, a spell checker, and the ability to send URL links via e-mail in just a few clicks.
McCracken explains he has found a way to create an approximation to the Google Toolbar by tweaking Google Chrome with a technique he calls "Project Fakebar." For those with idle time, head on over to the Technologizer site and find out how to put a Fakebar on your Chrome Browser.
TEN: Enable Firefox to Run More Like Chrome
My last tip and tweak isn't absolutely Chrome-centric, rather Chrome related. For those who like the innovative new features Chrome offers, but aren't happy with some of the bugs, security, and privacy issues you can have your cake and eat it too.
http://googlesystem.blogspot.com
Google Chrome Hidden Tips Trick
Here are some not-so-obvious things you can do in Google Chrome, the minimalistic browser launched on Tuesday.
1. Show the list of recently visited pages from the current tab: right-click on the "Back" button. This also works for the "Forward" button.
2. Undo closing a tab: press Ctrl+Shift+T or open a new tab and check the "Recently closed tabs" section.
3. Focus on the default search option in the address bar: type ? before entering your query.
4. Perform simple calculations and unit conversions using Google Calculator by simply typing the expression in Google Chrome's address bar (or "omnibox"). To copy the answer, select the suggestion.
5. If you need more space in a textarea, resize it by dragging the lower right corner.
6. Monitor the resources used by a web page - right click inside the page, select "Inspect element", switch to the "Resources" tab and reload the web page. You'll see a list of images, scripts and objects loaded from the web page and you can sort them by size or by loading time.
7. Detach a tab and open it in a new window - just drag the tab outside the active window. You can also add it back to the original window using drag and drop.
8. After downloading a file, you can copy it to the desktop or to any other folder by using drag and drop directly from Google Chrome.
9. If the search engine of a site supports OpenSearch, you can add it to Google Chrome's search box by simply visiting the site and performing a search. The domain name automatically becomes a keyword and you should only type the first letters from the URL until you see "press Tab to search example.com". Then press Tab and type your query.
You can also manually add search engines, by right-clicking on the address bar and selecting "Edit search engines". Here's one example, where you can see that you need to find the URL for the search results page and replace the query with %s:
Name - Wikipedia
Keyword - wiki (that's what you need to type in the address bar)
URL - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=%s
You can also use the keywords for other kinds of services: for translating web pages, for bookmarking pages online or simply as aliases for web pages (omit "%s" from the URL).
Name - Google Translate (English)
Keyword - trans
URL - http://translate.google.com/translate?u=%s
10. Do you want Google Chrome without Google's branding and with an open source license (BSD license)? Check Chromium, the open source project created for Google Chrome. You can install the latest snapshots for Windows or download the code and build it in Windows, Mac, Linux.
To install Chromium in Windows, go to the most recent directory from this page (it should be at the top) and download mini_installer.exe. Note that these snapshots could be less stable than the version available at google.com/chrome and you may need to manually update Chromium.
BY:http://googlesystem.blogspot.com
How To Hide Files With Notepad
Another Old but great Notepad trick, not exactly notepad one but the Windows one. I can't add a big intro of this method just try it out.
1. Open Command Prompt. Start --> Run --> CMD
2. Get to the directory Where you want to save the hidden file.
CD --> to Change Directory
MD --> to make Directory
once done. proceed further
3. Type down following command.
notepad:filename.txt:hidefilename.txt
yes we are creating two files.
4. error pops up Cannot find filename.txt:hidefilename.txt, Do you want to create ??
obviously yes
5. Type your message to hide and save and close.
You have done the hiding task. Lets check did it worked or not. Visit the folder with your windows explorer. Oh man theres only one file named filename.txt where the hell is hidefilename.txt is ??? its hidden. Lets open Filename.txt (to check your message ), This file is blank !! Party but where is the hidden text ?? its in Hidefilename.txt You can type any text in open notepad file. it will be saved in filename.txt. and using command prompt, notepad filename.txt:hidefilename.txt will give you hidden file.
Well thats simple and sweet from Windows.
