Make Your Windows be The Eyes of Your Home

This is an old saying that "The windows are the eyes of a home." And the adage does ring true. From the inside of your home, you look out upon the world just as your eyes do.

From the outside, windows project a pretty light in the front of the house, just as your eyes do on your face. And if the eyes are the windows of the soul, another old adage, the eyes can work the same way and give the viewer a glimpse of the character of the house.

Windows give natural light to a room, but there is a great deal more that they do as well. They add character and can give a certain measure of beauty, if they are chosen correctly. That is why it is important to pick the right windows if you are replacing them. Replacement windows can update the beauty of your home, but they can also save you money in the long run by saving on energy costs. New windows have been shown to add significantly to the resale value of homes. There are so many types of replacement windows, at least one type to match each kind of home architecture. The following are just a few of them.

Casement windows. These types of windows open from the side by rotating a crank. They can be either one or two-paned. Usually they open just enough to let in a little light and air.

Sliding windows. This is a window where the panels are set into tracks and slide over one another. They are like mini sliding glass doors.

Double hung windows. These are the most traditional types, where two sashes lift over one another. The upper is slid down, leaving the top of the window open, or the lower is slid up, leaving the bottom open.

Bay windows. These are three sided windows that bow out from the front of the house. They are usually in more formal areas such as the living room, and create a small platform area that can be used for seating or to put plants on.

Bow windows. Similar to bay windows, they stick out from the house, but they have a series of sashes set at an angle. The sashes are at an slight angle to give the window a rounded look, in contrast to bay windows that have three sharp turns.

Garden windows. These are very popular for kitchen windows, since a little garden of herbs can be planted in the space which has good sun exposure. They resemble bay or bow windows in that they protrude from the house, but they are much smaller. They give a light of light to a small room such as a kitchen.

Skylights. These are in the roof of a house to provide additional natural lighting. They don't open as a rule, so as to guarantee a better seal. You can change the total look of your home as well as add additional useful features through the use of new windows.

Be careful about door to door salesmen or telemarketers who try to peddle replacement windows. In general, they are selling inferior quality and inferior installation at an inflated price. There is no need to rely on such a source when there are so many

reliable sources for replacement windows.

You can take your time to judge all the sources after you have decided on your particular needs in terms or lighting, appearance and ventilation. You may even consider hiring a professional to help you with this decision. This very valuable addition to your home may be well worth it.

Johnathan Bakers works especially for http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com, a web publication covering information on home building, construction and other problems. You can have a look at his abstracts on replacement windows at http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com

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Are You Ready For Vista? What You Need To Know About The Next Microsoft Windows

Vista is coming soon to a computer near you, are you ready?

Unlike past editions of Microsoft Windows this new version

seems to be generating a lot more pre-launch buzz. Maybe it

has to do with all the new improved browsing and computer

features that the Vista will supposedly deliver.

What is Vista?

Vista is the new version of Microsoft Windows, which will offer

users a greatly improved browsing and computer experience mainly

through more dynamic 'live' windows and faster presentation. It will

offer a more robust security (direly needed!) and more business features

in its corporate OS with encryption, Unix services, and virtual

machine capabilities.

You will be able to use different graphical tools to more efficiently

manage your information and applications on your desktop. If you read

the information on the official Vista site, you may come away believing

your desktop will never look or feel the same again.

Vista Homepage: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/

There is one underlying reason why this may just be the case.

According to the Longhorn Statement of last year, RSS will play a

major role in these applications and in the OS itself. Longhorn

is the name for the Microsoft Windows Server code. RSS stands

for 'Really Simple Syndication' and Microsoft should be applauded

for bringing RSS to the forefront. Many believe RSS will change

the very nature of how we use the Internet and our computers.

Regardless of what it may contain, the new Windows Vista has

many consumers delaying the purchase of their next PC or laptop

until the new Windows arrives. Many were hoping for a pre-Christmas

release but...

When Will It Arrive?

According to Microsoft's own official site on Vista, Windows Vista

will be available in early 2007. However, Vista (as of Sept.22, 2006)

is already in Beta testing with over 30,000 testers from around the globe.

Read more about this at the Windows Vista Team Blog:

http://blogs.technet.com/windowsvista/default.aspx

Vista will have TWO Interfaces

Vista Windows will have two interfaces, Basic and Aero. The Basic

Interface will be similar to Windows XP and will run on most current

PCs and Laptops. The Aero Interface is more advanced and you will need

higher system requirements to take advantage of all the new features.

(See Below)

Actually, Vista will have six versions in all. According to the Vista

web site these versions will range for the very basic up to the highest

performance level.

* Windows Vista Starter which runs only on 32-bit systems and will be

so on new machines in India, Thailand and other emerging markets.

* Windows Vista Home Basic which is very comparable to XP Home which

will not offer the high-end graphics and media features.

* Windows Vista Home Premium which will offer these graphics and media.

* Windows Vista Business which is similar to the current XP Professional.

* Windows Vista Enterprise will be only available to those customers

with volume licenses - will offer Unix service, encryption and virtual

machine capabilities.

* Windows Vista Ultimate will combine Vista Enterprise and Vista Home

Premium which will give customers the highest version of Windows.

There will also be "N" versions of Vista Business and Vista Home Basic

for the European market that will have Window Media Player removed.

Microsoft is catering to all levels of the marketplace and its a prudent

business move because many current PCs and laptops don't have the system

requirements to take advantage of the highest version of Vista Aero.

Your System Requirements for Vista?

Your system requirements for the new Windows Vista will depend on which

version of Vista you're buying. For the basic Vista you will need a

modern processor (800MHz or more) with at least 512 MB of system memory.

Your graphics processor should be DirectX 9 capable.

For the fully loaded Vista you will need a little more

robust system with at least 1 GHz processor with 1 GB of

system memory. This should be supported with DirectX 9 graphics

with 128 MB of graphics memory. A premium graphics card like ATI

or NVIDIA is recommended and you will need a 40 GB hard drive

with 15 GB free space. In order to watch and record

live TV you may have to add additional hardware.

Still not sure your current system will support Vista, just

run the free Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor RC found here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx

This program will tell you if your system can currently run Vista

or if you will need to upgrade your computer.

What noteworthy features will Vista give you?

If we get over the improved features like better organizing

of information, better security, and more reliability - what new

features will the Vista deliver?

One that really jumps out: INSTANT SEARCH

Instead of using the slow cascading "All Programs", you

can just type in a file name or task and you will find what

you're looking for. The new instant start menu will

be a lot quicker, saving you time.

This also jumps out: DYNAMIC WINDOWS

Perhaps, one of the major improvement will be in the

appearance and use of the new desktop with transparent

"glass-like" windows and animated windows on the taskbar.

It will have live thumbnails on the taskbar, place your

mouse over these and you will see the live contents without

having to bring it up on your screen. You will also be able

to create a three-dimensional stack of open windows on your

desktop and you will have smoother performance in dynamic

content or windows such as video.

And this one: SPEECH RECOGNITION

Speech Recognition will play a major role in the new

Windows Vista which promises to feature all the

latest Microsoft speech technologies with 'unparalleled

voice recognition accuracy' supported with multiple

languages and a more human-sounding synthesizer --

step aside Stephen Hawkins!

Plus, you will be able to control your computer by

using your voice. It will provide you with a list

of smart choices, whether it's selecting a word or

choosing an application. Mouseless and hands-free

computing tasks -- might be worth seeing.

And this: WATCH AND RECORD LIVE TV

You will be able to watch and record live TV with Vista. You

may have to use additional hardware to access this feature.

It is only a matter of time before the union of the Internet

and full TV broadcasting services. Windows Vista may help in

furthering this rather slow process. Integration, Integration

Integration.

Also this: BETTER SECURITY AND ENCRYPTION

The new Window Vista offers improved security and has a

few new encryption programs. There is something called

the Windows BitLocker(TM) Drive Encryption which help protect

the sensitive data on your hard drive - especially important

in our ever increasing mobile lifestyles and workforces.

This program will encrypt your entire Windows system and

protect your information in the case of a stolen or lost

PC or laptop.

Then there is the Encrypting File System (EFS) which will protect

user-level files and folders. This is important when two

or more people share the same computer as in a company network.

Companies will be able to use smart cards with EFS keys to allow

employees or workers to access only the content that's appropriate

for them to access. In addition, companies or users will be able

to restrict use of USB keys and other removable storage devices,

thus hampering the quick removal of data from your computer.

Wildcard: What role will RSS Play?

For interested techies and web watchers, the role RSS will

play in the new Vista is an intriguing question. What about

all those new RSS applications? The list extensions? What will

it bring? Read more here http://blogs.msdn.com/rssteam/

Will RSS (via Vista) be given the means to finally turn the

Internet into a Billion Channel Universe? Turning every web site

into its own mini-broadcasting system sending out its content

to all interested parties. Don't come to us, we will deliver.

Changing static content into dynamic content. Furthermore,

will speech recognition turn this dynamic content into a fully

interactive hands-free browsing experience. Might give a whole

new meaning to the expression 'Look Ma - no hands!'

All kidding aside, Windows Vista does offer some unique features

that will change how we use our computers. It offers greater security

and more integrated networking and applications. It does promise

to make our desktop interaction more responsive and smoother

with 'live' social bookmarks and windows. One can only hope

Vista lives up to its name and gives us a whole new viewing

experience.

...
The author is a full-time online marketer who runs numerous web sites, including two sites on Internet Marketing. For the latest web marketing tools try: Internet Marketing Tools He also runs an online Laptop Guide and has a keen interest in RSS and Computers. Go here for the latest Gaming Laptops Copyright c 2006 Titus Hoskins. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

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UPVC Windows - Give Your Home A Face Lift

When people visit your home UPVC windows can make a good first impression. There are several features available with these windows and you can choose from sash windows or casement windows. PVC is a good material choice. Here are some of the reasons why.

In North America, they call it vinyl, but on this side of the pond it's known as PVC. This is a durable material which is very strong and many people now prefer it for modern doors and windows. Indeed most people include UPVC windows in a modernisation package which includes doors and a conservatory as well.

There are several reasons to install windows of PVC when considering home improvement projects. The fact that they are weathertight is a major factor when remodelling. Double glazed UPVC windows consist of a membrane between two sheets of glass (hence the alternative term 'double glass windows'). This protects against heat loss and means that your heating bills will be lower once your new windows have been installed.

Windows of this material also improve the security of your home. They are more difficult to break into than traditional windows if people are trying to pick the lock. The locking mechanism is tight for additional security and if you want to experience a good flow of air, you can also lock modern vinyl windows in an ajar position for the best of both worlds.

When selecting new windows for your house, there are many ways in which PVC is superior to wood. For a start, there is the additional insulation that it provides but there is another important advantage as well. You won't have to spend as much time on maintenance with PVC. With wood, sanding and painting is standard every couple of years. With PVC the same renewal can be achieved with soap and water, leaving the material looking good for years.

One of the choices you will face when deciding on new windows for your home is the type of window you should select. These are likely to be either sash or casement. Sash windows are the windows that slide up and down and may have a locking mechanism at the top of the sash. Some sash windows are single, sliding one way only, while others are double, with both top and bottom panes able to move.

Casement windows are popular when it comes to UPVC windows. These are the windows that are hinged on the side and open inwards or outwards. Sometimes these windows can swing in several directions, to allow a fire exit or to increase the flow of air. Many companies that specialise in windows offer casement windows.

UPVC windows are a great way to save energy in the home, but let's not forget about decoration. There are additions to your windows that will enhance their attractiveness and the attractiveness of your home as well. Consider having leaded casement windows for timeless elegance, or enhancing your windows with stained glass panels. Let more light into a room by putting clear or frosted glass on the sides of your casement windows. There are several options which will make your home more beautiful.

Adrian Jones has been involved in the home improvement UK market for many years. This article outlines the options available when installing replacement windows for your home. Please include this credit if you use this article.

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How Installing New Windows Can Help With Home Improvement

When beginning a home improvement project, there are many parts of the home to consider. However, one of the most important projects is the installation of new house windows. There are many reasons for changing your house windows. For example, you can make the exterior of your home look better, which is very important if you are considering a house sale. To make a good impression on people who might be buying your home, it is essential to improve its appearance with the right windows and doors.

However, undertaking home improvement projects such as the installation of external doors and house windows should not only take into account how your home looks to others. Instead, you should also consider your own comfort. This is one reason why some people decide to install replacement doors and vinyl windows. UPVC windows and doors have significant advantages when you consider home improvement projects.

Many home improvement articles will list these advantages. Among them are the fact that PVC house windows and doors are weathertight. Unlike wooden framed windows there is no danger of rain, sleet or snow entering your home because of the tight seal that exists between your PVC house windows and the window frame. And UPVC double glazing really works with double glass windows having a membrane between the two sheets of glass that keeps the weather where it belongs - on the outside!

It is because of the tight seals that vinyl windows cut down on heat loss by half according to researchers. What this means is that when you have PVC house windows you will have a cosy, warm living space with much less need to central heating. This can save you a lot of money over the long winter months.

When you are planning to improve or remodel your home with replacement windows and doors, don't worry that being warm in winter means being too hot in summer. Most UPVC windows now have a feature which allows you to have the window slightly ajar to let air flow through, while still being locked so that your house is secure.

There are several styles to choose from with vinyl windows, so you can select the style that best suits your home. Try sash windows or casement windows to vary the look of your home. And if you live in a sunny area, tinted windows may be a good option to shut out the glare while letting in the light.

There are several styles to choose from with vinyl windows, so you can select the style that best suits your home. Try sash windows or casement windows to vary the look of your home. And if you live in a sunny area, tinted windows may be a good option to shut out the glare while letting in the light.

PVC can be a cost effective way to dress up your home. That's because once windows and doors have been installed, they require relatively little maintenance. When you opt for timber framed windows, you know that within a couple of years you will need to sand and repaint if they are to maintain their appearance. That's not the case with UPVC windows. All you need to keep them looking good is some soap and water - and some window cleaner from time to time. PVC is weather resistant and so light cleaning is all that will be needed.

Sometimes you want the best of both worlds and with PVC windows you can have it. Having these windows does not mean giving up the attractive appearance of wood. Instead you can choose light or dark wood like finishes for your new house windows, to make them a really classy home improvement project.

Adrian Jones has been involved in the home improvement UK market for many years. This article outlines the options available when installing replacement windows and doors for your home. Please include this credit if you use this article.

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New Trends in Clad Wood Windows

Simply put windows...are what you put in the holes in your house. Think about that. Holes in your house. It seems to me that if you are going to have holes in your house, you want a very good quality window to prevent the those holes from letting the conditioned air out and the cold air in and rain from destroying the interior of your house.

Their are three basic categories of windows:


Wood

Aluminum
Vinyl

I will discuss wood windows in particular in this post and specifically clad windows as very few people wish to put unclad windows in their house due to the added maintenance of having to paint them every 3-5 years.

Wood windows are made of wood, (primarily pine) but are sold primarily with a cladding on the exterior to reduce the exterior maintenance requirements that attach to all windows (no painting). The cladding is typically Aluminum, however their are increasing options in this regard in the form of extruded and sheet noble metal claddings such as Bronze, Copper and Zinc.

The last 3 materials are generally sold only on custom windows which are very expensive and typically can only be justified on hard budgets of over $ 400 PSF. If your like me (and most others) you will not be building a home in this range.

However, there are a few copper alternatives manufactured by commodity window manufacturer's that might in fact fit into your budget. I will discuss these in greater detail in a later post. Anyway back to clad wood windows.

The best known names in this field (due to huge marketing budgets) are Anderson, Pella, Weathershield, Jeld-Wen and Marvin. They probably comprise about 65% market share between them and each of them have their own specific advantages and disadvantages. Only a careful review of the features and benefits of each window will reveal what is best for your project. A brief description of the features that I consider important when reviewing the various windows follows below:

Anderson - unique in that the wood window made by Anderson is clad with a PVC vinyl cladding. The cladding is bound to the wood substrate with an adhesive type mechanism which has shown effective, but in some extreme climates worries me that it could detach.

The window is backed by a top-notch warranty and I have anecdotal experience that the company takes its warranty obligations seriously. A good thing indeed. There was manufacturing problem with the welding of the corners of the vinyl cladding some years back on a lot of windows that made its way to Colorado. I was selling Anderson windows at that time and know that the Company spent a very healthy sum of money to find the windows with the problem and fix them before the owners knew there was a problem. It is not that usual to see this kind of pro-active attitude in any company.

The other features of the window include a proprietary glazing system that will require that you will always have to go the Anderson for replacement and a reticence by the company to put breather tubes in their glazing system (critical in high altitudes). Anderson is the largest manufacturers of windows (under one brand) in the U.S. Anderson sells their product through a dealer network composed of lumber yards, window dealers and home-improvement contractors. Anderson mow also sells a line of composite windows made from the waste wood derived from manufacturing its wood windows,

Pella - Pella manufacturers windows clad and unclad in Iowa and markets them through primarily authorized distributors although they have recently started to distribute their builder grade line through Home Depot. The Pella product is distinguished by the availability of buit-in roll-down insect screens, between-the-glass window blinds and and an exclusive distributorship for the clearest window screening material made in the United States.

Pella's clad system is roll-formed and loosely attached which can cause problems such as "oil-canning" in very hot climates and the possibility of condensation forming underneath the cladding in high-humidity locales leading to rot of the underlying sash. Otherwise Pella makes good quality window. Pella now manufactures a line of composite windows which show promise from a performance perspective.

Jeld-Wen - sells wood windows under a variety of brand names including Jeld-Wen, Pozzi, Wilmar and a few others. All of these brands were more or less regionally well-known brands and Jeld-Wen has made a weak effort to unify the brands either from a marketing perspective or from a manufacturing perspective from what I can tell. The various brands have quality reputations that you will have to judge for yourself. The Jeld-Wen moniker is a holding company for a broad range of construction products that make Jeld-Wen a very large presence in the construction products category, a great many of them in the commodity category. They are an excellent manufacturer.

Marvin - is an old line family owned firm that manufactures a broad line of wood windows and composite windows. One of the distinguishing features of the Marvin brand is that the aluminum clad version is actually an extruded aluminum sash with a Wood insert to the interior. This scenario is also a feature of the Weathershield line and the Window Technologies line in the Midwest. This method makes for a more rigid sash, and eliminates the possibility of oil-canning and reduces the chances of moisture forming under the cladding. It also places a barrier dead air space underneath the sash which should add somewhat to its performance in cold climates.

These are the (4) largest manufacturers of wood windows in the United States based on market share. The relative value of their products is affected by a range of factors that will make your choice dependent on your specific needs. There are also a great many regional manufacturers that make good quality windows that will be equally prevalent in your locale. I will discuss those in another post.

My personal selection for the highest quality wood clad window available would be Loewen Windows. Loewen is a Canadian company that is based in the far Northwest so I am not sure you will find them widely distributed in your area of the country. A few things that distinguish the design of the Loewen is that it is built out of Vertical Grained Doug Fir which is a moderately durable wood (better than pine) and is more beautiful than pine if you are staining the interior.

The window also is designed to meet the Canadian standards for Air infiltration which are the toughest in this hemisphere. The window is very well made and they are still a small enough company that customer desires and satisfaction are central to the operation of the company. I would highly recommend them.

Randy Covington has over 30 years experience in construction. Formerly Licensed as a Residential Builder in Florida and an unlimited General Contractor in South Carolina, he has built small commercial and residential projects in the Southeast and West. Randy has spent the last 15 years selling construction products from lumber to custom windows with Bronze and Copper cladding to some of the most expensive residences on the planet. If you have question on constructing your own home or on windows, or need to source something really unusual for your home, you may reach him at www.myhomespace.biz or at rancov@yahoo.com.

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Tips For Speeding Up Windows XP - Without Utilizing Defrag

If you're still relying on 'Defrag' to improve system performance, you are behind the times. Defragmenting is the process of reorganizing all files on a hard drive so that each file is arranged into a single uninterrupted or contiguous location on the disk. Many system builders and technicians still believe that defragmenting a hard drive on a regular basis will keep a machine operating at peak performance. That was true with older PCs, but today we have 7200 rotations per minute disk drives with improved seek and latency times; many contain an 8MB cache buffer. For today's machines, defragmentation no longer has a big impact on system performance.

Defragmenting is still an important task. Excess power consumption and over heating can directly relate to a fragmented hard drive. If a file is not contiguous when the computer's operating system requests it, extra seeking on the disk is required. More importantly, if a hard drive crashes, the likelihood of successfully recovering data from the damaged drive improves greatly if the data is contiguous rather than fragmented. Defrag just doesn't cut it anymore when it comes to speeding up a PC.

The following tips will improve system performance on any PC running Windows XP and some will improve system security as well:

(Note - If your computer is on a Local Area Network or LAN at your business or you have a laptop that is at times on a workplace LAN, don't change ANY configuration settings without approval from your Network Administrator).

Before you begin, do a backup of your essential data

For details on performing a proper backup in Windows XP, go to Microsoft.com and enter 'Backup Windows XP' in the search bar.

There are a few basic system attributes that may need to be adjusted so that the system will allow you to make necessary changes:

I. Make sure that you're logged on to your machine as an 'Administrator'

II. Make sure that you can properly navigate 'System Files'-

Open any folder and go to 'Tools' > 'Folder Options...' > 'View'

Under 'Advanced Settings' make sure that the following boxes are checked:

'Display the contents of system folders'

'Show hidden files and folders'

Make sure that the following boxes are NOT checked:

'Hide extensions for known file types'

'Hide protected operating system files'

III. Enable the 'Run' feature in the 'Start' menu

Hit the 'Start' button. If 'Run...' is not visible in the 'Start' menu do the following:

'Right-click' on the 'Task Bar'. Go to 'Properties' > 'Start Menu'

If 'Start menu' is selected, select and utilize 'Classic start menu' instead.

(Many viruses replace the 'Folder.htt' file utilized by the Windows XP 'Start Menu' with a corrupt VBScript. Once infected, each time you utilize Windows Explorer to view a folder you will execute a virus that will dramatically slow down your machine.)

After selecting 'Classic start menu' hit 'Apply' then go to 'Customize...' and make sure that the 'Display Run' box is checked.

Now, let's crank it up!

Eliminate all spyware

Utilize free programs such as AdAware by Lavasoft and SpyBot Search & Destroy by Safer Networking. Once these programs are installed, make sure that there aren't any items listed or checked in the 'Ignore' section. Be sure to check for and download updates before starting a scan.

Run a complete virus scan

Update your anti-virus software and run a complete system virus scan. Many viruses are designed for the sole purpose of draining system resources. Make sure that you only have one anti-virus software package installed. Unlike anti-Spyware programs, mixing anti-virus software is a sure-fire way to spell disaster for system performance and reliability.

Run 'Disk Cleanup'

Open 'My Computer' from the desktop. 'Right-click' on your main hard drive, (usually 'C:'). Select 'Properties' and press 'Disk cleanup'. Allow it to run. Once finished, the 'Files to delete' window will show the file categories on the disk that can be deleted or compressed. Check the boxes by those that you don't need and press 'OK'.

Check each hard drive with 'scandisk'

With time and heavy use, data and physical problems can develop that drastically decrease system performance. Defragmenting the drive can help, but there are other issues such as lost clusters and bad sectors that the defragmentation utility cannot touch. It's a good idea to run XP's built in error checking utility on your drives every 2-3 months. This utility will scan your disks for errors and optionally attempt to correct them.

Open 'My Computer' from the desktop. 'Right-click' on your main hard drive, (usually 'C:'). Select 'properties' then 'tools' and under 'error checking' select 'check now...'. Check both 'Automatically fix file system errors' and 'Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors'. Restart your machine. 'Scandisk' will run during startup and can take a while depending on the size of your drive.

Clean out your 'Temporary Internet Files' and 'Cookies' folder

'Start' > 'Settings' > 'Control Panel' > 'Internet Options'

Select 'Delete Cookies...'. When the confirmation window appears, press 'OK'.

Select 'Delete Files...'. When the confirmation window appears, check 'Delete all offline content' and press 'OK'. (If you checked the 'Temporary Internet Files' box during 'Disk Cleanup' this should only take a second or two.)

Change 'Days to keep pages in history:' to 0. If you visit certain Web sites on a regular basis, add them to your 'Favorites'. Don't utilize 'History' to keep track of frequently visited sites.

Press 'OK'.

Eliminate programs that run during startup

Preventing programs from running at startup can be frustrating because there is no single location from which to stop them all. Some programs run because they're in the 'Startup' folder, others because they're attached to logon scripts. Others run due to Registry settings. With a little determination and persistence, you will be able to prevent unnecessary programs from running during startup.

Clean out your 'Startup' folder

C:Documents and Settings'your username'Start MenuProgramsStartup

Delete 'shortcuts' to unnecessary programs that run during startup. (You can also remove startup 'shortcuts' by going to 'Start' > 'Programs' > 'Startup', then 'right-clicking' on and deleting the 'shortcuts' you want to remove).

(Note - You can prevent all programs in your 'Startup' folder from running by holding down the 'Shift' key during startup. The items will still remain in the 'Startup' folder, however, and they will start the next time you boot).

Clean out your 'Scheduled Tasks' folder

C:WindowsTasks

Delete the 'shortcuts' to programs that you don't want to run automatically on a schedule.

Utilizing the 'System Configuration Utility'

The above steps will prevent most obvious programs from running during startup, but others are hidden. To view these programs, go to 'Start' > 'Run...' type 'msconfig' and press 'OK' or hit 'Enter'. You are now utilizing the 'System Configuration Utility'. Go to the 'Startup' tab and you will see the hidden programs that run during startup.

None of these programs are needed for Windows XP to startup properly. You do, however, want your anti-virus software and certain programs that your machine utilizes such as touchpad, graphics, audio and networking drivers to run during startup. This is where persistence pays off. Many times these programs aren't clearly marked. To identify one of these programs, go to 'Start' > 'Search' > 'For files and folders' > 'All files and folders'. Then select 'More advanced options' and make sure that 'Search system folders', 'Search hidden files and folders' and 'Search subfolders' are all checked. Then type the name of the unidentifiable program, ('SHSTAT', for example), then press 'Search'.

Once the program shows up in the 'Search Results' window, press 'STOP'. Then 'Right-click' on the program and select 'Open Containing Folder'. Now you are in the program's directory and should be able to identify it by reading the address bar. 'SHSTAT' resides in my ' C:Program FilesNetwork AssociatesVirusScan' folder, therefore, I want it to run during startup. 'Msmsgs', on the other hand, resides in my 'C:Program FilesMessenger' folder. I never use the Microsoft Instant Messenger, therefore, I would uncheck it in the 'System Configuration Utility'. Once you have unchecked each program that you don't want to run during startup, press 'Apply' then 'Close' and select 'Restart'. After startup you will receive a 'System Configuration Utility' message stating, "You have used the System Configuration Utility to make changes to the way Windows starts." Simply check 'Don't show this message...' then select 'OK'. I realize that this is a borderline ridiculous process, but until Microsoft comes up with a better way to modify hidden startup programs... oh well.

Eliminate services that run during startup

Constantly running processes that help the operating system run or that provide support to other applications are known as 'services'. Many 'services' launch automatically at startup and constantly run in the background. While you need many of them, some are not required and they can slow down your system.

To view 'services' go to 'Start' > 'Run' and type 'services.msc' then press 'OK' or hit 'Enter'. To stop a 'service' from running during startup, 'Right-click' on the 'service' and select 'Properties'. Change 'Startup type:' to 'Manual' and press 'Apply'. Then press 'Stop'. The following are some of the common services that can be prevented from running during startup:

- Portable Media Serial Number Service

- Removable Storage

- Task Scheduler Service - Schedules unattended tasks to be run. If you don't schedule any unattended tasks, turn it off.

- Uninterruptible Power Supply Service - Manages an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) connected to your PC. If you don't utilize one, turn it off.

- Wireless Zero Configuration Service - only if you don't utilize a wireless internet connection.

- Telnet - (Certain versions of Windows XP Pro only) Unless you're a 'hacker'. Then you probably wouldn't be reading this article. Instead of changing 'Telnet' to 'Manual', go ahead and select 'Disable'.

Disable 'file indexing'

The 'Indexing service' extracts information from documents and other files on the hard drive and creates a "searchable keyword index." As you can imagine, this process can be quite taxing on any system.

The idea is that the user can search for a word, phrase, or property inside of any document or file. Windows XP's built-in search functionality can still perform these searches without the Indexing service. It just takes longer.

Open 'My Computer' from the desktop. 'Right-click' on your main hard drive, (usually 'C:'). Select 'Properties'. Uncheck 'Allow Indexing Service to index this disk for fast file searching'. Then select 'Apply changes to C:, subfolders and files', then select 'OK'. If a warning or error message appears (such as 'Access is denied'), select the 'Ignore All button'.

Enable 'DMA' for each hard drive

'Start'>'Settings'>'Control Panel'>'Administrative Tools'>'Computer Management'>'Device Manager'

'Double-click' on the 'IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers device' and ensure that 'DMA', (Direct Memory Access), is enabled for each drive connected to the Primary and Secondary controller. Do this by double-clicking on 'Primary IDE Channel'. Select the 'Advanced Settings' tab. Ensure the Transfer Mode is set to 'DMA if available' for both Device 0 and Device 1. Repeat this process with the Secondary IDE Channel.

Turn off unnecessary animations

'Start'>'Settings'>'Control Panel'>'System'>'Advanced'

Windows XP offers many settings related animated icons, fonts, window displays, etc. When enabled these features utilize valuable system resources. under 'Performance' select 'Settings' then select 'Adjust for best performance'.

Eliminate unnecessary 'fonts'

C:WINDOWSFonts

The more fonts you have installed, the slower your system will become. While Windows XP handles fonts much more efficiently than previous versions of Windows, too many fonts, anything over 500, will noticeably tax your system.

Speedup Windows Explorer

Every time you open a folder there is a delay before the folder's content appears. Windows XP automatically searches for network files and printers every time you open Windows Explorer. To correct this and to significantly increase browsing speed open 'My Computer' from the desktop. Select 'Tools' then 'Folder Options'. Select 'View' and uncheck 'Automatically search for network folders and printers'. Select 'Apply' then 'OK' and restart your machine.

Optimize Your 'Pagefile'

If you assign a 'fixed' file size to your 'pagefile' the operating system no longer needs to resize it to fulfill memory needs.

Windows XP sizes the 'pagefile' to about 1.5x the amount of actual physical memory by default. This is fine for systems with smaller amounts of memory, (under 512MB). If you have less than 512MB of memory, leave the 'pagefile' at its default size. If you have 512MB or more, change the 'pagefile' size ratio to 1:1.

'Right-click' on 'My Computer' from the desktop and select 'Properties' > 'Advanced'. Under 'Performance' choose 'Settings' > 'Advanced' > 'Virtual Memory' > 'Change'. Highlight the drive containing your page file, (usually 'C:'), and make the 'Initial size' of the file the same as the 'Maximum size' of the file. Then select 'Set' > 'OK' > 'OK' > 'OK'. Restart your machine.

Editing the 'registry'

Microsoft Windows stores its configuration information in a database called the 'registry'. The 'registry' is the central storage for all computer configuration data. The Windows system configuration, the computer hardware configuration, information about installed programs, the types of documents that each program can create or use and user preferences are all stored in the 'registry'. Windows continually references this information during its operation. The 'registry' stores the data in a structured hierarchy of 'keys', 'subkeys', and 'named values'. Incorrectly editing the 'registry' may severely damage your system. Microsoft recommends that you backup the 'registry' before you edit it.

The only 'Key' that we will edit is 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE' or 'HKLM'. To backup the 'HKLM' key select 'Start' > 'Run...' and type 'regedit', then select 'OK' or hit 'Enter'. You are now utilizing the Windows 'Registry Editor'. On the left under 'My Computer' you will see the 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE' key. To backup the key, 'Right-click' on on the key and select 'Export'. In the 'File name:' block type 'HKLM_Backup'. Select the directory that you want to save the backup in with the 'Save in:' drop down menu at the top of the window and select 'Save'. Now you have backed up the 'HKLM' key.

The following edits are fairly simple and they don't require the alteration of any critical keys, so you shouldn't need to restore the backup. When editing the 'registry', however, you can never assume anything. Should you need to restore the backup, simply open 'regedit' again, 'highlight' the 'HKLM' key and select 'File' > 'Import...'. Browse to the 'HKLM_Backup.reg' file and select it. Select 'Open' then 'OK'. Restart your machine.

Force Windows to unload DLLs

Dynamic Link Libraries, or DLLs, are files that contain data or functions that Windows programs can call when needed by linking to them. Every piece of windows software will include instructions to the operating system as to which DLLs it will need to access, and XP will cache these particular files into memory for faster access.

Unfortunately, Windows XP keeps these DLLs cached after the related program has closed, wasting memory. While DLLs are generally small files, enough of them can make a big dent. This 'registry tweak' will force Windows XP to unload DLLs used by a program once that program is closed.

Select 'Start' > 'Run...' and type 'regedit', then select 'OK' or hit 'Enter'. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorer

Highlight the 'Explorer' folder. Then in the window to the right, 'Right-click' anywhere in the white space. Select 'New' > 'DWORD Value' and name it 'AlwaysUnloadDLL'. After creating the key, 'Right-click' on it and select 'Modify' and under 'Value data:' type '1'. Select 'OK' and close 'regedit'. Restart your machine.

Disable 'Last Access Update'

When you access a directory Windows XP wastes a lot of time updating the time stamp showing the most recent access time for that directory and for all of it's sub-directories. As the number of files and folders increases on your hard drive, system performance decreases.

Select 'Start' > 'Run...' and type 'regedit', then select 'OK' or hit 'Enter'. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESystemCurrentControlSetControlFileSystem

Highlight the 'FileSystem' folder. Then in the window to the right, 'Right-click' anywhere in the white space. Select 'New' > 'DWORD Value' and name it 'NtfsDisableLastAccessUpdate'. After creating the key, 'Right-click' on it and select 'Modify' and under 'Value data:' type '1'. Select 'OK' and close 'regedit'. Restart your machine.

Improve Boot Speed

A great feature in Windows XP is the ability to perform a 'boot defragment'. This places all boot files next to each other on the disk and allows for faster booting. By default this option is usually turned on during installation but on occasion it is not.

Select 'Start' > 'Run...' and type 'regedit', then select 'OK' or hit 'Enter'. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftDfrgBootOptimizeFunction

Highlight the 'BootOptimizeFunction' folder. Then in the window to the right, view the 'Enable' key. If a 'Y' is present under 'Data', simply close 'regedit'. The feature is already enabled. If not, 'Right-click' on the key and select 'Modify' and under 'Value data:' type 'Y'. Select 'OK' and close 'regedit'. Restart your machine.

Speed up shutdown times

Having a fast machine during startup won't make you very happy if it takes forever to shutdown. You can disable the 'Clear Page File At Shutdown' feature to significantly decrease shutdown times.

Select 'Start' > 'Run...' and type 'regedit', then select 'OK' or hit 'Enter'. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlSessionManagerMemory Management

Highlight the 'MemoryManagement' folder. Then in the window to the right, 'right-click' on the 'ClearPageFileAtShutdown' key. Select 'Modify' and under 'Value data:' type '0'. Select 'OK' and close 'regedit'. Restart your machine.

J.C. Hurst works for The Ziegler Corporations in Atlanta, GA:
http://www.ZieglerSuperSystems.com
and Force Marketing with offices in Atlanta and Los Angeles:
http://www.ForceMktg.com

You may contact J.C. at: jchurst@forcemktg.com

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UPVC Windows - An Attractive Home Improvement Option

Everyone wants their home to be visually appealing, but in some cases, this requires a bit of remodeling on the part of the homeowner. Not only do windows and doors provide natural lighting for the home, they also lend beauty and personality to otherwise ordinary homes. So if you are thinking of remodeling, an attractive update to your home may come in the form of upvc windows.

There are several different replacement windows to consider when you are updating your home. The styles of replacement windows usually vary to fit with the style of the home architecture. Some of the most popular styles of replacement windows include casement windows, sliders, double hung windows, bay windows, bow windows, garden windows, and skylights.

Casement windows normally consist of one or two panes and are hinged on one side. They are opened by rotating a crank and generally only open 15 to 30 degrees, which is enough to let in light, but not much else. Slider windows consist of two offset sashes and operate much like a sliding glass door. Double hung windows allow air to flow either from the top or the bottom of the window. They consist of two offset slashes that move vertically.

You would normally see bay windows in the living rooms or other formal areas of the home. They are three sided window arrangements that extend from the exterior wall of the house. Such windows allow a room to feel larger and also offer a little extra space for seating and more.

Bow windows are somewhat similar to bay windows in that they project from the exterior of a home. The difference is that a bow window consists of a series of windows with each sash set at an angle, so that the window curves gracefully outward.

To replace an older kitchen window, many people choose garden windows. Like the bay window and the bow window, these windows also extend from the face of the house. However, they are much smaller than bay windows and bow windows. Many homeowners place their potted plants in garden windows achieving the effect of a mini garden indoors.

Skylights are set in the roof of a home and provide direct lighting from the outside. They are often used to improve the lighting in rooms that are naturally dim and include weather tight seals to keep out the elements.

Each of these options has recently become available in the popular upvc windows style. Upvc windows are now available in such a wide array of styles and colors that they do not detract from the style and architecture of the home, as many homeowners complained they did when they were first introduced to the market.

Double glazing upvc windows are a popular option with homeowners wishing to update their homes via replacement windows. These windows are highly efficient as they are constructed from two panes of glass that create an insulating pocket of air, keeping out drafts and providing a weather tight seal.

So if you are considering updating your home, double glazing upvc windows may be just the thing to give your home a new look without putting a major dent in your bank account. Be sure to shop around in order to find a reputable supplier and get the best value for your money. Just remember to be as diligent as you would with any major purchase when looking for replacement windows.

Adrian Jones has been involved in the home improvement UK market for many years. This article outlines the benefits of upvc replacement windows for your home. Please include this credit if you use this article.

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Roof Windows And Dormer Windows

Let´s say you do not like the petty skylights. You want some nice, large windows to let the most possible sunshine under your roof. In that case you can choose from the roof windows or the dormer windows. Which ones are the best? It depends.

The roof windows vs skylights

The roof window is something like large skylight. Actually there is no substantial difference between skylights and roof windows, nevertheless skylights usually refer to smaller surface. Both skylights and roof windows are installed aslant, to the surface of the sloped roof.

The roof windows advantages

The roof window offers better (and longer) illumination compared to the vertical, dormer window. In certain areas the difference can be as much as 40%.

As the slant roof windows are installed directly to the roof surface, no special frameworks are necessary and installation of the roof window is cheaper than the dormer window installation (less material, less work).

The roof windows disadvantages

The roof windows do not add any space to your loft or ceiling as they only copy the roof.

Also the view from the roof window is little limited compared to the dormer window view.

The dormer windows

The dormer windows refer to the vertically installed windows projecting out, from the sloped roof surface.

The dormer windows advantages

Dormer windows increase the space of your loft or ceiling.

The vertical viewing (dormer) window also offers better view as you are closer to the viewed object.

Last but not least, the dormer windows, as they lift the sloped part of the roof higher, improve the safety conditions of your ceiling or loft (means you will not hit your head when looking out of the dormer window, of course, if you comply with all standard recommendations for the dormer window placement and dimensions.

The dormer windows disadvantages

Unlike the slant roof window, the dormer window faces the direct daylight with smaller surface, therefor it lets less light in.

Also the dormer windows installation is usually more expensive and demanding on planning and sources than the slant roof window installation.

Vilo Kanis is the editor of - your one stop source of roof related information [http://RoofinChildsPlay.com]

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How Can Window Shutters Create A New Modern Window Appeal That Will Match Any Window Treatment Decor

Window treatments can transform a room into a cozy warm and inviting place where friends and family can get together to relax and have fun. One of the most popular forms of window treatments are window shutters. Window shutter treatments come in many different styles and materials. There are also many different ways that they can be installed. The most chosen method of installation is inside of the window frame itself, or you can use a window strip and place it on the outside of the window frame.

Window shutters can be purchased as a single shutter that opens much like a window blind or you can purchase a two-panel shutter that opens from side to side. There are several other choices of window shutters that you can choose from to make your room into warm and cozy room, however it is important that you take into consideration the size of your room and the size of your windows to insure that the look is right for your room, with window shutter treatments, you can control the amount of light that comes into the room. Another option for window shutter treatments is shutters that have four panels. This insures total privacy especially late at night. They also can block out some of the noise that occurs on a daily basis. The best feature about window shutter treatments is that they come in so many different styles that you will have a difficult time choosing which is best for you. If you have odd shaped windows, or more than one window in a row, it is possible to order window shutter treatments to adjust for each window. By simply adding a divider rail, you can add as many shutters as you choose to complete the look of your room.

Choosing the right window shutter

Among the many types of window shutters that are available today, louvers are a very popular choice. A louver is a window shutter that has horizontal slats instead of vertical. They start at one and one-quarter inch slats and can go as big as four and a half inches. It is important to remember that the size of the slats in your shutters controls the amount of light that enters the room. Louvers are typically made of polymer or wood. Both of these types of louvers add beauty and elegance to any room.

· Wooden shutters can also add beauty and elegance to a room. They are usually made of pine, however, they can be purchased in cherry or oak wood. You can purchase wooden shutters as unfinished, to stain and match the room that you are decorating. Wooden shutters can also be purchased in pre-painted basic colors that you can hang or even stencil patterns on. They are very durable, and can improve the overall quality of your home.

· Vinyl window shutters are made of polymers that allow them to last longer and makes them more durable. They resist mold and mildew that is caused by moisture. They are perfect for areas such as bathrooms because of their high resistance to moisture properties and are easier to clean then all other types of window shutters. Vinyl window shutters do not warp and clean up with a damp cloth.

Although window shutters come in all a lot of different colors and styles, they only come in three different styles however each has their own characteristics. These styles are plantation shutters, vertical louver shutters, and café shutters.

Three basic types of louvered shutters

1. Plantation shutters are designed to give your windows proportion and usually start at two and a half inches wide and go up to four and a half inches wide. They can add a decorative unique look to your room.

2. Vertical louver shutters can be found in homes and businesses everywhere. They add an air of sophistication and elegance to any room. Vertical louver shutters start at about one and a quarter inches wide and range up to twelve inches wide. They compliment any room.

3. Although a café window shutter is considered a type of shutter, it is really only a type of installation. A café shutter is designed to cover only a portion of the window, and is an excellent addition to any window. They will enhance any room that they are installed in.

Window shutters tips and ideas

Window shutters are coverings for window that enhance the beauty and elegance in a room. They are movable parts that can be made of wood or covered in fabric. Although window shutters are very popular, there are certain guidelines that you must follow. Making sure that the tension on the shutter is correct witch will decrease the chances of any type of malfunctions. They should open and close without resistance and stay in the position that are placed. The materials that are used to create your shutters should be of the highest quality to insure long life. Making sure that the window shutters are hung in the correct manner will assure long life. When the window shutters are hung in the correct manner, and adjusted, they will stop even the slightest bit of light from coming through.

Daryl Plaza is a regular contributor to CreativeBlindsandShutters.com [http://www.creativeblindsandshutters.com/windowshutters.html] an informational website on window blinds, window shutters and shades with Window blind ideas and tips on how you can plan your window decor.

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How to Install a Bay Window

The first step in any job is to make sure you have the proper tools available for the job. In addition, if you are enlarging the space the previous window is in, or if you are cutting a hole to make a completely new window, you will need two by fours as "cripple studs" and other framing that may be needed. Then you need to follow the steps to a proper installation:

1. Determine exactly how you want the window placed in the wall and remove the existing window. Using the measurements of the new window, draw the outline on the outside of the house. This will show you where you need to cut. With your circular saw, cut the required opening.

2. Build a frame for the new window. You may have to cut through existing studs and install a new header, sill, jack studs

and cripple studs.

3. Put in support braces. Bay windows are usually pretty wide, so you need to use the number of braces accordingly. A five

foot window, for example, will need at least two braces, a wider window three or more.

4. You will need an assistant to lift the window and set it in place. You balance the window on the support braces and slide it

into the opening. Put in shims to level the window perfectly, and then anchor it in place by nailing it down.

5. Place the roof frame over the bay window and nail it into place. Insulation must be put in between the roof and the top

of the bay window, using the insulating material of your choice. Attach the roof sheeting to the frame and then put down the

roofing paper. Put in drip edges and flashing, then put shingles on the roof of the window.

6. Fill insulation around the bottom of the window between it and the wall of the house. Attach a skirt bottom that will serve

to seal the window on the underneath.

7. All of the edges should be sealed with outdoor grade silicone caulking to keep the window airtight and waterproof.

This is the basic list of installation steps for a bay window. The steps have been abbreviated to give you an idea of what

steps you need to be prepared for, but if you buy a preassembled window, it will include detailed step by step instructions.

The best way to insure that you have a properly installed window is to follow these instructions to the letter. NO shortcuts!

Your project will be faster and easier in the long run.

I asked two friends to help with the project and that helped make the

project go faster, especially since we have done projects together before. In one afternoon, we had removed the old window

and put in the rough framing for the new window. We covered the hole with plywood for protection overnight, and started

working early the next day. By the end of the second day, the window was in, including the roof and skirting. The following

day I was able to seal up the outside and complete the interior trim. OUr prediction was true; we picked the ideal spot to

install a bay window. It was a charming touch to the outside of the house, and on the inside of the house it was a

conversation piece in the room. It definitely added character to the room and we know it will add to the resale value of the

house, since this is a feature that has been shown to be very desired by home buyers.

Peter Wilson's articles can be discovered on various online sites tied to information on bay window curtains. You can discover his observations on bay windows and bay window curtains at http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com

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Windows XP Revisited - Teaching the Faithful Old Dog Some New Tricks

Just lately it seems to be the fashion amongst writers on the internet to compare and criticise operating systems. While one user talks up the merits of Ubuntu Linux versus Windows Vista on her blog, another is quick to criticise Ubuntu's lack of user friendly features and available software. In this article I am here to sing the praises of the old dog Windows XP. Once the all singing all dancing multimedia darling, XP is now the older brother of the much younger and trendier Windows Vista. While Vista can be the life and soul of the party, it is still very much a problem child for many users who are frustrated with incompatibilities, poor driver support and degraded performance in multimedia applications and games. If, like me, your Vista experience wasn't all you hoped it would be, read on as we take another look at Windows XP and find that you really can teach an old dog some new tricks.

Security

One of the biggest shocks long time Windows users had to face when upgrading to Vista was the new security measures, specifically User Account Controls. Microsoft's answer to the problem of rampant malware on Windows machines was a barrage of security checks which can quickly become daunting. While emulating this feature might seem like a bad idea, UAC is a partial solution to a very sticky problem and the alternative, allowing malware to continue to spread unhindered, is not really an option. Although you can't have Vista style user account control under XP, there are a number of alternatives. An aggressive firewall product such as Outpost firewall not only monitors internet traffic but also alerts you when programs misbehave or perform potentially dangerous operations. Outpost costs $39.95 per year and includes a regularly updated spyware scanner.

Sudown is similar to UAC and allows you to temporarily elevate the privileges on a limited account to that of an administrator account in order to run programs such as installers. Sudown is less intrusive than UAC but arguably less secure and less complete (you may find that you still have to log into the administrators account under some conditions). Sudown is a free utility and is available from sourceforge.

Windows Explorer

Windows explorer featured several significant upgrades in Vista. Handling of photographs and multimedia files was improved and search was fully integrated. "Breadcrumbs" were introduced, this is a somewhat bizarre name Microsoft gave to their new windows explorer extension that allows for convenient browsing between directories and subdirectories.

While you cannot reproduce the Windows Vista explorer completely, you can actually go one better. Directory Opus is the most powerful file manager/explorer on the planet and works extremely well with Windows XP. If a little intimidating at first, most users will quickly learn to appreciate the power and flexibility this utility offers. Surpassing Vista's new Windows Explorer in almost every department and with powerful photo/multimedia features, Directory Opus really is worth the learning curve and there are many comprehensive tutorials available on the internet to help ease new users in. Directory Opus costs around $70 per licence. If you want to learn more about this superb utility then start here.

Search

Windows Vista's integrated desktop search is one of my favourite new features in the operating system. Here, XP lags a little behind its younger sibling but it isn't an entirely lost cause. Many users do not realise, but Microsoft Desktop Search is also available for free for Windows XP. While it lacks the slick integration with Windows Explorer, it is still a powerful tool. You can download Desktop Search for XP

here.

Looking to really get organised? Desktop search is good, but many of us have piles of CD-R or DVD-R disks kicking around our workplaces. Wouldn't it be great if there was something that could neatly catalogue all those files too? Well, there is. The aptly named "WhereIsIt?" is able to neatly organise and catalogue not only files on your hard disk but files stashed away on removable disks too. WhereIsIt? Is shareware, with the full version costing $39.95 per licence. Enter "WhereIsIt" into Google to find out more.

Look and Feel

For those systems able to run it, the new Aero interface in Windows Vista is both fast and beautiful. By comparison, the blues and creams of Windows XP look distinctly last generation. Of course, beauty is only skin deep and what really matters is functionality. That said, a little more eye candy obviously appeals to a lot of people, since numerous web-sites and utilities have sprung up for Windows XP with the sole aim of making the operating system look better. The pinnacle of these utilities is the Object Desktop suite from Stardock. With a few clicks you can instantly transform your XP desktops look and feel into any of hundreds of visual styles available for download from Stardock's website. Want Aero-like special effects on Windows XP? Object Desktop Window FX can do them and you can even customise exactly which visual effects to use. Want two start menus? No problem, with Objectbar you can do that too. Want Windows Dreamscene animated wallpapers? Well sorry, you are out of luck this time. The price for all this desktop pimping? $49.95. To find out more, or download a trial version, enter object desktop into Google. All this talk of desktop enhancements brings us nicely on to:-

Sidebar and Widgets

Windows Vista comes with it's own sidebar with detachable widgets, but sidebars and widgets are old news in Windows (and indeed in most other modern operating systems too). My favourite XP sidebar is the somewhat unoriginally named "Desktop Sidebar". This sidebar is highly configurable, uncluttered and includes the best RSS news reader/ticker out of all the sidebars and widgets I have ever tried. In fact I even run Desktop Sidebar in preference to Vistas own sidebar on my Windows Vista installation. Google search for "desktop sidebar" to find out more.

If widgets are you thing then there are currently several competing standards. The Open Widget Engine is gaining momentum slowly, with the aim of one day uniting the efforts of widget makers across the world. Until that day comes, you can choose between Google Desktop, Desktop X and Yahoo Widgets. Desktop X is a powerful widget engine that is included as part of the Object Desktop suite that I mentioned in the Look and Feel section. Yahoo and Google's respective offerings are free and hence much more popular. Yahoo widgets probably includes the best selection of widgets out of all the widget engines available. Again, do a quick Google search on the program that interests you the most to find out more.

Media Centre

Windows XP media centre edition has been around for a while now, but an upgrade to Vista Ultimate or Home Premium will give you full media centre capabilities included in the price. If you are using vanilla XP home or Professional and you want media centre capabilities, they are available for free in the shape of Media Portal, an open source and highly configurable media centre application. Also free and worth a look (at least if you are American) is Yahoo Go For TV. Based on Meedio, which was one of the best commercial media centre products for Windows, Go For TV seems to have been left to stagnate since Yahoo took control. Nevertheless there are already a wide range of plug-ins and accessories available for it that were previously developed for Meedio. Bizarrely, Yahoo currently insists on locking out all users outside of the United States, so if you live elsewhere in the world, give this one a miss. Set Google hunting for "media portal" or "Yahoo Go for TV" to find out more.

Games and Direct X 10

As any PC gamer will tell you, XP is (at the time of writing) the best operating system for games. With Vista, Microsoft introduced DirectX10 and made it Vista only. A number of breathtaking DirectX 10 games are regularly plastered over the preview pages on major PC gaming websites and magazines. To date however, aside from a few update patches for older games, Microsoft's cutting edge games for DirectX10/Vista basically consist of Shadowrun (an above average multiplayer FPS) and Halo 2 (A conversion of an old Xbox game). Re-hashing a previous generation console title to demonstrate your bleeding edge graphics technology must have made sense to someone in Microsoft but it makes little sense to gamers assessing if an upgrade to Vista is worth their money, especially in light of the performance handicap or crippled sound that some games exhibit under Vista. However, like every new gaming platform, fast forward to Christmas and XP gamers can expect to be enviously eyeing up the new Vista only games starting to appear. If you are hoping that I'm going to tell you now some way of getting DirectX 10 to work on XP, you are going to be disappointed. A company called Falling Leaf systems claims to be working on some sort of project that would accomplish this feat, but they still have a lot to prove especially considering early versions struggled to run the most basic of DirectX 10 demo code. Unfortunately, it looks like DirectX 10 is one trick that XP isn't going to be performing any time soon, if ever.

So there you have it, far from being on its last legs, Windows XP is still a very capable operating system with a fair few tricks up its sleeve. If you're willing to invest in a little new software mentioned in this article (much of which also works under Vista) you can easily transform your XP into a top notch operating system and still enjoy your old games and multimedia software.

Matthew Buxton is the web master at www.Top-Windows-Tutorials.com A computer science degree graduate, software engineer and computer enthusiast from an early age, Matt has almost 10 years experience with the ups and downs of Windows operating systems.

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Steps to Install Bay Windows In Your Home

If you're looking to install bay windows into your home you'll need a few tools. Here's what you need.

- A straight edge, it's best to use a framing square to serve both purposes.

- A tape measure for obvious reasons

- A couple of crow bars for prying

- A miter or circular saw for cutting your window out

- You'll need a drill and bits to fasten your bay window securely

- A heavy duty stapler

- A Level

- A pair of tin snips

- Utility knife

- A caulking gun

- A picture of a bay window that you'll want to model yours after

You'll need some materials as well. These include support brackets, shingles, some roofing paper, roofing nails, fiberglass and silicone caulking insulation (look for exterior grade).

You will need two by fours for additional framing if you're creating a new space in the wall as your window.

Here are the installation steps you'll be taking.

You'll have to first establish the position in the wall for the window. If there's an existing window remove it. Next measure the bay window, then mark on the outside of your house the opening that you'll need for the new window. Now cut the opening with your circular saw.

Next you'll begin framing the new window. This includes cutting through any pre-existing studs and inserting a new header, a rough sill, cripple studs, and the jack studs.

Now it's time to put in the support braces. For a window of up to 5 feet wide, you'll need about two support braces. Anything wider will require three.

Okay, it's time to set your window in place. Slide the bay window into the newe opening using the support braces. You'll have to shimmy the new window into place to get it as level as possible.

The next step is to build the window roof. Nail the roof frame into place on top of the new bay window. Fill in any space with insulation. Before covering with roofing paper, you'll have to fasten down the roof sheeting to the window frame. Now install drip edges, flashes, and begin to shingle.

Time to put in the skirting at the bottom of the window. Fill it with insulation and then fasten the skirt, which will seal the underside of the window. Now just seal it all with silicone.

Though this is an abbreviated, this is the basic run down of the steps involved to install a bay window. When you buy the window unit, complete steps will surely be given in the instructions. Always read and follow the instructions to avoid headache.

I was fortunate enough to have two friends give me a hand. I knew that I work well with these guys. We popped out the window and had framed the new one by the end of the same day we started. We plugged the hole with some plywood through the night, and jumped back on the job the next day.

By evening on Sunday the new window was installed and roofing and skirting was finished. I easily finished sealing everything up myself on Monday, plus got the trim work done on the inside.

We do not regret for a minute the spot we chose for our new bay window. It looked tremendous from both outside and in. After my wife slapped up a bay window curtain it finished off the job perfectly.

Now were selling our house, and have many prospects due to the bay window alone.

Peter J. Wilson published mainly for http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com , an online site with topics around bay window curtains , decorating and other areas. You might find out more about his comments on bay windows at http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com .

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Bay Windows Add an Extra Dimension to a Room

A bay window does a lot more than add to the decorating style and value of your home. It also expands the size of the room, visually. Even a home handy man can install a bay window, now that preambled kits are available. You will need some basic tools, and maybe a helper for lifting, but it is not a difficult job. In our home, we had a large picture window that overlooked a beautiful view of the garden bed and our sweeping front lawn. It was absolutely ideal for the placement of a bay window.

Since the window opening extended almost from the ceiling to the floor, this bay window would be a spectacular addition, bringing the room visually out over the garden. It was a nice square window that would be easy to replace.

The options available were a bow window, which is a window somewhat like a bay window, but with multiple panels, or a bay window, which is a window with three big panels instead of many. The "bow" part of the window affords a shelf which can be fairly deep and create a seat or platform for many uses. We decided we wanted to use this seat portion to fill it with potted plants. These plants were currently on the floor in front of the picture window, and this would keep them off the floor, which makes it neater and easier to clean, and exposes the plants to more sunlight.

In addition to giving the appearance of space in the room, since we could take the potted plants off the floor, we actually had more space in the room! So we went shopping for our new addition. You have a choice when you are shopping for windows to opt for building them yourself or buying a pre-built kit. Plans for windows can be found in books, magazines and also on the internet. There were many great plans available for these kinds of windows, but when I realized that major companies such as Pella, Milgard and Anderson could supply me with a complete package for a window that was preassembled and all I had to do was install it, it was a no brain decision. Not even professional builders or contractors build their own windows these days; they just buy the prebuilt ones from the manufacturer.

The price of a preassembled window package is just about the same, perhaps a little more than building from scratch and the result is guaranteed to be perfect. Why bother with scratch? What was good enough for professional contractors was good enough for me. We learned that installing this bay window was a very easy DIY project. If you are not all that handy, however, you may want to purchase the window and then get a handyman or contractor to help you install it. Even though it is not that hard, it is not a quick job. You must allow yourself more than a weekend to complete something like this. Even if you decide to do it yourself, you will need help, since the bay window is pretty heavy. It is important to pick window of time for this project where the weather is expected to be nice. You don't want to open the hole and then have the rain come pouring in.

Remember that the hole may be open for a day or two while you get everything installed. You have to prepare the area properly and seal the window in place. You are trying to make your room look better, and rain soaked floors and furniture will not do that for you. It is important to be aware of city or county codes regarding this kind of work. They may have certain restrictions on the type of material the window has to be, such as safety glass, and you will probably need a permit. Make sure you have all of this in place before you start your project.

Peter Wilson very often pens articles on topics associated with bay window curtains and decorating. You might find out more about his articles on bay windows over at http://www.replacement-windows-tips.com/bay-windows.html and other sources for bay windows news.

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Wonderful Window Design

Studies have shown that natural light improves moods, reduces eyestrain and even creates the illusion of spaciousness. A home filled with natural light not only appears bigger but is more pleasant to live in. Short of building a glass house, how do homeowners facilitate as much natural light in their homes as possible?

Windows are a fantastic way of allowing sunlight to in but the window design you select is key. Some window designs are better suited to the facilitation of natural light than others so it is important that you keep this in mind when discussing your plans for the inclusion of new windows in your home.

Window Design Styles

There are several styles of windows from which to choose here are a few of the most popular:

Bay - These large windows are traditionally made of three windows, one large window flanked by smaller windows. A window seat under a bay window is heavenly.

Double-hung - This classic window design style has an outside sash that slides up and down and an inside sash that slides up. This style of window allows a lovely breeze in as well as facilitates natural light.

Casement - Casement windows are usually hung in pairs and mounted on hinges that allow the sash to swing in or out (depending on what you prefer).

Bow - These windows are similar to bay windows but have more than three panels which join to form a gentle curve.

Tilt-turn - This window design is popular in Europe, these unusual windows tilt in towards the room at the top and also turn a full 180 degrees - excellent for easy cleaning.

Jalousies - This window design is comprised of many slats of glass that open and close. Jalousies windows are extremely similar to Venetian blinds.

Skylight - This window design is perfect for small rooms where normal windows would be overwhelming. Skylights are essentially windows which are fitted at an angle rather than vertically, usually through the ceiling or roof.

Fixed - As these windows can not be opened their sole purpose is to allow light in.

Stained glass - This window design is popular in Victorian inspired homes around the world. Patterns are made from different pieces of coloured glass and the sparkle of different coloured beams of light has a wonderful effect.

Window Design Considerations

Before finalising your window design ideas you need to take a few things into consideration.

The design of your home - you'll want the design of your windows to fit into the overall design of your home. Rounded windows may look a little obscure when fitted into a really tall wall just as overly large windows may be inappropriate in a small home. Select a window design that can be used through your home to achieve a consistent design theme. Incorporating a large variety of window designs may be overpowering. Window design should be complimentary never overwhelming.

The climate you live in also has to be taken into consideration - if you live in a cold or noisy area you may want to fit double-glazed windows but not all window designs are well suited to this type of treatment. Make sure you get all the information you'll need to make wise window design choices from your window supplier.

Letting the Sun In

Filling your home with natural light is easy with the correct window design selection. Another way of facilitating natural light is to always keep your windows clean. For homeowners who don't fancy spending weekends balanced on ladders Pilkington Activ(TM) Self-Cleaning Glass is a definite must. Self-cleaning glass is making life far easier and is giving home owners many reasons to use glass in the construction of their homes. What could be better than bright, open rooms with excellent outdoor views facilitated by huge glass sheets, without having to spend your days cleaning the glass?

Having been in the glass industry for 180 years, Pilkington is recognised as the world's technological leader in glass. Out of all of their innovative products, Pilkington Activ™ - the world's first self-cleaning glass is one of their greatest products and is an ideal material for all window designs.

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Using Drapes and Curtains to Treat Yourself and Your Windows

There are many styles of curtains, shades, valances and other window treatments that you can use to dress your windows. Dressed windows add to the charm of your house and make it look gorgeous. The key is to keep things in balance rather than overpower the space with too many contrasting colors. Window treatments can cost a mint these days, especially if the person doing the decorating would like to find something which is not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing. You can create your own window treatment with ideas from the internet, your local library, a craft shop or even book stores. All you need to do the job are a few supplies and a little patience, and if you know how to sew then it's an added advantage.

Custom Treatment

By custom treatment we mean the traditional way of doing up the window dressing. Custom window treatments may range from the traditional Victorian, Adirondack or country to contemporary modern or just plain challenging. You might like custom made roman shades to coordinate with your bedspread or a tailored pleated valance that lends itself to multiple fabric combinations. Balloon shades can be used as a valance or a fully functioning shade. Swags and cascades can make your window look classic or casual. Draw drapes or stationary drapes are timeless solutions appropriate to any décor when installed with the right decorative hardware. Upholstered cornices can enhance any drapery while wood cornices can do the same for valances. Whether it's a gathered panel with valence, lace panels, and stationary drapes or European style sheers teamed with cotton lace it will create an ambience in your room that you will simply love.

Bay Window Treatment

A window which is three sided or more and protrudes from the outer wall of a house is called a bay window. Far too many people cover up their bay windows with curtains. Graceful and romantic bay windows are windows that everyone likes to have in their house. Very few people know the exact way to treat a bay window. If the view from such a window is outstanding and privacy and light control are not a matter of concern then this wonderful window should be left uncovered. If a bay window features handsome window frames, consider playing them up with individual, inside mounted café curtains, shades or blinds. Roman shades with contrast branding are tailored and traditional. Put simple shades or blinds on closely spaced windows, then add a continuous valence and a series of shallow swags. Plan carefully so the top treatments conceals the under treatments when they are raised. For bay windows with a little space between windows, flank the entire wooden area with a pair of panels and top the treatment with a cornice. No matter what you do the ultimate aim is to make it look appealing.

Designer Window Treatments

As the title suggests, this has got every thing to do with a designer who is simply going to dress up your window. This is going to be one expensive affair but the ultimate result will just keep your eyes fixed on the beauty of your window. With this type of treatment everything may depend on the person designing your window treatment. Right from fabric to style to color, all of it will be different and outstanding. Not everybody can afford to do designer window treatments but if you are one among those who can, be ready to get loads of compliments for your windows.

Kitchen Window Treatments

Your kitchen window should be done in such a way that it coordinates with the color and style of your kitchen cabinets. Use window treatments that control light, it is also important to choose a window treatment that is easy to clean. Near gas ranges select a window treatment that cannot blow near the flame and become a fire hazard. The many kinds of treatments include roller shades, bamboo or wood shades, blinds, shutters, curtains and draperies. Some of these will be much easier to clean than others. Do consider the window hardware and placement so that it will not interfere with the window treatment.

Karen Hughes is an interior decor consultant, get further curtain and drapes ideas at Drapes'n'Curtains this is your first stop for information about Curtains and Drapes.

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In the Window Cleaning Business, It's all About Keeping Your Focus: Proper Focus Equals Success

Hey Folks:

This month, I wanted to talk to you about the benefits of keeping your focus in your window cleaning business.

So what do you say we get right to it? Here we go...

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The benefits of keeping your Focus

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Without beating around the bush, I see a lot of window washers trying to either:

1. work other businesses in addition to window washing hoping something clicks.

and/or

2. offer many, multiple services in addition to window washing.

Let's talk about number 1 first.

1. Working other businesses in addition to window washing hoping something clicks.

This is probably the hardest thing for me to do...keeping focus on one business/one opportunity. Can you relate to that? I think that's a problem with many people.

I mean there are soooooo many business opportunities out there, and they all sound great when reading

about them. They really do. So what do we do when we're surrounded by all these supposedly "great" opportunities?

Well...I used to buy into or join lots of them. But I'll tell you the first thing I did when entering the window washing business. I looked back over the years and analyzed the successes and failures I've had. I knew that window washing was the last stop for me, so failure wasn't an option. The wheels had to stop spinning.

After my little "realty check", it finally hit me like a ton of bricks...

It simply all boiled down to having too many irons in the fire all the time. It's tough to spread yourself out among 2 or more businesses. Not only in terms of time, but in terms of deciding which ones to invest in.

Something has to give, so the end result was nothing really took off. In one time period, I was selling asset protection to high income prospects, servicing a bunch of payphones I bought, and talking to day care centers about buying some personalized books for the little kiddies.

Needless to say, bah humbug on that. And the bank account showed it.

But being a "business start up junkie" required some discipline as my window washing business grew. Whenever a business looked appealing or an opportunity arose, my blinders had to come on. Contrary to popular belief, the grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence.

After my initial success of capturing window washing customers, I quickly realized that the profit potential in the window washing biz can be absolutely enormous. Why veer off course and dilute that profit by spending time building or doing another business?

One of the reasons I think I was so intent on forming another business is because of the philosophy of "don't put all your eggs into one basket".

This was drilled into me from a very young age. But here's the thing-windows are NOT going anywhere. We'll have glass forever, and more of it is appearing every day. It's a business that will never dry up and blow away unless people start living in caves. :o)

So I encourage you, regardless whether you're in the window washing biz part-time or full-time, give it 100% part-time or 100% full-time effort. The rewards can be tremendous as I am seeing all across the country from hundreds of my students.

2. Offering many, multiple services in addition to window washing.

This is a killer way to make lots of additional profits on top of window washing profits, but my experience has shown that if you do this BEFORE you've established a certain level of trust with the customer, it'll be much harder for you to accomplish this smorgasboard approach.

At the completion of a window cleaning job is a perfect time to go after the add on business like cleaning ceiling fans and mirrors like I discuss in my manual How to Start Your Own Residential Window Washing Business. But before you even secure them as a customer, it's way too early to bombard them with lots of other stuff.

Just plant a seed. Be subtle about it. The best way I've found to handle it is to use a "leave behind card" after the job is done, and then cement it further throughout the upcoming months, and throughout your entire relationship with that customer by sending out periodic correspondence.

Your little leave behind card could be similar to a tent card that you see in hotels. Inside the card is a listing of your additional services. Or have a flyer made up that details all your additional services and leave that with the customer.

And as far as "future correspondence", below is a letter you're more than welcome to use in case you

want to capture additional business besides your window washing jobs:

Dear John and Nancy:

Thank you so much for the opportunity to regularly

maintain the cleanliness of your glass.

As you may be aware, in addition to cleaning and

maintaining the windows of our ever-growing cust-

omer base, we have recently expanded our services

to include:

--pressure washing

--blind cleaning

--gutter cleaning

--driveway sealing

--awning cleaning

And if you are in need of assistance with anything

else, please let us know. Although window washing

is, and will continue to be, our main focus, our

customers are continually asking us if we do any

additional services, so if we have the knowledge

and tools to get your desired job done for you,

we'll be glad to take care of it. If not, we'll

point you in the direction of a reputable person

or company who can.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to be of

service to you and we'll see you soon for your next

window cleaning.

Sincerely,

Steve Wright

Clearview Window Washing Service

There's a goldmine sitting with each customer if you stroke 'em over the years using the above approach vs. using the one time "hit 'em over the head" approach.

The above letter also serves the dual purpose of keeping your company name in front of your customers, so even if a customer didn't need any additional work done, you'll still benefit from the exposure.

Now I talk about customers above, but what about prospects?

Well...when dealing with prospects, the trust factor definitely hasn't been established yet, so it makes

it an absolute necessity to focus on capturing the window washing job and forgetting about the myriad

of other services you perform.

I mean if you're marketing for window washing prospects, and they respond to your window washing

advertisement, it only makes sense to hone in on window washing, right?

Yet I see a few folks try the "jack of all trades" approach where if the prospect doesn't make a decision to get their windows cleaned after the estimate has been presented, the window washer will immediately turn their attention to service #2, service #3, etc.

I know the theory is that if you offer 10 different services, they have to pick one, right?

Not necessarily.

Too much stuff presented can cause confusion and indecision. People really don't like to make decisions, so too many choices forces them into making a complicated decision. Therefore they don't make

ANY decision.

If you try and push too much down their throat, they may resist, and then you walk away with zilch, nada,

zippo. A lot of income could be lost over the years as a result.

I'm sure you've heard about the saying that goes like this: "Jack of all trades, master of none". That fit me like a glove for years UNTIL stepping into the window washing biz.

As I mentioned earlier, that's when I looked back over the years and wised up, and then instead of

"master of none", it was more like "master of one". The results were extraordinary.

So try it if you don't already. Present your window washing estimate, attempt to close the deal, or through your proper follow up strategy get the deal closed for window washing. Turn them from a

window washing prospect into a window washing customer.

THEN step back and watch your relationship with that new customer turn into all kinds of additional services and jobs, in addition to you raking in the profits by regularly cleaning their windows.

In conclusion, resist the distractions and resist the urge to branch out into other "things". Focus, focus, focus! If you're in the window cleaning business, then BE in the window cleaning business.

'til next time.

Best Wishes,

Steve

Steve Wright is the author of How to Start Your Own Residential Window Washing Business, and has started hundreds of individuals on the path to success in their own window washing business as evidenced by reading what some of his students have said here. Mr. Wright has also developed a revolutionary online web-based system called The Customer Factor to assist all window washing business owners in maintaining and growing a successful business. Using both of these resources provides the one-two punch needed for maximum success in the window washing business. For more information, give Mr. Wright a call at 256-546-2446 or visit either of the websites posted.

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