Contig: Single-file Defragmenter

Instead of running a disk defragmenter on a single partition, it might be faster (and more optimal) to run a file defragmenter. Contig, from Sysinternals, is a a freeware that uses the native Windows NT defragmentation support to analyse and defrag specific files.

Uses
For instance, if you use a system-managed pagefile, your system performance may be slow if your pagefile is heavily fragmented. Hence, it would be wise to defrag the pagefile (normally hidden at C:\pagefile.sys). Defraging hiberfil.sys may also improve the time required to resume form hibernation. Hence, defraging heavily used files (which have high-tendencies to be the point weakest links), may generally improve system performance.

For those who prefer not to use the command line, PowerDefragmenter (combined with Contig), is the solution.

Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

I just discovered some useful Windows keyboard shortcuts, besides the standard ones I use frequently (like win+d [minimize all], win+r [run dialog], ctrl-b [bold text], ctrl-x/c/v).

F2: Rename the selected item
CTRL+SHIFT+ESC: Opens task manager
ALT-ENTER: Open the property dialog for the selected file

And for Internet Explorer:

F4: Display a list of addresses you've typed
CTRL+ENTER: Add "www." to the beginning and ".com" to the end of the text typed in the Address bar
CTRL+LEFT ARROW: When in the Address bar, move the cursor left to the next logical break in the address (period or slash) (update: my friend was kind enough to point out that this also works for most input boxes; ctrl-home works too; you can combine this with shift to select words too)

Oh... and check out this cool Free Software Sticker Book.

All about fonts

"And we designed it all into the Mac. It was the first computer with beautiful typography. If I had never dropped in on that single course in college, the Mac would have never had multiple typefaces or proportionally spaced fonts. And since Windows just copied the Mac, its likely that no personal computer would have them. If I had never dropped out, I would have never dropped in on this calligraphy class, and personal computers might not have the wonderful typography that they do."
-- Steve Jobs

Unconsciously, fonts and typography play a very important part in our daily lives. If you happen to visit a web page with ugly design and hard-to-see fonts, chances are that you will run for the door. However, if you are to visit a nice looking web page, or look at a poster with easy-looking fonts, chances are that you will take a longer look - like that poster below.


For starters, the font used in the diagram above is the Adobe Myriad (aka Myriad Pro). This Apple corporate font has been in used by Apple since 2002 for marketing purposes. Another familiar font will be the Apple Garamond, which is prevalent in the Think Different slogan.

With Windows Vista, Microsoft has also set Segoe UI as the new default system font. It replaces the Tahoma font, which has used since Windows 95 for all Latin and European language versions of the Windows OS.

Finally, for all of those that can't wait to download the above-mentioned fonts, here they are:
- Download Apple Garamond, Adobe Myriad (Myriad Pro) fonts
- Download Segoe UI font
- Download Microsoft Core Fonts
- Download Misc Fonts - (Lucida Grande, etc)

* For info - List of Apple typefaces

Install Windows Media Player 11 (WMP 11) without Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA)

The procedure for installing Windows Media Player 11 (WMP 11) without Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) is much simpler than that required for IE 7.

1. Download WMP 11 installation file from Microsoft.
2. Download wpa_registry.rar or wpa_registry.zip (which will contain wpa_registry.reg)
3. Execute wpa_registry.reg. (Double click)
4. Run the WMP 11 installation file. On the initial install screen, you may see a "validate" button. Just click on that to continue, but it will skip validation. Enjoy the setup!


Also, if you are in the United States, and you install WMP 11 with URGE, you can get a 14-day trial with unlimited music downloads.