Categories
Windows

100 Windows Shortcuts to Increase your Productivity

An image with the Windows 11 default wallpaper and the Windows 11 logo

Ready to crank up your productivity with some Windows shortcuts? Yeah, you could keep clicking around like a caveman, but who wants to do that when you can zip through tasks like a wizard? Here are 100 Windows shortcuts that’ll make you the master of your PC, literally 😉

Essential Navigation

  1. Win – Opens the Start Menu.
  2. Win + D – Show/hide the desktop.
  3. Alt + Tab – Switch between open apps.
  4. Win + Tab – Open Task View.
  5. Win + L – Lock your PC.
  6. Win + E – Open File Explorer.
  7. Win + X – Open the Quick Link menu.

Window Management

  1. Win + Up Arrow – Maximize window.
  2. Win + Down Arrow – Minimize window.
  3. Win + Left Arrow – Snap window to the left.
  4. Win + Right Arrow – Snap window to the right.
  5. Win + Shift + Up Arrow – Stretch window to top and bottom of the screen.
  6. Win + Shift + Left/Right Arrow – Move window to another monitor.

Virtual Desktops

  1. Win + Ctrl + D – Create a new virtual desktop.
  2. Win + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow – Switch between virtual desktops.
  3. Win + Ctrl + F4 – Close the current virtual desktop.

Taskbar Shortcuts

  1. Win + 1, 2, 3, … – Open the app pinned to the taskbar in that position.
  2. Shift + Click on a taskbar button – Open a new instance of the app.
  3. Ctrl + Shift + Click on a taskbar button – Open the app as an administrator.

System Commands

  1. Win + R – Open the Run dialog box.
  2. Win + Pause – Open the System Properties.
  3. Ctrl + Shift + Esc – Open Task Manager.
  4. Alt + F4 – Close the active item or exit the active app.

Accessibility

  1. Win + Plus (+) – Open Magnifier and zoom in.
  2. Win + Minus (-) – Zoom out with Magnifier.
  3. Win + Esc – Exit Magnifier.
  4. Win + U – Open Ease of Access Center.
  5. Win + Enter – Open Narrator.

File Management

  1. Ctrl + C – Copy selected item.
  2. Ctrl + X – Cut selected item.
  3. Ctrl + V – Paste selected item.
  4. Ctrl + Z – Undo an action.
  5. Ctrl + Y – Redo an action.
  6. Ctrl + A – Select all items in a document or window.
  7. F2 – Rename selected item.
  8. Ctrl + Shift + N – Create a new folder.
  9. Alt + Enter – Open the Properties for the selected item.

Web Browsing (Microsoft Edge)

  1. Ctrl + T – Open a new tab.
  2. Ctrl + W – Close the current tab.
  3. Ctrl + Shift + T – Reopen the last closed tab.
  4. Ctrl + L – Focus the address bar.
  5. Ctrl + Shift + Delete – Open the Clear browsing data options.
  6. Ctrl + D – Add the current site to favorites.

Text Editing

  1. Ctrl + Right Arrow – Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word.
  2. Ctrl + Left Arrow – Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word.
  3. Ctrl + Down Arrow – Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph.
  4. Ctrl + Up Arrow – Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph.
  5. Ctrl + Shift + Left/Right Arrow – Select a block of text one word at a time.
  6. Ctrl + Home – Move to the beginning of the document.
  7. Ctrl + End – Move to the end of the document.

Search and Cortana

  1. Win + S – Open Search.
  2. Win + Q – Open Cortana in listening mode.
  3. Win + C – Open Cortana in listening mode (if enabled).

Display Settings

  1. Win + P – Open the Project dialog box.
  2. Win + Ctrl + Shift + B – Restart your graphics driver.
  3. Win + Shift + P – Open presentation mode settings.

Emoji and Special Characters

  1. Win + Period (.) – Open emoji panel.
  2. Win + Semicolon (;) – Open emoji panel.

Clipboard

  1. Win + V – Open clipboard history.

Windows Snap Assist

  1. Win + Z – Open Snap layouts.
  2. Win + Alt + Up Arrow – Snap window to the top half.
  3. Win + Alt + Down Arrow – Snap window to the bottom half.

Game Bar

  1. Win + G – Open Game Bar.
  2. Win + Alt + R – Start/stop recording.
  3. Win + Alt + PrtScn – Take a screenshot of your game.

Command Prompt

  1. Ctrl + Shift + Plus (+) – Zoom in Command Prompt.
  2. Ctrl + Shift + Minus (-) – Zoom out Command Prompt.
  3. Ctrl + C – Copy selected text.
  4. Ctrl + V – Paste text.

File Explorer Shortcuts

  1. Alt + D – Select the address bar.
  2. Ctrl + E – Select the search box.
  3. Ctrl + F – Select the search box.
  4. Ctrl + Shift + E – Display all folders above the selected folder.
  5. Ctrl + Shift + W – Close the current window.

Miscellaneous

  1. Win + I – Open Settings.
  2. Win + K – Open the Connect pane.
  3. Win + O – Lock device orientation.
  4. Win + T – Cycle through apps on the taskbar.
  5. Win + M – Minimize all windows.
  6. Win + Shift + M – Restore minimized windows.
  7. Win + B – Focus the notification area.
  8. Win + V – Open the clipboard history.
  9. Win + H – Open dictation feature.
  10. Win + Period (.) – Open emoji panel.
  11. Win + Spacebar – Switch keyboard layout.
  12. Win + Ctrl + Enter – Open Narrator.
  13. Win + PrtScn – Capture a screenshot and save it.
  14. Alt + PrtScn – Capture a screenshot of the active window.
  15. Win + Shift + S – Open Snip & Sketch to capture a screenshot.
  16. Win + Shift + V – Cycle through notifications.
  17. Win + Alt + D – Open date and time.
  18. Ctrl + Shift + Esc – Open Task Manager.
  19. Ctrl + Alt + Delete – Open security options.
  20. Alt + Space – Open the shortcut menu for the active window.
  21. Alt + Underlined letter – Perform the menu command (or other underlined command).
  22. Ctrl + Alt + Tab – Use the arrow keys to switch between all open apps.
  23. Ctrl + Arrow Keys – Resize the Start Menu.
  24. Ctrl + Shift + Escape – Open Task Manager directly.
  25. Shift + Delete – Delete the selected item permanently without moving it to the Recycle Bin.
  26. Alt + Esc – Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened.

And there you have it! A hundred shortcuts to turn you into a Windows power user. Now, go forth and impress everyone with your lightning-fast navigation skills. Or at least save yourself from a few extra clicks here and there. Either way, you’re winning.

Categories
Android Apps Gaming iOS Review Windows

Cells to Singularity: A Cosmic Clicker Game

Cells to Singularity is a free-to-play idle clicker game that lets you explore the evolution of life and the history of human technology on Earth. You start as a single cell organism and upgrade your biology, intellect, and technology until you reach the technological singularity, a hypothetical point in the future where artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence.

How to Play

The game is simple and addictive. You just need to tap or click on the screen to generate entropy, the currency of the game. You can use entropy to buy upgrades that increase your entropy production or unlock new nodes on the Tech-Tree of life. The Tech-Tree represents the milestones of evolution and technology, from prokaryotes and eukaryotes to humans and beyond. Each node has a description that explains its significance and impact on the world.

Features

The game has many features that make it fun and educational. Some of them are:

  • Beautiful 3D Habitats: You can view the fruits of evolution in stunning 3D environments. You can see animals like fish, lizards, mammals, monkeys, and even extinct dinosaurs.
  • Speculative Science Fiction: You can delve into the realm of futuristic scenarios and technologies. Will AI and machines rule the Earth? Will humans colonize other planets? Will we discover alien life forms?
  • Offline Progression: You can close the game and come back later to see how much entropy you have accumulated while you were away. The game will continue to run in the background and simulate your progress.
  • Achievements and Rewards: You can earn achievements for reaching certain goals or completing challenges. You can also get rewards for watching ads or inviting friends to play the game.

Game Modes

The game has two main modes: Main Simulation and Mesozoic Valley.

Main Simulation: This is the core mode of the game where you follow the main Tech-Tree of life. You can switch between different epochs of history, such as the Primordial Soup, the Cambrian Explosion, the Cretaceous Period, the Industrial Revolution, and more.
Mesozoic Valley: This is a side mode of the game where you focus on the evolution of dinosaurs. You can collect fossils, hatch eggs, breed different species, and create your own Jurassic Park.

Objective

The ultimate objective of the game is to reach the technological singularity, a point where artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence and creates a new era of civilization. However, there is no definitive end to the game as you can always explore new possibilities and scenarios beyond the singularity.

Conclusion

Cells to Singularity is a captivating game that combines science, history, and fiction in a unique way. It is a game that can appeal to anyone who is curious about the origins of life, the development of technology, and the future of humanity. If you are looking for a game that is easy to play but hard to put down, then Cells to Singularity is a perfect choice for you.

I hope this article helps you understand more about Cells to Singularity. If you want to learn more about the game or download it for free, you can visit their official website.

Categories
how to's Tutorials Windows

Transform Your Desktop: How to Easily Change and Customize Icon Packs on Windows

Windows operating systems have long offered users the ability to customize their desktop experience. While changing desktop backgrounds and themes is relatively well-known many people may be unfamiliar with the process of changing the icon pack. This article will guide you through the steps of using Ultra UX Theme Patcher to modify your desktop icon pack on Windows.

Step 1: Download and Install Ultra UX Theme Patcher

To start go to the official Ultra UX Theme Patcher website and download the latest version of the program. Be sure to choose the correct version for your Windows operating system (32-bit or 64-bit). Once downloaded run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process. It is important to note that modifying system files can have risks so proceed with caution and create a system restore point as a precaution.

Step 2: Choose an Icon Pack

After successfully installing Ultra UX Theme Patcher you will need to find an icon pack that suits your preferences. Several websites offer a wide range of icon packs to choose from such as DeviantArt, IconArchive and WinCustomize. Browse through these websites and download an icon pack of your liking. Make sure the icon pack you choose is compatible with your version of Windows.

Step 3: Extract the Icon Pack

Once you have downloaded an icon pack navigate to the location where the file is saved and extract its contents using a file extracting tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip. Right-click on the file and select “Extract Here” to unpack the contents into a folder.

Step 4: Apply the Icon Pack

Locate the folder where the icon pack was extracted and check if there is an .ICO or .DLL file present. Right-click on the Ultra UX Theme Patcher shortcut on your desktop and select “Run as administrator” to launch the program. A new window will open displaying the status of system files in your Windows installation.

Click on the “Files Patched” tab and enable the checkbox for the option “Set Windows Live mail to the default”. Then click on the “Extra” tab and enable the option “Use a custom 3rd party theme”. Ensure that the checkboxes for “Theme Signature Bypass” and “UxStyle Core” are also enabled. Click on the “Patch” button and wait for the process to complete.

Step 5: Copy Icon Files

After patching is complete navigate to the folder where the icon pack was extracted. Copy the .ICO or .DLL files from the icon pack folder and go to the following directory on your Windows installation drive (usually C:WindowsSystem32).

Inside the System32 folder locate the “imageres.dll” file and make a backup copy of it. Replace the original “imageres.dll” file with the one you copied from the icon pack folder. It is essential to have administrative privileges to overwrite system files.

Step 6: Apply the Changes and Restart

Once you have replaced the “imageres.dll” file save all your work and restart your computer. After the restart you should see the new icon pack applied to your desktop file explorer and system icons.

Conclusion

Changing the desktop icon pack can be a fun and satisfying way to personalize your Windows desktop. By using Ultra UX Theme Patcher you can easily modify your desktop’s appearance with custom icon packs. Remember to exercise caution during the process and be sure to back up any essential files before making any changes. Enjoy exploring the vast array of icon packs available and transforming the look and feel of your Windows desktop.

Categories
Windows

100 Windows shortcuts to boost your productivity

 

In today’s fast-paced digital world efficiency is key. Time is often limited and therefore finding ways to complete tasks more quickly and efficiently becomes paramount. This is where keyboard shortcuts come into play. Windows shortcuts are simple combinations of keyboard keys that can perform a variety of functions commands and operations on your computer. These shortcuts can significantly improve your productivity saving you time and effort. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional mastering windows shortcuts is a worthwhile endeavor. In this article I’m going to list a 100 windows keyboard shortcuts for you. 

Note : The keyboard shortcuts mentioned below are based on standard US keyboard layout . Different keyboard layouts may require modifications in the key combinations . 

1. Ctrl + C: Copy

2. Ctrl + X: Cut

3. Ctrl + V: Paste

4. Ctrl + Z: Undo

5. Ctrl + Y: Redo

6. Ctrl + A: Select all

7. Ctrl + S: Save

8. Ctrl + N: New

9. Ctrl + O: Open

10. Ctrl + P: Print

11. Ctrl + F: Find

12. Ctrl + H: Replace

13. Ctrl + E: Select the search box

14. Ctrl + W: Close the current window/tab

15. Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new folder

16. Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open Task Manager

17. Ctrl + Shift + T: Restore the most recently closed tab in your browser

18. Ctrl + Shift + C: Copy path of a file/folder

19. Ctrl + Shift + V: Paste text without formatting

20. Ctrl + Shift + S: Save as

21. Ctrl + Shift + P: Open a new private window in your browser

22. Ctrl + Shift + Left Arrow/Right Arrow: Select text word by word

23. Ctrl + Shift + Up Arrow/Down Arrow: Select text paragraph by paragraph

24. Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Switch between open applications in reverse order

25. Alt + Tab: Switch between open applications

26. Alt + F4: Close the current application/window

27. Alt + Space: Open the window menu

28. Alt + Enter: Open properties of selected file/folder

29. Alt + Print Screen: Take a screenshot of the active window

30. F1: Open Help and Support

31. F2: Rename selected file/folder

32. F3: Open search

33. F5: Refresh

34. F11: Toggle full-screen mode

35. Win + E: Open File Explorer

36. Win + D: Show desktop

37. Win + L: Lock your computer

38. Win + R: Open the Run dialog

39. Win + P: Open the projection settings

40. Win + U: Open the Ease of Access Center

41. Win + X: Open the power user menu

42. Win + I: Open Settings

43. Win + A: Open the Action Center

44. Win + S: Open Cortana/Search

45. Win + M: Minimize all windows

46. Win + Shift + M: Restore all minimized windows

47. Win + Arrow Keys: Snap windows to the left/right/top/bottom of the screen

48. Win + Plus (+)/Minus (-): Zoom in/out

49. Ctrl + Shift + F: Search for computers (on a network)

50. Ctrl + Shift + Left Arrow/Right Arrow: Select text character by character

51. Ctrl + Shift + Space: Select an entire row/column in Excel

52. Ctrl + Alt + Del: Open the security options screen

53. Ctrl + Alt + Tab: Switch between open applications (Task Switcher)

54. Ctrl + Alt + Shift + S: Open the Windows Ink Workspace

55. Ctrl + Alt + Esc: Switch between open applications (Task order)

56. Ctrl + Alt + Enter: Open Command Prompt in full-screen mode

57. Ctrl + Alt + Delete: Open the Task Manager

58. Ctrl + Alt + F4: Close the current virtual desktop

59. Ctrl + Alt + Left Arrow/Right Arrow: Switch between virtual desktops

60. Ctrl + Alt + D: Show/hide the desktop icons

61. Ctrl + Alt + Numpad Plus (+)/Minus (-): Zoom in/out (Magnifier)

62. Ctrl + Alt + Space: Preview the desktop in full-screen mode

63. Ctrl + Alt + R: Record the screen with the Game Bar

64. Ctrl + Alt + G: Start/stop recording the screen with the Game Bar

65. Ctrl + Alt + I: Show/hide the color inversion (Ease of Access)

66. Ctrl + Alt + O: Show/hide the color filters (Ease of Access)

67. Ctrl + Alt + P: Show/hide the high contrast mode (Ease of Access)

68. Ctrl + Alt + S: Start/stop the screen reader narrator

69. Ctrl + Alt + T: Show/hide the on-screen keyboard (Ease of Access)

70. Ctrl + Alt + U: Show/hide the text cursor indicator (Ease of Access)

71. Ctrl + Alt + X: Start/stop the mouse keys (Ease of Access)

72. Ctrl + Alt + Y: Start/stop the speech recognition

73. Ctrl + Alt + N: Create a new folder (Windows Explorer)

74. Ctrl + Alt + W: Show window menu (Windows Explorer)

75. Ctrl + Alt + Left Arrow/Right Arrow: Go back/forward in File Explorer

76. Shift + Delete: Permanently delete a file/folder without sending to recycle bin

77. Shift + F10: Open the context menu for the selected item

78. Shift + F3: Change the case of selected text (uppercase/lowercase)

79. Shift + F10 + Arrow Keys: Move files/folders within File Explorer (using context menu)

80. Shift + F12: Save document (in Microsoft Office applications)

81. Shift + Tab: Move backward through tabs/buttons/fields on a webpage or form

82. Shift + Click: Open a file/folder in a new window

83. Shift + Win + Left Arrow/Right Arrow: Move a window to the left/right monitor

84. Alt + F: Open the File menu in the current application

85. Alt + E: Open the Edit menu in the current application

86. Alt + V: Open the View menu in the current application

87. Alt + T: Open the Tools menu in the current application

88. Alt + B: Open the Bookmarks menu in the browser

89. Alt + P: Open the Page menu in the browser

90. Alt + G: Open the History menu in the browser

91. Alt + H: Open the Help menu in the browser

92. Alt + C: Open the Developer menu in the browser

93. Alt + R: Open the References menu in the browser

94. Alt + W: Open the Window menu in the browser

95. Alt + Q: Quit the application

96. Alt + 1/2/3/…/9: Access the corresponding tab in a browser or application toolbar

97. Alt + F10: Activate the menu bar in the current application

98. Alt + F5: Restore the size of the current window

99. Alt + Home: Open the homepage in the browser

100. Alt + Enter: Open the Properties dialog box for the selected item

These are just a few of the many keyboard shortcuts available in the Windows operating system. 

Categories
how to's Software Tutorials Windows

How to Install Tiny 11

My last article was a comparison of Tiny 11 and Windows 11 operating systems a d today we’re going to look at how you can install tiny 11 on your computer. Tiny 11 is a lightweight and efficient operating system designed for low-spec hardware making it ideal for older computers or devices with limited resources. In this blog post we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to install Tiny 11 using bootable media. Follow along to unleash the full potential of your hardware with this lightweight operating system.

Requirements

Before we jump into the installation process make sure you have the following:

1. A USB flash drive (at least 4GB) or a blank DVD.

2. An ISO file of Tiny 11 downloaded from the official website.

3. A computer or device on which you want to install Tiny 11.

Step 1: Create a Bootable Media

To install Tiny 11 you’ll need to create a bootable USB or DVD. Here’s how:

  1. Insert your USB flash drive or blank DVD into your computer.
  2. Open a reliable ISO burning tool like Rufus (for USB) or ImgBurn (for DVD). 
  3. Select the ISO file of Tiny 11 you downloaded earlier. 
  4. Choose your USB flash drive or DVD as the destination.
  5. Verify the settings and click on “Start” to begin creating the bootable media.
  6. Wait until the process completes and ensure that the bootable media is created successfully.

Step 2: Configure BIOS or Boot Menu

Once you have your bootable media ready you’ll need to configure your computer’s BIOS or Boot Menu to prioritize booting from the USB or DVD. Here’s how:

  1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS settings by pressing the appropriate key (usually F2 or F10 or F8) during the startup process. The key varies depending on the manufacturer.
  2. Once inside the BIOS navigate to the Boot or Boot Options section.
  3. Set the boot priority order to give precedence to the USB or DVD drive.
  4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS.

Note: If you’re using a Boot Menu instead of BIOS simply press the key for accessing the Boot Menu (usually F12 or Esc) during startup and select the USB or DVD drive as the boot device.

Step 3: Installing Tiny 11

With your system set up to boot from the USB or DVD drive you’re ready to proceed with the installation process.

  1. Insert the bootable media into your computer and restart it.
  2. The Tiny 11 installation process will begin automatically. Follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.
  3. Select your language time zone and other preferences when prompted.
  4. Choose the installation type. You can opt for a fresh installation or if you have an older version of Tiny 11 choose the upgrade option if available.
  5. Select the destination drive where you want to install Tiny 11. Make sure to back up any important data on that drive beforehand.
  6. Customize the installation by selecting optional components or additional software if desired.
  7. Review your selections and begin the installation process.
  8. Wait until the installation completes. This may take some time depending on your system’s specifications.
  9. Once the installation finishes you will be prompted to restart your computer. Remove the bootable media and press Enter to reboot.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Tiny 11 on your computer. You can now enjoy a sleek and lightweight operating system with a minimal resource footprint.

Categories
Security Software Windows

Tiny 11 vs. Windows 11: My two cents

 

Operating systems play a crucial role in our digital lives by providing a platform to interact with our devices. The release of Windows 11 generated a wave of excitement and anticipation among users. In this post we I compare Windows 11 the latest iteration of the Windows OS with Tiny 11 an alternative operating system that offers a lightweight approach.

Compatibility and System Requirements

Windows 11 requires specific hardware requirements including a 64-bit CPU at least 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage among other specifications. These requirements might pose a challenge for older devices. In contrast Tiny 11 is designed to run on resource-constrained systems making it an attractive option for older hardware and low-end devices.

Features and Customization

Windows 11 introduces new features such as Snap Layouts, Snap Groups and Microsoft Teams integration. It focuses on productivity with enhancements to multitasking gaming and entertainment experiences. In terms of customization users have more control over personalizing their desktops including new themes wallpapers and widgets.

While Tiny 11 may lack certain advanced features found in Windows 11 its core strength lies in its lightweight and fast performance. It is optimized to run smoothly on low-powered machines providing a stripped-down interface that minimizes distractions and maximizes efficiency.

App Ecosystem and Development

Windows 11 benefits from a vast application ecosystem. It supports a wide range of software and games with compatibility for both traditional Win32 applications and modern Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps. This vast app library makes it easier to find and use applications tailored to specific needs.

Tiny 11 although not as extensive focuses on simplicity and essential applications. It includes a selection of lightweight apps that cover essential functions such as web browsing office productivity media playback and file management. While the app ecosystem for Tiny 11 may be limited it offers a hassle-free experience without the bloat associated with larger operating systems.

Privacy and Security

Both Windows 11 and Tiny 11 prioritize privacy and security but they adopt different approaches. Windows 11 comes with enhanced security features such as TPM 2.0 Secure Boot and Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Tiny 11 while not offering the same level of native security features benefits from its lightweight nature making it less susceptible to malware and cyber threats due to its reduced attack surface.

Conclusion

Choosing between Tiny 11 and Windows 11 depends on users’ requirements and preferences. Windows 11 offers a visually appealing and feature-rich operating system suitable for modern hardware with a robust application ecosystem. On the other hand Tiny 11 targets users seeking a lightweight and fast experience on low-powered devices or those looking to simplify their computing environment. Ultimately the choice between these operating systems comes down to individual priorities – whether it’s performance feature set customization options or device compatibility. By thoroughly evaluating these factors and considering your specific needs you can make an informed decision that aligns with your preferences.

Categories
Android how to's Windows

How to unlock any device using CMD (Command Prompt)

 Android as we know it has become one of the most used mobile phone Operating System. Many companies are now resolving to Android because of it’s rate of growth e.g Nokia. Due to this Android has become the hub for experiments, hacking, cheats e.t.c. In matters of privacy, some people are very stingy about their privacy to the point of inserting a hard to guess pin/password/pattern hence also forgetting their unlocking method. As I mentioned earlier Android has become a hub of cheats, that’s why we wrote this article on how to unlock your Android device using CMD.

Step 1. First of all, connect your Android device with your PC from USB Cable.

Step 2. Now you need to Download and Install ADB Files with Driver in your PC.

Step 3. Now Press Window + R button and type CMD. When you press Enter, you see Command Prompt in your Screen.

Step 4. Type “adb devices” and press enter.

Step 5. Now type below commands one by one and press enter.

  • adb shell
  • su
  • rm /data/system/gesture.key
Step 6. That’s It! Now need to open your Android Phone screen and make any pattern.