Friday, 28 December 2012

How To Get Gadgets Back in Windows 8

Gadgets are like mini widgets which offer information at a glance and provide easy access to frequently used tools. Microsoft introduced Gadgets for the first time in Windows Vista, however there was a big improvement in the usability and functionality of Gadgets in Windows 7.

Unfortunately, Microsoft decided to remove the gadgets from their latest operating system i.e. Windows 8. This was a shocking news for all the users who loved gadgets and used them frequently.

But here is some good news for them. We are here with a freeware which will help you to get your awesome gadgets back in Windows 8. 

The freeware is named Windows 8 Desktop Gadgets and comes from WinAero, who are one of the leading names in Windows Customization software's. 

Here's how to get back Gadgets in Windows 8:

(1) Once the app has been downloaded to your computer, extract the ZIP file to get the installer. 

(2) Then go ahead and run the installer named DesktopGadgets.N.


(3) Here select your desired language and click OK. 



(4) Now click on Next and and let the installer complete installation.



(5) Once the installation has completed, right click on the desktop and Voila you will see Gadgets option in the right click menu, just like Windows 7.

Now you can add the gadgets the same way you were used to do in Windows 7. 

Complete guide for Customizing Windows 8 Start Screen

Windows 8, the latest operating system from Microsoft, features a brand new Start screen as a replacement for the Start button. The new Start screen acts as a dashboard where one can pin the apps and files they want. The tiles of these new metro apps are live and update themselves in real time which makes the Start Screen act as a live dashboard reflecting all the latest info.


Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows 8 features a lot of customization options. Not only Windows 8 features a lot of customization options, but the best part is that the steps to customize Windows 8 are very easy and aren't complicated at all. The same is true for Start Screen as well. You can customize the start screen to look like the way you want. You can customize Start screen to every bit. From changing the background color to re-arranging tiles and all this can be done without any hassle.

There are several guides available on the net which help you to customize your Windows 8 Start screen but we decided to come up with a mega guide that will provide you all the info you want at one place. So, let's get started.

How to change the Background color of Start Screen:

To change the background Color of Start Screen follow the below mentioned steps:
(1) First of all take your mouse pointer to top right corner and wait for the charms bar to arrive.

(2) Once the charm bar appears, select Settings charm.

(3) Then select Change PC Settings Option.


(4) This will take you to the new Control Panel. Here in the Personalize tab, click on Start Screen option.

(5) At the bottom, you can see a bar representing several colors. You can select any color of your choice from the bar and that color will instantly become your Start screen's color.

How To change the Start screen accent:

In Windows 8, you can easily change the accent/pattern of Start screen to make it look entirely different. Here's how you can do it:


(1) First of all take your mouse pointer to top right corner and wait for the charms bar to arrive.

(2) Once the charm bar appears, select Settings charm.

(3) Then select Change PC Settings Option.


(4) This will take you to the new Control Panel. Here in the Personalize tab, click on Start Screen option.

(5) At the bottom, you can see a bar representing all patterns. You can select any pattern of your choice from the bar and that pattern will instantly become your Start screen's accent.

How to make the tile of any application smaller:

You can make the size of the pinned tile of an app smaller as per your wish. Here's how that can be done.

(1) First of all switch to the start screen and right click on the tile you wish to make smaller.

(2) Once you right click, a bar will appear from the bottom. Just select the smaller option from the menu and the tile will become small instantly.

How to make the tile of any application larger:

You can make the size of the pinned tile of an app larger as per your wish. Here's how that can be done.

(1) First of all switch to the start screen and right click on the tile you wish to make larger.

(2) Once you right click, a bar will appear from the bottom. Just select the larger option from the menu and the tile will become large instantly.

Thursday, 27 December 2012

How to Add a Shutdown,Reboot Buttons to Windows 8 Start Screen

Windows 8, the latest operating stem from Microsoft has tried to unify the experience from Tablets to laptops and to desktops. This Operating system is way more touch friendly than its predecessors and has with its sleek approach to simplify all the day to day tasks.
However, there is one point where this Operating System didn't performed as per the expectations of the users. And that point is the ease with which one can Shutdown or restart the system. In earlier versions of Windows, user just need to click on the Start button and select the Shutdown option to shutdown the system. However that is not the case with Windows 8 as Windows 8 does not feature any Start button. In fact the Start button has been replaced by the Start screen. So, to Shutdown the system, one has to Go to the Power option under the Settings charm and then select the Shutdown option. Lengthy, isn't it?

So, today we are here with a tutorial following which you can add a Shutdown and Reboot tile to your Windows 8 Start Screen so that the whole process becomes simple and you get to shutdown or restart your system just with one click. So lets get started.

Check out the video tutorial on adding Shutdown and Reboot buttons to Windows 8 Start Screen:

Follow the steps to Add Shutdown and Restart Buttons:

(1) First of all launch Notepad. This can be done by pressing Win Key+R which will call up the run dialogue box and then type notepad and hit enter. Or you can even search for notepad from the start screen and then launch it.

(2) Then copy and paste the below given text to notepad.
set WshShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
strStartMenu = WshShell.SpecialFolders("StartMenu")
set oShellLink = WshShell.CreateShortcut(strStartMenu & "\Shutdown.lnk")
oShellLink.TargetPath = "%systemroot%\System32\shutdown.exe"
oShellLink.Arguments = "-s -t 0"
oShellLink.WindowStyle = 1
oShellLink.IconLocation = "%systemroot%\System32\shell32.dll,27"
oShellLink.Description = "Shutdown Computer (Power Off)"
oShellLink.WorkingDirectory = "%systemroot%\System32\"
oShellLink.Save
Set oShellLink = Nothing
set oShellLink = WshShell.CreateShortcut(strStartMenu & "\Log Off.lnk")
oShellLink.TargetPath = "%systemroot%\System32\shutdown.exe"
oShellLink.Arguments = "-l"
oShellLink.WindowStyle = 1
oShellLink.IconLocation = "%systemroot%\System32\shell32.dll,44"
oShellLink.Description = "Log Off (Switch User)"
oShellLink.WorkingDirectory = "%systemroot%\System32\"
oShellLink.Save
Set oShellLink = Nothing
set oShellLink = WshShell.CreateShortcut(strStartMenu & "\Restart.lnk")
oShellLink.TargetPath = "%systemroot%\System32\shutdown.exe"
oShellLink.Arguments = "-r -t 0"
oShellLink.WindowStyle = 1
oShellLink.IconLocation = "%systemroot%\System32\shell32.dll,176"
oShellLink.Description = "Restart Computer (Reboot)"
oShellLink.WorkingDirectory = "%systemroot%\System32\"
oShellLink.Save
Set oShellLink = Nothing
Wscript.Echo "Created Shutdown, Restart and Log Off buttons"
(3) Now click on the Save As option in the File menu and in the File name enter Shutdown.vbs Don't forget to enter .vbs

(4) Next in the file type, select All files and click on the Save option.

(5) Then switch to the location where you saved the file and run the file once. The file will open for a second and then will automatically disappear.

(6) Now switch to the Start Screen and Voilla. You will see that the Tiles of Shutdown, Restart and Log Off have been automatically pinned there and now with one click you can Shutdown or restart your system.

Tuesday, 25 December 2012

Windows 8: Customize The Number of Rows of Tiles on Start Screen

Windows 8, one of the most innovative project of Microsoft, features a new Start screen instead of the traditional Start button. This new Start screen acts as a Dashboard and connects you with the stuffs you need.
Along with that, the Start screen provides a very easy and efficient way to launch Metro as well as desktop apps. One can pin the tile of any app to the start screen and can launch it from there. The Start screen automatically arranges the Tiles in a row, depending on the resolution of your computer. However if you are a person who likes to customize stuffs, you will be glad to know that there is a workaround to customize the number of rows of tiles, making it look as per your wish.

Sounds good?So, let's get started. Just follow the below mentioned steps.to get the work done.

Steps to Customize The Number of Rows of Tiles on Start Screen:

(1) Search for Regedit on the Start screen and launch the Registry editor.


(2) When the registry editor launches, Switch to

HKEY_CURRENT_USER / Software / Microsoft / Windows / CurrentVersion / ImmersiveShell / Grid

(3) In the Grid folder, right click and select create a new DWORD(32-bit) Value option.


(4) Rename the DWORD value to Layout_MaximumRowCount 

P.S: Just copy and paste the above value to avoid errors.

(5) Now, double click the DWORD value and here you can enter any number between 2 to 5. The number here represents the number of rows of tiles you want, for instance entering 3 here will make the number of rows 3.
When you are done with this, just restart the system for the update to take place. 

Sunday, 23 December 2012

ServerClub - Best Dedicated Server Hosting

If you're Internet freak then you must be aware about this term, dedicated servers. If not, not to worry, because you are going to see something new and exciting for the term Dedicated servers. All your questions will be answered by now. Keep on reading.
Dedicated servers also known as dedicated hosting. Dedicated server is one type of Internet hosting which is more secured than the others. All the control of the particular active sites and all the other stuff which you've put on the Internet. In short it's not a shared hosting it is a private hosting controlled by the owner himself.
Most of the organizations have their own servers, So that there is no need of any other hosting companies and other problems, because it can be controlled by the organization itself. Such dedicated servers are very useful for all the big organizations to let their data runs on Internet fluently. This term contains a variety of terms in it.  If you're looking for such server to own here is your treat.

Best Dedicated Server Hosting:

Serverclub is totally US based organization which aims to fulfill all the needs of its users with a well manner. Here, they are providing some kind of healthy user experiences with its dedicated servers, this dedicated hosting is produced by the Cisco Systems, USA, a world leader in the telecommunication Industry and this is the point to make trust on this.
If you're starting an organization based on Internet, then you must buy a dedicated server  from serverclub to let run your full organization through it without any trouble or down time. There are various ways to buy such dedicated servers but trust is the thing! Here, Cisco based dedicated server services from serverclub provide some good kind of inter-relationship with users. Why we are quite sure about this? Well, here are all the facts of this Best Dedicated Server Hosting.
On serverclub you will find out numerous dedicated web hosting servers which they offered to us. The dedicated server host of it is located at Amsterdam, Netherlands.  Free customer support 24*7 is the most effective feature that they are providing to its users. Specialists are always ready to help its customers kindly and I found that Service is better than selling and may be this is the main reason why it's slightly brilliant than the other hosting providers.
Serverclub providing good and dedicated services to let you design your own network, consult on server's workload and traffic control and the other technical topics. With best hardware configuration, initial software installation and setup with a life-time support. Isn't that amazing? Which are the best things which can make you sure to buy from here?

Pleasant facts about Serverclub Dedicated Server Hosting:

  • A wide range of customer installation and bandwidth payment
  • Support ticketing system to let you see the temperature of your each and every user's server
  • 99% uptime
  • Hardware configuration by the best brands
  • Hardware and quality support 14/7, 365 days a year
  • Separate and limited access to control panel for technical personnel
  • Best engineers to let you help out for each and every questions from the beginning
Here's the whole list of dedicated servers offered: You can simply check out from here. www.serverclub.com/dedicated
And here's the page of server's online management panels. Sample page is ready for you. Check it out from here-www.serverclub.com/demo
So if you're still thinking to buy dedicated servers, I must say thinking is such a waste of time. Best Dedicating Server Hosting from serverclub.com  is really the best one to let run your organization fluently.

Saturday, 22 December 2012

Problems Encountered During and After Installation of Windows 8

Windows 8 is a new OS from Microsoft that is designed for offering gestural experiences to the users of computers and Smartphone. Just like in the Smartphone's or tablets, the operating system allow one to do almost everything from their start screens viz. checking news and weather updates, sharing photos and videos, capturing video and images, downloading applications, listening and/or downloading music, instant messaging, emails, updating Facebook, twitter and other social sites, running a disk de-fragmentation etc.

Window 8 has become very popular within the very few days of release. More than 5 millions of upgrades that have been sold a few days after the release. Even though it might take time for some of the customers to get acquainted to the features of window 8, it is expected to be very easy to use and understand when installed in their computer once they understand it.

Just like windows 7, this windows it offer the user the option of having a clean installation or upgrading from the previous version.It allows one to choose the desired option. It all begins with happiness after upgrading the personal computer to windows 8, but later one may start experiencing some problems during the installation or after completion of installation.

Black/Blank Screen after Installation:

Among major problems faced by computer users after installation of windows 8 is the blank screen. Many of them are left wondering what might have gone wrong since the installation was successful. It has been noted that the installation of Windows 8 goes well without a problem and the blank screen only appear afterwards. The computer user might not have an idea of the procedure they have skipped. When one is faced with the problem of the blank screen, they could get assistance from windows 8 support. One can also apply the following steps to fix this problem. The problem can be solved by creating a bootable DVD or USB and then try installing it. In case it does not fix the problem, make changes to the settings of the computer BIOS by making it play and plug operating system enabled. Ensure that the security software like the firewall and antivirus are disabled.

Missing Important Driver or Files:

It is common to receive an error message of being the installation process being unable to take place because there are missing drivers and the error requests the BIOS to be entered during or after the installation process. The problem is mainly during the selection of the disk to install the OS. The problem can be solved by holding on the Alt key on hearing a beep when the computer is rebooting. The key should be held until a whirling gear is seen and then the OS is selected as the start up drive. The method is only applicable when installing windows 8 on MacBook air.

Failed Upgrade

The problem of failed upgrade is usually attributed to several things. The user should ensure that their computer meets minimum requirement for their system to hold windows 8. The antivirus and firewall should be disabled to allow the upgrade to go smoothly. The Internet connection should be strong enough to complete the installation process. A valid license key of the OS should also be available. When using the touch functionality, one should ensure that their computer is able to support the multi-touch.
When facing problems with upgrading windows 8, it is advisable to have a clean installation. If the problem persists, the user can seek expert help from the windows 8 support. After solving the above problems, Windows 8 will allow you to explore your computer world.

Some more windows 8 Guides:

About the Author:Fahad Junaid Khattak writes about everything from technology to gaming. He found out about mobile games to try it on and enjoy.

Friday, 21 December 2012

General Play- Apps for everyone

Smartphones, E-books, Tablets, Mp3 players and a lot more devices are now like a part of everyone's routine life. One could not imagine his/her life without such devices, because these devices have made a very special place in their hearts. And if you're reading this, suddenly there must be sparks in your mind about your gadget. Yes, smartphones and above devices are very essential and important to make our day a well spent.

An important aspect is these devices are not useful, but the mobile apps of these devices make them an important one. There are thousands of new apps being launching every day in various platforms and people look more confused when they're willing to get their special app from that particular platform's store, just keep on reading, here you will find out something very special to make you say Awesome, this is!

General Play- Apps for everyone:

General play is the unique and effective way of fulfilling all your wills. General play is a unique search engine made for only apps. Isn't that amazing? Yes, this search engine is only made for the apps, million apps and more.
As I said earlier, there is a lot of smartphones and such devices in the current time with numerous new platforms. New platforms make users bit confusing so they couldn't figure out themselves to let grab a new and appropriate app from that platform, when you feel such General play is made for you. General play is the only way, an easy way to let you help to find out the desire app as per your request. I know there must be many questions hitting up on your mind.

Why should I use General Play?

General play is app search engine. Means it help you to let find out the request app within a moment. General play is very important for all the smart people with their smart devices. Apps made their devices smart, so for that they need to load their devices with some extra cool apps. General play is the easiest way for searching out the best of the apps with just a single click. There are many various fields from which we can download apps and much other interesting stuff like this.

Why General Play is unique? 

General play is unique mobile app store because there appear many options to download apps from Android apps to latest iPhone5 apps. When you're on the home page of General play you all can clearly see different ways to search out your favourite apps. Such as
  • Popular Apps
  • Latest Apps
  • Popular Interests
  • Top Interest
  • Latest Interests
  • General News
In the category field there are all kinds of categories which make you sure to download your chosen apps from. Here is the full list of various categories from which we can simply chose our better usable app.

Different categories of General Play for apps :

  • Beta apps
  • Boooks
  • Business
  • Card
  • Catalogs
  • Comics
  • Comminication
  • Cydia
  • Education & reference
  • Entertainment
  • Finance
  • Food & Drink
  • Games
  • Government & politics
  • Health & fitness
  • Kids & family
  • Lifestyle and a lot more
One more thing which you may like is its home page. General play is well designed for all kind of people who are searching for their apps. in the home page with the above categories you will see sliding apps which are from the recent dates. There are top free, top paid, gaining popularity and interesting apps are there. Most of the users are searching for the latest and most downloaded apps and those apps are right away on the home page of General Play.
In general play all the apps are well functional and well detailed. For me, this is the best and unique way to load your device well with some great and useful apps for all. If you're looking for some amazing apps for your devices, www.General-play.com is the only solution. Try it out and let keep your feet ahead in the techno world with General play.