If you want to know when the computer was shut down last time, here is the instructions on how to do it:

1- Click Start+Run and type Eventvwr.msc

2- Check on the System and Information by sorting the Time column to know when was the last time Windows was shut down.

Sometimes, when you create a file with different extensions rather than widely used files in Windows (txt, rtf, etc), Windows automatically puts the traditional extension to the end of the file. For example, you want to create a file called helloWorld.php by using text file. When you create helloWorld.php, then automatically Windows creates it as helloWorld.php.txt. To prevent this you need to do the following:

1- In Windows Explorer, click Tools and Folder Options

2- In Folder Options, click View and uncheck “Hide extensions for known file types”.

3- Remove the txt extension from the file by renaming it.

Then, you should have no problem by creating file with unknown extensions.

Windows XP is undoubtedly the most useful and widely used operating system used in pc computers. However, while installing new programs, new registry settings allow them to start  without user’s permission whenever the computer is booted. Here is a tip how to prevent and remove unwanted programs to start in Windows.

1- From Window Start+Run, type msconfig to open System Configuration Utility

2- From Startup tab, uncheck the programs that you want to get rid of

3- Make sure that you don’t remove the critical programs from the list that can cause system instability.

4- Restart the computer. This tip should allow the computer to boot faster.

5- Check the Task Manager to see any other programs that you like to get rid of and repeat the procedure for those programs.

For more information about the computer .tips, please visit CleanPC.org or browse our website.

Windows update has been an important necessity to address the potential threads. Meanwhile, automatic update usually asks the user permission to automatically restart the computer. The annoying message appears in the following image:

There is a simple way to stop the annoying this message box.

To stop the message box to keep appearing, you can open command prompt by pressing Windows+R keys and typing cmd. And then,  type sc stop wuauserv. The command will automatically stop the nagging automatic restart message box. And, you can continue working with your computer and restart it anytime you want.

Productivity is such an important thing in our fast-paced world. Since the information can be reached so easily nowadays, it is important to connect remotely to the other computers to increase the productivity. One convenient way is to connect to another computer is to create a gateway from the internet to connect another computer.

There are several programs available for the remote connection. Among those programs, a few are are worth to mention:

1. Windows Remote Desktop Connection: RDC comes with the Windows Professional version to connect other computers. You can’t connect to the computers with Windows XP Home but it is possible to connect to other computers. It is one of the most secure remote connection software. The other end can’t see what’s going on in the computer so, it is great for one end connections. You need to add exception to firewall to use Remote desktop connection.
2. RealVNC: RealVNC is a software where you can connect another computer. The other end can also see what is going on which increases the overall productivity. You need to buy the software to use RealVNC. Meanwhile, you can also use the free version of VNC but it creates a lot of security issues since the free version uses non-encrypted connection. Once we use RealVNC in our computer and we were surprised when we see one morning that someone from France hacked our computer via RealVNC,
3. TeamViewer. Teamviewer is a perfect software for the remote desktop connection. It has the options for multiple users to connect the same computer to see the same screen. This feature increases the productivity substantially. Another major feature for Teamviewer is the ability to connect to the other computers internationally. What gives you the ability to connect your friend’s computers in China. The password authentication allows users to change the password to connect to each other. This feature rules out the security concerns. With Teamviewer, it is also possible to share files with the other computer. As long as you use TeamViewer for the non-commercial purpose, it is free to use.

Remote desktop connections are very important to increase productivity and we recommend CleanPC.org users to read our blog before making a decision on which remote desktop software to use.