My System Journal

It’s almost twelve years now since XP was first launched for PC users. And as of April 8, Microsoft will deliver the final security updates closing its support for the operating system finally.

 

Of course, there are a few who still want to continue using XP and keep their PC, there are others who might want to get a new computer.

 

So, here are 3 things to consider before going out and getting that new computer:

 

#1: Fix parts or upgrade

Before you purchase a laptop, make sure you can open it easily just in case some of the parts go wrong be it RAM, storage, the keyboard or any of the other components. Lenovo is a good option. If you wish to upgrade frequently, it’s a good idea to check the laptop’s underside. For this purpose, business-grade laptops offer the easiest access.

 

#2: Think about touchscreen devices

There’s no doubt that Windows 8.1 is the best version of Windows yet but its focus on touch is even better. Before you rush into purchasing a new models, look at a wide range of laptop and more importantly, touchscreen devices that are very affordable. Even if you think, you wouldn’t want to use one, it’s still a good idea to check one out.

 

#3: Solid state or hard disk drives

You have the option of using either solid state or hard disk drives. Both have their advantages. If you’re looking for speed, then an SSD is perfect for your needs. However, if you’re looking for as much storage space as possible, then a hard disk drive. Very little has changed except for the fact that they have become reliable, spacious and definitely faster.

Not a single version of Windows since XP has saved files such as photos, spreadsheets and text documents by default to Desktop.

 

This is for the simple reason that it isn’t safe but some people find this to be convenient since it is always visible.

 

However, there are a number of reasons why one should avoid saving files to Desktop. Probably, the first of the lot involves organization. The only way by which you can sort these files is by name or date.

 

Yet it becomes impossible to find a file when your Desktop is overcrowded and which is why folders are preferred to saving them at this location.

 

Unfortunately, if you do take this approach, you’ll also have to contend with application windows that will be open at any given point of time. While it’s easy to minimize or hide these windows, that just adds another level of complexity.

 

Another reason why you should prefer using folders instead of Desktop is when you perform a System Restore, the files on Desktop won’t be saved as opposed to in your folders.

 

In addition, a number of file-based backup programs don’t protect files on Desktop either. Of course, you can change this in the backup program’s settings easily.

 

Of course, if you want to still back you files on Desktop, then altering a few settings in the Library section of Windows Explorer.. Select Documents and then Properties. Click the ‘Include a Folder’ and select the desktop. You should find it near the top of the Navigation Panel which is under Favorites.

 

Alternatively, if you want to save files to Desktop by default, all you have to do is save Desktop from the Library locations list and click Set Save Location.

It goes without saying that PCs require little or no maintenance. In fact, Windows 8.1 carries out most of the maintenance chores for you these days.

 

But every now and then, you might have to remove physical equipment from your PC, and for this, it might require a few tools that you will not be able to do without.

 

So, here are 3 inexpensive tools that you can use to keep your computer in shape:

 

#1: Microfiber cloth

This tool is very important if your PC display lacks a glass front. Using microfiber cloth to wipe off dust and anything else that hamper your view ensures that you don’t scratch your screen in the process. It comes in handy when you are wiping bits of liquid as well as when dusting the keyboard. Some people use this type of cloth as a barrier between their laptop keyboard and screen which could prevent messing up the display when it is closed.

 

#2: Screwdriver

There are a number of reasons why you might need a screwdriver for your PC but the type that you need depends on the laptop or PC you have. As for the reasons, you might want to add RAM, change your solid state hard drive for a better model or to even clear out the cobwebs too. Most importantly, if you drop some soda on your laptop, you will need this tool to help you clean out the mess.

 

#3: Compressed air

In situations where microfiber cloth isn’t enough, compressed air, which comes in cans. The advantage of using compressed air is that it can reach places where microfiber cloth cannot be it your desktop fan as well as ventilation points. Just make sure you use it as prescribed or there’s every chance of causing damage to components.

If you don’t want to pay for your word processor, as you might have to do with Microsoft Word, LibreOffice turns out to be just as good.

 

In fact, for most people, it works out to be an excellent substitute in the process!

 

For example, being able to change fonts can prove to be as simple in Microsoft Word as it is in LibreOffice.

 

However, it can be difficult to figure out how to change the default font in LibreOffice so as to prevent having to change the font every time you open a new document.

 

So, firstly, you’ll have to open LibreOffice Writer and select Tools>Options so as to open the dialog box. While you might see a ‘Fonts’ option in the LibreOffice section, ignore that and open the LibreOffice Writer option instead.

 

Once you expand the LibreOffice Writer section, look for Basic Fonts (Western) and select it.

 

The larger right-hand pane will consist of five default fonts for different types of text and from which you’ll have to look for ‘Default’. Not only can you change the Font type but also the font size as well, thanks to options available from two pull-down menus for each.

 

Once you make the changes, you’ll notice that this change is made to three of the other font settings as well except the Heading font type. Feel free to make changes to each of these default fonts include the one under the Heading section.

 

Last but not the least, ensure you do not check ‘Current document only’ before you hit ‘OK’.

A PVD system helps industries mass produce products that would have been impossible less than a century ago.

A PVD system is used to deposit thin films of material onto a substrate. Using this technique, it is possible to evaporate metals and other materials, and use some of their properties to enhance another material. We see this a lot in semiconductors, where special metals are applied to a circuit board to achieve connectivity, but the process is used in other household products as well.

PVD is a common process and industries use it to make everything from eye glass lenses to solar cells. The automotive industry uses it to coat engines, which can dramatically increase the lifespan of a car by making its moving parts less prone to abrasion. You also see PVD systems at work when you notice the reflective coating of a headlamp, or even street signs.

The biggest advantage that PVD brings to the process is the ability to evaporate materials at room temperatures. Using the car example, if a manufacturer wants to build a headlamp with reflective coating, an ion beam sputter deposition process can lower the temperature in production so the material is deposited without damaging the plastics used in the construction of the headlamp.

The process saves time and the environment. If a piece that needs to be metalized is made of plastic, companies will typically have more than one plant to do it. The first factory makes the product, and the second factory metalizes it. With PVD systems, the process is seamless and the work takes less time to produce a finish product.