ERIC
SPELLMANN
PowerToys: Hidden Gems for Windows
- More tips for PC users from computer and internet guru Eric Spellmann
Whenever
a new version of Windows is released, you typically receive some "extra" programs
that make your life a little easier. You can find these programs
by clicking on START, PROGRAMS, ACCESSORIES.
However, not all accessories are completed in time to make the release date.
Instead of throwing them away, Microsoft releases them throughout the year
and calls them "PowerToys". These little programs are incredibly
useful and incredibly FREE.
If you look around, you'll find two versions of PowerToys: one set for Windows
95 and another for Windows XP. For those of you with Windows 98, ME, or 2000,
I've heard that the Windows 95 set will work, however Microsoft claims otherwise.
For the purposes of this review, I'll cover the XP PowerToys.
You can find them at: http://www.microsoft.com/powertoys
Following is a current list of these great programs:
Alt-Tab Replacement
Many of you know that holding down the ALT key while tapping the TAB key will
quickly switch between open windows. However, if you have multiple windows
open, the standard "icon-only" display can be vague. This PowerToy
will enhance the experience by displaying a thumbnail of the Window.
Open Command Window Here
Ah, the days of DOS. Those of us that used computers back in the eighties and
early nineties, remember that infamous C-prompt. Every now and then, I find
a task can be handled much quicker by performing it in a DOS window. However,
whenever you open up a command window, the system always drops you in a pre-designated
directory. With this PowerToy, you can right-click on a folder and choose "Open
Command Window Here".
Tweak UI
Bill Gates doesn't trust you. He doesn't give you easy access to EVERY adjustable
setting in Windows. In fact, he put most of the dangerous settings in something
cryptic, called the "Registry". Making changes in the registry is
very delicate work (think brain surgery) and requires some forethought. Thankfully,
some Microsoft programmers have made access to some of the more tame settings
available via their PowerToy, Tweak UI. I especially like the "User Auto-Login" feature.
Power Calculator
The calculator that comes with Windows, while useful, is not "amazing".
If you grew up with one of those monster HP machines, you'll appreciate this
PowerToy. The Power Calculator can graph and evaluate functions, as well as
perform a number of useful conversions. Think of it as the Windows calculator
on steroids.
Image Resizer
Digital cameras are great. I love the amount of detail these devices can capture.
However, with that level of detail comes large picture files. Depending on
how you set your resolution and picture size, these files can be over a megabyte
in size. E-mailing these monsters can be a nightmare. Enter, the Image Resizer
PowerToy. By right-clicking on a picture, you can create a much smaller copy
of the image, suitable for e-mailing. This method is much quicker and easier
than loading up PhotoShop or another image editor.
CD Slide Show Generator
Speaking of digital cameras, once you have a few hundred of these digital images,
you'll probably want to store them somewhere else besides your computer. Or
maybe you want to share them with friends. If someone sends you a CD packed
with images, you can use this PowerToy to create a virtual Slide Show.
Virtual Desktop Manager
Do you believe in bigger desktops? What if you could have four desktops? Well,
you can with this PowerToy. Virtual Desktop Manager allows one computer to
effectively have up to four distinct desktops. If you like to have multiple
windows open simultaneously, this PowerToy is for you. You have to see it to
appreciate it.
Taskbar Magnifier
If you have a vision-impaired friend, pay attention. This PowerToy uses the
taskbar to magnify an area of the screen around your pointer. I also know some
PhotoShop experts that use this tool for quick image zooms. Personally, I haven't
used it much, but for those that need it, I've heard it's indispensable.
Webcam Timershot
Is someone using your computer when you're not around? Find out with this PowerToy.
If you have a webcam hooked up to your system, you can use this program to
automatically snap shots at specified time intervals and store them in a designated
location. Think of it as your own personal security camera. Of course, you
could also aim it at your fish tank and have the shots uploaded to your web
site for the world to see …
As time goes on, I'm sure Microsoft will release new PowerToys, so check their
site occasionally for updates.
I'll see you in Cyberspace!
- Eric Spellmann is the owner of Spellmann & Associates, a corporate technology training facility in Amarillo, Texas. Besides his weekly column, he produces technology segments for his local CBS television affiliate and speaks at numerous conferences. If you would like to receive the full transcripts of his columns as well as the television segments he produces for CBS, sign up for his FREE e-mail newsletter by sending a blank message to nl@ericspellmann.com with SUBSCRIBE in the subject. Or, you can sign up at his website: http://www.EricSpellmann.com
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