Point - N - Click

In response to Steve Rubel’s question: “What feeds should be default in IE7 and Longhorn“, I like when programs give me a clearly-written option to install extra things, but otherwise leave everything plain-as-vanilla by default. I could see the question arise during installation (or even later) if I would enjoy the chance to select from several well-established RSS feeds across a small spectrum. Not too vast to blow-away the new user, but with some interesting categories. To me, a few selected feeds under headings such as these would be good:

• News
• Technology
• Politics / Government
  (does my city have an RSS newsfeed? How can I get more involved in my community?)
• Entertainment (Movies & Music)
• Living / Lifestyle / Travel
• Health
• …and maybe some light shopping links

Finally, I would love a well-written, easy-access audiovisual presentation from Microsoft explaining lightly what an RSS feed actually is, how to use them, why it’s valuable to the everyday user, and how to spot one. One thing is incredibly clear: when Microsoft wants to promote an idea or a concept, they do an exceptional job.

«soapbox»None of us fully know where RSS is going, but we know its very nature restricts confinement. Please, Microsoft, be a team-player in the larger RSS landscape on this one. Don’t try and cage it up or force it to obey you. Let the people choose. Just give us the tools and show us how to use them.«/soapbox»

This list of quick Windows tricks lists the following for clearing out unwanted contect-menu items when you Right-Click your mouse:

Often you’ll get rid of an app, such as a graphics program or an antivirus scanner, only to find unwelcome remnants cluttering up your context menus and offering you the option to open or work with these files with programs that no longer live in your PC. Stamp ‘em out. Back up the Registry just in case, then launch Regedit. In the left pane, navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT \ * \ shellx \ ContextMenuHandlers and click the folder’s + sign to view its folders. Still in the left pane, delete the folder below ContextMenuHandlers that’s named for the program you want removed.

Windows offers a lot of useful and convenient keyboard shortcuts. If your keyboard has a Windows key, there are even more.

Windows key + R	Run
Windows key + M	Minimize All
Windows key + Shift+M	Undo Minimize All
Windows key + F1	Windows Help
Windows key + E	Explorer
Windows key + F	Find Folder or Files
Windows key + Tab	Cycle through Taskbar Buttons
Windows key + Pause/Break	System Properties
Ctrl+X	Cut selected item
Ctrl+C	Copy selected item
Ctrl+V	Paste
Ctrl+Z	Undo the last operation
Shift+F10	Pops up the shortcut menu, just like right-clicking
Ctrl+Esc	Pops up the Start Menu
Ctrl+A	Select all items
Ctrl+F	Find
Alt+Tab	Switch between applications
Alt+Tab+Shift	Switch backward between applications
Alt+Esc	Switch open windows
Alt+Enter	Open properties for selected item
Shift+Delete	Delete selected item without placing it in the Recycle Bin
F1	View Help for a selected dialog box
F2	Rename the selected item
F3	Opens the Find Command in your current folder
F4	Drop the "folder selection menu" in Explorer
F5	Refreshes the contents of the current folder
Alt+F4	Quit a program
Backspace	Go up one directory (Explorer), go to previous page (Internet Explorer)

From: PC911 - Friendly Computer Help In Plain English

Over the weekend, del.icio.us moved to new servers, and the results are great. Much faster bookmarking and the new "tag clouds" are interesting. Nice job!

del.icio.us: delicious del.icio.us cool web tech

You already know this: In your career search, knowing people, and knowing people they know becomes very important. 

Linked In is a (free) tool I am using to manage my professional and personal relationships.  Linked In makes it easy for me to introduce you to people I know that I think you should know.  Plus, like writing a blog, it helps you become more alive to me, and potential colleagues.

If you’re on this website because of a relationship we have (either through SOS Technical, or some other reason), please contact me and (after you have joined Linked In yourself) ask me to add you to my contact list.  I would love to have you connected to me and, through me, my network of good people.

Notes:

• First, thanks to Paul Allen for introducing me to Linked In.
• See my Linked In profile
• Once you’re Linked In, download their (free) Linked In Jobs Insider Toolbar for Internet Explorer.