Tag: howto

Save CPU Cycles by Disabling the Windows 7 Search Feature

Posted by ts On 05.02.2010

Here I found something that annoys the hell out of me, when using my W7 – read on…

unfortunately …

If you can’t get used to the new search feature in Windows 7, or you just prefer using Everything,Google Desktop, orLaunchy, you might be interested to know you can disable it.

While we’re not recommending to average users to disable the built-in search functionality, if you really don’t use it, you could save yourself some CPU cycles by getting rid of it. Over at How-To Geek (my home away from Lifehacker), we’ve got a guide to the quick steps to disabling the built-in Windows Search feature, but you can do it easily by simply heading into the Control Panel, searching for “Turn Windows features on or off”, and then unchecking Windows Search from the list.

Once you’ve restarted your PC, you’ll notice that the search box is gone from the start menu, and there will no longer be a search box in Windows Explorer when you’re browsing through the file system. You should also note that Microsoft Outlook’s “Instant Search” feature depends on Windows Search, so that will use the slower Outlook search instead.

It’s definitely not a setting for everybody—and frankly this writer loves the Windows 7 search box, but if you never use it, at least now you know how to disable it. If you prefer your instructions in step-by-step format, click the link for the full guide.

source – lifehacker.com

Remove a Stripped Screw with a Rubber Band

Posted by ts On 03.02.2010

The head of the screw you stripped while you were hanging that shelf may not have seemed like a big deal at the time—until you needed to unscrew it, that is. Next time you’re having trouble, try a rubber band.

Home hacks and design blog Apartment Therapy offers a a few simple, smart tips for removing a stripped screw without any special equipment like an extractor—like using a rubber band:

A rubber band may aid in providing enough grip to remove, or at least loosen, the screw. Place a wide band rubber band [in between] the screw driver (we recommend bumping one size up from the screw head which caused the strip) and the screw, then apply hard, but slow force as you turn. If you’re fortunate, the rubber band will fill in the gaps caused by the strip and allow extraction.

They also suggest more obvious solutions like changing the size of your screwdriver, using pliers when possible, or just pounding the screwdriver into the screw head with a hammer, hoping you can create your own traction. If you’ve ever tried the rubber band trick—or have your own favorite method—let’s hear how it worked in the comments. If your screw’s just fine but your screw hole is stripped, a golf tee may be all you need.

source – lifehacker.com

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