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How to automatically start a program minimized in Windows

Some Windows programs are better run in the background and out of the way. To avoid having to manually minimize a program every time you run it, you can configure the program's shortcut so it will automatically run minimized. Here's how:

In our example, we're going to configure TechSmith's Snagit software to automatically start up in a minimized window. Snagit is a screen-capture program that doesn't need to be run in the foreground. Snagit doesn't have a setting to allow it to start it up minimized, so we'll configure Windows 7 to do … Read more

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How to calibrate your computer monitor with Windows 7

Although "calibration" is usually used in the context of televisions, computer monitors (including laptop displays) must also be calibrated. Professionals charge hundreds of dollars to calibrate TV screens, but computer monitors are a little easier to calibrate.

Windows 7 comes with a built-in wizard, appropriately called "Calibrate Display Monitor," which guides you through the process of fine-tuning colors, brightness, contrast, and text. Take a look.

Use Lion Tweaks to customize your OS X Lion experience

We know, there are some things about OS X Lion you just hate. We feel the same way. Major changes in the tech we use daily are not always welcomed, and the transition hardly ever goes smooth or in a timely manner.

Thankfully, 9to5Mac has pointed out that some creative developers have put together a one-click solution for those who aren't comfortable cracking open Terminal and changing system level settings, the app is called Lion Tweaks. 

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How to use Apple's Lion Recovery Disk Assistant

With OS X Lion, Apple bucked the traditional method of releasing software on a physical medium, instead opting to release Lion through the Mac App Store. This is convenient for many, but it does not sit well for those who prefer to have a physical way to fix problems down the road.

Here's how to use a tool Apple just released to create a Lion Recovery HD on a USB drive.… Read more

Assign apps to a desktop in OS X Lion

We have already gone over how to use Mission Control and the new Launch Pad feature in OS X Lion, but users are still having issues adjusting to the lack of some features. One frustration stems from Snow Leopard's Spaces feature, which allowed users to assign apps to windows, or desktops.

Read on to find out how to accomplish the same thing in OS X Lion; it's surprisingly easy.

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How to use multiple, virtual desktops in Windows

Although you might be pretty good at maximizing your screen real estate, or have even set up an extra monitor to expand your workspace, there's an alternative solution to keeping your desktop organized.

Mac OS X has a built-in feature called Mission Control which allows users to organize windows and programs into multiple desktop workspaces. For example, you might reserve one for photo editing, another for gaming, and a third for Web browsing.

So what about those of us using Windows?

Use virtual desktops in Windows

Enter Dexpot, a free program that gives you multiple, password-protected workspaces for your … Read more

Roundup: 17 iPhoto tips

iPhoto '11 is a powerful tool for organizing and sharing photos, and it has a few editing tools that let you quickly adjust the look of your photos. Like much of Apple's iLife '11 suite, iPhoto is easy to use, but to get the most out of it, I present 17 tips that will show you how to organize, edit, and share your photos.… Read more

How to set up multiple iPhoto libraries

I take a lot of photos of laptops and other hardware that I review as a freelance tech writer. I also take a lot of photos of things that aren't tech products, and I don't like have to sift through pictures of PCs and printers when I'm browsing my iPhoto library. The solution? Multiple iPhoto libraries.

Dividing your photos among multiple iPhoto libraries is useful if you use your Mac for home and work. It's also useful if your iPhoto library is eating up a large chunk of your hard drive. You can set up additional iPhoto libraries on an external hard drive, though this solution is probably more useful for Mac desktops, where a hard drive is connected or always nearby. For laptops, however, it's a great way to offload some of the seldom viewed or older pictures in your library.

Multiple iPhoto libraries are easy to set up and switch between. Here's how:

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How to back up your iPhoto library

A computer crash can be devastating, especially when you lose all of your photos. I trust that if you are a Mac user, you are performing regular Time Machine backups, which saves a snapshot of your entire hard drive and stores it on an external drive. For the extra cautious, you can also save a copy of your iPhoto library to an external hard drive or a disc (because who knows--your Time Machine drive might fail one day). Here's how in iPhoto '11:… Read more