IT Support Sussex - Blog

Windows XP Snipping Tool

ian — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:22:22 +0000

Windows Vista and Windows 7 both come with a handy snipping tool. However any desktop edition of Windows XP is sadly missing this feature.

However we have found a useful substitute until you upgrade to the latest version of windows.

You can download the tool from this page. There is no installation needed, just download and run it.

Xperia Arc vs Galaxy S2

ian — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:13:52 +0000

Mobile phones have come a long way since we needed a briefcase-sized battery just to make a 30 second phone call.

Samsung and Sony’s latest phones look pretty similar on paper, but how do they compare in day to day use?

Firstly, the Galaxy S2 has a slightly bigger screen, 4.3 inch compared to the Sony’s 4.2 inch offering. The sony screen is slightly higher resolution, but not so much to make a lot of difference! Both have a very bright, vivid display, perfect for watching videos on the go, or surfing the internet. The Sony screen can actually appear to be larger, but this is due to the tiny amount of surrounding casing.

Unfortunately, this is pretty much the only area where the Sony competes with Samsungs excellent S2. The S2 has a longer battery life due to using an AMOLED display vs Sony’s LCD, a better, dual core CPU, and a gorilla glass screen which makes it very tough to damage.

Sony’s phone, although nicely designed, has a very plastic, almost cheap feel to it. The glass on the Xperia Arc is very prone to being scratched, so you will need a to use a protective cover with it. Fortunately, Sony does supply a plastic screen cover.

All in all, although both are very nice phones, given the choice, the Samsung is the one to go for.

Real Life Angry Birds

Matt NJ — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:13:42 +0000

Any Angry Birds fans out there? Take a look at this:-

Anyone with Vista really should upgrade to Windows7

Matt NJ — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:40:26 +0000

Anyone that is still using Vista that has any stability issues really should now upgrade to Windows 7, Vista even blue screened on its lauch day by Microsoft all those years ago:-

Configure Internet Explorer Trusted Sites via Group Policy

matthewf — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 09:30:27 +0000

It is useful to be able to pre-define a list of Trusted Sites within Internet Explorer and throughout a network, this can easily be down through Group Policy;

On the domain controller open Active Directory Users and Computers.

Right-click the OU or domain you want to apply the policy, click Properties and then the Group Policy tab.

Create a Group Policy and Edit it.

In Group Policy expand User Configuration -> Windows Settings ->Internet Explorer Maintenance -> Security -> Security Zones and Content Ratings

Under Security Zones, choose Import the current security zones settings.

Click Modify Settings, add trusted sites and then select OK.

Once done click OK and the policy should then be active.

Draytek Reseller, Sussex

Matt NJ — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:31:35 +0000

We are now a DrayTek authorised reseller, this gives us access to discounted prices, product training and specialised access to the support and engineering teams. If you have any Draytek requirments, just get in touch!

How to take a screenshot on Mac OSX

matthewf — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 09:00:14 +0000

There are various ways in which to take a screenshot on your Apple MAC;

Take a screenshot of the entire screen

Command-Shift-3: Take a screenshot and then save it as a file on your desktop
Command-Control-Shift-3: Take a screenshot and save it to the clipboard

Take a screenshot of a select area

Command-Shift-4, then select an area: this saves it to your desktop
Command-Control-Shift-4, then select an area: this saves it to the clipboard

Take a screenshot of a window
Command-Shift-4, then space, then click a window: this saves it to your desktop
Command-Control-Shift-4, then space, then click a window: this saves it to the clipboard

Fixing Slow VNC in Windows 7

Matt NJ — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:51:10 +0000

If you are using VNC with Windows 7 and are finding it slow, disabling the Aero effects on Windows 7 whilst you use VNC speeds things up massively, all you need to do is right click on your desktop, click “Personalize” and then select “Windows Classic” at the bottom.

Saving an RDP Shortcut on a Thin Client

Matt NJ — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 08:52:28 +0000

To save a remote desktop link for regular use on your thin client, follow the video below:-

Ask an Expert: Zune Setup, Windows Phone 7

Matt NJ — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 08:46:40 +0000

Laura asks…

How do I setup my Zune player?

How do I completely setup my Zune player? How can I get certain files from my laptop to the Zune and certain files from my Zune to my laptop? I have the users guide, but there is just so much to read, I have read most of it, but I am not totally sure about, well, anything for that matter! Any help from anyone would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks a lot!!

Matt NJ answers:

1. Download and install the correct version of the software for your computer.

2. Follow the onscreen prompts. At some point you will be prompted to set up your monitored folders. Decide if you want to do it then or later. If you do it then the default setting for Zune monitored folders is My Music, My Videos, My Pictures, and the Zune folder that is located in the My Music folder plus one other location where it loads the sample files.

3. If you decide to set up the monitored folders later this is how you do it. While the program is open click on settings>collection. This is where you see the monitored folders. You will see how to add or remove them once you are there. Decide if you want it to sync automatically or let you choose.

4. Leave your Zune connected until the little battery in the bottom right corner of the device is green. You can add stuff to your Zune while it charges.

5, Zune will scan the monitored folders for music, pictures, and videos.
Here you wil find info on the audio formats Zune supports:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/928191/en-us

Zune recognizes several video formats but I have found wmv to be the easiest to sync. As for pictures the only format it supports is jpeg.

6. You can also add music from cds. Just put the cd in the tray and open the Zune program. Give it a sec to realize the cd is there then click on disc. If you see the music listed then you can rip it.

7, You will need a converter for videos and DVDs. Most videos you download will be in flv format. Some will be in avi. There may be other formats to. If you use mpeg-4 your Zune will probably convert it. Do a search for Zune converters. Some are free some are low cost. You can’t use videos you bought online from any other source besides Zune Marketplace unless you use a program that strips DRM. On the other hand you can use most music you buy online. Just burn them to a cd and rip them into Zune.

As long as you remember to put files in the monitored folders the Zune program will find them. Then you can sync to your Zune.

Jenny asks…

were could i buy a zune setup cd?

were could i buy a zune setup cd?

Matt NJ answers:

There doesn’t exist a zune cd, it’s all online. Just download the software for free off zune.net