March 29, 2009
Facebook is listening :O
Only a few weeks ago, the Facebook layout was, once again, changed. There was great dissatisfaction amongst users. Many made negative comments on their statuses and joined groups like, “MEMBERS WANT THE OLD FACEBOOK BACK!”. Facebook responded. Have a read:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10203692-93.html
This seems to me like a good example of crowd sourcing.
March 28, 2009
Breakthrough in Ease of Access: Windows 7 Magnifier
In an earlier post (here), I mentioned how ZoomText, the world’s top magnifying software, overcharges customers that require the software. However, just recently, I noticed that Windows 7 comes with its own magnifier, and it works very very well. Windows vista also comes with a magnifier, but many visually impaired people need a full screen magnifier. Now, many people will have very good access to their computers without having to dish out $500 for ZoomText.
However, compared to ZoomText, the Windows 7 Magnifier is still somewhat lacking. Still, the magnifier should be enough for most people.
Take a look:
As you can see, the magnification is adjustable. Users can also change the viewing style from full screen to frame.
This is really what most users need for a magnifying programme. Bill Gates made a good choice when he decided to change Windows Magnifier.
February 13, 2009
How to Change your Vista Theme
(Tutorial written out of personal experience)
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To change your windows vista theme from windows vista aero or similar theme, you will need to change some system files. Afterwards, you simply paste the appropriate files into the appropriate folder.
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Step 1: Taking Ownership of 3 files
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To patch the files, you must take ownership of the following files:
-uxtheme.dll
-themeui.dll
-shsvcs.dll
The files are located in C:\WINDOWS\System32
To take ownership, follow the instructions on this site
Step 2: Patching the files:
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Backup the files that you took permission of. Then copy and paste the files located here (after extracting) into the original folder.
Step 3: Adding your themes
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Now, go online and download some themes. Note that themes must have a .there extension. Put your themes into C:\WINDOWS\Resources\Themes. Here is a good place to start looking for themes.
Here is an example of what the Themes folder can look like:
Email me if you have any questions. Note: my theme is called Glass Glow. I got it from the link given in part 3.
January 13, 2009
Windows 7
Let’s be honest here. Windows Vista only sold well because it is the default OS for most people.Microsoft, realizing this, decided to create Windows 7. Back to the numerical naming system.
On January 12, 2009, the official Windows 7 Beta was released. Originally, Microsoft had one server running for those wanting to download the beta OS, but later added more servers due to high demand.
The Beta is extremely stable for something still in the making, but even then, trying out the operating system is only for the adventurous. If you wish to try out the operating system, instructions (including the download site) are listed here
Here is the Windows 7 website from Microsoft.
and lastly, here are some screenshots, courtesy of my friend, Samuel Oh.
