Windows is not an easy program to understand especially since I only want to know as much as necessary to be able to run graphics software seamlessly.  My ultimate goal is the creation of images, not spending time leaning the intricacies of Windows.  I don't think Microsoft understands this concept.

Below are a few select Windows issues which I have been able to figure out a way to resolve.

XP System Restore

Problem:  After downloading software, you're computer is not working properly due to an incompatibility.  Ops, now what do you do?

           1.  START ... CONTROL PANEL ... SYSTEM ... SYSTEM RESTORE ... (confirm system restore

                   is turned on on each drive)

           2.  START ... HELP AND SUPPORT ... UNDO CHANGES SYSTEM RESTORE ... RESTORE     .      .               COMPUTER EARLIER TIME

           Tip:  (set s system point prior to downloading software)  

XP loads too many programs at start-up:

Problem:  Every software vendor wants their programs to load at startup which will slow down your system and potentially create incompatibilities.  To find these programs which are loaded at startup, perform the following:

             START

             RUN

             type:  MSCONFIG  (SERVICES.MSC will show used ram)

             (enter)

             uncheck boxes at left of undesirable programs

Disable script debugging:

Problem:  While surfing the internet, messages of script debugging can really slow you down.  Besides, who cares. Below is way to get rid of this annoyance:

            START ... CONTROL PANEL

            INTERNET OPTIONS

            ADVANCED tab

            uncheck DISABLE SCRIPT DEBUGGING

            OK

Internet Explorer text size:

Problem:  Every once in a while while surfing the internet, I'll accidentally press an incorrect button and the next thing I know is all the text on every site is too big.  To solve this problem, perform the following steps:

            start INTERNET EXPLORER

            click VIEW on the menu tab

            choose TEXT SIZE (typically MEDIUM)

Dangerous ActiveX controls:

Problem:  Accepting ActiveX downloads can be extremely hazardous to your computer and potentially destroy all of your graphics programs and image files.  To remove the possibility of ActiveX downloads, perform the following steps:

           start INTERNET EXPLORER

           TOOLS ... INTERNET OPTIONS ... SECURITY tab

           CUSTOM LEVEL

           check to disable ActiveX

           1. automatic prompt for Active X controls

           2. download unsigned Active X controls

           reset to HIGH ... RESET

          OK

Whenever you launch Adobe Gamma from the Control Panel and actually apply its adjustments, it adds a shortcut to the Startup group called Adobe Gamma, which is actually just the "loader" that applies the correction.

To disable it, simply to go Start > All Programs > Startup, right-click on the Adobe Gamma shortcut, and choose Delete from the popup menu. Click Yes to confirm the deletion, and restart your computer.

Open Chrome browser

"Open New Tab"

type : chrome://cache/

click on file to view

copy all text on page to text box below

press GO

cashed data will appear in "results" section below