Snipping Tool

In Windows Xp, I would press the Print Scrn key if I wanted to take a screen shot of what is on my desktop. Then I would paste and edit it in Photofiltre or Paint. Windows Vista comes comes with what is titled Snipping Tool. This allow you to take screen shots and edit within one little application that is part of Windows Vista.

You can get to the Snipping Tool program by going to Accessories folder in the All Programs section. Once open you will be asked to highlight the area of your desktop you want to capture as a screen shot. Afterwards that area is put inside the application. From there you can highlight certain areas with a pen and then save it.

This is great when you want to share part of your desktop with someone else.

There Is Always Help

One of the things that make the World Wide Web so great is the availability of information. No matter what the subject there is several website or blogs that contain information on the subject.

This Sunday morning I have listed the top 10 websites that I go to for help about Windows Vista.

1. PCmag.com
2. Support 4 Vista
3. Cnet Forums
4. Life Hacker
5. Windows Vista Magazine
6. Windows Super Site
7. Microsoft's Vista
   
8. Win Vista Club
9. ITs Vista
10. Windows Vista Blog
    

Media Center - Online Media

I have seen more and more people turning a computer into a media center. One of the overwhelming motivator to drive this trend is the available content that one can get over the internet.

Microsoft, through Media Center puts this content at your finger tips. All you have to do is open Media Center, then go to Online Media. Now explore the movies and music sources that are available for download to your computer.

I clicked on Movielink, because I like movies. There I given a selection of popular movies I could download to my computer. I selected Alvin and the Chipmunks. Media Center when to the Movielink website where it show me a summary of the movie. It also told me that I could download it for unlimited viewing for $19.99.

Now I am looking a building a computer to connect to replace my entertainment center's tuner.

Media Center - CD/DVD Burning

Back on January 19th I wrote about using third party software to burn CD's and DVD's. On April 8th the Podcast Vista Is Here To Stay. Today I would like to write about CD/DVD creation in Windows Media Center.

Yes, there is media burning software built into Windows Vista. Once you open Media Center, under the Task menu select burn cd/dvd. Then it will walk you through the process.

You need to have the material you want to burn in a folder on your hard drive. I would recommend that you put that folder in the pictures, music or video folder. This makes it easier to find when you start walking through the Window Media Center Wizard.

Media Center - Picture Slideshow

After opening Windows Media Center from All Programs, I selected the sample picture folder. Then I selected slide show and pressed the play icon. To my amazement, my eyes were not prepared for what I was about to see.

My eyes observed a high quality slide show that did not just flash images before my eyes. Each peaceful image of nature slowly came before my eyes, then paned from one side to the other. Then the next picture came before my eyes.

I had calming Christian music playing on iTunes in the background. All this gave me a peaceful refreshing experience to start writing this blog.

As I was viewing the show, my wife walked into my office. She asked if she could get a new computer if nothing else, but for Media Center in Windows Vista.

Media Center - Video Output

No matter what how powerful processor, or size of hard drive, if you do not have a good monitor and video card you experience will be disappointing. Think about it if you have a cheap CRT monitor, you will get a substandard picture. This holds true for the video card.

If you are pulling your video single from your motherboard, you are loosing performance. Don't expect a optimal experience. By adding a PCI Express video card you adding memory back to your computer and giving memory dedicated to your visual experience.

As newer video cards come out with increase in speed and power the slower card go down in price. Today, a good video card will set you back around $60 to $125. The visual experience will be noticeable. Your computer will be faster.

I recommend the XFX 8600 GT for several reasons. The price won't empty your wallet. It has a double life time warranty, which means that if you sell your computer the warranty transfers to the individual to whom you sell it. This card has dual out puts. Depending upon your monitor, there is a VGA and DVI outputs. In fact, you could connect two monitor to this card.

Media Center - DVR

I am seeing people are integrating their computer into their entertainment center. I dare to say that a computer is becoming the hub of the family entertainment.

Over the past year or so, there has been websites that have popped up on the internet that will stream video. Then there are file sharing services, like Limewire, where you can download TV shows and movies. Through Windows Media Center and a video capture card you can turn you computer into a digital video recorder and play back movies and television shows at your leisure.

All you need is to run a coaxial cable from you cable modem box to your computer. Once the specific driver for the card are install, You will need to run the setup wizard in Window Media Center.