What to do if your keyboard on the screen. And if there are dozens of screens: At CES, the Russian design Art Lebedev, the company shows upcoming Optimus Aux Optimus popularis keyboard with a mini and a series of six unique keyboard for data input devices on the key to the home screen.
Windows hasn't changed a ton in the past few years (at least, the desktop hasn't) but there's always a dark corner to explore, tweak, and improve. Here are 10 things every Windows users should do with their system.SOkay, let's get the most controversial stuff out of the way first. Sure, Windows 8 puts a big focus on touch screen devices, and if you have a Windows 8 PC you can always downgrade it—but Windows 8 really doesn't deserve all the hate its gotten. Sure, the Start menu is gone, but even the most tech unsavvy user can bring it back with a bunch of different apps. Furthermore, contrary to what you've heard, it does have useful new features for desktop users: better performance, enhanced security, a new Windows Explorer (which, even if you don't love the ribbon, is more useful than the old one), a much improved task manager, the ability to Reset & Refresh your PC, the well-designed File History backup tool, and more. Even if you have a few annoyances, they're easy to fix. Plus, it even has a few secret features of its own, which leads us to...Both Windows 7 and 8 have a number of features that go largely unsung, but they can be really handy if you know where they are. From the smallest geeky tricks to the big features you've forgotten are there, a little exploration can go a long way into making Windows more productive. Most of those secret features should work just as well on Windows 8 too—plus, Windows 8 users have their own secret features to try out.Windows often gets criticized for getting slow and bloated over time, but you don't actually need to reinstall Windows regularly—as long as you're careful about what you install, you shouldn't run into that problem. Of course, if you've already reached that point, you can easily clean up and speed up your PC with a little maintenance. Make sure you don't fall for the big maintenance myths out there, or you'll have problems. While you're at it, you might try speeding up that boot time a bit too.Speaking of speeding up your boot time, have you upgraded to a solid state drive yet? If not, you should consider it—it's probably the best upgrade you can possibly make to your computer. Upgrading is easy, too—you just need to move a bit of your data around, since you'll likely be using two drives (one for your OS and programs, and another for all your files). Check out our guide to migrating to an SSD for more information.SChances are, with everything you do in a day, there are ways to do those things faster. The easiest way to speed up your tasks in Windows? Keyboard shortcuts. I'm still discovering shortcuts I never knew about and even the simplest shortcut can make a daily task so much easier. Check out our master list of Windows 7 shortcuts, which should work in Windows 8 as well. And, if you're a Windows 8 user, we have a cheat sheet with all the newly added shortcuts for you too.Okay, so this list is all about Windows, but even Windows users might need another OS once in awhile. If you occasionally need to boot into Linux, for example, you can dual boot Windows and Ubuntu in perfect harmony. If you want to try Windows 8 but don't want to upgrade just yet, you can dual boot it too. Heck, you can even dual boot and virtualize the same partition, which is really handy. If you need OS X, you'll need Hackintosh-compatible hardware to dual boot—or you could just install OS X in VirtualBox on Windows. There is some crappy Windows software out there, and a lot of it is extremely popular—like Adobe Reader, Internet Explorer, and almost any commercial CD burning software. Don't you deserve something better? Check out our Lifehacker Pack for the essential apps every Windows user should have, our App Directory for the best apps in every category, and the 50 free apps we're thankful for for everything else you could possibly imagine.Budding power users have no doubt encountered some of Windows' most confusing and cryptic tools, like the registry, DLL files, User Account Control, and other features. If you still aren't exactly sure what those tools do (or what you can do with them), we've got a guide that teaches you all the basics. With the right knowledge of Windows' advanced tools, you can do some really cool stuff, and customize Windows more than ever before.Okay, so you've discovered some of Windows' best features, but what about all those features you don't want? Or, what about the extra apps and tweaks you want on every version of Windows you install? You may not have known this, but you can actually create a custom Windows installation with all your favorite tweaks, updates, features, and apps in tow, so you don't have to redo them all every time. Of course, that's most useful if you reinstall Windows often—if you're just doing it once, you can also do a clean install without losing all your apps and tweaks using just a few simple tricks instead. Photo remixed from Fer Gregory (Shutterstock).Windows is a great operating system, but it isn't perfect. With the right apps and tweaks, though, you can add all the features you want and make its built-in offerings much better. For example: out of the box, Windows Search doesn't work incredibly well. But, with a few settings tweaks, it can be a million times more useful. Similarly, jump lists are cool, but it'd be nice if they were customizable—enter Jumplist Extender. Check out our top 10 downloads that enhance Windows' built-in features for more.Similarly, if you're tired of Windows updates ignoring the features you want the most, maybe you should spend that money on a few good apps instead—like Fences, for organizing your desktop, or Xplorer2 for a much better file manager. And, while we don't want to start a flam war, let's be realistic and admit that OS X has some pretty good features too—with the right apps, you can bring OS X's best tools to Windows as well. With the right apps and tweaks, anything's possible.
A well-equipped toolbox is essential for completing jobs around the home—everything from hanging a picture frame to putting together furniture or doing major home improvements. Here are the tools everyone should own, from the most minimalist toolbox to a kit for the experienced DIYer.First, let's talk about how you're going to amass all these handy tools. Racking them all up at once could run you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The smartest course is to buy the basic tools you need to have on hand just in case (screwdrivers and a wrench, for example—see the basic tools section below) and any additional ones you need for the project you're doing; then pick up others along the way with each new project. This will also help you buy the best quality tools you can buy—a necessity if you don't care for tools that snap or break after a few uses. Wondering if you should rent or buy? If you're only going to use it once (like a floor sander), definitely rent. If you're likely to use it at least once a year, buy.Look for sales (hello, Father's Day!) and refurbished tools; you can even buy power tools and more for cheap at government auctions. The suggestions for the basic toolbox below also make for great graduation or housewarming gifts.Finally, remember to put your tools back in the same place, whether you store them in a simple drawer, an actual toolbox, or a full-fledged workshop. (Trust me, it's really no fun walking around your house wondering where your wrench is when a pipe is leaking.)Here's what you should pick up, from the most basic to more advanced kits.According to Clint Eastwood's character Walt Kowalski in the movie Gran Torino, you can do half of your household chores with just three things: WD-40, a vise grip (adjustable pliers), and a roll of duct tape. As the Art of Manliness points out, the vise grips can stand in for pliers, a pipe wrench, wire cutters, a clamp, a ratchet, and, in a pinch, a hammer. Meanwhile, WD-40 has over 2,000 handy uses, and you know duct tape is an essential tool for every would-be MacGyver.These three things will cost you only about $15. For good measure, add in a quality multi-tool like one from Leatherman or a couple of screwdrivers and you've got a minimalist toolkit for most kinds of fixes.Still, for the other half of your household jobs, most people will probably want to supplement with additional basic tools.A universal toolbox should include these 10 essential tools:
Screwdriver set: From prying the lids off of paint cans to opening child-proof battery compartments, screwdrivers are must-have tools. Aim for flat- and Phillips-head screwdrivers in various sizes; you can often buy these in kits. Look for magnetic tips and comfortable grips to make screwing or unscrewing easier. See Art of Manliness' how to use a screwdriver for more about screwdrivers than you might care to know.
Claw Hammer: No toolbox would be complete without a solid hammer. One end is used to drive nails in, the other side to pull (usually bent) nails out of wood or a wall. Bob Vila recommends, in general, a hammer with a 16-inch handle weighing about one pound. Rubber, plastic, or vinyl handles offer shock absorption and a better grip.
Pliers: Locking, adjustable pliers also known as plier wrenches, lever-wrench pliers, and vise grips are very versatile. Because they lock in place, they can be used as a clamp, or, as mentioned above, in lieu of a wrench, wire cutter, or more. The Art of Manliness recommends a standard 5-10W size for this plier.
Adjustable Wrench: An adjustable, crescent wrench is like having multiple wrenches in one. You'll need one to tighten nuts and bolts and loosen plumbing fixtures.
Tape Measure: You might have heard the saying "measure twice, cut once." Well, you need a tape measure for that and to do other things like make sure furniture will fit in a room and measuring windows for blinds. Tape measures come in varying widths (from ½ inch to 1-inch), with the wider widths easier to support with one hand when extended. According to Vila, a ¾-inch wide, 16-foot long tape measure is a good size for most jobs.
Level: No more crookedly-hung photos! A level ensures you don't hang or install anything (including your flat-screen TV and shelves) less than horizontally perfect. In a pinch you could use one of many mobile apps that serve as a virtual level, but a longer 3- to 4-foot metal level (which can double as a straight edge) will go a long way. For hands-free leveling, a laser level is your friend.
Utility Knife: For opening boxes, sharpening pencils, and more, the utility knife is a toolbox workhorse. This Old House recommends buying one with built-in blade storage and rubber-covered handles for comfort.
Work Light or Flashlight: You'll need a flashlight for your emergency kit anyway, but you could get a dedicated LED light, head lamp, or work lamp to make sure you're sawing/screwing/nailing or otherwise DIYing correctly in low or no light.
Electric Drill: Although you can go without a drill for a while or resort to borrowing one when needed, sooner or later, most handypeople will need a drill—and after getting one, find it indispensable. Cordless drills are convenient for working anywhere, but the corded kinds cost less and don't require expensive battery replacements. Whichever type you get, an electric drill not only drills holes and drives screws, but, with different bits, also sands and grinds materials, stirs paint, and even super-powers your pepper production. Recently launched home shopping advice site Thesweethome recommends the 12-volt Porter-Cable Drill/Driver (about $86).
Hacksaw: A hacksaw cuts through wood and even metal and plastic pipes. Look for the kind you can easily replace with new blades.
Other: Though not your standard tools, a well-outfit toolbox should also include: safety goggles, work gloves, rags, pencil, superglue, and, of course, duct tape and WD-40.Want a shopping shortcut? Thesweethome recommends the 76-piece Home Depot's HDX Homeowners Tool Kit ($30), which includes a hammer, 12-foot tape measure, screwdriver with 30 magnetized heads, allen wrenches, level, needle nose plier, utility knife, adjustable wrench, slip joint pliers, and light duty clamps. For a step up, with more and better quality tools (including hacksaw and drill bits), invest in the Denali 115-Piece Home repair Tool Kit ($55).Level up with upgraded versions of the above tools, plus some inexpensive specialty tools for tackling more types of projects.
Stud Finder: A stud finder will help you secure shelves, cabinets, expensive TVs, etc. to studs in the wall—and avoid surprises when cutting into one.
Ratcheting screwdriver: This type of screwdriver locks into place when you turn it clockwise and loosens when you turn counter-clockwise, which lessens the stress on your wrist. Most store a variety of screwdriver heads in the handle and may also bend 90 degrees or more for greater versatility.
Set of pliers: Beyond the adjustable pliers, other pliers to pick up include needle-nose and wire-cutting (or diagonal) pliers, for more exacting gripping work (like fixing jewelry) or, well, cutting wire.
Socket Wrench: For large projects where you have to tighten or loosen many nuts and bolts, a socket wrench set with a ratcheting handle is the way to go.
Allen wrenches: Allen wrenches, a.k.a. allen keys or hex keys, are L-shaped tools used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in the head. You'll often find these used in furniture kits and for bike repairs. Look for allen wrench kits in a range of sizes and both Imperial and metric measurements.
Pipe wrench: A pipe wrench, as the name implies, is used for turning plumbing pipes and other fittings. Although large-scale plumbing jobs are best left to the pros, you can save a bunch on small jobs like putting in a new faucet if you have the proper tools.
Putty knife: The putty knife, naturally, is for spreading putty (e.g., to patch holes in walls). Available with stiff or rigid blades, it can also be used to scrape off old paint or glue residue, pry up nails or can lids, clean paint smudges, and remove wallpaper.
Combination Square: When you want to make cuts that are at true 90-degree angles or otherwise precisely measure and mark the squareness of corners, you'll need a combination square. Wood Magazine recommends picking up both a 6" and a 12" combination square and lists eight ways you can use them.
Chisel: A set of sharp chisels comes in handy when you're working with wood or doing something like changing the deadbolt on your front door (where you need to carve out some part of the wall). There are many types of chisels, made for specialized purposes, but the basic design of them all is the same. See Galt Technology's chisel advice page, which recommends Dasco Pro and Stanley's Fat Max brands.
Crosscut Saw: The jack-of-all-trades saw (what most people imagine first when thinking of the classic saw shape), the crosscut saw is perfect for small jobs like cutting 2x4s and for cutting across wood grain. About.com's Home Repair site offers advice on different types of crosscut saws.
Other: Wood glue, plumber's putty, dust mask, voltage tester, wheelbarrow, shovel, rake, step ladderSerious enthusiasts who do many projects around the house will want to invest in more specialized tools or more power tools to do everything more efficiently.
Crowbar: When you need to pry apart boards, remove stubborn nails, do some heavy lifting, or otherwise break things, reach for the crowbar, a.k.a., pry bar. A medium size bar between 2 to 3 feet might be best for most projects. For larger demolition projects, get a wrecking bar.
Rubber Mallet: A rubber mallet lets you hammer or tap without damaging the surface. It comes in handy when installing laminate flooring or ceramic tile, as well as other uses, and you can pick up a decent mid-range mallet for under $25.
Staple gun: A heavy-duty staple gun doesn't cost much (under $20) but has a broad range of applications: everything from roofing and upholstery to hobbies and crafts. It's like your standard office stapler but more powerful, and comes in manual and electric versions.
Circular Saw: One of the most common power tools today, the circular saw's toothed metal cutting disk cuts through masonry, tile, and steel. Prices range from $50 to $200. See This Old House's article for advice on selecting and using a circular saw.
Automatic Nailer: If you're going to be driving a whole lot of nails, a nail gun will help you save time and effort over using a hammer. Finish nailers are used to nail moldings and small trim boards (like baseboards), while brad nailers are for thinner or more delicate trim. Family Handyman says these two types of nail guns are complimentary, so if you can afford it, buy both a 15-gauge finish nailer and an 18-gauge brad nailer (together, they'll cost $300 to $550), otherwise a 16-gauge nail gun is a good compromise (ranging from $200 to $300).
Impact Driver: To fasten a lot of screws or drill a bunch of holes with speed and ease (for deck-building and other woodwork), an impact driver is a worthy investment (yes, even if you already have a fancy drill). They range in price from $90 to $300. See Popular Mechanics' review of 9 impact drivers for a cost/features comparison.
Cordless Dremel Rotary Tool: A Dremel (or other similar rotary tool) may not be a necessity, but it sure comes in handy for a great variety of applications. With different attachments, you can use the power tool for drilling, grinding, sanding, sawing, sharpening, routing, polishing, cleaning, carving, and engraving. It's like a toolbox in itself. This kit includes 30 accessories and is $80.
Table Saws, Miter Saws, and More: For more precise, specific cuts and slices, there are a slew of specialty saws for the handyperson. Bob Vila's Essential Tools for Woodworking lays out why you might want these saws and other items such as an air compressor, drill press, and table and belt sander. Expect to pay $500 to $1,500 (or much more) for the whole kit and caboodle.
Other: plumb bob or plumb line (a weight on a string for creating a vertical reference line), clamps to hold wood pieces together, sledgehammer, extension ladder, sawhorse or workbenchThe lists above should certainly get your toolboxitude on and help you tackle just about any project around your home. For further inspiration (or just plain tools-gawking), check out MythBuster Adam Savage's list of 300 meticulously organized tools. Photos by mtneer_man, Daren, and Mark Hunter.
SOkay, let's get the most controversial stuff out of the way first. Sure, Windows 8 puts a big focus on touch screen devices, and if you have a Windows 8 PC you can always downgrade it—but Windows 8 really doesn't deserve all the hate its gotten. Sure, the Start menu is gone, but even the most tech unsavvy user can bring it back with a bunch of different apps. Furthermore, contrary to what you've heard, it does have useful new features for desktop users: better performance, enhanced security, a new Windows Explorer (which, even if you don't love the ribbon, is more useful than the old one), a much improved task manager, the ability to Reset & Refresh your PC, the well-designed File History backup tool, and more. Even if you have a few annoyances, they're easy to fix. Plus, it even has a few secret features of its own, which leads us to...