Official TechtalkRadio Blog

There was a question about how to restore files in Windows…

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If the file is in the Recycle Bin, it can be easily restored from there:
open the Recycle Bin…
select the file(s) to restore…
restore the file(s)…
and, when you are done, close the Recycle Bin window.

I found a (Windows 2000) description at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows2000/en/advanced/help/recycle_bin.htm

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If you have the Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate versions of Windows Vista you can try to restore a previous version…or shadow copy…of the file.

“Previous versions are either backup copies—copies of files and folders that you back up by using the Back Up Files wizard, or shadow copies—copies of files and folders that Windows automatically saves as part of a restore point….

“Right-click the file or folder, and then click Restore previous versions…”

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If the file was “deleted” from the hard drive, you can consider software that will try to help you recover the file. There’s a lot of these products available…at the moment, I don’t have any that I can recommend over others.

Joyce called the radio show and we discussed the availability of Windows XP…

Some computer manufacturers might allow you to purchase a computer, and then purchase a version of Windows XP for that computer.

For lifecycle information on Microsoft products, see their Support Lifecycle Index page, and the Support Lifecycle Index.

On June 30, Microsoft stopped distributing Windows XP…but you might be able to get it from stores and “system builders” (until January 2009).

(I have been informed that Systemax, Seneca Data, and Cheap Guys Computers are “system builders”…)

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There are reports that Windows XP Professional could be available (from “OEMs”) until May (and July) 2009. As of (2008) December 22, I have not been able to locate that information on microsoft.com.

In an attempt to take care, and extend the life, of my notebook computers…I ALWAYS use coolers and/or a lapdesk. (A lapdesk is a tray that sits on your lap, and a notebook computer is placed on it. Strong, sturdy ones are best.)

There are many manufacturers of these types of units…shop around. Here are a couple I feel that are worth noting…

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Targus seems to have the widest selection of them.

The Targus Chill Mat for Mac has “optimally positioned dual fans deliver a cool-down right where the most heat is generated…two quietly powerful fans direct targeted cooling to Mac notebook hotspots…” (I found it’s also available at Walmart.)

The Targus Notebook Chill Mat has an on/off switch.

Since power from USB ports can vary, I prefer units like the Targus Notebook Chill Hub (AWE01US). It includes an AC adapter to power the USB 2.0 ports.

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You can adjust the height of Belkin’s Laptop Cooling Lounge.

The Laptop Cooling Hub can accomodate 17-inch laptops. I found it to cost $49.99 from Belkin, $22.99 from Costco, and $19.98 from Walmart.

What I consider to be better than nothing, is Belkin’s Laptop CoolStrip: it lifts your laptop so more air can circulate under it.

A super functional and highly popular gift for the holidays.

Talking-key software popular with media and Web sites as OMG pink keyboard beats recession

The newly released, ultra-user-friendly Keyboard For Blondes(TM) is getting great reviews and a surge of orders despite sluggish holiday sales for many retailers. The buzz for the exciting keyboard keeps building, with coverage in major daily newspapers, popular Web sites and high-traffic technology blogs.

“The response has been overwhelming,” said Camilla Loveid, spokesperson for Keyboard For Blondes(TM). “The large spike in sales and the buzz that the roll-out has created proves that a fun and user-friendly keyboard with more functionality is needed in the U.S. marketplace.”

“Millions of hits on our Web site are turning into periods when we receive five to 10 orders per minute. At some points, the delivery company’s software had all it could do to handle the inflow of orders to our Web site,” Loveid added.

Playing off the overt humor of a bubble-gum pink keyboard for “anyone who has ever had a blonde moment,” the keyboard has keys that actually say things like, “Oops!” “Duhhh?!” “Yes! I want it!” “No way!!!” and “You are so smart!” The keyboard can even make a cash register ring for the dollar symbol.

The good news for text messaging enthusiasts is a series of special keys that type out “OMG,” “ALI” (Absolutely Love it!), “LOL” or “XOXO,” among others. And, finally, here is a keyboard that actually has the “any key.”

“The software and keyboard even let you tap out musical notes on the number pad,” Loveid said. “There are 64 renamed keys, plus 70 unique features in all. It’s very encouraging that even in a downturn economy people still remember how to have fun.”

With such strong Web traffic and sales, staffers at the company are suggesting that Black Friday be changed to Blonde Friday, and Cyber Monday to Uber-cool Keyboard Monday.

While people get the humor, they also see the benefit the keyboard offers to anyone who sees the computer environment as impersonal, boring or cold. Blonde, brunette, red, white or blue hair — it’s a totally functional keyboard with robust, easy-to-download software at a very affordable price.

Keyboard For Blondes(TM) and its Keynguru(TM) software is available now at http://www.KeyboardForBlondes.com.

The keyboard and its unique software sell for an introductory price of $49.95, plus shipping and handling USA$9.99 (subject to change). Keyboard For Blondes(TM) is manufactured by European Trends Etc.