How to Choose a Motorcycle?

Are you wondering how to choose a motorcycle? If you are, then you are reading the right article. That is because the motorcycle selection process is very important, so you can expect that it is going to take some time to choose a motorcycle that will fit your personality. You have to ask yourself a few questions such as:

• What type of ride do I want to experience?
• Why am I purchasing a new motorcycle?
• What is my level of experience riding motorcycles?
• What type of budget am I working with?

Types of Motorcycles

There are different types of motorcycles, which is a good thing since everyone has different preferences. The different types include street bikes, sport bikes, cruiser bikes, and off-road bikes. Each functions in a different way depending on the driving conditions they are to be used in and each looks different in some way.

General Motorcycle Maintenance

When you own a motorcycle, motorcycle maintenance is very important to ensure that the bike remains in operation for as long as possible. There are some simple bike maintenance techniques that you can utilize that do not take a lot of your time but will keep your motorcycle running for years to come.

Fortunately, motorbike maintenance is not as involved as it used to be. There are just a few things that you need to check on a regular basis. Those things include:

• Checking your tires: Make sure your tires are always properly inflated. You can keep a tire gauge in your motorcycle’s toolbox to help keep track of that.
• Checking the brakes: There are two brake fluid reservoirs, one in the rear and one in the back, that need to be checked on a regular basis. Only top up with a new bottle of fluid.
• Checking chains, shaft drives, belts, and sprockets: Chains need to be lubricated, shaft drive oil needs replaced every time the motorcycle oil is changed, belt drives need to be checked at every oil change.
• Changing the oil regularly – Oil level should be cold before riding. Top it up if it isn’t.
• Checking the fuel filter – Check your fuel filter regularly and replace it every two years.
• Checking battery fluid chambers – Make sure the battery is charged to 100%. Do a monthly check of the fluid chambers. If they are low, only use distilled or deionized water Tap water has minerals that can harm the battery, so don’t use that. Also make sure that there is no corrosion. If there is, you can clean it off. Always keep the battery free of dirt and grime and make sure all cables and clamps are connected tightly.

It is easy to see that motorcycle maintenance is rather easy, so be sure to check all of these things regularly to ensure your bike will have optimum performance.

How Does a Motorcycle Work?

How does a motorcycle work? What exactly makes it tick? If you own a motorcycle or are interesting in owning one, these are important questions to have answers to. We all know that motorcycles can be quite powerful. We know that just by listening to them.

Here are some motorcycle basics that you can take a look at:

• We know that motorcycles usually consist of two wheels. There are some that have two back wheels. The truth is that anything with less than four wheels can be considered a motorcycle.
• The modern motorcycle’s layout was established in 1914. Not much as really changed. Just like the engine in a car, the motorcycle engine consumes gasoline and converts piston motion into rotary motion.
• The two hand levers on the handle bars enable the driver to operate the clutch and the brake. There are also two foot pedals that enable the driver to shift gears and to operate the rear brake.
• A motorcycle engine consists of one to six cylinders. The four-cylinder is the most popular choice nowadays.

That seems simple enough, right? However, there is a bit more to know about motorcycle transmission.

Motorcycle Transmission

Motorcycle transmission directs the power to the rear wheel through a series of movements that involve the clutch, the drive system, and the gearset. The clutch engages and disengages power from the engine’s crankshaft to the transmission. The clutch is important because the only way to stop the wheels from rotating would be to turn off the engine.

The gearset is important because it is the gears that are used to take a driver from a complete stop to cruising speed. Motorcycle transmissions usually consist of two to six of these gears and they are engaged by shifting a lever, which causes shifting forks to move inside the transmission.

History of Motorcycle

Motorcycles have this place within American culture that sets them apart from other forms of transportation. The history of motorcycle development is what is quote interesting because it evolved from the simple bicycle into this motorized bike capable of going great speeds.

Below is an outline of motorcycle history to show how far this recreational vehicle has come:

• 1885 – The motorcycle was built in Germany by Wilhelm Mayback and Gottlieb Daimler. It was the first petroleum-powered vehicle.
• 1894- Hildebrand and Wolfmuller because the first motorcycle that could be purchased by the general public. From here, the motorcycle outgrew its bicycle origins.
• 1920 – Harley-Davidson became the largest producer of motorcycles.
• 1928 – DKW became the largest manufacturer.
• World War II – BSA became the largest producer until the 1950s
• 1955 – Racing motorcycles were being developed. The designs had started to look more like what we see today. NSU Motorenwerke AG became the largest manufacturer until the 1970s.
• From the 1960s to the 1990s, the two-stroke motorcycle became popular.
• 1980s – Motorcycles started seeing some of the elements of cars incorporated such as radios and even air conditioning.
• Today there are major manufacturers such as Honda, Harley-Davidson, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Yamaha.

Recent years have also shown other emerging manufacturers that have been incorporating new elements into motorcycles. Motorcycles can also come with GPS systems and many more options. They have more or less evolved from being a bicycle with a motor to a two-wheeled convertible car. Individuals take them on road trips or they simply use them for leisure. With the rise in gas prices, many individuals are using their motorcycles as their primary vehicles during warm weather. This proves just how impressive motorcycle history really is and that history is going to continue to expand as new innovations are made.

Tips on Buying a Motorcycle

So you’re interested in buying a motorcycle. As a matter of fact, you’re going to be buying your first motorcycle. This can be a very exciting time. However, there are some things you need to do before buying a motorcycle so that you can ensure you find the best bike, the best deal, and that you are happy with that choice.

To make sure you make the right choice, here are tips on buying a motorcycle that you can use during the process:

• Get a financing preapproval before choosing a bike. That way you know what type of budget you have to work with. This is easier than picking a bike and hoping you can secure the financing for it.
• When buying the first motorcycle, make sure you know what your options are. Determine if you want a sport bike, a cruise, a tour bike, or a bike that will operate on multiple terrains.
• When you have narrowed down your choices, call your insurance company and see what the cost of insurance is for each one. If you’re not sure which motorcycle to choose, this could help you decide.
• Make sure that you try to negotiate a deal with the dealer. Buying a motorcycle is very similar to buying a car. You can talk them down on the price to make sure it fits within your budget. That is another reason why you want to secure financing first. It gives you some bargaining power.

Basically, you have to do your homework. It may seem like a lengthy process, but buying that first motorcycle is important, so time can be on your side in this instance. What will result is you riding on the motorcycle of your dreams and you will have achieved that by making sure it was within your means.

Car Financing Options

When buying a car, most of the time it is necessary to secure car financing. It doesn’t matter if it is a new car or a used car; you have to pay for it somehow and financing is usually how it is done.

Depending on whether you are buying new or used is going to determine the type of loan that you receive. It is also a good idea to get preapproved for the financing first. That way you have more negotiating power when sitting down with the dealer. There is also the fact that many car manufacturers are offering 0% auto financing because they need to offer as many incentives as possible to entice individuals to buy new cars.

However, there are some things you need to look at in regards to your financing options:

• Look into car financing with incentives such as 0% auto financing, but make sure it is something you can afford. Don’t get lost in the sea of incentives
• Take into consideration that used car loans have an average interest rate that is hovering around 7.09% and 7.10% for a 36 month loan. New car loans are hanging around 6.46% for a 60 month loan. The interest is cheaper on the 60 month new car financing, but remember that it is for a longer period of time. The used car financing will cost less because the term is nearly cut in half, which means less interest charged despite the higher rate

As for how to shop for used car loans and new car loans, look at what the dealers are offering and also check with your own bank. See who is offering the better deal in the long run. Incentives are great, but they may have short-term benefits that will cost you more in the future.

New or Used Car- I am Confused

When buying a car, you have two options and those options are whether or not to buy used or buy new. Because of the rising costs of new cars, many individuals are buying used cars. However, the car manufacturers are starting to fight back and prevent you from buying a used car by offering you incentives, rebates, payment plans with low interest, and much more to convince you that buying a new car is the way to go.

However, make sure you do your research before taking off to the dealership to embark on the adventure of new car buying. Buying a new car is a very important move because it is a huge investment. It is a much bigger investment than buying used cars.

Things You Need to Check Before Buying

Here are some new car buying tips for you to consider before hitting up the dealership:

• Check out consumer reports, Kelly Blue Book, and other websites that review cars to see what is said about the cars you are interested in. This is a task that you can do whether buying a new car or buying a used car
• On these websites, make sure that you compare the mileage of each one of them. You also want to compare the safety ratings. A car with a poor safety rating is not one you want
• Consider whether buying a hybrid is a good idea, but make sure it falls within your budget if you decide that is the route you want to go

There are advantages to buying both new and used cars. However, there are disadvantages also that come in the form of price, maintenance, mechanical issues, etc. Just make sure that you operate within your budget. If only a used car will fit, then you know what to do. If you can afford a great new car, then go for it.

Budget for Buying a Car

What is My Budget?

It is rare these days that an individual buy a car for cash unless it is one sold by a private party for a couple of thousand. Car financing tends to be the most common method used to obtain the funds to buy a car. However, you still need to take a look at your budget to ensure you can afford the monthly payment. Fortunately, most people are very much aware of what their car budget is. If you don’t, then take these items into consideration before applying for car financing:

• Set a budget and do not deviate from it in any way
• Figure up how much cash you actually have after paying all of your current bills
• Take into consideration maintenance costs and the average cost to fuel a car
• Determine whether you need a brand new car or can settle with a used one
• Find a payment calculator on the internet and try to figure in the car finance interest rates that are most common. Right now the average car loan interest rates are 7.09% on a used car loan for a term of 36 months and 6.46% on a new car loan for a term of 60 months

By using such a calculator, you have the ability to see what your car financing monthly cost would be on the cars you are interested in, including the car finance interest rates on those cars. Just keep in mind that the interest rates do fluctuate, but the above percentages will still help you get close to what car financing would cost you.

Basically, you want to do your homework first before jumping into a car purchase. When you have a perfectly functional car and enough money in your pocket, you’ll be glad you did.

Which Car Should I Buy

There are so many cars out there on the market waiting to be bought that buyers become extremely overwhelmed by all of the options. There are so many different brands, models, options, colors, styles, and prices that it will literally make your head spin and want to give up.

Now we are living in a time in which we need cars with great gas mileage. The fuel prices are so high that these cars are in high demand. Another thing individuals want are cars with great crash test ratings because car safety is very important, especially to those with families.

So which one do you buy? Do you buy the one with the automatic transmission or the manual transmission? Are car break-ins common in your area and you are interested in cars with car security systems? Or do you want red or do you want blue? This is the point in which you write down what it is you need in a car. Write down the needs first and then write down the wants. You also need to take down how much you are willing to pay for a car. This could be what determines whether you buy new or used or economy or luxury.

Here are those factors that will determine the car you will buy:

• Monthly payments
• Cost of insurance
• Color, appearance, style, vehicle type such as SUV, sedan, coupe, etc.
• Performance and gas mileage, as well as cost of maintenance
• Number of passengers and storage capacity
• Handling and choice between automatic transmission and manual transmission
• Reliability
• Safety features and optional equipment

Place these items upon your list and then prioritize. You can then do your research for crash test ratings and gas mileage on the internet to help you make your decision.

Car Buying Process - Tips

Before buying a car you need to look at few things like which one fit your needs, how much you can afford, whether to go for a new one or used and the finance options you have.

Car Buying Process Overview

Car Buying is a very exciting task but it can be very confusing because you have to find one within your price range. It also has to accommodate the number of passengers you regularly carry, be safe, and have good gas mileage. In other words, it has to meet your criteria, which can make the Car Buying Process even tougher.

Here are some car buying tips that you can take advantage of:

• The moment you think of buying a car, invest in a car buying guide
• Be sure to ask yourself such questions as:
• How much of a payment can I afford?
• How am I going to pay for the car?
• How much will it cost to maintain and put fuel in it?
• How much will the insurance cost?
• Decide whether you’re going to buy the car from a dealership, a private seller (classified ads, family, or friend), or from an auction. This can influence the cost of buying a car drastically
• Ask yourself what type of options you want on the car. After that, rank the options by importance to make the car buying process a little easier

Narrow your prospects down to just a few and inspect each car carefully. That way you can eliminate the car or cars that have defects. This will help you narrow it down to the car that you both need and want, which is car buying at its finest.

So take these car buying tips and run with them. You will find a car that is gas efficient, does what you need it to do, and has the safety rating that you need a car to have. That makes all of your efforts worth it and made buying a car quite the rewarding experience.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology

There has been an incredible interest in using hydrogen fuel as an alternative to gasoline because it burns clean, has high potential for domestic production, and the hydrogen fuel vehicle would run at a higher efficiency than the gasoline engine. As it stands, the government has an alternative fuels initiative that encourages incorporating the hydrogen fuel cell into automobiles as a way to power cars.

How Do They Work?

But how do hydrogen fuel cells work? They work because they use a pollution-free chemical reaction that occurs within the fuel cell. The process of combustion does not take place like in a gasoline engine. Basically, the hydrogen fuel cell has the capability to combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, waste heat, and water. In turn, the automobile will run.

However, hydrogen as fuel requires that a light duty vehicle carry anywhere between 11 and 29 pounds of hydrogen to achieve a driving range of approximately 300 miles. Furthermore, the makeup of hydrogen has a low volumetric energy density, which means the car would need a gas tank larger than the trunk on an average car.

The good news is that there are storage technologies being developed and they involve using pressure tanks that store gaseous hydrogen at pressures as high as 10,000 pounds per square inch, cryogenic liquid hydrogen cooled to temperatures as low as -423°F, and chemical bonding hydrogen that binds with another material.

One reason why alternative fuels such as these are being researched is to alleviate the dependence upon gasoline. The environment also plays a very important role because hydrogen fuel cell technology is expected to be used in cars with electric motors and electric motors are totally emission-free.

Using hydrogen fuel as a fuel source is a priority in the search for viable alternative fuels and success has been made. In just a matter of time, we could all be driving cars that use hydrogen as fuel.

How Do Hybrid Cars Work

Hybrid cars are all the hype as Americans try to separate themselves from their dependence upon gasoline. But what exactly are these revolutionary little cars? How do hybrid cars work?

Hybrid cars are a cross between an electric car that operates on batteries and a gasoline-powered engine. Here are some facts on hybrid cars that will help you better understand what these cars really are:

• There are certain conditions in which the electric motor will work on its own, independent from the gasoline engine.
• When traveling at low speeds, only the electric motor is used to run the car.
• When more power is needed, both the electric motor and the gas engine will work together to achieve that power.
• The car is able to generate electricity on its own while it consumes it. When the electric engine is not in use and the gasoline engine is, the batteries recharge themselves.
• Unfortunately, the electric motor cannot work by itself. It must have the gasoline engine to function.
• The batteries are unable to consume and expend energy at the same time. It is one or the other.

These tips also give you an idea of how hybrid cars work. The technology is quite interesting, especially since a car is capable of having two types of engines that can be used one at a time or simultaneously depending on the driving conditions.

Hybrid cars are also better for the environment over time. The advantages of hybrid cars include:

• Individuals can achieve much better gas mileage
• Emissions are reduced significantly
• Individuals who purchase these cars are entitled to a tax credit up to several years after buying the car

So if you are interested in hybrid cars or you have never heard of one, you now know a little more than you did before.

History of Gasoline

We all know what gasoline is because we use it all of the time. However, we don’t think of gasoline for what it really is – a complex mixture of hydrocarbons.

History of Gasoline

The history of gasoline begins with the first oil well in 1859. The petroleum was used to produce kerosene for lighting. In 1892, the invention of the automobile prompted an interest in gasoline as a fuel. By 1920, 9 million automobiles were on the roads, so service stations began showing up everywhere. By 1950, cars were becoming more complex, so octane levels were increased and lead was added to the gas to improve the performance of the engine. However, lead leads to health issues, so the 1970s saw the removal of lead from gasoline.

We all know that gasoline comes from crude oil. The media is always reminding us of how much it costs per barrel. But what is gasoline chemistry? What is done to crude oil that turns it into gasoline? Below is a list of the chemicals you will find in your car’s gasoline:

• Hydrocarbon Octane, which has an engine cleaning effect
• Aromatic hydrocarbons such as Benzine and Toluene
• Paraffins
• Cyclic alkalines
• Alkenes and Polyenes
• Alkyl sophates that prevent engine filters from becoming clogged

Gasoline Facts

Here are some gasoline facts to make you think a little:

• In the U.S. alone there are over 234 million vehicles in operation that drive up to 12,000 miles per year.
• There are 164,292 fueling stations.
• Over 60% of the fuel that is used for transportation is in the form of gasoline.
• Gasoline emits carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas that is harmful to the environment.

These are just some of the gasoline facts that can really make you think. As for the future of gasoline as a fuel, much work is being done to find more efficient and environmentally safe fuels to relieve our dependence upon oil.

Fuel Cell Technology

How Does a Fuel Cell Work?

We’ve heard mention of fuel cells, but how does a fuel cell work? Fuel cells work by being able to generate electricity through a chemical reaction. There is a positive electrode and a negative electrode and it is at these electrodes in which electricity is formed. That electrical current is then directed outside of the cell to power things such as a car engine or even a light bulb. This is a clean process because it does not require any type of combustion. As a matter of fact, it is three times more efficient than burning fuel.

No other generation technology offers the same benefits that fuel cell technology does. Emissions are very low or non-existent and fuel cell technology is very reliable and operates with a high efficiency. Other benefits of fuel cells include:

• Ease of maintenance
• Scalability – It can be resized to fit any device
• Multi-fuel capacity
• The are very silent during operation
• The waste heat can be used to power other components

A Car Which Runs on Fuel Cell

To power an automobile, a fuel cell stack is required. This is the act of combining the fuel cells into a series of parallel circuits. This creates a higher voltage and a stronger current can be drawn from the cells. The surface area of the unit can also be increased so that each cell can produce an even stronger current.

As for a fuel source now, an individual cannot go out and buy a fuel cell. For one thing, they are expensive and they are rather complicated. There is ongoing research geared toward using fuel cells as a way to fuel vehicles, heating and air systems, and so much more. Through utilizing fuel cell technology, pollution could be reduced significantly and the energy required to power large units would be considerably less.

Bio Diesel - BioDiesel Fuels History

What is Bio Diesel?

You have probably heard of bio diesel at some point, but if you haven’t, what is bio diesel?

Biodiesel is one of the major bio fuels. It is an alternative additive to diesel fuel that is made of biological ingredients instead of the usual crude oil. It usually consists of plant oils and animal fat that respond to a certain chemical reaction. What is great about bio fuels is the fact that they are renewable and they are non-toxic.

As for biodiesel fuels history, it was being experimented with long before the diesel engine was a reality. It was 1853 and scientists J. Patrick and E. Duffy were experimenting with converting vegetable oil into a viable fuel source. It wasn’t until 1893 that the first diesel engine became functional. Rudolf Diesel, the creator of the diesel engine had actually demonstrated that a diesel engine could operate on peanut oil. It was in the 1920s that engines were manufactured to operate on petro diesel rather than have the capability to operate off of bio fuels.

Bio diesel fuel has once again become a topic of discussion since it is now possible to use vegetable oil as a fuel source. However, the diesel engine has to be modified and individuals must have access to the proper equipment to turn that vegetable oil into a fuel. The modifications usually cost a few thousands of dollars, but once a method of creating the fuel is established, the cost may offset the cost of modifications. The average cost of biodiesel can be anywhere between $.50 and $3.00 per gallon, depending on how you have the vegetable oil converted into a usable fuel.

The reason why bio diesel is being pushed as an alternative fuel is because it is cost-efficient and reduces many of the emissions that harm the environment. However, only bio diesel that is made of vegetable oil is guaranteed to not increase nitrogen oxide levels, so the options must be weighed.

Air Powered Car

Air Powered Car -  Compressed Air Car

Imagine driving an air car to work every single day. They are not on the road now, but research and testing is being done to eventually put the air powered car on the road. Right now, there are two ongoing projects that are geared toward creating a car that operates off of compressed air power.

Within the next couple of years, the compressed air car is expected to come in two forms:

1) Two cylinder air compressed engine – This air car is powered by a two cylinder, compressed air engine. However, it does not operate off of just air power. It can also operate as an internal combustion engine. It is expected that cars such as this can travel around 124 miles before it has to be refueled with compressed air. As for how this air power car works, the compressed air is stored in a tank made of carbon or glass fiber at pressures of 4, 350 pounds per square inch.

2) Cryogenic heat engine – The University of Washington is working on this particular compressed air car. It basically uses the same concept as the steam engine. The exception is that there is no internal combustion. This involves using liquid Nitrogen as part of the process. However, this Nitrogen is cryogenically frozen. However, the gas tank is a 24 gallon tank that is made of stainless steel.

These cars, when they hit the road, will be very efficient and environmentally safe. There are no emissions since the fuel source is compressed air. There is also the fact that an individual can travel a generous distance before having to refuel their air car. An individual may not be able to get the same mileage out of a tank that they do with a gasoline engine, but the cost is considerably less and the process is much cleaner.

Windows 7 Keyboard Shortcut Keys

Become the expert of windows 7, with very useful shortcut keyboard keys of Windows 7, we have provided all the shortcut keys here , that will defiantly help you in working on windows 7…

General keyboard shortcuts
f1	Display Help
ctrl+c (or ctrl+insert)	Copy the selected item
ctrl+x	Cut the selected item
ctrl+v (or shift+insert)	Paste the selected item
ctrl+z	Undo an action
ctrl+y	Redo an action
delete (or ctrl+d)	Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin
shift+delete	Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first
f2	Rename the selected item
ctrl+arrow right or ctrl+arrow down	Move the cursor to the beginning of the next or previous word
ctrl+shift with an arrow key	Move the cursor to the beginning of the next or previous paragraph
shift with any arrow key	Select a block of text
ctrl with any arrow key+spacebar	Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document
ctrl+a	Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop
f3	Select all items in a document or window
alt+enter	Search for a file or folder
alt+f4	Display properties for the selected item
alt+spacebar	Close the active item, or exit the active program
ctrl+f4	Open the shortcut menu for the active window
alt+tab	Close the active document (in programs that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously)
ctrl+alt+tab	Switch between open items
ctrl+mouse scroll wheel	Use the arrow keys to switch between open items
win+tab	Change the size of icons on the desktop
ctrl+win+tab	Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D
alt+esc	Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened
f6	Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop
f4	Display the address bar list in Windows Explorer
shift+f10	Display the shortcut menu for the selected item
ctrl+esc	Open the Start menu
alt+underlined letter	Perform the menu command (or other underlined command)
f10	Activate the menu bar in the active program
arrow right	Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu
arrow left	Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu
f5 (or ctrl+r)	Refresh the active window
alt+arrow up	View the folder one level up in Windows Explorer
esc	Cancel the current task
ctrl+shift+esc	Open Task Manager
shift when inserting a CD	Prevent the CD from automatically playing
Left alt+shift	Switch the input language when multiple input languages are enabled
ctrl+shift	Switch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are enabled
Dialog box keyboard shortcuts
Right or Left ctrl+shift	Change the reading direction of text in right-to-left reading languages
ctrl+tab	Move forward through tabs
ctrl+shift+tab	Move back through tabs
tab	Move forward through options
shift+tab	Move back through options
alt+underlined letter	Perform the command (or select the option) that goes with that letter
enter	Replaces clicking the mouse for many selected commands
spacebar	Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box
arrow keys	Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons
f1	Display Help
f4	Display the items in the active list
backspace	Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box
Windows Logo Key Shortcuts
win	Open or close the Start menu.
win+pause	Display the System Properties dialog box.
win+d	Display the desktop.
win+m	Minimize all windows.
win+shift+m	Restore minimized windows to the desktop.
win+e	Open Computer.
win+f	Search for a file or folder.
ctrl+win+f	Search for computers (if you’re on a network).
win+l	Lock your computer or switch users.
win+r	Open the Run dialog box.
win+t	Cycle through programs on the taskbar.
win+number	Start the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the program is already running, switch to that program.
shift+win+number	Start a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
ctrl+win+number	Switch to the last active window of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
alt+win+number	Open the Jump List for the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
win+tab	Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.
ctrl+win+tab	Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.
ctrl+win+b	Switch to the program that displayed a message in the notification area.
win+spacebar	Preview the desktop.
win+arrow up	Maximize the window.
win+arrow left	Maximize the window to the left side of the screen.
win+arrow right	Maximize the window to the right side of the screen.
win+arrow down	Minimize the window.
win+home	Minimize all but the active window.
win+shift+arrow up	Stretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen.
win+shift+arrow left or arrow right	Move a window from one monitor to another.
win+p	Choose a presentation display mode.
win+g	Cycle through gadgets.
win+u	Open Ease of Access Center.
win+x	Open Windows Mobility Center.
Windows Explorer keyboard shortcuts
ctrl+n	Open a new window
ctrl+w	Close the current window
ctrl+shift+n	Create a new folder
end	Display the bottom of the active window
home	Display the top of the active window
f11	Maximize or minimize the active window
ctrl+. (Period)	Rotate a picture clockwise
ctrl+, (Comma)	Rotate a picture counter-clockwise
num lock+* (Asterix) on numeric keypad	Display all subfolders under the selected folder
num lock++ (Plus) on numeric keypad	Display the contents of the selected folder
num lock+- (Minus) on numeric keypad	Collapse the selected folder
arrow left	Collapse the current selection (if it’s expanded), or select the parent folder
alt+enter	Open the Properties dialog box for the selected item
alt+p	Display the preview pane
alt+arrow left	View the previous folder
backspace	View the previous folder
arrow right	Display the current selection (if it’s collapsed), or select the first subfolder
alt+arrow right	View the next folder
alt+arrow up	View the parent folder
ctrl+shift+e	Display all folders above the selected folder
ctrl+mouse scroll wheel	Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons
alt+d	Select the address bar
ctrl+e	Select the search box
ctrl+f	Select the search box
Taskbar keyboard shortcuts
shift+click on a taskbar button	Open a program or quickly open another instance of a program
ctrl+shift+click on a taskbar button	Open a program as an administrator
shift+right-click on a taskbar button	Show the window menu for the program
shift+right-click on a grouped taskbar button	Show the window menu for the group
ctrl+click on a grouped taskbar button	Cycle through the windows of the group
Magnifier keyboard shortcuts
win+ + (plus) or – (minus)	Zoom in or out
ctrl+alt+spacebar	Preview the desktop in full-screen mode
ctrl+alt+f	Switch to full-screen mode
ctrl+alt+l	Switch to lens mode
ctrl+alt+d	Switch to docked mode
ctrl+alt+i	Invert colors
ctrl+alt+arrow keys	Pan in the direction of the arrow keys
ctrl+alt+r	Resize the lens
win+ esc	Exit Magnifier
Remote Desktop Connection keyboard shortcuts
alt+page up	Move between programs from left to right.
alt+page down	Move between programs from right to left.
alt+insert	Cycle through programs in the order that they were started in.
alt+home	Display the Start menu.
ctrl+alt+break	Switch between a window and full screen.
ctrl+alt+end	Display the Windows Security dialog box.
alt+delete	Display the system menu.

How to make a movie with windows movie maker

Windows Movie Maker in many ways provides the users with an opportunity to make movies with ease. Now let’s take a close look at the procedures in order to develop a movie by means of Windows movie maker. Easiest way will be to work on existing movie files and add your own effects to customize the movie the way you wants it.

The users should follow these below mentioned steps in a step by step manner.

• Users will have to first open their movie file
• Then click ‘import video’ tab
• The process will take some time taking in to consideration the file size of the file or movie
• From the bottom of the window, users will have to select and drag the different sets of clips that they have taken from the ‘storyboard’
• In order to add more specialized video effects, users will have to click the ‘video effects’ tab that is being represented on the left side of the window
• Select the effects that the user wish to implement
• Then place the effect that the users have selected on to the star that is represented at the corner side of the clip
• In order to add more transitions, users will have to opt for the ‘view video transitions’ tab that is present on the left side of the panel
• Then move the desired video transition and drag it on to the ‘storyboard’
• Then users will have to place them in the middle of the storyboard box
• Users can make sure that they are able to view the transitions by clicking on them
• The users can now watch them on the left portion of the screen

• At the bottom of the screen, users can see an option titled ‘Timeline’
• Timeline can be used by the user in order to add or remove the clips or music
• By selecting the half triangle that is represented at the side of the clip, users can cut the time from the clip and can move it how long they want in the scene
• If the user want others to only listen to the music, they will have to mute the camera
• Then users will have to go to ‘import audio or music’
• Select the song that the users wish to have
• Bring the selected song to the timeline by means of dragging
• Now the users can add credits by navigating towards the empty bar that is present on the form
• Users can either place credits or can place the movie title over there
• The left side represents ‘Directors’ as well as Producers’ etc
• The right side denotes the actors who plays the lead role in the movie
• When the users clicks the time line, users will then be able to watch the time lines regarding;
  • Song
  • Title
  • Clips
  • Effects
  • Transition

 

• Now the users can watch the movie by clicking the ‘Play’ button that is represented on the left panel of the screen

• After watching the movie, if the user is satisfied with the way the movie has been made, then the user will have to click ‘Save to My Computer’
• Users can also save it to the CD or DVD if they wish to do so

That’s it! Now users can watch with much excitement the movie they have made. Thanks to Windows Movie Maker.

How to change start-up programs in Windows 7?

Since the launch of the successful Windows 7 operating system, Microsoft has made several changes in order to improve the functionality of the operating system. One of them is the Start up Program settings.

Start Up program settings are usually stored in the hard drive and that too usually in a specific folder. The booting of the operating system will kick start the respective applications listed in the link.

The changes in the start-up settings can be done by making use of the system configuration tool. System Configuration Tool is a tool that is mainly used for the trouble shooting of the Microsoft Windows Start-up process. It is also represented as ‘msconfig’.

Addition of link to the start up folder

• Select the Start button
• Then users will have to select the ‘All Programs’
• Now the users will have to search for the ‘Start Up’
• Right click the ‘start up’ tab from the menu
• Then click ‘Open All Users’
• Clicking of the option leads to the opening of the folder for all users that are present on the computer
• In order to open the folder that represents the user that are currently logged in, click ‘Explore’
• Make a list of the desired files that the users wishes to get started with once the system boots up
• Right click those files and then click Copy option from the menu
• Now again go to the start up folder and paste on the white space that is present in the folder
• Now the specified program will open the next time users start the computer

Changing the current start-up programs

• Click the ‘Start’ button
• In the search box, users will have to type ‘msconfig’
• Then press enter and the system configuration console will be opened
• Then the users will have to click the ‘Start Up’ tab
• Start up option gives the users a brief view of the start up programs that is present on the users computer
• Users will now have to check all those boxes they wish to start when the computer boots up
• Then click ‘Apply’
• Finally close the configuration window

• Users will be encountered by a pop-up window that asks whether the users want to have a reboot of the computer
• Users will have to select ‘Restart’
• The changes are now saved once the computer restarts

This is how the users can change the startup programs by means of System Configuration tool in their Windows 7 computer.