82. Force 'My Computer' and Other Folders to Open in Windows Explorer Automatically

If you like to use the Windows Explorer application for most of your file management, you may find it irritating that the 'my computer' icon always opens like a standard folder. Wouldn't it be much easier if it, along with the rest of the folders in your system, would open in Windows Explorer automatically? Here's how to fix it:

Open 'My computer' and go to 'tools\folder options.' Choose the 'file types' tab. Find the entry that says '(NONE) folder' and click the 'advanced' button. Highlight 'explore' and hit the 'set default' button to make Explorer the default application for opening folders.

83. Boost Foreground Applications

If you find yourself doing a lot of work with one demanding program, or you do not multi-task much, you can set Windows XP to devote more resources and processor time to the foreground (active) application than it will to any other processes. XP already does have a slight bias towards the foreground app, but you can increase it further with this simple registry edit:

Open Regedit and navigate to 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\PriorityControl'

Modify 'Win32PriorityControl' and give it a decimal value of 38.

84. Place the Volume Control on the Taskbar

You can return the volume control applet to its rightful place on your taskbar with a quick settings change. Here's what to do; go to 'start\control panel\sounds and audio devices.' Under the 'volume' tab, check 'place volume icon in the taskbar.'

85. Experiment with Linux Without Installing Software

Linux is the pre-eminent 'alternative' operating system out there right now, with the one amazing advantage of being free. Of course, being a free and open source operating system means that there are a zillion different versions out there, most of which are not instantly intuitive to Windows lifers.

This being the case, removing Windows XP or installing a dual boot with Windows XP and Linux is not the most attractive prospect for Linux Beginners.

Fortunately, there are several 'live' flavours of Linux that can be booted directly from CD (or even a floppy or USB drive) without requiring hard disk installations. Using one of these live CDs is a great way to get to know the various Linux desktops (like KDE and Gnome) as well as get an idea of how Linux runs 'under the hood.' All you need is a CD burner and some hard drive space.

The most popular live distribution of Linux is Knoppix, but there are many others available. Try here for starters.