Software: Eyes on the Solar System

Eyes on the Solar System is a 3-D environment full of real NASA mission data. You can explore the cosmos from your computer, hop on an asteroid, or fly with NASA's Voyager spacecraft. See the whole solar system moving in real time.  Download the software: http://eyes.nasa.gov/ (requires Java to run)

Internet Explorer: Starting in InPrivate Mode

You can start Internet Explorer in the InPrivate mode which doesn't save your personal information (such as: browser history and cache files for personal privacy reasons). Follow the steps below to create a shortcut that enables this feature when you launch its icon:

• Right-click an empty space on the desktop and click New, then select Shortcut.
• Type the following information into the Location field when wizard displays: "%ProgramFiles%\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe" -private
• Press the Next button, give the shortcut a name (for example "IE InPrivate Mode").
• Press the Finish button when done.

Article: Microsoft opens $14.99 Windows 8 upgrade registration for purchasers of Windows 7 PCs

Here excerpt from an Engadget article:"Normally the early bird gets the worm, but in the case of Windows 8, purchasers of Windows 7 PCs will have until February 28th, 2013 to snag their promotional upgrade. The Windows Upgrade Offer, which provides upgrades to Windows 8 Pro for a mere $14.99, is now open for registration to all those who purchase a Windows 7 PC between June 2nd, 2012 and January 31st, 2013." (read the rest of the article)

Microsoft SkyDrive Gets an Update

SkyDrive.com, Microsoft's cloud-based storage service got several new features and an updated look recently.  It defaults to a tile-based layout and boasts new features like instant search and a contextual toolbar.


Outlook.com was also rolled out recently, which is Microsoft's new cloud-based e-mail service designed to replace Hotmail.com.

Internet Explorer: Reset Settings

Internet Explorer can be difficult to troubleshoot, partly because of the many settings and modifications that can be made to it. There's a way to undo most of these changes and roll I.E. back to its original "factory" configuration.

Microsoft includes a feature called "Reset Internet Explorer Settings", to utilize it follow the instructions below:

Warning: This feature can't be undone, use it at your own risk.
Note: This operation can also be performed from the Internet Options control panel.

• Close all instances of  Internet Explorer except one.
• Open the Tools menu, and select Internet Options.
• Click the Advanced tab, and press the Reset... button.
• Only check the Delete personal settings checkbox if you want it to reset personal features.
• Press the OK button, and it might take a few minutes to completed.

The next time you launch I.E. it should be restored back to the factory defaults.  For more information on this feature on what is and what is not effected check out this video from Microsoft.

Article: Grab Free Desktop Syncing Plus 25GB Storage Space on Box

Here is an excerpt from a LifeHacker article entitled "Grab Free Desktop Syncing Plus 25GB Storage Space on Box": "Box is one of the more generous of the online storage services—especially if you got in on one of the free 50GB deals previously offered. However, syncing wasn't offered for personal users—until, it seems, now. Here's how to get Box syncing without a business account." (Read the rest of the article)

Internet Explorer: Keyboard Shortcuts

With every version of Internet Explorer, Microsoft seems to beef up its selection of keyboard shortcuts. 

Some of the shortcuts are new for this version of I.E., others have been around for a while (but aren’t widely used), and some are classics that every user should be aware of.

See the full list of shortcuts for Internet Explorer 9.

Internet Explorer: Run IE without Add-Ons

To check if Internet Explorer is having a problem that is being caused by an add-on. From the search field under Start menu type: "iexplore.exe -extoff".


If the problem disappears, from the Tools menu (the gear icon in the upper right) select Manage Add-ons, under Add-ons Types, you can enable or disable toolbars and extensions until your find the one that is causing the problem.

Article: Windows Defender Offline vs Microsoft Safety Scanner (Which One should you use?)

Have you ever wonder what the difference is between Windows Defender Offline and the Microsoft Safety Scanner?  There doesn't seem to be a lot of information on this subject so I decided the write the following article.  Here is a excerpt from it: "Both Windows Defender Offline and Microsoft Safety Scanner are not a replacement for using a real-time anti-malware (e.g. viruses, spyware, or other malicious software) program that provides full-time protection for your computer. If you need a real-time malware protection check out Microsoft Security Essentials, or any other anti-malware software suite that is available." (read the rest of the article)

Internet Explorer: Delete Any AutoComplete Items

Internet Explorer's AutoComplete feature allows you to quickly re-enter common information that was previously entered into fields on a Web form. Sometime you may want to remove information from this feature because it incorrect (e.g. old or wrong information) or you may not want others to see it. Put the cursor into the field where you want to delete the form data, use the keyboard down arrow to highlight the item you want to remove and then press the DEL key to remove it.

Internet Explorer: Setting Multiple Home Pages

Since Internet Explorer 7 you have been able to open multiple pages in different tabs when the program launches. For example, if you want Bing and Google to open when you launch I.E., open Bing in one tab and Google in another. 

• Open a up a different web page in a new tab that you want to open automatically Internet Explorer is launched.
• From the Settings menu select Internet Options, and press the Use Current button in the Home page section of the dialog.
• Press the OK button.