When trying to troubleshoot a computer issue for a friend over the phone, you will realize that helping the person would be much easier if you were physically in front of the computer. The Remote Desktop feature of the Windows operating system makes this possible, as you can connect to a friend’s computer over the Internet and see their desktop in a virtual environment. This way, you can see the problem yourself and better help your friend fix it....

A CDB file is a contacts database file for Symbian OS smartphones, such as devices made by Nokia. To convert a CDB file to CSV, Nokia provides a desktop syncing utility. In addition to functionality to convert the CDB file type to CSV, the Noki application will convert the CDB file to an Outlook or Thunderbird contacts database for import into these contact management and email applications. The Noki application by NokiSoft is the exploring and extracting software addition to the Nokia PC Suite....

A calendar encoded in comma-separated values (CSV) format is useful for moving large chunks of data around in a stripped-down matrix format, but not many people what to manage their calendar from Excel. To improve control functionality, Microsoft Outlook users may want to convert that clunky CSV file to Outlook’s streamlined vCalendar (VCS) format. A useful piece of shareware makes this easy, allowing you to convert your CSV file to VCS or a variety of other formats....

A JPEG picture file can be used as a Windows desktop background and saved as a theme that allows the user to easily switch from one theme to another. In this way the user can alternate between different backgrounds rather than always having the same background. This is particularly useful if a user wants to have one background for work and a different background for personal use. Tips Writer Bio

Converting a JPEG format picture to SWF is often convenient for web designers aiming for faster web page load times. SWF is also a good alternative to PDF and does not need a separate client reader to be installed on a users machine for the document to be properly viewed. Using a suite of tools called SWF Tools, you can quickly an easily convert JPEG pictures to SWF.

Whether you have old negatives or slides, you need to digitize. If you prefer shooting images on film and do not want to bother with a darkroom, transferring film to digital is necessary. You can do it with a few easy steps and a minimum of computer equipment. And, apart from developing your own film, you no longer will need smelly chemicals to process your images. Writer Bio

To most PC users, Macintoshes seem kind of alien. The user interface is different, the files don’t show extensions and half the features aren’t in the places they expect them to be. For instance, the “Start” menu is in the upper right corner of the screen, shown with an Apple icon. Fortunately, files that are swapped back and forth have become easier to convert. Writer Bio

NTFS is the standard file system format of Windows-based drives, while HFS (now HFS+) is the standard file system format for Mac OS X-based drives. If you have an NTFS formatted drive, you may notice that it does not play nice with Mac OS X. In order to use the drive with your Apple computer, you’ll have to convert the file system format. This can be done using Apple’s Disk Utility (included as part of Mac OS X) and will only take a few minutes to complete....

Converting a Smil (.smi) file to .mp3 is easy, but it requires a small monetary investment to upgrade standard media-playing software, such as RealPlayer or Quicktime, to the premium, full-capacity version of those software brands. Writer Bio

A BOM is a bill of materials, which lists in detail the materials, components and quantities of materials that go into a specific job or end product. A BOM helps you to determine the final bill and to explain cost disbursement to your customers. You can create a thorough bill of materials using Microsoft Excel without extensive effort by downloading a BOM template. Writer Bio

Microsoft Word gives you the ability to create a wide range of print-formatted documents and templates, including letters, envelopes, labels and forms. The 2007 and 2010 versions of the program also allow you to insert form fields in a template, although this functionality is hidden by default. Fortunately, once you reveal the corresponding menu tab, creating and formatting your own fields becomes a quick process that requires only a few clicks....

The Super Audio Compact Disc (SACD) is a special type of CD that is burned onto a DVD and used to play high-quality music and other audio recordings on special SACD players. The sound is typically louder and clearer when compared to the quality of a recorded CD you might burn from your computer. Get special SACD-burning software to burn your favorite songs onto a DVD and impress your friends and loved ones with the crisp sounds....

Most applications use the Windows uninstall protocol to remove programs; however, third-party applications will do as they wish. When the programs do not use the Windows uninstall feature, then they may not be able to be uninstalled through the Add/Remove Programs feature in Windows. In this case, most companies will have an uninstall program loaded to the computer and stored in their program’s installation file. If neither of these options is available, then you will have to remove the program manually....

On your Logitech keyboard, you may notice a key with a moon icon on it. The moon key is a shortcut key that will put your computer into “sleep” or hibernation mode. While this can be useful, you may wish to disable the key, especially if accidentally hitting it could result in a disruption of your computer work. Tips Writer Bio

Updated February 10, 2017 Launch the “Services” console by clicking the Windows “Start” menu, clicking “Run,” typing “services.msc” (without quotes) in the open box and pressing “Enter.” Scroll down the “Services” console and double click “Windows Defender.” A new dialog box launches. Click the “Stop” button and select “Disabled” in the “Startup type” box. Click “OK” to save the changes. Close the “Services” console. Click the Windows “Start” menu if you want to uninstall Windows Defender....

The Windows Installer has had several complications working with applications. The Windows Installer may have these issues every time an application is started. In some cases, reinstalling the application (such as Office), and not selecting the option “This feature will be installed when required” can fix the problem. But in many instances this does not do the trick. When this does not work it is time to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty....

A paragraph symbol, ¶, also called a pilcrow, is used in editing to show where a new paragraph should start. A paragraph symbol is also used in certain forms of citations to cite to one particular paragraph. Both PCs and Macs can make multiple symbols by pressing some keys on the keyboard. Writer Bio

Many online video Websites do not include an option for users to download a copy of the video directly. But there are many online video downloading Websites that exist specifically to enable downloading of online videos. In order to use these Websites to download a video, users must first know how to copy and paste the video URLs. Writer Bio

It is not possible to download movies and TV shows from DirecTV to store on your iPad for later viewing. However, you can watch live streaming of some DirecTV channels on your iPad. To do this, you need the free DirecTV app. Writer Bio

Updated September 18, 2017