Thursday, September 4, 2008

Tutorial -- Basic Link, Graphic, and List Insertion (html)

Inserting Links or Graphics in Articles

If the need arises to insert a graphic or link into an article; or use any type of specific formatting features such as a numbered or bulleted list, they must be implemented in HTML. This is best shown by example. For Links, Images, and Lists; first I will show the code, then demonstrate each.

Link Example:


The above directly inserted would create the following link:

...text...text which operates as a link...more text...

The destination URL needs to be between the " " marks after href=. The link must be closed, as well, or the rest of the document might link to the defined URL

Image Example:


The above directly inserted would show the following graphic:

Hydrogen Road Tour '08

The image has been scaled from whatever the standard width is to 150px(150 pixels, dots on the screen). If width isn't specified, the default image size is used. This could be larger than the available display area and would cause formatting issues. Height can be specified using the same code. This can be used in conjunction with width to skew a graphic's intended display ratio if necessary. Normally, setting one of either the width or the height is adequate, as the browser will automatically use the image's intended display ratio to calculate the other measurement. The alt tag is not required, but good code practice says to use it an label it appropriately. It is displayed if the graphic can't be located or in some text browsers.

Images can be used as links as well. By 'wrapping' the link tags around an image like this:


The resulting image link looks like this:

Hydrogen Road Tour '08

Finally, placement amongst text can prove tedious, but result in a far more pleasing layout.
Hydrogen Road Tour '08
Text can be made to wrap around an image, and an image sometimes looks better on the right hand side of the page. This can be done using CSS. I will not explain much, as it is outside the scope of this demo. The image is assigned a style. The style can specify whether the images is on the right or left hand side of the page

Using the following code, I placed an image on the right hand side of the page towards the top of the last paragraph. Likewise, left would have put it on the left hand side of the text. Subsequent text wraps around the image using this method


Using style="float:left/right;" is just one way to accomplish image positioning, but it is effective and works well with text wrapping. This is a good place to look for further knowledge about CSS Positioning

Lists Example:

There is often need for bulleted or numbered lists. These can serve many helpful purposes which I will not limit here. A list is created in a similar manner to links or images, but has more parts. Like a link, a list starts with an opening tag and a closing tag. Further, each 'bullet' or number will also have it's own opening and closing tag inside of the list's tags.

View this simple example:

Which would produce the following list:

  • Category 1
  • Category 2
  • Category 3

Or the following, more complex code which uses a list nested within a list (for sub bullets or numbers):


The above code creates the following, more advanced, list:

  • category 1
  • category 2
    • cat2, subcat1
  • category 3

In each of these lists, ul can be replaced with ol for an ordered, or numbered list. Keep in mind that some 'blogs' or content management sites (myspace, facebook, etc) will treat spacing differently, so the above list code may need to be combined to form one long line of code if the spacing looks strange.

Sunday, June 1, 2008

Tutorial -- Backing up a Computer

Target Audience -- Who this tutorial was written for
Novice Windows XP Users who need to begin performing basic data backups.

Overview
If it hasn't happened to you yet, it will soon -- data loss. Most of us keep important information on our computers: pictures of loved ones, personal or business documents, music we can't live without, etc. The most effective way to avoid data loss is through routine data backups.

Keep in mind that backups are only effective if performed frequently. I will write this tutorial with the minimalist user in mind, and side notes for those who may have more advanced hardware or software.

Required Hardware
  • Working computer with enough hard drive space to make copies of important files
Required Software
  • Bundled Windows Backup Sofware

Recommended Hardware
  • Separate hard drive

Video Tutorial

Click to download the Video Tutorial -- the text and pictures are more thorough. Video made with CamStudio, edited with VirtualDub, and compressed with two passes of the xvid codec.
video hosted on mediafire
slight trouble embedding in Firefox


Step-by-step Backup Guide
  1. Begin by deciding what files you need to backup. If you are like most users, you save all your files in one of a few standard locations: The 'My Documents' Folder, or your Desktop. Most software will automatically try to save your files to these locations, so unless you have old software or manually set the save location, you will not have to do any extra work. If you save your data in other locations, you should make a list of the places where you manually save your information before continuing.

  2. Next, open the Backup Utility by holding the 'windows' key on your keyboard and pressing the 'r' key. In the popup box, type 'ntbackup' and click 'ok'. (alternately, use the mouse to open your startmenu / all programs / accessories / system tools / - and click 'backup' )
    *if start menu shortcut doesn't exist or run option fails, follow the following link to learn how to install the software on your computer: http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q302894


  3. the run box -- open with 'windows'+'r' and type ntbackup

  4. Click 'next' to continue.


  5. the backup or restore wizard

  6. Ensure that 'Back up files and settings' is selected and click 'next' to continue.


  7. click 'next' to continue

  8. Here, you are given four possible appropriately named and described choices. The safest (but most hard drive space consuming) option is to backup all information on this computer, but the novice user is likely safe to use 'my documents and settings' if they are the only user of the computer or 'everyone's docouments and settings' if they want to save the data of everyone who uses the computer. Click 'next' to continue.
    *If you had to make a list of other locations where you store files in the earlier section, you should use the last option 'Let me choose what to back up' (if you are not going to back up everything). You should pick the 'my documents' folder and the other folders where you store data.


  9. select the best option and click 'next' to continue

  10. Next you are given the option to pick a place to store your backup. The safest option is on a separate hard drive***. To determine if you have multiple hard drives in your system, see **** at the bottom of this tutorial. If you must store the backup on the same drive where the source information is located, you have to keep in mind that in the event of a hard drive failure, you will lose your data**. Click 'browse' and see what hard disks are available. You want to find drives which have the same icon as your Windows drive (C:). You can not backup to a CD or DVD directly with this software. Double-click the drive you choose, then right-click the mouse and select 'new' then 'folder'. Type 'backup' and click the 'open' button. Change the filename if you want, then click 'save'.


  11. type a name for your backup then click 'browse'


    select the drive you want to store your backup on


    click to make a new folder and name it 'my backup'


    name the file if you haven't and click 'save'

  12. You can change the 'name' for the backup here before clicking 'next' to continue if you would like.


  13. click 'next' to continue

  14. Click 'Finish' to begin the backup. There are 'advanced' options available, but they are a little beyond the scope of this tutorial.


  15. click 'finish' to start the backup


    ...the backup process


    backup complete

---

**Users with no separate hard drive should consider purchasing a new hard drive. If the amount of data you back up is small in size, however, you may be able to use a free on-line backup service. Sites offer 2 and even 5 gigabytes of online storage for free. This should be enough room for your backup if you don't have tons of music or many large video files. This will not be feasible with a slow internet connection, and will take a while even with a fast one. if you are interested, visit one of the following web sites:
  • Mozy (2GB free)
  • IDrive (2GB free)
  • XDrive (5GB free, requires AOL / AIM screen name)


***A 500 gigabyte external hard drive can be purchased for less that $120 at online retailers such as newegg.com or for less than $150 at a store near you.

****To Find out if you have multiple hard drives installed in your computer, follow these steps:
  1. Open the Disk Management utility by holding the 'windows' key on your keyboard and pressing the 'r' key. In the popup box, type 'diskmgmt.msc' and click 'ok'. --Alternately, use the mouse and:
    • Right-click on your 'my computer' icon
    • Click on 'Manage'.
    • In the left hand column of the 'Computer Management' interface, click on 'Disk Management')

  2. The bottom of the right hand column will show the physical hard drives on your system. The Drives will be labeled 'Disk 0' and, if you have any others, 'Disk X' for the others. If you have a 'Disk 1' or higher number, look to the right on that disk and note the drive letter here* (D:, E:, etc.). This is the drive you should store your backup on.
    *If the drive icon doesn't look the same as it does for your 'Disk 0' or doesn't have any description to the right, it may be a removable drive such as a multi-card reader. This is not suitable for backing up and should be discarded.


  3. the run box -- open with 'windows'+'r' and type diskmgmt.msc


    if you have a 'disk 1' or higher with white space beside it, you may have a separate hard drive. remember the letter to the right (G:, in this example)

---

tutorial featured on TheHiddenWeb.Net
and originally appeared here

Tutorial -- Speeding up Your Computer

Because this is a large tutorial, use the following if you are looking for a specific section:


Target Audience -- Who this tutorial was written for:
Novice Windows XP (probably applies to other windows flavors) users who want to speed up their computer.

--
Overview:
It happens so slowly that you usually don't notice until it is outright debilitating. Your brand new computer that you paid an arm and a leg for, maybe even made payments on for years – worse yet, are still making payments for; the speed machine you first blazed through the Internet with, used for school/office work, or maybe just played solitaire on while you downloaded your email...is not the beast it first was. The time has come to give it a tune-up. We will discuss mostly (free) software solutions, but will mention basic hardware upgrades, as well.

--
The Reason:
There may be many reasons that your computer is slow. One is hardly avoidable. If you run Windows, and you use the Internet often, you probably keep your software up to date. This helps you defend against viruses, buggy software, intruders, and numerous other things. It ALSO slows down your computer. The big updates (SP1, SP2), while very helpful, add much functionality to your computer which consumes larger quantities of resources. This is unavoidable. Hardware upgrades help with this problem, and will be mentioned later.

Installing programs on your computer, downloading files, even removing programs on your computer, can all cause your computer to slow down. This is a consequence of use, but the problems which they case are easily fixed. Enough chit chat, let's get to cleaning.

Keep in mind that slow Internet activity is not generally caused by your computer, but by your Internet Service Provider. If you are still using dial up. I'm sorry, there is no helping you. General slow computer response (non Internet related), however, may be successfully addressed.

--
Common Problems:
  • Too many running programs

  • Mal-ware (adware/spyware)

  • Unused Software

  • Disk Space Shortage

  • Registry Problems

Advanced Problems:
  • Dynamic Paging File

  • System Restore

Hardware:
  • Shortage of memory

  • Insufficient hard disk space


--
Step-By-Step Guide

Preface
Each problem will start with a short description of the problem, followed by a means of determining if this problem is applicable to your system, and concluding with instructions on how to correct the problem.

Too many running programs
Many computer programs, with the intent of making your computing experience more enjoyable, run when your computer starts up by default. This is very often not necessary, and each program takes up valuable memory that you could be using more effectively. Some brand new computers even have pre-installed software which can slow your computer down.

  1. The first step to resolving this problem is to open the 'System Configuration Utility'. This can be done by holding the 'windows' key on your keyboard and pressing the 'r' key. (alternately, the 'run' dialog can be found in your start menu or by holding 'ctrl-alt-del' and clicking 'file' then 'New Task (run)' option).

  2. In the run dialog box, type 'msconfig' and click 'ok'. This should bring up the 'System Configuration Utility.'


  3. the run box -- open with 'windows'+'r' and type msconfig

  4. In the 'System Configuration Utility,' under the 'General' tab, ensure that 'Selective Startup' is selected. There is no need to change any of the other options in this tab. Next, click on the 'Startup' tab.


  5. click 'Selective Startup' and then the Startup tab

  6. Every program with a green check mark by it is running at startup. Next, in your favorite web browser, go to http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php and type in any 'Startup Item' you are having second thoughts about. As an idea, everything can be disabled and the system will run just fine. The things I would recommend to leave running are antivirus programs (nav for Norton Antivirus, avg for AVG Antivirus), firewall files (zlclient for ZoneAlarm Personal Firewall), and printer driver files (often contain hp or epson, cannon, etc). Of course, any other program you use very frequently can likely be left 'enabled.' Keep in mind that disabling a program doesn't remove it from your system, only prevents it from running by default on startup. There is likely a shortcut on your desktop or in your start menu to any program you disable. Any file you disable can be re-enabled in the event of a problem. Also, after disabling any start up items, the computer must be restarted before the changes will be made.


  7. remove the check from the items you don't want to startup -- i've only allowed antivirus, firewall, and AMD dual core optimizer to run here


    use this site to find out information about files you are uncertain of -- http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php

  8. When you hit 'Apply' or 'OK' after making changes, you will be informed that the system must be restarted to make changes.


  9. click 'Exit without Restart' unless you feel like restarting immediately

  10. When you start your computer up next time, a pop up dialog window will appear telling you that changes have been made to the 'system configuration utility.' you know that because you did it. Check the box that says not to bother you again and then click 'ok'.

  11. Enjoy your streamlined startup.


Malware
This is a very general term which literally means 'bad'-ware. Any software which the user does not benefit can be considered malware. While the most common are adware and spyware, other software may be installed which just bogs down your computer and takes up space.

  1. First, you should download and run the following programs: Ad-Aware Free and Spybot Search and Destroy. Click the links to be directed to the download page. Either of these programs alone will get rid of over 90% of spyware and adware, but together they take care of most everything, and are completely free (for personal use). Spybot allows you to donate through Paypal if you use the software regularly, which seems fair.

  2. Both programs are pretty straight-forward. I'd recommend doing basic installs of each program, but not running the 'active protection'/'realtime protection' options, which are offered. The software is effective, but if your computer is already running slow, we don't need more to slow it down when a regular scan every two to four weeks will keep your computer running well.


  3. be sure to update your 'definitions' file often. the software updates are less important, imo

  4. If you aren't patient, be sure to use the software (each program's) scan at night before you go to sleep or before a movie so you don't have to sit there and wait on it to finish. The more files you have, and the larger your hard disk, the longer it will take.

  5. Remember that deleting cookies is smart, but they often store data about you which makes Internet browsing more convenient. Sites such as ebay and amazon likely keep track of your credit card information so you don't have to enter it every time. Of course, allowing Ad-Aware or Spybot to delete these files will keep you a little bit safer, but they increase the amount of work you have to do. Reputable sites such as these don't really pose much of a threat to your identity.

  6. The computer should run much faster, now.


Unused Software
This section is less essential (speeds up your computer less) than the others. Still, if you need hard-drive space or just want to do all you can to speed up your computer, it can help.

  1. Open the 'Add or Remove Programs' application by opening the 'run' dialog by hitting 'windows key + r'. Type 'appwiz.cpl' and hit 'enter'. Alternately, it can be accessed by opening the Control Panel (can be found in the start menu) and clicking on the 'Add or Remove Programs' option.


  2. the run box -- open with 'windows'+'r' and type appwiz.cpl

  3. Now, the subjective (read: fun) part. Look through the programs you have installed. If you don't use the program, remove it. Keep in mind that the size of the program and the last used date is listed to the right.


  4. remove programs you know that you don't use. reference the 'size' and 'last used on' for importance

  5. Hopefully you opened up some disk-space.


Disk Space Shortage
If you have less than 10% of your disk drive free, your computer could be drastically slowed down. Downloaded media files (music and movies) are often the culprit and should be managed accordingly. The next step we will take is to utilize software which finds temporary and cached files that can be removed with no consequences. There are many software programs available, but a free, easy to use one I recommend is called CCleaner. They accept donations for regular users via Paypal.
  1. Download and install the latest version of CCleaner.

  2. Run the Software. You begin in the 'Cleaner' tab and 'Windows' sub-tab. Browse the options if you would like, but the standard ones worked for me.


  3. under the 'Windows', then 'Applications' tabs, click 'Run Cleaner'

  4. Run Cleaner.

  5. When it is done, read the summary to see how much space was made available.

  6. Click on the 'Applications' sub-tab. Run Cleaner.


Registry Problems
This is the end of the Disk Space Shortage section, but since this software offers additional functionality, it is easy to go right into that from here as it just takes a few additional clicks to cleanup your Registry, the source of loads of common computer problems. If you are starting with this section, review the previous section to catch up.

  1. Click the 'Registry' tab.

  2. Scan for Issues. Click 'Fix Selected Issues'. Backup your Registry when asked if you want to do so. The default location should be fine. Click 'Fix all Issues' when the option appears.


  3. click 'Scan for Issues', then 'Fix Selected Issues'. Finally, 'Fix all Issues'


Defragment Your Hard-Drive
Although the exact means of how a information is stored on a hard-drive is beyond the scope of this tutorial, it is stored sequentially. If files are often added, then removed, from the hard-drive, files can become fragmented. Basically, it means that part of a file may be stored at the beginning of the hard-drive while another part is in the middle, and the rest of it is at the end. This makes accessing the file much more difficult. There are many good third party defragmentation tools, but the one that comes with windows isn't horrible and should get the job done.
  1. Run the 'Disk Defragmenter' Application by pressing 'Windows Key + r' to open the run dialog and typing 'dfrg.msc' and pressing enter.


  2. use 'ctrl + windows key' and type 'dfrg.msc' then hit enter

  3. Select each available drive (one at at time) and click 'Analyze'.


  4. click 'analyze' on each drive

  5. If recommended, 'Defragment' the Hard-Drive. This may take a while, and will slow your system down should you choose to work while in progress.


  6. 'defragment' if recommended. this may take a while

Advanced Problems:
The following steps are for those willing to go the extra mile to get their computer running fast. I don't recommend these steps for the average user, but for those who want to further enhance the performance of their machine, I wish you the best.

Dynamic Paging File
Windows uses a hard-disk space as a backup in case your system requires more memory than you have. This is mostly a precaution, and the most effective fix is to increase the amount of memory installed in your system. A bad design in the 'Page File' (also called Virtual Memory) causes the page file to be dynamic, or change according to the current demands of the system. While this sounds like a good idea, a file changing its size when you are trying to do something else (or three other things) can slow down your system considerably. To avoid this, you can set your Page File to a static size.
  1. Run the 'System Properties' Application by pressing 'Windows Key + r' to open the run dialog and typing 'sysdm.cpl' and pressing enter.

  2. Click the 'Advanced' Tab.

  3. Click 'Settings' under the 'Performance' area.

  4. Click the 'Advanced' Tab.

  5. In the 'Virtual Memory' area, click 'Change'.

  6. There should be a 'recommended size' listed at the bottom of the window. Click 'Custom Size' and enter that number as the 'Initial size' and 'Maximum size'.

  7. Click 'Set', then 'Ok'. Close any other open windows. You will likely have to restart Windows to use the new Static Page File.


Disable System Restore
Windows, by default, runs System Restore on your computer periodically. This is a precaution which makes a copy of all essential files / processes at a given interval, and offers the option to 'restore' to those settings in the event of an error. This has helped many people many times, I am just not one of those people. The few times I've had problems with windows starting up, I was able to fix the problem in safe mode and didn't have to restore previous settings. That said, when Windows creates a restore point, it slows your computer down noticeably while it is copying the files. System Restore also takes up disk space (where it stores the files). If you would like to disable system restore, follow the following steps.
  1. Run the 'System Properties' Application by pressing 'Windows Key + r' to open the run dialog and typing 'sysdm.cpl' and pressing enter.

  2. Click the 'System Restore' Tab.

  3. Click the box that says 'Turn off System Restore on all drives'.

  4. Alternately, the 'Settings' button here allows you to customize the amount of space dedicated to restore points. This could clear up some disk space without totally disabling System Restore.


Hardware:
There is no substitute for adequate hardware. If you need increased performance, and have to pick one component to upgrade, I would recommend purchasing additional memory for your system. It is relatively cheap and the performance gain is usually noticeable. If Disk Space is your main concern, consider storing files on DVD or CD, or storing files online. There are quite a few sites which allow up to 2GB or even 5GB of space to be used for free. Also, 500GB external hard drives can usually be purchased for around $100 at many online stores such as NewEgg.
--
tutorial featured on TheHiddenWeb.Net
and was originally posted here