Out of a job? Laid off? A lot of people have lost jobs these days and if there is one worthy investment that they should consider, it would be perhaps through PCs or laptops. The best time to invest in these technological breakthroughs is now not only because they have been offered at great bargains but also because they can do a lot with them.

There are a lot of potential money-making schemes that anyone can do online and it does not need the immediate call to enroll in computer schools. In fact, the simplest way of making money on the web is to check out telecommute jobs.

There are a lot of jobs people can consider and these include:

1. Content writing or blogging
2. Data Entry
3. Social Media Marketing
4. Graphics Designing
5. Documentation and Reports

Now all of these would require a PC and a reliable Internet connection. While the latter is already a given, a computer can be used as a great source of income if you look in the right places. You can even use the web to get references as well. Some companies can even offer you a work from home job and all you would need is a device, a computer in this case, to conduct such an interface.

So if you are looking for a worthy investment, a computer is one of the wise decisions to go about it. You don’t even have to spend your entire final pay on it. This is a small investment that can perhaps help people who are direly looking for income these days.

Source

What a sidebar package. This ocean themed side package includes a clock, radio, stats, shutdown, email, recycle bin, network, cpu, feedreader, calendar and more. I love the blue colors and light feel to all the gadgets.

Title: Ocean Gadgets
Author: gersma
Download:

Download Ocean Gadgets Sidebar Here

How many of you have hooked up a new Microsoft keyboard and/or mouse and didn’t install the included IntelliPoint software because Windows automatically found the hardware?   As long as things worked when connected, I didn’t miss some of the features that the IntelliPoint Software added. 

But now that I’ve installed the software with Windows Vista, that’s all changed.  The team has added so many improvements in the IntelliPoint software functionality that I thought I’d conclude our 10 Things about Windows Vista series by discussing some of the lesser-known features of the IntelliPoint software.  These features add functionality not only to those who may have problems with the fine print on some sites, but give the hardware more usability for the everyday user as well as the power user and gamer.

I’m using the new Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000 keyboard.  If you’re looking for a new keyboard, check this out - www.microsoft.com/hardware/ultimatekeyboard, now available.   The set features a 2.4GHz Bluetooth super thin, backlit rechargeable keyboard and mouse. The keyboard is easy to use with its ergonomic design, including “My Favorites” programmable hot keys, one-touch access to Windows Media Center and a navigation pad to make navigation even easier.  The backlighting is automatic and turns on and off depending on the room‘s lighting and the proximity of the user.

The mouse uses High Definition Laser Technology for smooth, precise tracking.  It offers 4-way scrolling and Flip 3D with its tilt wheel.  It automatically adjusts battery life depending on the performance needs.

Some of the features of the IntelliPoint software:

Magnifier
Although Windows Vista has a built-in magnifier that enlarges text and icons for easier viewing, the IntelliPoint software acts more like a real magnifying glass.  You can select the size of the magnifying window to encompass either a small section of a document, Web page, or photo.  The size is customizable by dragging the window to your preferred size.  The size you select will be remembered for future use.  You can also change the magnification level from 1.5x to 5x.

Some keyboards also have a ‘Magnifier’ button that can be used alone or in conjunction with the mouse controls.

Instant Viewer

For those of you who use a mouse to navigate, this feature is similar to the keyboard shortcut ‘Alt-Tab.’   With a quick push of the mouse wheel, you can see every application that’s open.  After moving the cursor to any of the windows, a quick mouse click brings the window to the front. 

Precision Booster

If you’re a gamer and your mouse supports this, Precision Booster will increase or decrease the speed of the pointer for improved accuracy. You’ll be able to move around the screen much faster.  A quick press and hold increases the speed until released, or just press and release the assigned button to toggle the speed up and then press and release again to resume normal speed.

The hot keys on the Microsoft keyboards and mice are fully customizable to work with the IntelliPoint software.

Flip 3D

One-touch access to Windows Flip 3D on the mouse allows users to flip through open windows in a stack, and quickly switch between applications for added productivity.

Flip 3D comes pre-programmed to the scroll wheel button on the Mobile Memory Mouse 8000 and Wireless Notebook Laser Mouse 7000.  The software allows the user to program Flip 3D to any of the mouse buttons.  I’ve also found that the software enables Flip 3D on my old trackball using the center button.  As I really like trackballs, this was a great surprise. 

Also available with IntelliPoint Software Version 6.2 and Supported Hardware

• Windows Gadget Button offers quick access to customizable content such as weather information, news, traffic and maps.
• The Quick-Launch button gives one-touch access to Windows Vista Games Explorer, allowing gamers to quickly see the games in their PC’s game library.
• Windows Live Call button lets you access one of your online Windows Messenger contacts, and start a video conversation quickly.

To get the latest updates specific to your hardware, check the Microsoft Hardware Web site or go to http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/Download.mspx

If you haven’t installed the IntelliPoint software that came with your Microsoft hardware, try the latest version and let us know what your favorite feature is.  

How many of you have hooked up a new Microsoft keyboard and/or mouse and didn’t install the included IntelliPoint software because Windows automatically found the hardware? As long as things worked when connected, I didn’t miss some of the features that Read More……(read more)

Many PC OEMs ship Windows Vista computers with Windows Sidebar enabled, usually only displaying the simple clock, photos and RSS feed gadgets.  You may’ve found that they install their own home-grown gadgets to show off additional features or apps installed on the PC, or as sales tools for other products.  You may even have turned off the Sidebar because you already have a clock in the systray and you use other ways to check RSS feeds.

If so, you’re missing out, as there’s a Windows Sidebar gadget for almost anything you might want:  PC utilities, music, messaging, traffic reporting, searching or just a quick game can be yours with a click of the mouse.  If you haven’t taken the time to explore gadgets beyond those loaded by default, take a minute to right-click the Sidebar and select ‘Add Gadgets.’  From there, click ‘Get More Gadgets Online’ — you’ll find over 1000 different gadgets available for download.

There are still other ways to find gadgets:  visit the Microsoft Gadgets Gallery, Windows Live Gallery and Code Project for hundreds more.  In addition, you’ll find links to resources for developers and a way to submit your own gadgets for others to use.

This isn’t the first time we’ve mentioned Windows Sidebar and accompanying gadgets:  MS held a contest challenging developers to create new gadgets to do any number of things.  And in January during the consumer market launch of Windows Vista we kept readers updated as to our whereabouts as we toured the East coast of the US in a branded bus.  Brandon even found a gadget that alerts users to changes in targeted airfares on Expedia’s site!

We have a gadget we use internally to train employees in fielding and responding to customer feedback; it’s called the “Dear Steve” gadget, and it displays anonymized contents of emails our customers have sent directly to Steve Ballmer with their personal product feedback. This is what it looks like on the Sidebar:

…and here it is maximized on the desktop:

Windows Sidebar is definitely worth another look.