Sep 30

Windows provides a relatively easy way to type special characters:

  1. Press and hold the Alt key.
  2. Type the appropriate 4-digit numeric code (see list below) on the numeric keypad.
  3. Release the Alt key.

Note that the numbers must be typed on the numeric keypad.  It will not work if you use the row of number keys above the letter keys.

So for example, to type the symbol for the euro, press and hold the Alt key, type 0128 on the numeric keypad, then release the Alt key, and the euro symbol € will appear.

Some handy codes to remember:

  • bullet • 0149
  • copyright © 0169
  • dagger † 0134
  • dash — 0151
  • degrees ° 0176
  • ellipses … 0133
  • euro € 0128
  • paragraph ¶ 0182
  • plus or minus ± 0177
  • pounds £ 0163
  • registered trademark ® 0174
  • trademark ™ 0153

Here are the ASCII special characters and their 4-digit codes:

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Sep 29

To open the Cmd command line window in Administrator mode in Windows 7 and Vista:

1.  Click the Windows Start button.

2.  Type cmd in the search box at the bottom of the Start menu.

3.  Press Ctrl+Shift+Enter.

4.  User Account Control will ask if you want to allow the Windows Command Processor to make changes to your computer.  Click Yes.

The command line window will open in Administrator mode.

Sep 28

When upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7, the compatibility report may generate the following error:

These devices might not work properly after the upgrade. Before upgrading, we recommend updating the drivers for these devices. Cancel the upgrade, open Control Panel and search for "update device drivers", or go to the device manufacturer’s website to search for updated drivers.

Network adapters: Microsoft Windows Mobile Remote Adapter

But if your mobile device isn’t currently connected to your computer, this network adapter may not appear in the list of devices.  Here’s how to find and remove this adapter from your system:

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Sep 13

Digital Dreams. Copyright © Flavio Takemoto. Image used under license.

Programmers’ Day is an unofficial international holiday celebrated on the 256th (0x100th) day of each year, which is September 13 (or September 12 in leap years).

On September 11, 2009, the President of Russia Dmitry Medvedev recognized Programmers’ Day as an official Russian holiday.

The number 256 was chosen because it is the highest power of two that is less than 365, the number of days in a common year.  256 is also the number of distinct values that can be represented with an eight-bit byte, which is a common unit of measure for computers and software.

Source: Wikipedia