by David Hakala

When you go to update Windows on the Microsoft update Web site, you have the option to select which specific updates you want to download and install. One update you may see is “Microsoft .NET Framework.” As of this writing, it is a whopping 284 MB package. Should you download and install it?
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How to Disable a Touchpad, Pointing Stick, Mouse or Other Pointing Device

in computer hardware
laptop

If a touchpad or other pointing device is getting in your way, or otherwise not needed, it can be disabled in your computer’s Control Panel. You can get rid of its drivers, too.

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Should I use the FAT16, FAT32, or NTFS File System?

in Windows
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Whether you should choose a FAT option or NTFS as your file system depends on what you plan to do with the file. NTFS is the most secure, but intended for the Windows operating system.

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How Do I Remove, Uninstall, and/or Disable Fonts?

in Windows

Removing or disabling fonts you don’t use may make your computer run faster, but be careful not to delete files that Windows needs to operate normally.

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What Is Virtualization, A Virtual Machine, and a Virtual PC?

in advanced computing
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Running two, or even more, computer operating systems at once (such as Windows XP and Vista, or Windows and Mac OSX) is possible thanks to virtualization. Many programs are available to make it happen.

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Getting the Most Power and Life From Your Notebook Battery

in computer performance
laptop

There are steps you can take to ensure your laptop computer’s battery lasts as long as possible, and that when you do have to replace it you don’t have to break the bank.

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How to Manage Fonts

in computer performance

Make your computer boot faster or and gain easier access to your collection of fonts by using a font management program.

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Interesting and Handy Things to Do With the Command Prompt in Windows XP

in Windows
Windows

Let go of your mouse and execute common Windows functions such as Help, Defrag and Shutdown, by typing into the the Windows XP command prompt.

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Windows XP Standby and Hibernation Modes

in computer performance
Windows

To save power and make life easier on your computer, enable standby mode for short breaks from the computer and the hibernation function for longer times away.

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How to Customize Your Windows XP Taskbar

in Windows
Windows

There are several ways to customize your Windows taskbar, including showing the Quick Launch icons, grouping similar tasks and changing the position of the taskbar on your screen.

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How to Change the Default Page Template in Word

in applications
Microsoft Word

Rather than change font, point size, margins and other settings each time you start working in a new Microsoft Word document, save time by changing the default page template.

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