Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Look like a computer whizz, Run Commands

If you want to look like a computer whizz, try remember these.

To get the Run box quickly,
Press Windows Key + R

Then type any of these commands.
appwiz.cpl
:--Add or Remove Program
cmd
:--:Command Prompt
control admintools
:--Administrative Tools
calc
:--Calculator
charmap
:--Character Map
compmgmt.msc
:--Computer Management
control
:--Control Panel
desk.cpl
:--Display Properties
explorer
:--Windows Explorer
msconfig
:--System Configuration Utility
msinfo32
:--System Configuration
ncpa.cpl
:--Network Connections
netsetup.cpl
:--Network Set Up Wizard
notepad
:--Notepad
perfmon.msc /perfmon
:--Performance Monitor
powercfg.cpl
:--Power Option Properties
regedit
:--Registry Editor
shutdown
:--Shutdown
sysedit
:--System Configuration Editor
sysdm.cpl
:--System Properties
taskmgr
:--Task Manager
utilman
:--Utility Manager
write
:--Wordpad

.

Changing Math Teaching


Saturday, 25 May 2013

Graphic Design

One of my interests is in graphic design and typography. A couple of times I have needed to design a logo and always found it rewarding but incredibly hard. Anyone thinking they can do it, should try.

Here are some of my attempts at logo design:


CPUT Mechatronics 



I was looking for something that would show some constituent disciplines of Mechatronics. Hence the electrical "Power" icon, then the fluid power icon (symbol used in pneumatic diagrams)  and the the last to represent actuators (either a pneumatic cylinder or an electric motor). The colors were prompted by the Festo blue and the brown being the complementary of the blue.

I wanted a logo that could work on any color or monochrome suitable for all applications from t-shirt embroidery to laser printed letterheads.

EPIcentre

                         
The main idea of the EPIcentre is that it is trying to do things differently, so I attempted to come up with a logo that is in juxtaposition with everything else in the vicinity. One of my all time favorite logos is that of  EATON. It was probably the first time I noticed that logos were actually designed and not just pictures. Since then I have always been looking to use negative space in a logo.

I also like European, especially Dutch, graphic design and was inspired by the simplicity of the logo for the Eindhoven Brainport

The colors was also chosen for contrast, to symbolise the EPIcentre's contrast to it's surroundings.


WCMTech


My latest effort was for WCM Technology. I still don't know if I like it! 

I once saw a website with logos with hidden things like the arrow in the FEDEX logo. The W and M is also letter that are reflected which I tried to take advantage of.

The segments are suggestive of LED or LCD displays. I was reminded of my old HP41C calculator LCD alphanumeric display (with 16 bits per digit!), which then evolved to this.

I have no idea why I chose the colors!

PS: All of these was done using MsWord Draw ! 

Google Sites

I created this with Google sites using a template from ArcTemplates

Google sites may not offer the slickest templates, or the best HTML editor, etc but it is still the most reliable and free-ist hosting available. All the other "free" website hosts have some catch in the small print so I cannot recommend Google sites more. Especially for non-commercial applications.

Examples of some more Google sites can be found here:

https://sites.google.com/site/resourcesforsites/home/example-sites-developed-using-sites

https://sites.google.com/site/learningwithlucie/cssu-workshops/google-sites/google-sites-example-list


Thursday, 23 May 2013

Free Moodle Hosting


1. FreeMoodle.org




The purpose of FreeMoodle.org is at once ambitious, and very simple.  In essence it is:
To provide educators and learners opportunities to change the world for the better through access to free education using Moodle
From New Zealand


2. Freehostia



General Web hosting service in California.  Only 250Mbyte storage and 1GByte traffic


Sunday, 19 May 2013

Windows 8: Advanced System Care

I have tried various system maintenance utilities in the past and have, at best, been disappointed and at worst, had to re-install the OS.

I recently had a problem with my laptop that it slowed down to a crawl. Being as impatient as I am, I immediately went shopping for a new whizz-bang laptop. This was something, because until now I have been a disciple for cheap refurbished laptops since, in my mind, a laptop is a disposable item. It makes no sense wasting money on super spec laptop if the thing is going to get stolen, dropped, coffee stained, etc sooner rather than later.

But I found my laptop had pretty good spec as it is. Only problem was only 2Gb RAM.

CNet recommended free Advanced System Care

I tried it and it works with no problems (so far). My PC sped up noticeably with no adverse effects such as browser toolbars, adware, registry errors, etc.  An unexpected benefit was that Advanced System Care offered a simple way to get to all the Windows settings that Microsoft hides from the average user.



For example, Advanced System Care allowed me to customize the Windows right click "Send To" option. Cool !



I am even considering paying for the upgrade !

Try it.

First Post

This is my first blog!