How to Change the Workgroup Name in Windows XP

Networking two machines together for file sharing typically requires both machines to be on the same Workgroup. This guide will walk-through how to change the Workgroup name in Windows XP.

1. Click Start.
   
   
2. Right click on My Computer and select Properties.
   
   
3. Select the Computer Name tab.
   
   
   
4. Click the Change button.
   
   
   
   
5. Type the new Workgroup name and click OK.
   
   
6. Click OK on the two confirmation windows.
   
   
7. Reboot the computer.
   
   

Creating a Personalized Desktop Background Slideshow in Windows 7

You want to have a desktop background that changes like a slideshow from your own pictures.

1. Right-click on your desktop then select Personalize.
   
   
   
   
   
2. In the lower left of the Change the visuals and sounds of your computer window click on Desktop Background to open the Choose your desktop background window.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. If the pictures you want to use are not displayed, click the Browse button to navigate to the location of the folder containing the pictures. Once you have the correct folder selected, click OK. The pictures will be displayed in the Choose your desktop background window.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
4. If you want to use all the pictures in the folder click the Select all button.
   
   
   
   
   
5. If you only want to use certain pictures, click the box to the upper left of the pictures you want to use.
   
   
   
   
   
6. In the lower left of the Choose your desktop window is the Pictures position selections. This determines how your pictures will be displayed. For pictures, you will generally want to choose Fit. You can use Center if the pictures are all the correct size for your desktop.
   
   
   
   
   
7. To the right of Picture Position is the Change picture every: drop down list. Click the currently selected time interval and choose the time interval the background should change at.
   
   
   
   
   
8. If you want to display the pictures in a random order, click the box next to Shuffle to place a check in it.
   
   
   
   
   
9. If you want to change the background color, click Change background color. For any unfilled space around the picture, this will be the color displayed. Click OK after selecting your background color to return to the Choose your desktop background window.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
10. If you are satisfied with your changes, click Save changes.
    
    
    
    
    

Choosing the Right Keyboard

A keyboard is not all that important, is it? If you spend hours a day typing it can be a big factor in how comfortable your day is.

One of the first things to look at is the shape of the keyboard. There are basically two main choices: the straight keyboard and the ergonomic keyboard. Below are two examples of ergonomic keyboards.

Some people find these types are keyboards more comfortable for typing because it allows a more natural wrist/hand position.

A straight keyboard is what commonly comes with most computers and is probably the most popular. The choice between the two designs is really a matter of personal choice. Basically it has to be comfortable to you. Below are two examples of straight keyboards.

Do you plan on gaming? There are a number of keyboards specifically designed for gaming. The addition of programmable keys and "skins" to identify keys for movement and special actions can make the game more enjoyable. There are even keyboards designed for specific types of games. This may be a factor if you spend a lot of time playing one game. Below are several keyboards specifically designed for gaming.


A built in wrist rest can make long term use of a keyboard more comfortable. The gamer's keyboards above all have wrist rests. A wrist rest can reduce the stress on your wrists.

Do you like to use your computer in a dimly lit area? Consider a keyboard that is backlit. Since the keys are lit it makes it very easy to see the keys even in a completely dark room. Some even come with a choice of colors for the backlighting. Below is an example of a back lit keyboard from Logitech.

Shortcut buttons may make using the computer more efficient. The ability to open your mail, web browser, change tracks and adjust speaker volume, or having programmable keys to open specific programs may be something that is appealing to you. There are a number of keyboards that have these features.

The weight of the keyboard may be something you want to consider. A light keyboard is often easier to more around while using it. A keyboard that has a bit more weight to it may stay in place better.

Spill resistant keyboards can be quite useful. A liquid spill into a keyboard generally means that keyboard is going to stop functioning correctly very quickly. This is far less likely to happen with a spill resistant keyboard. If younger children use the computer, or someone keeps beverages around the keyboard, this can be a very important feature for you. Below is an example of a spill resistant keyboard from Kensington.

Both wired and wireless keyboards are available. If you are trying to reduce the clutter of numerous wires on your desk a wireless keyboard may be a better choice for you. Just be aware that they do require batteries and will cease functioning once the charge on the batteries becomes too low.

Any recent computer will generally have a number of USB ports available on them. Some do have PS2 as well. Many keyboards come with USB to PS2 adapters. If you have and wish to use a PS2 port, the keyboard goes into the purple connection. With USB ports it does not matter which port your keyboard is connected to.

PS2 keyboard port	USB ports