Changing the Xbox Keyboard Layout [Video]

Changing the Xbox Keyboard Layout [Video]

Did you know the Xbox on-screen keyboard can be placed in different orders to suit your preference?  If you're a touch typist that already knows the positions of keys as they exist on a standard keyboard, you might be slowed down when typing on the default Xbox keyboard that places…
Ask a Geek:  Bloated Computers

Ask a Geek: Bloated Computers

If you’re looking for a new PC, you can ask any geek and they’ll tell you to build clean.  Their reason is simple: the manufacturer’s cripple their own products before they ever send it to you. Even if you buy direct, original equipment manufacturers make money by pre-installing trials, games, bundles, even spyware on to their computers. Resellers from BestBuy to Walmart are even worse. Make no mistake: you’re being sold out before you even buy.

Windows Search Icon overlaid on search window

Boost Windows Search in Two Steps

Many of even the most infrequent of Internet users has experienced instant searches by now, where search suggestions (or even full results) appear live while you type, before you even press Enter.  It seems like magic, searching the entire world as fast as you can type.  But did you know your Windows PC has the same power?

Microsoft MVP Award 2012

Microsoft MVP Award 2012

I'm thrilled and honored to have been re-awarded as a Microsoft MVP for 2012.  My award date is April 1, so you'll understand the delay my boasting -- would you have believed me last week? The award box arrived yesterday evening, where I promptly ripped the box apart like a…
Scary Cloud isn't Dangerous

That’s not a tornado

Dear everyone pointing at funnels in Oklahoma today: it's not a tornado. This upper level low system might be creating some interesting and scary looking clouds, but they pose no threat because they aren't powered by a supercell thunderstorm above them.  So please enjoy the intriguing motions and stay weather aware,…
Realistic Expectations

Realistic Expectations

I recently told a friend what my fitness goals were, what I wanted to achieve with all the time and energy I've been putting into this project of mine. Their reply really struck me, they said I should "remember to accept realistic expectations of what [I am] capable of". Maybe…

Pictures from 2012 Global Summit

Hi all, my first submit summit was an absolute blast. I've never been treated more like royalty or had the privilege of conversing directly with so many esteemed members of the community and Microsoft leadership. I am truly in awe of the entire experience.  Assorted MVP Summit images are posted…
Reminder to update drivers in Windows 8

Reminder to update drivers in Windows 8

I just finished installing Windows 8 natively using a VHD, as discussed in my previous post, and while exploring I noticed some fonts were not quite as crisp as I would like. Others may not notice this subtle nuance, but it is likely that in aggregate you'll be affected by stretched images, poor font…
MVP Summit Schedule Sync without Outlook

MVP Summit Schedule Sync without Outlook

Hey fellow MVPs, I'm sure most of you have downloaded your itinerary from the schedule builder and probably added the events to Outlook. For those of you that either don't have Exchange Active Sync capabilities or wish to keep these events off their Outlook Calendar, you can still sync your…