Vista: A Double Dose

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Vista: A Double Dose

WorldStart

Here are a couple of great Windows Vista tips for you today. So, if you're ready for a double dose of Vista, make sure you keep reading. You're not going to want to miss out on these. Here we go!

Tip #1 - Recovering Previous Document Versions

Have you ever worked on a document and then made some changes to it? Or, maybe you accidentally deleted it. Either way, have there ever been times when you just wanted to go back to that old version? You know, the way it was before you made all those changes. If so, there's an easy way to do it in Vista. Yep, you heard me right! Keep reading for all the details.

Here are a few scenarios in which the option of recovering a previous version of a document comes in handy:

1.) Accidentally deleting a file.

2.) File corrupts due to other reasons.

3.) File is overwritten automatically by any malicious programs or viruses.

4.) You have upgraded from Windows XP to Windows Vista and some of the files that were created in Windows XP may not open. With this feature though, you can make them compatible with Windows Vista and you will still be able to access them at any time.

This recovery feature really is wonderful technology. It could not be any easier to do. Here's how:

Right click the folder where the document is stored.

Click the Previous Version tab.
Now, select the latest item under the Date Modified column.
Finally, click on the Restore button.

That's it! Now, in the unlikely event that this technique does not retrieve the document you wanted, just return to the same menu and select an even older version.

Alright, here comes the second one!

Tip #2 - Getting Better Sound in Vista

If you have a good audio support from your computer, you can do wonders with your sound in Vista. Did you know that? Well, keep reading to learn all about it!

1.) First, go to Start, Control Panel.

2.) Click on the Sound tab.

3.) Select the Speakers icon under the Playback tab and then click on the Properties button.

4.) Next, click on Enhancements and from there, you can adjust your controls for better sound quality.

Now you have options to play around with for your sound settings. You can control the bass levels, create virtual surround sound on a two-speaker system, room acoustics and even change the loudness settings.

Loudness Equalization

One annoying feature of watching broadcast television that I'm sure you're familiar with is the fact that different channels have their volume tuned to different levels and commercials usually have volumes louder than any of the programs. This leads to constant fine tuning of the volume control in order to achieve an acceptable sound balance for you and your family.

Some high-definition televisions already come with volume leveling controls built in, but these only work if you are using the television's speakers. Most people with HDTVs will be using their sound systems to listen to the audio feed instead.

On the other hand, Windows Vista will maintain a relatively constant perceived volume while playing different audio files or sources. Some applications, such as Apple's iTunes, are already implemented with the volume leveling technology, but it must be applied to a single music file, one at a time. Vista's system works in real time, while analyzing both long-term and short-term fluctuations in sound volume in order to apply a constant equalization. This feature can be turned off if desired through the Control Panel, as discussed above. And there you have it!

Hope these two tips help you out in a great way!

~ Ramachandran Kumaraswami

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