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-{{tag>mswindows windows setup tip notes personal license}} +{{tag>mswindows windows setup tip notes personal license powertoys}} 
-======KPTree - MSWindows Setup======+======KPTree - Home Desktop Setup======
 =====Background===== =====Background=====
-I have Windows on my main desk top machine, it is dual boot with Debian/XFCE.  I am using Debian almost exclusivly now.  The BIOS based dual boot works well, I have it defaulting to Debian.  I do not currently have a Windows VM setup on my main server.  My 3 sons also have computers with Windows on them. Lastly, I am required to used company Windows machines at work.  Hence I like to keep a list of my preferred Windows software reasonable up to date.+I have Windows on my main desk top machine, it is dual boot with Debian/XFCE.  I am using Debian almost exclusively now.  The BIOS based dual boot works well, I have it defaulting to Debian.  I do not currently have a Windows VM setup on my main server.  My 3 sons also have computers with Windows on them. Lastly, I am required to used company Windows machines at work.  Hence I like to keep a list of my preferred Windows software reasonable up to date.
  
-I have been using Microsoft products for quite some time, starting with MSDos then Windows 3.0, 3.1, 95, 98, XP, 7, 8, 8.1 and finally 10. (I managed to skip some of the duds, such as ME, 2000 and Vista, although I did occasionally use them on friends, family and work machines. Contrary to all the noise I never had any problems with version 8 & 8.1. I thought ME was bad and Vista too, but as noted basically managed to avoid them in the most part.)+I have been using Microsoft products for quite some time, starting with MSDOS back in the 80's then Windows 3.0, 3.1, 95, 98, XP, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 and finally 11. (I managed to skip some of the duds, such as ME, 2000 and Vista, although I did occasionally use them on friends, family and work machines. Contrary to all the noise I never had any problems with version 8 & 8.1. I thought ME was bad and Vista too, but as noted basically managed to avoid them in the most part.)
  
 ++++tldr; Old build| ++++tldr; Old build|
 Recently my main home office machine failed. I build this computer myself. Basically originally an Intel i7 with the built-in graphics and a 2TB HD, 32GB RAM (16GB would have been enough) and of course a Seasonic 80plus gold power supply. I then quickly replaced with a 500GB SSD, by this time I had my Linux home server running and used this as a NAS for bulk storage and serving. When I set the machine up it was based upon Windows 7 (64bit of course). When Windows 8 came out I upgraded, then Windows 8.1 and finally Windows 10. A few years later I added a Nvidia 960 graphics card, to help breathe a bit of extra life into the machine (and play games better....) I have tried quite a large amount of software on this machine over the period and it was somewhat cluttered, albeit I did run the likes of CCleaner and SystemMechanic to help keep it usable. In any case I tried to load AutoCADLT 2017 on the machine (yes, a licensed version, my being a professional engineer) it worked on the first evening after loading, then the following day ACADLT stopped working. I tried to get it working to no avail and attempted a reinstall, also to no avail. The following day the machine would not run with the dreaded blue screen of death. Nothing I attempted would revive it. So I investigated a clean Windows 10 install. I downloaded a Windows 10 recovery / installation on to a USB. Turns out product code is no longer required, and my registration for this machine is tied to the hardware and my Microsoft account. After this reinstalling Windows 10 was a breeze. My original install was totally shot. Hopefully I did not have any important information left on the local documents directory. Unknown, unlikely, but possible. Helps to have the Linux NAS and Nextcloud working. It is also a reminder to do my NAS and Nextcloud backups. I got to keep on top of this, and need to try to do it every month. Recently my main home office machine failed. I build this computer myself. Basically originally an Intel i7 with the built-in graphics and a 2TB HD, 32GB RAM (16GB would have been enough) and of course a Seasonic 80plus gold power supply. I then quickly replaced with a 500GB SSD, by this time I had my Linux home server running and used this as a NAS for bulk storage and serving. When I set the machine up it was based upon Windows 7 (64bit of course). When Windows 8 came out I upgraded, then Windows 8.1 and finally Windows 10. A few years later I added a Nvidia 960 graphics card, to help breathe a bit of extra life into the machine (and play games better....) I have tried quite a large amount of software on this machine over the period and it was somewhat cluttered, albeit I did run the likes of CCleaner and SystemMechanic to help keep it usable. In any case I tried to load AutoCADLT 2017 on the machine (yes, a licensed version, my being a professional engineer) it worked on the first evening after loading, then the following day ACADLT stopped working. I tried to get it working to no avail and attempted a reinstall, also to no avail. The following day the machine would not run with the dreaded blue screen of death. Nothing I attempted would revive it. So I investigated a clean Windows 10 install. I downloaded a Windows 10 recovery / installation on to a USB. Turns out product code is no longer required, and my registration for this machine is tied to the hardware and my Microsoft account. After this reinstalling Windows 10 was a breeze. My original install was totally shot. Hopefully I did not have any important information left on the local documents directory. Unknown, unlikely, but possible. Helps to have the Linux NAS and Nextcloud working. It is also a reminder to do my NAS and Nextcloud backups. I got to keep on top of this, and need to try to do it every month.
  
-My son got my old machine and I upgraded to a new Intel i9, with 1TB NVM SSD and 16GB RAM. Of course with a Seasonic 660W Titanium power supply. My first water cool CPU, which has been working a treat!. No graphics card yet, would like to get one in the next year or so.  My youngest son got this machine in early 2022. I got a new Intel i9 NUC, which I got with 32GB or RAM and 2TB NvME.  I am currently using the built-in Intel graphics, but the NUC will allow a lower tier full size graphics card to be installed (graphics cards is primarily limited by 2 bay size, 650W power supply). +++++My son got my old machine and I upgraded to a new Intel i9, with 1TB NVM SSD and 16GB RAM. Of course with a Seasonic 660W Titanium power supply. My first water cool CPU, which has been working a treat!. No graphics card yet, would like to get one in the next year or so.  My youngest son got this machine in early 2022. I got a new Intel i9 NUC, which I got with 32GB or RAM and 2TB NvME.  I am currently using the built-in Intel graphics, but the NUC will allow a lower tier full size graphics card to be installed (graphics cards is primarily limited by 2 bay size, 650W power supply).  
 + 
 +The old build from 2011 became very unreliable and was finally fully upgraded in 2025 to the current Intel i5 CPU at that time, with 48GB RAM.  I used the NVidia 2060 in this machine for one son. 
 +The old build from 2016 was upgraded in 2023 to a current Intel i% at that time, with 32GB RAM.  I use an Intel ARC A770(?) graphics card. 
 +The old 2018 build is currently in disrepair as the son spilled Coke drink on it and it became unreliable and finally fail.  The Nvidia graphics card was not doused in Coke and was repurposed as noted previousl. This son got a current 2025 Intel CPU laptop as a replacement and has not got a desk top at the moment.  I recently asked for a replacement desktop (for gaming), however as of writing 2026 Jan there seems to be a supply demand imbalance in the industry and all computer pricing has increased enormously in the past 6 months.  Further to this Intel just announced their latest CPU range that looks like a significant improvement worth waiting for. (I was seriously thinking given AMD another try, after a bad experience in 2011 on my first home server build.)  I also probably need to upgrade a couple of graphics cards the Nvidia 2060 getting long in tooth and needed a new card if I make a new build.  Graphics cards are also excessively expensive now. 
 + 
 +++++
  
 So below is a list of Windows software often use. So below is a list of Windows software often use.
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 ---- ----
  
-=====MSWindows 10 - Software Install List=====+=====MSWindows 11 - Software Install List=====
 //**I do not use Windows much at home anymore.**//  I have highlighted the software I still use with a (**!**), and software I use on my Linux desktop **L**\\ //**I do not use Windows much at home anymore.**//  I have highlighted the software I still use with a (**!**), and software I use on my Linux desktop **L**\\
   *First up to make easier to load up system   *First up to make easier to load up system
      *Nextcloud Windows client - Cloud server client (**!L**)      *Nextcloud Windows client - Cloud server client (**!L**)
-     *Keepass - Password and other secret info repository (**!L**)+     *Keepass - Password and other secret info repository (L) 
 +     *KeepassXC - Password and other secret info repository, better than Keypass (**!L**)
      *I just use the built in Windows Defender for virus protection now      *I just use the built in Windows Defender for virus protection now
      *Xplorer2 - a multi-paned file explorer replacement - //I do not use any more. See notes below.//      *Xplorer2 - a multi-paned file explorer replacement - //I do not use any more. See notes below.//
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      *CCleaner - a Windows system maintenance program, clean junk files and registry and other - **Do not use anymore, looks like spam now**      *CCleaner - a Windows system maintenance program, clean junk files and registry and other - **Do not use anymore, looks like spam now**
      *FileZilla - and sFTP client program (**!**)      *FileZilla - and sFTP client program (**!**)
-     *Ghostscript - a PDF manipulator (**!L**) +     *Ghostscript - a PDF manipulator (L)  I simply do not use much anymore 
-     *iTunes - Apple iOS update control software - See Separate Section below (**!**)+     *iTunes - Apple iOS update control software - See Separate Section below - I simply do not use much any more.
      *Setup printer / scanner - See separate notes below (**!**)      *Setup printer / scanner - See separate notes below (**!**)
      *Vuescan - Is a paid scanner program. It is just for scanning and is simple and does the job __very__ well. (**!L**)      *Vuescan - Is a paid scanner program. It is just for scanning and is simple and does the job __very__ well. (**!L**)
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      *Clementine - Music player, looks like a modern take on Winamp. I am using on Linux via Flatpak and also have installed on Windows 11 desktop. (!L)      *Clementine - Music player, looks like a modern take on Winamp. I am using on Linux via Flatpak and also have installed on Windows 11 desktop. (!L)
      *Strawberry is a fork of Clementine and looks to be better maintained. (**!L**)      *Strawberry is a fork of Clementine and looks to be better maintained. (**!L**)
-     *Spotify (**!L**)  (I have family license as my sons have demanded.....) I am now family subscribed to YouTube which automatically gives YouTube Music.  I will probably move away from Spotify for this reason.+     *Spotify (I no longer use this.  I have subscription to Youtube family, that includes Youtube music).
      *Youtube / Youtube Music, is web based on desktop and has apps for iOS (**!L**)      *Youtube / Youtube Music, is web based on desktop and has apps for iOS (**!L**)
   *Remote Control / Cloud   *Remote Control / Cloud
      *Nextcloud Windows client - Cloud server client (**!L**)      *Nextcloud Windows client - Cloud server client (**!L**)
      *Putty - a SSH terminal program for Windows (**!**)      *Putty - a SSH terminal program for Windows (**!**)
-     *TigerVNC - remove video terminal program (**!L**)+     *TigerVNC - remove video terminal program (**!L**) (Home server LAN access only) 
 +     *I run Guacamole on my server that allows remote VNC via HTTP. (**!L**) (Home server LAN access only)
   *Security   *Security
       *Keepass - Password and other secret info repository (**!L**)       *Keepass - Password and other secret info repository (**!L**)
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   *Productivity (Unless otherwise noted the software I use at work provided by work. I believe it to be appropriately licensed by work too.)   *Productivity (Unless otherwise noted the software I use at work provided by work. I believe it to be appropriately licensed by work too.)
       *ACadLT2017 - CAD - got rid of this subscription, just too expensive for my occasional use.       *ACadLT2017 - CAD - got rid of this subscription, just too expensive for my occasional use.
-      *ACAD 2022 - CAD software I use at work.+      *ACAD - CAD software I use at work, uses a network token system on the latest loaded version.
       *Navisworks - 3D productivity software, I started using the limited free, version at work, Freedom.  I now have the full version at work, Manage.       *Navisworks - 3D productivity software, I started using the limited free, version at work, Freedom.  I now have the full version at work, Manage.
-      *Foxit Pro - a PDF reader and writer (**!**) I use my private license at work.+      *Foxit Pro - a PDF reader and writer (**!**) I no longer use, there is no full Linux that I can use on my home machines. 
       *Qoppa PDF Studio - I got this for my Linux desktop.  It is sadly the only **full** pdf suit I could find on Linux. I have not tried on Windows or for work.  It looks pretty good though.(**!L**)       *Qoppa PDF Studio - I got this for my Linux desktop.  It is sadly the only **full** pdf suit I could find on Linux. I have not tried on Windows or for work.  It looks pretty good though.(**!L**)
       *Bluebeam Revu - a PDF reader and writer I use at work now, definitely has the best PDF technician editing functions I have seen.  I still find working on standard documents easier on Foxit or Qoppa.       *Bluebeam Revu - a PDF reader and writer I use at work now, definitely has the best PDF technician editing functions I have seen.  I still find working on standard documents easier on Foxit or Qoppa.
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 Notes on licensed software: Notes on licensed software:
-  *Xplorer2 :- I am going back to using plan Windows Explorer.  The licensing requirements were a pain in the arse.  I appreciate that the author fairly and reasonably wants to make money from the product he has worked on, however I was primarily using this product at home on a few machines and on a work machine.  The author required that I have licenses on every machine.  This coupled with learning the interface that is not identical to vanilla Explorer made me give up on the software. Also, at home I now primarily use Linux desktop for which Xplorer2 does not function. I believe I had 2 for life licenses, although this was for 2 different versions of the application.  I suspect the author may have modified the "for life license"?  As of 2024 I have not used this product for circa 7 years.+  *Xplorer2 :- I have gone back to using plan Windows File Explorer.  TheXplorer2 licensing requirements were a pain in the arse.  I appreciate that the author fairly and reasonably wants to make money from the product he has worked on, however I was primarily using this product at home on a few machines and on a work machine.  The author required that I have licenses on every machine.  This coupled with learning the interface that is not identical to vanilla File Explorer made me give up on the software. Also, at home I now primarily use Linux desktop for which Xplorer2 does not function. I believe I had 2 for life licenses, although this was for 2 different versions of the application.  I suspect the author may have modified the "for life license"?  As of 2024 I have not used this product for circa 7 years.
   *Polyview :- Went the way of the Dodo.....  I had a license. I do not regret purchasing this license once off.  I got many years of use.  It worked really well at the time. I remember sending a query to the author concerning font comparability, circa 2008. He said the program was ANSI font only not compatible with the expanded font set, I forget what it is called now.   *Polyview :- Went the way of the Dodo.....  I had a license. I do not regret purchasing this license once off.  I got many years of use.  It worked really well at the time. I remember sending a query to the author concerning font comparability, circa 2008. He said the program was ANSI font only not compatible with the expanded font set, I forget what it is called now.
   *VueScan :- simply the best scanner program around, consistently well supported.  Multi platformed, Windows, Linux, perhaps Mac.   *VueScan :- simply the best scanner program around, consistently well supported.  Multi platformed, Windows, Linux, perhaps Mac.
   *YouTube Premium Family.  As much as I do not like supporting Google / Alphabeta I have been enjoying the use of YouTube Premium and they throw in YouTube Music too. The family like too.  Getting rid of the Ads has been wonderful!   *YouTube Premium Family.  As much as I do not like supporting Google / Alphabeta I have been enjoying the use of YouTube Premium and they throw in YouTube Music too. The family like too.  Getting rid of the Ads has been wonderful!
   *Spotify - My son originally wanted this and I ended up going with family option.  Have move to YouTube option as it includes YouTube plus Music.   *Spotify - My son originally wanted this and I ended up going with family option.  Have move to YouTube option as it includes YouTube plus Music.
-====Microsoft PowerToys: Utilities to customize Windows==== +=====Microsoft PowerToys: Utilities to customize Windows===== 
-[[https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/install|Install PowerToys]]+  *[[https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/install|Install PowerToys]] 
 +  *[[https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys|Github PowerToys]] 
 +  *[[https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/fancyzones|Fancy Zones utility]] 
 + 
 +====Some key short cut keys==== 
 + 
 +The Windows key is called the Super or Meta Key on Linux.  I will call the Meta key. 
 +So below is a list of special action keys. 
 +  *Shift (shift key, left or right) 
 +  *Alt (alt key, left of right) 
 +  *Ctrl (Control key, left or right) 
 +  *Meta (Meta, Super or Windows key, left or right) 
 +  *→ (Right arrow key) 
 +  *← (Left arrow key) 
 +  *↑  (Up arrow key) 
 +  *↓  (Down arrow key) 
 +  *PgUp (Page up Key) 
 +  *PgDn (Page Down Key) 
 + 
 +===Always on Top=== 
 +  *Activate/Deactivate:  Meta + Ctrl + T 
 + 
 +===FancyZones==== 
 +  *Activate/deactivate: Meta + Shift + ` 
 +  *Apply saved Custom Layout: Meta + Ctrl + Alt + Number 
 + 
 ====Software Licenses and Copyright==== ====Software Licenses and Copyright====
 I am not overly pious about free versus purchased software.  I appreciate people should be rewarded for their efforts.  One has to have the upmost respect for those providing "free" software (true free, e.g. GNU free, **NOT** Facebook or Google free) .  Sadly in general paid software providers merit less respect.   I am not overly pious about free versus purchased software.  I appreciate people should be rewarded for their efforts.  One has to have the upmost respect for those providing "free" software (true free, e.g. GNU free, **NOT** Facebook or Google free) .  Sadly in general paid software providers merit less respect.  
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 ===xplorer2=== ===xplorer2===
-xplorer2 is a nice Windows Explorer replacement with many extra features. I used for a number of years, but again the licensing requirement just became more than they were worth for me.\\  I purchased a copy for personal home use and another copy for work use.  The license is tied to a particular computer on to which the software is installed and authorised for use.  I have a number of computers at home, and generally only one at work. It was basically required that I have a license for every computer at home, I could not justify the expense and inconvenience associated with swapping active license on machines at home. I asked to install the license on more than one machine and the response was basically one license one machine!\\  Basically the built in version of Explorer in Windows meets 95+% of my daily needs.\\ +xplorer2 is a nice Windows File Explorer replacement with many extra features. I used for a number of years, but again the licensing requirement just became more than they were worth for me.\\  I purchased a copy for personal home use and another copy for work use.  The license is tied to a particular computer on to which the software is installed and authorised for use.  I have a number of computers at home, and generally only one at work. It was basically required that I have a license for every computer at home, I could not justify the expense and inconvenience associated with swapping active license on machines at home. I asked to install the license on more than one machine and the response was basically one license one machine!\\  Basically the built in version of File Explorer in Windows meets 95+% of my daily needs.\\ 
-An additional problem with using xplorer2 was that I got use to using it and when I went back to standard explorer it was uncomfortable to use.   As this software is basically on every Windows machine this happened often. So I have simply stopped using xplorer2 at work and at home, it is simply not worth the trouble, particularly with the restrictive license requirements.\\+An additional problem with using xplorer2 was that I got use to using it and when I went back to standard File Explorer it was uncomfortable to use.   As this software is basically on every Windows machine this happened often. So I have simply stopped using xplorer2 at work and at home, it is simply not worth the trouble, particularly with the restrictive license requirements.\\
 Ultimately the software owner has the right to limit their software to 1 machine per license, however I have the similar right to decided this means the software it too expensive and inconvenient for me to justify to use. For this type of software I want a license that gives me unfettered home use on at least 2 machines and perhaps all home personal use machines, with a separate license for work use. Ultimately the software owner has the right to limit their software to 1 machine per license, however I have the similar right to decided this means the software it too expensive and inconvenient for me to justify to use. For this type of software I want a license that gives me unfettered home use on at least 2 machines and perhaps all home personal use machines, with a separate license for work use.
  
-===Foxit Pro===+===Foxit Pro / Qoppa===
 Sadly there is no full featured GNU Licensed Linux PDF writer.  Further to this most paid versions, including Foxit Pro do not work on Linux. Interestingly the Free version of Foxit does have a Linux version.   Hence I purchase a copy of Qoppa Software's PDF Studio PRO that does run of Linux and Windows.  I may end up buying another license of Qoppa for my work machine in the future if happy with it, instead of Foxit Pro.\\  I was quite happy with Foxit Pro on Windows, but if they can not provide a Linux version...  Also Foxit originally allowed 2 installations per license and now seem to be going back to 1 machine one "Single-Use" license, which is a problem for me.  Qoppa states"...can be used on 2 machines of any OS." Sadly there is no full featured GNU Licensed Linux PDF writer.  Further to this most paid versions, including Foxit Pro do not work on Linux. Interestingly the Free version of Foxit does have a Linux version.   Hence I purchase a copy of Qoppa Software's PDF Studio PRO that does run of Linux and Windows.  I may end up buying another license of Qoppa for my work machine in the future if happy with it, instead of Foxit Pro.\\  I was quite happy with Foxit Pro on Windows, but if they can not provide a Linux version...  Also Foxit originally allowed 2 installations per license and now seem to be going back to 1 machine one "Single-Use" license, which is a problem for me.  Qoppa states"...can be used on 2 machines of any OS."
  
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 ====iTunes - setup==== ====iTunes - setup====
 +++++I hardly ever use iTunes any more|
 iTunes is software I do not particularly like. First of all I do not use the Music feature having long ago rip my CD collection to MP3 and I simply do not like the way iTunes works. So the only real reason to use iTunes is for my iOS devices, backing up iOS devices etc. iTunes, in typical Apple fashion I find is not smart end user friendly as it has been designed for not smart users and attempts to hide the lower level file system. Further to this the configuration, backups and apps end up being very large amounts of files (multiple 1000s) and using huge amounts of disk space, in some cases well over 200GB!. So to help alleviate the excessive file system use on my primary Windows10 SSD I would like to move to my Linux NAS. The following are the steps to achieve this. iTunes is software I do not particularly like. First of all I do not use the Music feature having long ago rip my CD collection to MP3 and I simply do not like the way iTunes works. So the only real reason to use iTunes is for my iOS devices, backing up iOS devices etc. iTunes, in typical Apple fashion I find is not smart end user friendly as it has been designed for not smart users and attempts to hide the lower level file system. Further to this the configuration, backups and apps end up being very large amounts of files (multiple 1000s) and using huge amounts of disk space, in some cases well over 200GB!. So to help alleviate the excessive file system use on my primary Windows10 SSD I would like to move to my Linux NAS. The following are the steps to achieve this.
  
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   *iTunes playing up   *iTunes playing up
 However one good trick is to simply run the install file "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers\usbaapl64.inf". The easiest way being to right click the file in exploer and select the install option. However one good trick is to simply run the install file "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers\usbaapl64.inf". The easiest way being to right click the file in exploer and select the install option.
 +++++
  
 =====Printer Scanner Setup===== =====Printer Scanner Setup=====
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 In Linux symlinks seem to be more robust (mind you just about everything seems more robust...)  Symlinks to files are used as a control mechanism.  Hard links are frequently used as a backup technique to minimise real backup space used. In Linux symlinks seem to be more robust (mind you just about everything seems more robust...)  Symlinks to files are used as a control mechanism.  Hard links are frequently used as a backup technique to minimise real backup space used.
 +
 +=====Windows file manager webDAV Nextcloud setup=====
 +Map a network drive using:
 +''%%https://cloud.kptree.net/remote.php/dav/files/USERNAME/%%''
  
 ====Windows Symlink equivalent command - mklink==== ====Windows Symlink equivalent command - mklink====
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 For Windows 10 you need to move over the task bar program until the small program window appears, this also bring to foreground the main window too. Then right click on the small program window to get the move and maximise options. For Windows 10 you need to move over the task bar program until the small program window appears, this also bring to foreground the main window too. Then right click on the small program window to get the move and maximise options.
 +
 +=====Windows 11 Multitasking / Screen Control=====
 +  - Powertools Screen control key set: windows + shift + `
 +  - Multitasking setting (windows + i then select multitasking (under system))
 +    -  Snap Windows options
 +    - Alt Tab options
 +
 +=====Windows 11 File Explorer options=====
 +  - Powertools Screen control key set: windows + shift + `
 +  - For developers (windows + i then select for developers (under system))
 +
  
 ======MSExcel Tips====== ======MSExcel Tips======
 +
 +=====Show 2 sheets of same file=====
 +Use the menu ''VIEW => New Window'' to open a new window in the active workbook
 +=====MS Excel Highlight Row or Column=====
 +The basic built in way :
 +  * ''shift+space'' to highlight the row
 +  * ''ctrl+space'' to highlight the column
 +
 +Use conditional formating, but this requires hitting ''F9'' or a VB macro to actually highlight.
 +
 +Use a VB macro.  Main down side to this is that it slows down the MSExcel performance
 +++++VB Code 1|
 +<code>
 +'from https://www.exceldemy.com/learn-excel/highlight/row/
 +Private Sub Worksheet_SelectionChange(ByVal Target As Range)
 +  If Target.Cells.Count > 1 Then Exit Sub
 +  Application.ScreenUpdating = False 
 +
 +  'Clear the color of all cells
 +  Cells.Interior.ColorIndex = 0
 +  With Target
 +    'Highlight row and column of the selected cell
 +    .EntireRow.Interior.ColorIndex = 38  'or use RGB(200,200,200) to pick a colour
 +    .EntireColumn.Interior.ColorIndex = 24
 +  End With
 +
 +  Application.ScreenUpdating = True
 +End Sub</code>
 +++++
 +
 +++++VB Code 2|
 +<code>'from https://www.howtoexcel.org/highlight-current-row-column/
 +Sub Worksheet_SelectionChange(ByVal Target As Excel.Range)
 +Static xRow
 +Static xColumn
 +If xColumn <> "" Then
 +    With Columns(xColumn).Interior
 +        .ColorIndex = xlNone
 +    End With
 +    With Rows(xRow).Interior
 +        .ColorIndex = xlNone
 +    End With
 +End If
 +pRow = Selection.row
 +pColumn = Selection.Column
 +xRow = pRow
 +xColumn = pColumn
 +With Columns(pColumn).Interior
 +    .ColorIndex = 6
 +    .Pattern = xlSolid
 +End With
 +With Rows(pRow).Interior
 +    .ColorIndex = 6
 +    .Pattern = xlSolid
 +End With
 +End Sub</code>
 +++++
  
 =====Text to Column===== =====Text to Column=====
 When pasting text from other applications on occassions Excel places all the columns into one column. To adjust into multiple columns the following feature can be used. Menu: Data : Text to Columns When pasting text from other applications on occassions Excel places all the columns into one column. To adjust into multiple columns the following feature can be used. Menu: Data : Text to Columns
 +
 +=====Text Carriage Return / Line Feed=====
 +  *Use char(10), e.g. ="Test text"&char(10)&"on new line"
 +ON Mac/Linux this may be char(13) due to different ways these OS handle carriage return / end of line and line feed control charaters.
  
 =====List Windows files and directories into MSExcel===== =====List Windows files and directories into MSExcel=====
Line 237: Line 348:
 ====friction factor calculation==== ====friction factor calculation====
 Earlier in my engineering career I used Lotus123 and MSExcel with iteration to calculate the friction factor of piping with Newtonian fluid according to the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darcy_friction_factor_formulae#Colebrook%E2%80%93White_equation|Darcy friction factor formulae]].  To remove the iteration from the spreadsheet I wrote a simple VB script that took care of this.  When I get the change I will copy the script here. Earlier in my engineering career I used Lotus123 and MSExcel with iteration to calculate the friction factor of piping with Newtonian fluid according to the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darcy_friction_factor_formulae#Colebrook%E2%80%93White_equation|Darcy friction factor formulae]].  To remove the iteration from the spreadsheet I wrote a simple VB script that took care of this.  When I get the change I will copy the script here.
-<code> +++++VSBasic code for Colebrook Equation| 
-</code> +<code basic>'Public Re As Double 'Reynold number unitless 0<Re<10E9 
-As can be seen in the wiki page, [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darcy_friction_factor_formulae#Colebrook%E2%80%93White_equation|Darcy friction factor formulae]],+'Public Rr As Double 'Relative Roughness unitless 
 +Public Ff As Double 'Friction Factor unitless 
 +Public Fnew As Double 
 +Public error As Double 
 +Public i As Integer 
 + 
 + 
 +Public Function Pipefriction(Re, Rr) 
 +' 
 +' Calculated Moody Friction Factor for fluid flows 
 +' 
 +'https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darcy_friction_factor_formulae 
 +' 
 +'The log function is understood to be base-10 (as is customary in engineering fields): if x = log(y), then y = 10x. 
 +'Hence, Loge(10)=2.30258509299405, 2/loge(10)=0.8685889638065 
 +' 
 +Ff = -1 
 +i = 0 
 +If Re > 0 And Re <= 2000 Then 
 +     
 +    Ff = 64 / Re 
 + 
 + 
 +ElseIf Re > 2000# And Re < 90000000000# And Rr > 0 And Rr < 0.01 Then 
 +     
 +    Ff = 0.015 
 +     
 +    Do 
 +     
 +        ' Fnew = 1 / (2 * Log10(Rr / 3.7 + 2.51 / (Re * Ff ^ 0.5))) ^ 2 
 +        Fnew = 1 / (0.8685889638065 * Log(Rr / 3.7 + 2.51 / (Re * Ff ^ 0.5))) ^ 2 
 +        error = Abs(Fnew - Ff) / Fnew 
 +     
 +        Ff = Fnew 
 +        i = i + 1 
 +     
 +    Loop Until error < 0.00001 
 +     
 +End If 
 + 
 +Pipefriction = Ff 
 + 
 +End Function 
 + 
 +'Static Function Log10(X) 
 +'    Log10 = Log(X) / Log(10#) 
 +'End Function</code>++++ 
 +As can be seen in the wiki page, [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darcy_friction_factor_formulae#Colebrook%E2%80%93White_equation|Darcy friction factor formulae]], there are reasonably accurate equations that approximate the Colebrook equation that are available that do not require iterations to solve.  I believe the VBscript is simpler and not an approximation.....  
 + 
 +====Excel Conditional Formatting Applies to Field Changing Unexpectedly==== 
 +MSExcel unnecessarily and annoyingly changes conditional formatting ranges. 
 + 
 +The options menu, advanced options, Editing options, unselect Extend data range formats and formulas reputedly stops this behavior.  Unfortunately, it also stops the automatic copying of formula when inserting new rows or adding new lines to the bottom of an existing list. 
 + 
 +References: 
 +  *[[https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/msoffice/forum/all/excel-conditional-formatting-applies-to-field/9fa1d051-0599-4763-9782-87dc118fbfa2|Excel Conditional Formatting Applies To Field Changing Unexpectedly]] 
 +  *[[https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/advanced-options-33244b32-fe79-4579-91a6-48b3be0377c4|MSExcel Advanced Options Description]] 
 + 
 +====MSExcel Page Layout Margin Unit==== 
 +I really have the hard default to the archaic units.  Finding the options to set to metric is too difficult. 
 +  - Options -> Advanced Setting 
 +  - Display section 
 +  - Ruler Units: set to mm here
  
 ======MS Word====== ======MS Word======
 +
 +One of the biggest problems with MSWord, like almost all USA software is seemingly hard defaults to the inch system and US paper system.  I do not like using this system and prefer the metric system and ISO A series paper size.  I wish there was some way to isolate of other wise remove the USA measurement system and paper sizes.
 +=====TOC (Table of Content Switches=====
   *[[https://www.bettersolutions.com/word/fields/toc-field.htm|TOC [switches]]]   *[[https://www.bettersolutions.com/word/fields/toc-field.htm|TOC [switches]]]
     *''{ TOC \o "1-2" \h \z \f }''     *''{ TOC \o "1-2" \h \z \f }''
Line 247: Line 423:
   *[[https://www.bettersolutions.com/word/fields/tc-field.htm|TC "text" [switches]]]   *[[https://www.bettersolutions.com/word/fields/tc-field.htm|TC "text" [switches]]]
     *''{ TC  "Appendix A - Content/Name" \l 1 \n }''     *''{ TC  "Appendix A - Content/Name" \l 1 \n }''
 +
 +A good TOC reference: [[http://wordfaqs.ssbarnhill.com/TOCTips.htm|TOC Tips and Tricks]]  **<fc #ff0000>(Looks like a good MSWord site.)</fc>**  Also [[https://wordmvp.com/|The Word MVP Site]]
 +=====Soft and Hard Return and Page Break and Section Breaks=====
 +  *Hard Return: A hard return is created by pressing the Enter key. This action signifies the end of a paragraph and the beginning of a new one. It is visually represented in Word as a paragraph mark (¶) when non-printing characters are displayed. Hard returns help organize text into distinct sections, making documents easier to read and navigate. 
 +  *Soft Return: A soft return, also known as a line break, is created by pressing Shift + Enter. This action moves the cursor to the next line without starting a new paragraph. Soft returns are useful for formatting text within the same paragraph, such as in lists or when you want to break a line without creating additional spacing that a hard return would introduce. 
 +  *Page break: A page break is created by pressing Ctrl + Enter. These create a break between pages in your document, allowing you to start a new page without affecting the layout of the previous pages. They only partition the body text of the document. 
 +  *Section Breaks: There is no standard keyboard entry for section breaks.  Section breaks are inserted from the menu ribbon, under layout -> breaks (in the page setup ribbon) These allow you to change the layout or formatting of a section of your document. They can partition not only the body text but also headers, footers, page numbers, and margins, enabling different formatting within the same document.
 +    * There are multiplate types of section breaks.  I normally use the __N__ext Page one that creates a new section and new page.
 +Usage: Use page breaks for simple page transitions, while section breaks are useful for more complex formatting needs, such as changing the number of columns or page orientation within a document. 
  
 =====MS Word and Excel Keyboard Shortcuts===== =====MS Word and Excel Keyboard Shortcuts=====
Line 269: Line 454:
   *Restart the computer.   *Restart the computer.
  
 +=====Create PDF with bookmarks from headings=====
 +I am noticing many pdfs being deliver now without any bookmarks included or garbage bookmarks.  Larger pdfs e.g. over 30 pages should always be bookmarked, this is a kep benefit of online documents to allow quick navigation within the document. This is a key feature that can make online documents easier to use than hard copies.  MSWord does have the option to create pdfs with bookmarks developed from the built in headings.
 +  -Open the Word document and ensure you have used built-in heading styles (e.g., Heading 1, Heading 2) for the sections you want as bookmarks in the PDF.
 +  -Click on File in the top menu and select Save As.
 +  -Choose a location to save the file and select PDF from the Save as type dropdown menu.
 +  -Click on the Options button in the Save As dialog box.
 +  -Under the Include non-printing information section, check the box for Create bookmarks using and select either: Headings (to use Word's heading styles as bookmarks), or Word bookmarks (if you manually created bookmarks in Word).
 +  -Click OK to confirm the options and then click Save to generate the PDF with bookmarks.
 +  -If the bookmarks still do not appear, try using the Export feature: Go to File > Export > Create PDF/XPS Document. Click Options and ensure the Create bookmarks using option is selected.
 +  -If the issue persists, consider using Adobe Acrobat to create the PDF, as it may handle bookmarks more reliably in some cases.
 +
 +Show 
 ======Autodesk====== ======Autodesk======
  
-=====AutoCAD Hardware Acceleration===== +=====AutoCAD===== 
-The Intel built in graphics accelerator seems to have problems with proper full screen resolution on 4K monitors.  A solution to rectify this is to turn off the hardware acceleration within the AutoCAD product, see [[https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-enable-or-disable-hardware-acceleration-in-AutoCAD.html|How to enable or disable hardware acceleration in AutoCAD]].  The hardware configuration option can be found using the following commpands: '' graphicsconfig, 3Dconfig, options.+====AutoCAD Hardware Acceleration==== 
 +The Intel built in graphics accelerator seems to have problems with proper full screen resolution on 4K monitors.  A solution to rectify this is to turn off the hardware acceleration within the AutoCAD product, see [[https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/How-to-enable-or-disable-hardware-acceleration-in-AutoCAD.html|How to enable or disable hardware acceleration in AutoCAD]].  The hardware configuration option can be found using the following commands: ''graphicsconfig'', 3Dconfig, options. 
 + 
 +====Annotative block===== 
 +If inserting block does not seem to scale or show up check the annotative option on the block properties.  The option can only be changed in block edit. 
 + 
 +====Inserting a Picture==== 
 +Attaching a picture effectively externally references the picture.  Unlike a drawing xref these ole object do not seem to be able to be bound (embedded) to the drawing. This is subject to links path breakage, particularly on multiuser system.  Where the image is in the same directory the path can be specified as "./image.file". 
 + 
 +Use the PASTESPEC command and paste in as a picture file.  This embeds into drawing file, not as a link.  The image in the clipboard is used.  Usually, the image needs to be copied to the clipboard via a image program.  A bit clunky..... 
 + 
 +====New Paperspace View port==== 
 +  *''viewport'' to create new viewport 
 +  *''grid'' ''off'' to turn off grid 
 + 
 +====STYLEMANAGER==== 
 +The command ''STYLEMANGER'' opens up the directory where the plot styles are stored.  Different plot styles can be copied to and from this directory. 
 + 
 +====Line Weights==== 
 +''LWEIGHT'' opens Lineweight Setting dialog box 
 +  *''LWDISPLAY'' set to 0 (off) will hide display lines weight, set to 1 (on) will display line weights. 
 +  *''LWDEFAULT'' changes the default line weight size. 
 +    * 0 will use thinness line supported by printer. 
 +    * Otherwise, line thickness set to hundredths of millimeters, values from 0 - 2540 hundredths of millimeters. 
 +  *''CELWEIGHT'' sets line weight of new objects: 
 +    * -1, Sets the lineweight to "BYLAYER." (Default). 
 +    * -2, Sets the lineweight to "BYBLOCK.". 
 +    *-3, Sets the lineweight to "DEFAULT."  Where "DEFAULT" is controlled by the LWDEFAULT system variable. 
 +    * Other valid values entered in hundredths of millimeters, from 0 to 2540 hundredths of millimeters. 
 + 
 +====XREF Layer control==== 
 + 
 +Issue: Changes to an External Reference (Xref) do not show up when reloading the Xref in AutoCAD products. Such changes include: 
 +  *Layer line type. 
 +  *Layer line thickness. 
 +  *Layer color. 
 +  *Layer transparency. 
 +  *Elements added or deleted. 
 +  *Additionally, the Xref may update in the base drawing without issue when a different layer with the same properties is chosen. 
 + 
 +Causes: 
 +  *The ''VISRETAIN'' system variable is set to 0. 
 +  *The ''VISRETAIN'' system variable is set to 1 and the VISRETAINMODE system variable is set to 0. 
 +  *''XREFOVERRIDE'' is set to 1. 
 +  *Corrupted file. 
 +  *Corrupted AutoCAD profile. 
 +  ***Changes are being made in paper space** 
 + 
 +''VISRETAIN'' 
 +^Value ^Descritption ^ 
 +|0 |The layer table, as stored in the reference drawing (xref), takes precedence. Changes made to xref-dependent layers in the current drawing are valid in the current session only and are not saved with the drawing. When the current drawing is reopened, the layer table is reloaded from the reference drawing, and the current drawing reflects all of those layer property settings.| 
 +|1 |Xref-dependent layer changes made in the current drawing take precedence. Layer settings are saved with the current drawing's layer table and persist from session to session. **(default)**| 
 + 
 +''VISRETAINMODE'' 
 + 
 +Controls the behavior of the VISRETAIN system variable when it's set to 1. 
 + 
 +Use this system variable in conjunction with the VISRETAIN system variable to control which xref layer properties that you want to automatically sync on reload. 
 + 
 +Note: Xref layer properties with overrides are not synced when the xref is reloaded. To clear any overrides, use the shortcut menu option, Reset Xref Layer Properties For, on the Layer Properties Manager. 
 + 
 +^Value ^Description ^ 
 +|0 |No settings are synchronized. You will have the same experience when you set VISRETAIN to 1 in AutoCAD 2017 or earlier.  **(default)**| 
 +|1 |On/Off synchronized. | 
 +|2 |Freeze/Thaw synchronized. | 
 +|4 |Lock/Unlock synchronized. | 
 +|8 |Plot/No Plot synchronized. | 
 +|16 |Color synchronized. | 
 +|32 |Linetype synchronized. | 
 +|64 |Lineweight synchronized. | 
 +|128 |Transparency synchronized. | 
 +|256 |Plot style synchronized. | 
 +|512 |New VP Freeze synchronized. | 
 +|1024 |Description synchronized. | 
 +To specify more than one layer property to sync, enter the sum of the bitcode values. For example, a value of 3 specifies that both the On/Off (1) and Freeze/Thaw (2) layer properties will automatically sync when the xref is reloaded. 
 + 
 +''XREFOVERRIDE'' 
 + 
 +Controls the display of object properties on referenced layers. 
 + 
 +The XREFOVERRIDE system variable affects display and plotting, and works in conjunction with the VISRETAIN system variable. If you want the xref layers to retain their original layer settings, it is recommended to set VISRETAIN and XREFOVERRIDE system variables to 0. 
 + 
 +^Value ^Description ^ 
 +|0 |When the properties of the objects (such as color, linetype, lineweight, transparency, or plot style) on the external reference drawing are set to ByLayer, any changes to the xref layer properties are displayed in the current drawing (legacy behavior) **(default)**| 
 +|1 |When the visual properties of the objects on the external reference drawing are not set to ByLayer, objects on xref layers are treated as if their properties are set to ByLayer and every external reference layer can have its own set of layer overrides |
  
 +Note: The XREFOVERRIDE system variable only applies to DWG xrefs, not to other references such as underlays.
  
 +**References**
 +  *Autodesk:
 +    *[[https://www.autodesk.com/support/technical/article/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Modified-xref-layers-are-not-updating-with-Reload.html?msockid=3252c0c437986e992b7dd21936096f31|Modified Xref layers do not update in the host drawing when the Xref is reloaded in AutoCAD products]]
 +    *[[https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACD/2023/ENU/?guid=GUID-897B1672-4E09-42E0-B857-A9D1F96ED671|VISRETAIN (System Variable)]]
 +    *[[https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACD/2023/ENU/?guid=GUID-46480687-6DFF-499E-B7C0-E741AEA11D00|VISRETAINMODE (System Variable)]]
 +    *[[https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACD/2023/ENU/?guid=GUID-131E3BBB-A28A-40BC-BDC5-A4486C1E2DBE|XREFOVERRIDE (System Variable)]]
 +    *[[https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACD/2025/ENU/?guid=GUID-DEB2A4C9-8C16-4EC9-8392-1BF8ED2A383A|Layer Settings Dialog Box (Layer Properties Manager)]] LAYER (Command) {{:home_server:guid-17e48045-1f9a-4b8d-b2de-01b2b8da4c4e.png?24|}}: Layer Settings {{:home_server:guid-742d2bd9-aa09-4ec4-8860-86a56e7bea7a.png?24|}}
 +    *[[https://help.autodesk.com/view/ACD/2025/ENU/?guid=GUID-B297EBD9-D68C-47E1-87CE-1B3798496599|Layer Properties Manager]] LAYER (Command) {{:home_server:guid-17e48045-1f9a-4b8d-b2de-01b2b8da4c4e.png?24|}}
 +  *[[https://www.howtoautocad.com/visretain-xrefs-not-saving-layer-states|VISRETAIN - Xrefs not saving layer states]]
 +======Accessibility Contract Checker======
 +Form versus function, unfortunately the moronic types seem to favour form over function.  Contrast of text is particularly important to allow easier reading.
 +  *WebAIM
 +    *[[https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/|Contrast Checker]]
 +    *[[https://webaim.org/articles/contrast/|Contract and Color Accessibility]]
 +    *[[https://webaim.org/articles/|Articles]]
 +  *[[https://www.stylemanual.gov.au/|The standard for Australian Government writing and editing]]
 +  *[[https://stylemanual.com.au/contents/writing/logical-structure/styles-and-templates|Sytle and templates]]
  
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