There are several solutions to this problem:

1) If you have multiple monitors, adjust the location of monitor so that it exposes the title bar.  This is a bit annoying but it does work.

2) XP & Vista users can right click on the task bar button for the window.  There you will find the usual options for maximize, size and move.  Just chose move and the arrow keys should start to work.  Once you start moving the window with the arrow keys the mouse can be used to move the window too.  To drop the window just press enter.  This was my favorite little tip but it stopped working in Windows 7 quite the same way.  In Windows 7 you need to get the window list to appear when you hover over the  button a snapshot of the windows appear.  Roll over to the window in trouble and now you can right click to get the widows shortcut menu.

3) All versions including Windows 7 can click on the window’s button on the task bar.  Once the window is the active window the shortcut control can be accessed by pressing Alt-Space.  If you can’t see the menu then hit the down arrow twice as Move is usually the second command down.

The free for personal use product is as simple as can be to use.  On the website’s home page just check off the the applications desired to be installed.  Most of the common browsers, messaging, social media, and utilities are represented.  Depending on your needs it may not be every free application you desire or need but it is many of the common and necessary programs that are just annoying to keep installing.

Once you’ve made your choices. Click the “Get Installer” button.  This will create a small file with a very long name that you can download and run or just run from the browser.

The installer looks to be a small application that completes the downloads and silently installs all of the software on your list.  I can’t recall exactly if  all installs are silent, as in no dialog boxes with options, but most certainly are.  If for no other reason then not having to jump through all the hoops and crap-ware options when installing Adobe Reader this is worth the time.

In the free version the applications installer files are downloaded every time the installer is run.  For a larger deployment there is a Pro version, at $20/month, that will allow installers to be saved and reused such as from a USB drive.

Another plus to the Ninite installer is that it leaves no residue on your computer.  When you inspect your computers installed program list in the control panel all the programs Ninite installed are listed so that they can be uninstalled normally.  Additionally, there is no app from Ninite to uninstall.  Who ever designed this clearly was solving a pain they felt themselves.

Obviously there is a bit of trust because this would be an excellent vector for a Trojan.  In fact it is a Trojan but one you want.  So far no problems and no alarms from security and anti-virus software.

I don’t care for the pro version pricing.  I would give them money for a pro version on an annual basis but not at $20 per month.  $75 a year for a 100 computers and I’m in. {Just a suggestion if your listening Ninite.}

There were some other similar bulk loading sites that I tried and forgot, but Ninite is a keeper because it is just so simple and  works so well.

Default Values on Microsoft Windows

LifeHacker has an article with tips for using KeePass to securely store your passwords.

http://lifehacker.com/5046988/eight-best-keepass-plug+ins-to-master-your-passwords

I like KeePass but I also like LastPass.  There are pros and cons of using each.  I use both and I haven’t decided on a clear winner.

Add to the to do list a good review of both products.

The good news there is a simple registry hack to add the functionality back in:

http://blog.donnfelker.com/post/Notepad2b2b-Shortcuts-Vista-64bit-Update.aspx

Here are some links that deal with this issue:

Google Web History Can’t be moved - http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2007/04/google-web-history.html

How to transfer bookmarks from one Google account to another - http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2007/04/google-web-history.html

Managing Profiles in FireFox - http://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Managing+profiles

I am very fond of my 2006 VW Passat.  However there is one item that has always annoyed me.  The Service now message that comes up in the driver information display is a pain to reset if you don’t know the process.  It is not listed in the user manual and my local service station says that their online manuals states that a custom VW device is needed.

However, thanks to “Behold the power of Google” I found the following instructions:

1. With the ignition off and key out press and hold the service wrench button.
2. With the wrench button still held down insert and press the key to the ON position without actually starting the ignition.
3. Press and hold the MIN clock button on the other side of the steering wheel while keeping the wrench button down.
4. Now once the MIN button is down release the Wrench button.

That’s it.  There is little to see in the panel and there is no confirmation Boing or anything indicating you were successful. 

I have used this process successfully.  Unfortunately, the original source on the web for this information has been lost.   It is now posed on this journal so that I can find it again easily.  Although, it would be great to know that this may help someone else.

{BTW: I also put a print out of the instructions in the glove box for next time}

It should be embarrassing for a 40 year old man to want a Star Wars LEGO model, but somehow it just isn’t. 

This thing is gorgeous with over 5,000 pieces and scale LEGO Star Wars figures.

“Honey…Sweetheart…If you reading this…hint…hint.nudge…nudge”

http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/Product.aspx?p=10179&cn=240&CMP=EMC-G9C167750025&HQS=mod1cta

The Geek Dads state that they are going to discontinue it soon.

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/begin/cells/scale/

The public radio program “This American Life” has just released two excellent hours of radio on the problems of our healthcare system and the history behind how we got to where we are today.

The two programs take a simple anecdotal and investigative journalistic look at several issues facing consumers, insurers, doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and even government.  The truly amazing thing about the broadcast is how accessible the subject matter is to “normal” people.  The economics and concerns of the different parties are explored from each perspective.  Maybe the large companies aren’t as “evil” as they are often portrayed and perhaps we as consumers aren’t behaving reasonably.

The programs are informative on our current healthcare debate.  Listening to the program illustrated how complex the issues really are.  While congress is hotly debating the issues and trying to paint things in black and white, good and evil, it seems they may be arguing about the wrong things.  There are real issues and they don’t have simplistic answers.  

• Should Doctors and patients be aware of the costs behind treatment or not. 
• Would we make different choices if we had to participate more in the sharing of the cost?
• Is it fair to stratify treatment based on cost thereby favoring the wealthy?
• Would the public option help, hurt or both the current situation?

The downside of these broadcasts is that the solutions to our problems are less clear.  Anyone who believes it is fine just as it is will change their mind after listening.  The good news is that most people in a position to make a difference agree that change is needed.  Listen to these programs and see if you can come up with a solution.  Then do a little test; see if you could live with it.

391: More Is Less

392: Someone Else's Money

The podcasts are available for free if you listen online.