Ever have the need to open more than one program or application at the same time?

Say it’s the beginning of the month and time to pay those dreaded bills. You know you need Excel, Windows calculator and Firefox or Internet Explorer open. Instead of opening them up one by one, you can easily create a batch file that will open all three programs at once.

And while your at it, why not have Excel open the spreadsheet file you use for tracking your budget and the browser open to your Bank’s home page. Here’s how to do it…

First let’s take a look at a batch file I created that will just open Excel, Calculator and Firefox:

NOTE: Examples and file paths are from Windows Vista. XP paths will probably be different for some programs as well as for MS Office (Office 2007 is used in the example).

start /d C:\Windows\System32\calc.exe
start /d “C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox” firefox.exe
start /d “C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12″ EXCEL.EXE

Pretty simple.

The above command, start tells Windows to open a separate window to run the specified program.

The /d switch tells start command the path of the program. For starting Excel and Firefox, notice that the paths are in quotes, which is needed when there is a space in the file path.

Now it’s great that all three programs open, but since it’s time to pay your bills, you need to have Excel open that budget spreadsheet and Firefox open to your Bank home page so you can log on and access you checking account.

Here’s how the commands look in the batch file to do this:

start /d C:\Windows\System32\ calc.exe
start /d “C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox” firefox.exe https://www.bankofamerica.com
start /d C:\finance\spreadsheets budget.xls

To open Bank Of America home page with Firefox, just add the URL to end of the command as shown above using https://www.bankofamerica.com.

To open the Excel spreadsheet, budget.xls you don’t need to first open Excel. budget.xls can be opened directly using the start command, as long as the extension or file type is associated to the program.

If you need Firefox to open more than one URL, say to Google, just add the URL like this (make sure you use a space in between URL’s):

start /d “C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox” firefox.exe https://www.bankofamerica.com www.google.com

Now you’re probably saying “that’s great, but how do I create a batch file?“.

That’s the easy part.

• Just open up Notepad or your favorite text editor.
• Copy the commands from above and modify them to use which ever program or Office files you want open. Make sure when you copy file and folder paths that have spaces, to use quotes.
  
• Then save the file with any name and a .bat extension (make sure it’s not saved using .txt as the file type extension)

Now when you want to open up multiple programs or applications, just double click on the batch file and you’re ready to pay the bills .

With the release of Vista Service Pack 1, for many it’s either a smooth upgrade or the beginning of a long journey. Unlike previous Windows OS Service Pack installations, making sure your prepared before installing Vista SP1 can save you loads of time if something does go wrong.

To help out with upgrading, I have compiled a resource guide on how to install SP1, along with where to find help if you run into problems.

Using Windows Update (Automatic Update) To Install Vista SP1

To get started, connect to Windows Update (from the Start menu) and click on the Install updates button…

…or click on the View available updates link to verify that Windows Vista SP1 (KB936330) is in the list.

The entire installation time from automatic downloading (80 – 120 MB) to installing the service pack can take up to an hour (depending on the speed of your computer) along with several reboots.

• Do not interrupt the process!! Let the install run it’s course.

• For step by step screen shots of automatic update click on this link.
  

Vista SP1 Is Not Available In Windows Update

If you do not see Service Pack 1 in the list, the problem could be caused by a number of reasons, some of which are:

• The most common is that your system is not current with all prior updates. Make sure you have installed all available updates to this point. (once all updates have been applied, you should then see SP1 in the list (Ultimate versions must also include Optional updates). Click on View avaialble updates to view and install updates.

• A previous SP1 (beta or RC versions) exist and must be un-installed before proceeding.

• The language you are using is not supported yet in SP1.

• You have hardware that is not fully supported.

• The third-party program vLite was used to configure you system, and may have removed required system components that’s required for SP1 to be installed.

• You are already running Service Pack 1 (such as you just purchased a new computer with Vista Sp pre-installed).

If none of the above reasons apply to you, check out Microsoft’s knowledge base article Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is not available for installation from Windows Update and is not offered by Automatic Updates for more information.

Manually Installing Vista SP1

To manually install SP1, you can download the ISO from Microsoft Download center at the following links:

• Windows Vista Service Pack 1 x86 (434.5 MB)
  

• Windows Vista Service Pack 1 x64 (726.5 MB)
  

While the ISO images are much larger in size compared to using Automatic Update, manual installation is probably safer. You will avoid any interruptions that may occur when using Automatic updates (over broadband) especially if you have a wireless network at home (just hope nobody calls on your land line phone!)

Vista SP1 Troubleshooting Suggestions

For my test laptop, SP1 would not install. At first I tried Windows Update followed by downloading and manually installing. Both attempts failed.

I then followed Microsoft’s Knowledge article mentioned above (“Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is not available for installation from Windows Update and is not offered by Automatic Updates”) and performed and verifed all eight resolution methods. Re-ran SP1 by manually installing it, but it failed again.

So I rebooted, tried Windows Update one more time, and SP1 installed successfully.

As you can see, you will either be successfull with installing SP1 the first time, or need to wrestle with it before having a successfull installation.

Vista SP1 Changes

So what changes are incorporated in SP1? Here are some of the major improvements;

• Much improved file copy speed (no more waiting around).

• Reduced UAC prompts when making changes that require admin rights.

• Better DirectX support (updated to support DirectX 9 and 10 hardware, and the  backwards-compatible 10.1 version).

• Support for third party search solutions.

• Power consumption improvements.

• Security enhancements.

For a complete list, check out the following: Microsoft article.

If you’re still hesitant with installing SP1 and want more info, check out ZDNet Ed Bott’s Vista SP1 FAQ.

And if after going through the trouble (good or bad) with installing the service pack, remember, if for any reason you can always un-install from the Control Panel  – Programs and Features \ Installed Updates and look for Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB936330).

Watching satellite TV on your PC has really has come a long way over the past year. Imagine no wires, no additional hardware and best of all you don’t need to be a Computer expert.

I found a great piece of Software at Satellite TV for PC that was so easy to install, I found myself watching The Matrix Reloaded in a matter of minutes.

Satellite TV for PC offers up to 3000 channels that include a variety of sports, movies, weather, news, music, kids channels, radio stations, regular broadcast channels and more. You can search and browse for channels by country or topic world-wide, including the united States and Europe, or by Genres such as “Movies” or “Sport” as well as other categories.

Satellite TV for PC has a nice coherent feel to it that other tools lack such as full descriptions of each station. It feels like a real entertainment product that’s been tested and improved again and again.

Installing The Software And Watching Free TV

After purchasing, I followed the easy download instructions which took a minute over broadband connection. Installation was easy and hassle free. Time to watch TV!

The first thing you will notice is the slick interface with a glossy metallic panel that resembles an expensive hi-fi unit. The window is broken down into a large video player with numerous smaller menus, controls and buttons around it.

The main window is pre-loaded with shows that may be of interest and will update regularly to provide more suggestions for shows you may want to watch. This is a nice feature that is not found on other software.

Add Bookmarks, Search and Manage Channels

Each station is clearly described in a text box that pops up when you click on the channel name, something that is rare with other PC TV software. Another nice feature is the search tool that allows you to search for channels of interest quickly. When you find something, you can use the ‘Add to favorites’ button to easily add a permanent bookmark. You can also create and manage all your bookmark folders.

Channel Information

Along with the station name and description, you also get the status – such as online and updated. This helps you see any stations that have been modified, or are having problems. You can also quickly see the bandwidth and quality of each channel before making a selection. This tool really does have too many great features to list here.

Video and Audio Quality

Both audio and video quality will depend on your PC hardware and a high speed broadband connection is highly recommended for a superior picture and sound. Overall I was impressed with the video quality and clarity, and with a nice set of speakers the audio quality was good. Compared to other PC Satellite services or software, Satellite TV for PC excels.

The Verdict

• High number of channels to choose
• Easy to use, no PC knowledge needed
• Description of each channel saves time
• No extra hardware or TV tuner card required (TV channels are streamed through your internet connection)
• No Ads or Spyware
• Works with all versions of Windows
• Reasonable price at $49.95

Satelite TV for PC is very impressive. Considering there are no membership fees or monthly bills, and it works anywhere in the world. Watching Satellite TV on your PC will make traveling or sitting in an airport (providing a WIFI connection is available) a much more enjoyable experience.

Do you ever have a need to print the contents of a folder or entire directory tree in Windows XP or Vista?

If you do, Microsoft has a knowledge base article that will add “Print Directory” to Windows Explorer right click menu which will print the folder contents (or directory tree) that you are currently viewing.

But the problem with Microsoft’s solution in Step 2 is that File Types \ Advanced option in Folder Options does not exist in Vista, and for XP you need to hack the registry to prevent the Search Companion window from opening when you try to open the folder using Windows Explorer.

FORGET THAT CRAP!

Fortunantly there’s an easier way to use this feature without messing around in the registry or searching all day for the Advanced button that doesn’t exist.

To do this, we’ll use Step 1 as described in the knowledge base article, and create the batch file which will include the commands needed for printing.

Creating The Printdir Batch File

• Open Notepad by clicking on Start \ Run and enter notepad in the Run dialog box and click OK.
• Copy and paste the following text into Notepad:

• Close Notepad and click Yes to save the changes.
• In the Save As dialog box, copy and paste the following text in the File name: field (shown in below screen shot):

%windir%\Printdir.bat

• Select All Files (*.*) in the Save as type: drop down field. Then Click Save.

The Printdir.bat file has now been saved in the \Windows folder.

Next, we’ll need create a shortcut to the Printdir.bat file in the Send To folder.

Create Printdir Shortcut

• In Vista, click on Start \ Run and enter the following in the Run dialog box and click OK

%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\SendTo

(NOTE: %APPDATA% is an environment variable that points to your user name AppData\Roaming folder).

• In XP, click on Start \ Run and enter the following in the Run dialog box and click OK (%USERPROFILE% is an environment variable that points to your use name Documents and Settings folder).

%USERPROFILE%\SendTo

• In the SendTo folder, right click and select New \ Shortcut.
• Type %windir%\Printdir.bat in the “Type the location of the item:” field and click Next.

• Type Print Directory Listing in the “Type a name for this shortcut” and click Finish.

Now when you have the need to print a directory tree of folder contents from Windows Explorer, just right click and select Send To \ Print Directory Listing.

Much better than mucking around in the registry!

Hey What About Printing From The Command Prompt?

Yea, if you like to work at the command prompt, you can just type printdir.bat (if you created the batch file) at the prompt or enter the following command:

dir /-p /o:gn > %temp%\Listing | start /w notepad /p %temp%\Listing

The command is similar to what we used in the Printdir.bat file, except were “piping” the command together with the “|” character (found above the Enter key and holding Shift down).

By using “|” (SHIFT+\ above Enter key), it allows you to execute two commands at once. Every time you execute, it will over write the file “Listing” so you don’t need to worry about deleting it.

Kool!