Show multiple time zones in the system tray (Windows Vista)

If you're an international traveller, or have family or business overseas, this one might come in handy, allowing you to display up to two extra clocks from the system tray.

1. Click on the time, then click on the Change date and time settings... link
2. Click on the Additional Clocks tab
3. Check one of the boxes that says Show this clock
4. Set the time zone and display name and click OK when done
5. Now when you click on the time, a second or third clock is shown, with the display name used as a label above it

Whats new in Vista SP2 ????????

SP2 is a fairly significant upgrade.

Windows Vista SP2 includes numerous changes to the Vista operating system. Here are some of the highlights of what it'll do for you:

• Let you record data onto Blu-ray discs

• Add into your system Vista Feature Pack For Wireless, which provides support for the latest Bluetooth technology -- Bluetooth v2.1 -- as well as for the Windows Connect Now (WCN) Wi-Fi protocol

• Give you better Wi-Fi performance when you're exiting Vista's sleep mode

• Make your RSS feeds sidebar gadget work faster and better

• Give you the latest desktop search engine, Windows Search 4

• Cut down the resources it takes to run your various sidebar gadgets

It'll give your OS an overall tune-up, too.

Vista Service Pack 2 will also deliver some under-the-hood improvements, which will:

• Give your computer support for VIA Technologies' new 64-bit CPU

• Let your system support exFAT, which can handle larger files and can also use UTC timestamps so you can synchronize files across different time zones

• Boost your power management efficiency by as much as 10 percent

Additionally, a slew of system bugs will be corrected in the update, including some slow shutdown problems and other crash-causing issues.

You have to have SP1 installed before you begin.

Like most Microsoft Service Packs, SP2 won't work on your system if you haven't already installed SP1. If you're thinking about trying the SP2 upgrade, you'll have to hit SP1 first.

Things may not be totally smooth at first.

Microsoft has had some history with glitches seemingly caused by its Windows Service Pack updates. It sometimes takes several hotfixes for these kinks to be worked out. That's precisely why it's often best to wait for the full release, at the very least, before jumping on the upgrade.

This Service Pack does offer some improvements over past ones.

Microsoft did take some steps to make this Service Pack function a bit better than past upgrades. It is the first Windows Service Pack to work for both the client (Vista) and server (Windows 2008) editions of the operating system in a single update.

SP2 also includes what Microsoft is calling a "Service Pack Clean-up Tool." This will permanently delete old versions of files SP2 is updating, helping you reduce clutter and get rid of outdated system files that'd otherwise just take up space. As mentioned in previous post on Computer Inspiration Blog.

Cleanup Files After Upgrading to SP2 in vista

1. Open a elevated command prompt.

2. In the elevated command prompt, type compcln.exe and then press Enter. (See screenshot below)

3. Type Y when you see Would you like to continue? and press Enter.
NOTE: Tying N will cancel running the Vista SP2 disk cleanup tool. You can also just close the command prompt window to cancel to.



4. It will take a little bit to finish. When it is finished, you will see the Windows Component Clean completed message. (See screenshot above)
NOTE: You will see the Windows Component Clean was already run on this install message instead if you already ran this or installes Vista with a Vista installation
disc that included SP2 with it.

5. When it's done, you can close the elevated command prompt.

WARNING
Running the Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Disk Clean-up tool permanently removes the ability to uninstall the Vista SP1 and SP2. Do not run this tool unless you have no plans of uninstalling the Vista SP1 or SP2 and just want to save or regain hard drive space. The only option to remove them after using this tool is to do a clean install of Vista.

Windows Vista safest operating system from Windows

Why the windows vista is the safest operating system till now from Windows ?The reason for the above question is that the User Account Contro (UAC) feature included in windows vista. User Account Control (UAC) is a new security component in Windows Vista. UAC enables users to perform common tasks as non-administrators, called standard users in Windows Vista, and as administrators without having to switch users, log off, or use Run As. A standard user account is synonymous with a user account in Windows XP. User accounts that are members of the local Administrators group will run most applications as a standard user. By separating user and administrator functions while enabling productivity, UAC is an important enhancement for Windows Vista.But the problem is , For security whenever you need to configure Vista settings, you need elevated privileges - even if you are logged on as the administrator. Before you can complete an administrative task, the User Account Control manager pops-up with a 'Continue' message.If you feel a little guilty in turning off UAC because ,a) people want to get rid of the irritating 'Continue' pop-up message box.b) Feel shamefaced at disabling this Vista security feature.but my Own advice is that you please dont disable is unless and until it is needed. and if you need to disable it temporarily then enable it afterwords.

Change Windows Vista Power Button Setting to shut down

In vista you would find the default action for the power button on the start menu is 'Sleep'. It simply puts the computer in low power staterather than shutting it all together .But this may not be necessary or useful for everyone .You may want to the system to shut down directly on clicking the power button rather than making it Sleep.To change this setting simply follow the following steps below-

1. click 'StartControl Panel'

2. In the control panel , double click the 'Power Options ' window.

3. click the 'Change Plan Settings ' link below the Power saver radio button.

4. click the 'Change Advanced power settings link

5. expand the 'Power Buttons and lid ' setting.

6. Expand the Power button action ' and 'Start menu power button ' options .

7. Click 'Setting' and select the 'Shut down' option from the drop down list .
8. Once done click 'Ok'

Now your system will get 'shut down' instead of 'Sleep' when you ll press power Button.

Windows Vista SP 2 is out

Windows: Service Pack 2 is officially available for download, bringing better Wi-Fi and BlueTooth connectivity, processor compatibility, native Blu-Ray support, and faster search to Windows Vista.

Just as with the release candidate, installing SP2 technically requires having SP1 installed. Knowing that a few of our readers held off on that update, that makes SP2 kind of a pain for those cautious users, and Microsoft notes that the only solution for a missing or incomplete SP1—or, in some cases, stripped-down installations made with vLite or other custom disk makers—is a lengthy re-install.

Still, for those waiting on even more fixes for Windows Vista, SP2 should be a welcome download. You should see it through Windows Update , but you can download and install it directly from the links below, as well as check out the official list of changes. Tell us how you're liking SP2, in performance and features, in the comments.

Notable Changes in Windows Server 2008 SP2 and Windows Vista SP2 [Microsoft TechNet]
Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (32-bit)