Here’s how to create Sparklines:

1. Click on the ‘Insert’ tab and locate the ‘Sparklines’ box
   
2. Next you must select the type of Sparkline you wish to use by clicking on either Line, Column or Win/Loss
3. Finally in the ‘Create Sparklines Box’ you need to select your data range and location range
   

A neat feature I’m sure you’ll all agree

Free features include rotate, crop, flip, re-size, exposure options (including exposure, contrast, highlight, shadow and brightness adjustments), colour options (including saturation and temperature adjustments), sharpening options (including sharpness, radius and strength options) and red-eye adjustments for humans and animals.  All you need to do is register with the site and then you’re ready to start editing!

If you want to use more features you can sign up to their premium package from just $2.08 (£1.30 at time of writing).

A feature explained…

Rotate

1. Select rotate from the features panel (click image to enlarge)
   
2. You can then press left or right to rotate the image anti-clockwise or clockwise respectively (click image to enlarge)
   
3. The image can also be angled by moving the ‘Straighten’ slider adjustment (click image to enlarge)
   
4. Finally, the image can be ‘flipped’ by clicking either of the two buttons to the right of ‘flip’ (click image to enlarge)
   

Want to find out more? Check out picnik.com

It’s a very simple piece of software which enables you to link your blogs to one central point for posting, rather than logging on to each website.

Live Writer has a variety of different tools available for use…from hyperlink, to pictures (single photos/albums), tables, videos, tags and more! Some of which may not normally be available from your software.

Interested in the software? Well download it from the Windows Live Writer site

21% of voters said they don’t check facebook at home or at work so I’m guessing they don’t have an account?  If you don’t know what facebook is and would like to find out more check out our post on it from back in 2007…Facebook – What’s it all about?

Don’t forget to become a Fan of Brandstar on Facebook!

As described on their website…Microsoft SharedView is a fast, easy way to share documents and screen views with small groups of friends or coworkers; anytime, anywhere. Use SharedView to put your heads together and collaborate – create, convey and communicate…across physical boundaries, through firewalls, and down to the smallest details.

The program can be used by any individual who has a Windows Live ID which are free to obtain. Click to get yourself an ID.

The software however is only compatible with some of Microsoft’s latest operating

• Windows Vista – 32-bit Versions
• Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (32bit)
• Windows 2003 Server SP1 (32bit)
• Windows 7

You can use the software to have discussions (see above/click to enlarge) and share documents/handouts between friends and colleagues.

Want to find out more and download about this program? Check out the Microsoft SharedView website.

1. Firstly download the free version of Malwarebytes
2. Now you need to turn off System Restore. Use the following tutorials to aid you:
   For Windows 7
   For Vista
   For XP
3. Boot your machine into ‘Safe Mode’. This is done by restarting your computer and immediately when it starts to come on keep tapping F8 until you get a menu on the screen to choose Safe Mode.
4. Now install and run Malwarebytes. Remove whatever the software finds.
5. You may have to repeat step 4 a few times!
6. Now reboot your machine normally and run Malwarebytes 1 more time assuming it finds nothing
7. Turn ‘System Restore’ back on. Use the following tutorials to help you:
   For Windows
   For Vista
   For XP

Please Note – This tutorial is designed for those who are competent computer users. All PCToolbox advice is produced in the best interest of the reader to help maintain a healthy working machine and therefore cannot be held responsible for any problems that may occur. If you’re unsure about any of the above advice please contact your local IT Technician.

What an eventful year it’s been!…but how much can you remember?

Test your memory of 2009 with the Quiz of 2009 from Guardian.co.uk!

There are endless events to look forward to over 2010 including the Fifa Football World Cup in South Africa and the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver!

And on the IT side of things…with the success of Windows 7 we expect to see companies begin to make the move from XP to W7!

We hope 2010 is a good year for all our readers!

Turn Off System Restore in Windows 7

• Firstly, click the windows start orb and right-click on Computer. Then select ‘Properties’
  
• Select ‘System Protection’
  
• Click ‘Configure’
  
• Then select to turn-off system protection
  
• Finally Click OK, read the message and then click ‘Yes’ to continue
  

Turn System Restore On – Windows 7

• Firstly, click the windows start orb and right-click on Computer. Then select ‘Properties’
  
• Select ‘System Protection’
  
• Select ‘Restore system setting and previous versions of files’ and click OK
  

Turn Off System Restore in Vista

• Firstly, click the windows start orb and right-click on Computer. Then select ‘Properties’
  
• Select ‘System Protection’
  
• Uncheck the drives and then to confirm click the “Turn System Restore Off” button.
  
  
• To finish click OK
  

Turn System Restore On – Vista

• Firstly, click the windows start orb and right-click on Computer. Then select ‘Properties
  
• Select ‘System Protection’
  
• Click in the box next to the drives to ensure it has a tick
  
• Click OK to confirm
  

Turn Off System Restore in XP

• Click ‘Start’, then right-click ‘My Computer’ and select ‘Properties’
  
• Click the ‘System Restore’ tab. Then click in the box next to ‘Turn off System Restore’ so it does have a tick in it and click ‘OK’
  
• Read the message and click ‘Yes’ to continue
  

Turn System Restore On – XP

• Click ‘Start’, then right-click ‘My Computer’ and select ‘Properties’
• Click the ‘System Restore’ tab. Then click in the box next to ‘Turn off System Restore’ so it doesn’t have a tick in it and click ‘OK’