In today's tech-driven world, many users find themselves juggling multiple computers for various tasks, whether for work, gaming, or personal projects. Managing multiple devices can lead to cluttered workspaces and a cumbersome user experience. Enter the KVM switch—an elegant solution that enables you to control multiple computers using a single monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

A KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch is a hardware device that allows users to control several computer systems from a single set of peripherals. With a KVM switch, you can seamlessly switch between devices without the need for additional input devices, saving both space and effort. Whether you have a desktop, laptop, or a combination of both, a KVM switch can be configured to suit a variety of setups, from home offices to server management.

First, you can get KVM switches with either VGA, DVI, HDMI, or Display Port video connectors. Sometimes, you have to use an adapter (HDMI to Display Port, DVI to VGA) to get all the different video connections to work with a single type.

Here is your basic 2-port USB KVM Switch. It costs around $20-25. This type of KVM is quite handy when you have a desktop at home, and you use a laptop for work. You can connect the laptop to your full-size monitor, keyboard, and mouse when at home. Also, this unit does not require external power.

Here's a 4-port USB KVM Switch with Audio and Bluetooth. It costs around $40-50. Besides connecting a monitor, keyboard, and mouse, this one also has speaker and microphone jacks. Plus Bluetooth. This unit does not require external power, but it is an option.

Here's an 8-port USB / PS2 KVM with a USB port and On-Screen Display. This KVM is scalable and can control up to 128 computers (with additional switches). Each port can also be configured for the OS of the computer connected to it (Windows, Mac, Sun).

A KVM switch is a powerful tool for anyone looking to optimize their workspace and manage multiple computers efficiently. By consolidating your peripherals into a single, manageable system, you can enhance productivity, reduce clutter, and save costs. With various options available, selecting the right KVM switch tailored to your needs could revolutionize your working setup, making multitasking and system management a breeze. Whether you're a busy professional, a gamer, or someone who simply enjoys having multiple devices, a KVM switch streamlines your experience and elevates your productivity. As technology continues to advance, this simple yet effective solution remains a staple for modern work environments.

This article shows how to use the Eject Pin Hole to manually eject the tray on your computer's CD / DVD drive. There will be times when you need to open the tray on your computers CD / DVD drive when the system is powered off.

• You need to boot your computer using the CD / DVD drive.
• You need to retrieve a disk without starting up the computer.

Caution: Turn off power to the system before manually ejecting a disk.

All CD / DVD drives have an Eject Pin Hole. The only thing we need is a paper clip to use it (I am using a #1 size for this article).

All we have to do is bend it at the first curve 180 degrees (straitening it out). Then take the second curve and bend it 90 degrees. Now we need to locate the Eject Pin Hole.

Desktop CD / DVD drives:
Gently insert the modified paper clip into the Eject Pin Hole until you feel it makes contact with the gear underneath the tray. Firmly pressing inward, you will notice the tray start to move out. Press inward until you have enough room to get your finger under the tray and pull it out the rest of the way. If you can only get a small portion of the tray out, you can use the other end of the paper clip to gently pry open the tray enough to get your finger under it. Once done, gently push back the tray to the closed position. It will close firmly when the system is powered up.

Laptop - Notebook CD / DVD drives:
The trays on laptops/notebooks are spring-loaded, so all that is needed is to release the locking mechanism. You do not have to insert the paper clip as far as with a desktop CD / DVD drive, as you are not connecting to the gearing under the tray. Gently insert the paper clip into the Eject Pin Hole. Once you feel it make contact, gently push in, and the tray will eject immediately. Once done, gently push the tray back inward until it locks back into place.

When I migrated from Windows XP to Windows 7, one of the things I have missed is the Microsoft Powertoys. A couple of the functions have been integrated into Windows 7 (Open Command Window Here and Power Calculator). However, there are a few I am still looking for applications to replace them with.

One of them is the RAW Image Viewer. I am into digital photography and like to organize and work with digital RAW image files in Windows Explorer (much as you can with JPEG images). But Windows does not have support for this format built-in. Well, I am glad to say I have found a replacement for it.

FastPictureViewer is a free collection of 32 and 64-bit RAW Image Decoders for Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10.

Once installed, you have the same features for RAW image formats in Windows as you do with JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF, and TIFF, complete with thumbnails in Explorer, preview, slide show support in Photo Gallery / Photo Viewer, and metadata search integration.

For more information and to download FastPictureViewer, please visit their web site.

When I migrated from Windows XP to Windows 7, one of the things I have missed is the Microsoft PowerToys. A couple of functions have been integrated into Windows 7 (Open Command Window Here and Power Calculator). However, there are a few I am still looking for applications to replace them with.

One of the applications you could integrate into Windows Explorer was Image Resizer. With a right-click on a picture, you could quickly resize a photo without opening an application. Well, I am glad to say I have found a replacement for it.

Image Resizer PowerToy Clone is, as its name implies, a clone of the original Microsoft PowerToy. Image Resizer has also been incorporated into the Windows 10 PowerToys.

Right-click on a photo and choose 'Resize Pictures' from the context menu.

Then select a size to make the pictures smaller, not larger, or to resize the originals, or make copies. Then click OK. It's that simple. And it's available in both 32 and 64-bit versions for Windows Vista and Windows 7.

For more information and to download Image Resizer PowerToy Clone for Windows, follow the links below.

Image Resizer for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1

Image Resizer (Windows 10 PowerToys) for Windows 10

I recently came across one of the best web browsers I have ever seen, Lunascape. What sets this browser apart from the rest is that it can use any of the three browser engines available, Trident (Internet Explorer), Gecko (Firefox), and WebKit (Chrome/Safari).

Have you ever come across a web page that requires a function of a different web browser? With Lunascape, you can switch browser engines on the fly.

With one click of the mouse, you can reload the web page in a different engine. Here's a list of current features from Lunascape's web site:

Unique All-in-One Approach

The comprehensive site coverage of the most broadly used engine, IE's Trident. The incredibly fast JavaScript performance speed boasted by Firefox's engine, Gecko. The equally or even faster engine of Chrome/Safari, WebKit. Lunascape is a hybrid triple engine browser equipped with all three. While other existing browsers struggle to combine any two of these engines, Lunascape is unmatched in that it is the only browser that combines the best features and speeds from these highly acclaimed browsers, seamlessly.

Triple Engine goes Triple Add-on

Lunascape is now compatible with the expanding array of Firefox add-ons in addition to the already supported Internet Explorer add-ons and Lunascape plug-ins, achieving the greatest degree of extensibility and flexibility among Web browsers. Transferring your add-ons from Firefox is very easy.

Extensible AND Fast

Lunascape6 achieves the maximum extensibility without compromising one of the fastest speeds in the market. You can browse lightning fast while enjoying great add-ons. We've also made a special effort in ensuring quick launch even with many add-ons.

Simply Refined Interface

A new interface mode, ORION, is added to version 6 as a default. This sleek minimalist interface has all the basic functions and will get you going in no time. You can still customize many aspects of the interface to your liking.

Triple Engine Side-by-Side Display

Our unique Triple Engine keeps evolving. To better support web designers and developers, we have implemented a "split tab display". You can view a web page in 3 rendering engines side-by-side to quickly check the browser compatibility.

I encourage you to take a closer look at Lunascape at their web site.