This week we learned how to customize shortcut keys for any Linux application, build a personal wiki that is accessible from any PC, make Winamp look like iTunes, change the default save folder for Windows 7 Libraries, use the word completion tool eType for writing, and more.

Photo by Dunechaser.

Weekly Feature

If you have been excited about the release of StarCraft II, then get ready to trick your desktop out with this theme. The theme pack includes 20+ hi-res wallpapers, custom StarCraft icons, and select game sounds for a complete StarCraft II experience.

Photo by Asian Angel.

Windows 7 Themes: StarCraft II Theme For Windows

Random Geek Links

Photo by powtac.

• Hackers accidentally give Microsoft their code
  According to a senior MS security architect, when hackers crash their systems while developing viruses, the code is often sent directly to Microsoft.
• Microsoft releases Update to block DLL load hijacking attacks
  Microsoft has quickly responded to reports of potential DLL load hijacking attacks by publishing an update to block the exploits.
  Note: Article contains links for the Security Advisory & Update.
• Attackers exploit DLL vulnerability in Office and other applications
  Criminals are already exploiting a DLL vulnerability in numerous applications. The good news is that some software apps have already updated against DLL hijacking.
• Users are still idiots, cough up personal data despite warnings
  Warning signs that might tip users off to a web site that is more likely to compromise their personal information may cause many users to treat said information casually.
• Longer passwords not solution to better security
  Using one-time passwords as a second-authentication factor could be more cost-effective than increasing password length in boosting security.
• Lacking Oracle help, OpenSolaris group disbands
  An end has come to a major part of Sun Microsystems’ attempt to transform Solaris from a proprietary version of Unix to an open source operating system built by others, too.
• Apple rejecting apps that require user registration first?
  iOS app Read it Later’s latest update was rejected by Apple’s App Store team for what is apparently a new (and confusing/troubling) reason.
• Microsoft adds new printing, charting features to Office Web Apps
  Microsoft has added some missing and requested features to its Webified version of Office (Office Web Apps).
• How to Enable Blu-Ray Playback in XBMC
  See how to enable Blu-ray playback in XBMC with this tutorial.
• Is there a chronic fatigue virus? Researchers can’t agree
  Two studies looking for a virus that has been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome have come to opposite conclusions.

Geek Video of the Week

The video game bosses have noticed a pattern and they are definitely not happy! Watch as they give their henchman a pep-talk on stopping opponents from getting through the defenses.

Photo by CollegeHumor.

The Video Game Bosses’ Lament

Productive Geek Tips

Photo by abrinsky.

• Three Potentially Risky Ways to Save a Lot on Textbooks
  You can always save money on textbooks by buying online, going ebook, or renting what you need. But there are riskier ways to save a buck that just may yield even greater payoff.
• Using Microsoft Word 2010’s References Feature (for Students)
  Writing essays can be a very daunting task. Brainstorming, drafting, researching, and referencing can sometimes be unmanageable. Microsoft Word 2010’s reference function is a good productivity tool to manage citations and bibliography.
• Optimize Your Computer Screen Real Estate
  You look at your computer screen everyday. By habit, you use the space in ways that get the job done. But you can do an even better job if you optimize your workspace.

Sysadmin Geek Tips

• How to Export Your Windows Server’s DNS Records to a Web Page
  We have a very simple script which exports your current DNS Server records to text files and makes them available via a simple indexed HTML file which can be accessed from any device with a web browser.
• Batch Script to Conditionally Restart an Application
  If you have a certain application which crashes or goes into “not responding” mode somewhat frequently and a restart is the only fix for it, we have a simple fix for you in the form of a customizable batch script to simply kill the application and restart it.

The Geek on Lifehacker

Modern operating systems have no shortage of feature-rich applications. The problem: Sometimes feature-rich turns into flat-out bloat. From email to music to Twitter and beyond, put your system on a serious diet with these command line alternatives.

Put Your System on a Diet: Replace Bloated Apps with Command-Line Alternatives

Random TinyHacker Links

• Make Free Calls in the US using Gmail
  Now you can install a plugin and make free calls to both the US and Canada directly from Gmail.
• Get Your Website Stats via Email using Metric Mail
  Metric Mail is a cool service that logs into your Google account and sends you a weekly summary of your website’s stats.
• Fix the MBR in Windows 7
  Sometimes the MBR (Master Boot Record) in Windows can become corrupt and cause scary errors like “Operating System not Found”. Luckily, it’s usually an easy fix since you just have to re-write over the corrupted MBR.
• Run Any Browser Directly from the Web
  Spoon is a cool website that lets you run specific versions of the popular web browsers directly in your web browser via a plugin.
• Search for Flights Faster with Hipmunk
  Hipmunk is a nifty little flight search engine that makes finding the right flight a breeze. Check it out.

Super User Questions

We have a whole new batch of great questions from Super User for you this week.

• Is it still necessary to shut down computers?
• Help: Just installed Ubuntu and now can’t boot into Windows 7!
• Where historic Linux distributions can be found?
• Is it really worth to unmount an USB drive before unplug it?
• Wireless Router, Wireless Modem, Wireless Modem and Router?

Latest Reviews at How-To Geek

Here is our newest software review for you to enjoy looking through.

• Premiere Elements 8
  Premiere Elements 8 lets you make better professional videos than you could with standard free or bundled applications. Similar to Photoshop Elements, it offers many of the professional video editing programs at a fraction of the price.

How-To Geek Weekly Article Recap

Make sure to take a look through our top articles for the week.

• Back to School Guide to Some Awesome Apps and Resources
• Other Ways to Use Your PC When Your Internet Dies
• How to Stop Windows from Shutting Down or Rebooting
• Keep Your Windows Computer Secure on Public Wireless Hotspots
• The How-To Geek Guide to Computer Microphones

One Year Ago on How-To Geek

Enjoy looking through our latest batch of retro geeky goodness.

• Own Your Domain Name & Aggregate All of Your Social Accounts with Chi.mp
• Turn Your Computer into a File, Music, and Web Server with Opera Unite
• How To Manage UAC Notifications in Windows 7
• Manage Files and Documents Easier with Libraries in Windows 7
• Access Multiple Online Services for Documents & Images with Open IT Online

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The Geek Note

That has things wrapped up for this week. Enjoy the rest of your weekend with some great music, a favorite movie, or that new book that you have been wanting to read for a bit. Got a great tip? Send it to us at tips@howtogeek.com.

Photo by courosa.