Windows taking a little longer than usual to start up or running slower than usual?

I get this from time to time.

What usually happens is this:

>I’ll install programs throughout the months for testing purposes or for one or two-time uses.

>Forget they’re installed.

>Then, wonder why my computer is running or starting slower than usual.

One built in Windows utility that can help, and is often overlooked, is MSCONFIG.

With MSCONFIG you can change the way your PC boots, what programs to run at startup, what services to run, and more. For the purposes of this post I’ll take a quick look at Startup and Services.

Click ‘Start’ and type ‘MSCONFIG’ in the search then hit enter. You should get this:

Go to the ‘Startup’ tab and disable any items that you do not need at startup. Be cautious as to what items you disable. Be sure you know exactly what you’re disabling. If you’re unsure just Google it. Otherwise, leave it alone. Personally, I like to keep things to almost a bare minimum. When I saw items such as Dropbox, Google Drive, Citrix Client, Mikogo, etc. enabled, I unchecked them. If I want them, I’ll start them manually.

The same applies under the ‘Services’ tab. Be cautious what you uncheck. Use Google if you aren’t sure or just leave it.

Once you’re done, hit ‘Apply’ then reboot. Hopefully, your startup time is reduced a little bit.

Hope this helps.

I recently completed the 200-101 ICND2 (CCNA) exam. There is a lot of material that this exam covers. The Cisco website provides a blueprint that covers most of the topics you may encounter. I say most  because that list is not exhaustive, as you may notice by reading paragraph two of that blueprint.

You can take two paths to achieve the CCNA – the 1 exam route (CCNAX) or the 2 exam route (ICND1 + ICND2). I decided to take the 2 exam route simply because I was fairly new to Cisco. There were a handful of concepts I was already familiar with but I thought breaking all the material down into two separate exams would maybe help me learn better. I have some points I jotted down for my completion of the ICND1 saved on my computer and will try to put those into a post in the near future.

Below, I put together the resources I used as well my approach. Then, I provide a brief review of all resources.

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Just a quick note…

I  encountered an issue while configuring Canon’s ULM v5.1.2.5 (Universal Login Manager): there is an issue with compatibility for Microsoft Office 365 email when enabled.  When ULM is disabled, however, regular scan to email works without any issues.

I made sure all the communication settings were set correctly on the machine, through the RUI:

• Server: smtp.office365.com
• Port: 587 (set at the machine in Svc Mode Lvl 2)
• Correct username and password for authentication

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We had the chance to print off a wrist brace using the CubePro Trio. The .STL file was downloaded online, imported into the CubePro software, then exported out as a .cubepro file extension (this model 3D printer will read and print only a .cubepro or .creation type). One common mistake is to completely bypass converting the .STL into a .cubepro for the printer to read. You should go through the CubePro software and “Build” the project, which essentially saves and exports as a .cubepro. Once you have your file ready for printing, you can save it to a USB flash drive and plug it into the printer or you can send the job wireless.

The print job took 2hr 49min.

The project is printed flat using PLA material. Then, you dip the printout into hot water and mold it around your wrist/forearm. The material hardens after a few seconds. Velcro straps (not shown) are looped into the brace for extra support. Not bad!

-Paul