How to use the hidden emoticons in Yahoo! Messenger

 

Like most instant messenger apps, you can use emoticons in Yahoo! Messenger. Clicking the smiley face in the messenger window opens up a big selection of emoticons you can use to spice up your conversations.

Did you know there are a range of hidden emoticons not accessible from the emoticons menu? If you know the right combination of keys, you can say anything from 'Bring it On' to 'Shame on You' or 'Not Worthy.'

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Which version of DirectX do I have?

Which version of DirectX do I have?

 

PC games almost always have a DirectX requirement - it's often 'DirectX 9.0C'. If you're not sure which version you have installed, there's an easy way to check! These instructions will work on Windows XP, Vista andWindows 7. Read on to find out how.

Click on the Start button:

Type 'dxdiag' into the search field, then click on the dxdiag icon that appears:

A window will open with lots of information about your system - here's where you'll find your DirectX version:

That's all you need to find out your installed version of DirectX!

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Top 5 Vista themes for XP

Top 5 Vista themes for XP

 

If like Dell, you've gone back to XP after being left thoroughly unimpressed with Vista, you probably won't be missing the various problems it caused but you may well be missing the slick graphics and look of Vista. Or maybe you don't see much point in upgrading but like the look of Vista. If so, you can have the best of both worlds by installing a Vista theme pack. Theme packs don't convert your operating system to Vista but they give it the same look. Most packs differ in what they offer from just a few icon changes to a complete look. Here are our top five Vista themes for XP:

Vista Transformation Pack - Changes your start-up screen, cursors, sounds etc to Vista

VistaXP v2 VS - Contains both black and silver Vista themes plus icon sets

Universal Vista Inspirat BricoPack - Includes Vista wallpapers, icons and menus

VistaXP V3 WB - Does not include Vista background or innovative desktop features

VistaMizer - Allows you to select which components you want to change

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