Obvious tips

Eenymeeny

Steve059 wrote: »

I suspect that many of you, like me, use a laptop PC with the mains power supply unit (PSU) plugged in and switched on.

Firstly, this is a very good way to 'kill' a lithium-ion battery. They should be 'exercised' by being drained and charged.

Secondly, the PSU is using electricity not only keeping the battery fully charged but also producing waste heat.

So, set up the low and critical battery alarms. Tick the box to have the power meter icon shown in the system tray.

Then use the battery until the alarm activates. Then use the PSU until the battery is fully charged. Then switch it off and use the battery ...

Thanks for this, you're right I always used it plugged in. Can you tell me how to set up the alarms please? Mine appears after about 20 minutes of use...?

Steve059

Eenymeeny wrote: »

Thanks for this, you're right I always used it plugged in. Can you tell me how to set up the alarms please? Mine appears after about 20 minutes of use...?

Start > Control Panel > Power Options.

Power Schemes gives you preset Power Schemes, which you can then customise.

Alarms does what it says on the tin, or tab.

The tick box to show the power icon in the system tray is under the Advanced tab.

Don't enable hibernation. It's a PITA.

Emmala

I use baby wipes when I'm decorating to wipe up any paint smears! They are gentle enough to use on hard flooring, glass or painted walls, and your hands!

For those with children who might wet the bed, or teenage girls who have started their periods, layer the bed with two lots of fitted sheets and bed mats - if they have an accident in the night you just have to whip off the top sheet and mat and there is the other set already in place. If they are likely to get the duvet too, keep the opposite season duvet in a cover under the bed, so you don't have to go hunting for it in the middle of the night!

Uphill

That's a really good idea Rae. My daughter sometimes still has the odd accident as she is a very deep sleeper. I use a waterproof mattress sheet. The new ones are brilliant and don't have that plasticky feel to it. I never thought about putting 2 sheets on, it will save having to faff about in the night now!

Emmala

janb5 wrote: »

If you have a dog who loves to roll in fox poo, then smear tomato ketchup on him prior to washing. This neutralizes the smell very effectively. I didnt believe the person who told me this but it does work! Washing without ketchup doesnt get rid of the smell.:j

I LOVE this!!!!! I haven't even got a dog, but this has to be the most bizarre tip ever!!!!! :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Can't wait for the day when I hear someone moaning about getting the fox poo smell out of their dog!!!!!! Fab, fab, fab!!!

Emmala

building_with_lego wrote: »

My mum always cuts the tiniest corner off the peas, sweetcorn etc, and it bugged me as a teenager. She explained that if you drop the bag en route to the worktop you'll only spill a few. It wasn't until I'd dropped a bag (which I'd opened, so most of the top open) that I saw her wisdom . Much as l like that idea ^^ if I took the whole top off I'd have peas everywhere!:o

I'm sure someone on here would have a tip for pea-ing on the floor....:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Uphill

When cutting onions, I always cut them using a wet chopping board which reduces or prevents crying. You can also cut them in water but I would lose a finger as I'm a clumsy so and so.

When trying to get the smell of onions off your hands and fingers, clean your stainless steel sink or taps with your hands. You can buy a stainless steel soap which works on the same principle.

Eenymeeny

Steve059 wrote: »

Start > Control Panel > Power Options.

Power Schemes gives you preset Power Schemes, which you can then customise.

Alarms does what it says on the tin, or tab.

The tick box to show the power icon in the system tray is under the Advanced tab.

Don't enable hibernation. It's a PITA.

Done! Thanks a lot, I now have it on my task bar.(Don't usually go into the advanced options so a lesson for me!):T

Steve059

Me again. On AC power, 70% and charging.

I've posted this elsewhere before, but it's such a simple, vital tip that it's worth repeating.

Shop from a list.

You don't forget to buy things you need. You also don't buy things you don't need.

Of course, if you find a bargain, then snap it up.

All it needs now is for someone to come up with a fool-proof system for remembering to put things on the list and then remembering to take it with you.

Steve059

Me again. On mains power, 60% and charging. A financial tip this time.

In general, only trust financial institutions as far as you could spit their head office.

Specifically, set up Direct Debits the old-fashioned way, using a DD mandate form and take a copy.

This is especially potentially useful if you're setting up a DD for a credit card and to pay the full balance each month. This is not to the credit card company's advantage.

I did this for an old MINT card. The confirmation came back, saying that the DD had been set up for just the minimum payment each month. This is to the CCC's advantage.

So, I ring them up. "Oh, you must've set it up for the minimum amount, sir." "No, I didn't. I sent you a DD mandate form. I have a copy of it in front of me, with not only the 'full amount' box ticked but also the part about the 'minimum payment' crossed through. So, who would you like me to send a copy of this to? Your head office, the Financial Ombudsman or the Financial Services Authority?"

The 'error' corrected, a letter of apology and a £5 credit on my account.