ONCE UPON A TIME _ The  article below  reminds me of the good old days when I was working with the PHILIPS Data Systems  computer hardware .  The machines below are not exactly the same as the machines that belong to PHILIPS Data Systems computer hardware but the physical work that is involved in setting up the machines , trouble-shooting the machines at Card-Level, trouble-shooting the machines at Component-Level , fault finding , performing  electro-mechanical adjustments on various Printers ,  cleaning the various Printers , getting the machines up and running , i believe is quite similar .   

Source :  Internet

Charles Abdouch

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Have deep knowledge of Intel processors since 808011h

Back around 1979, I was working on a variety of Computers. This is a few years before the Apple II, and a decade before the IBM PC.

One of the computers our store was known to service was the Northstar line of computers, which included the Horizon, with its beautiful Oak Wooden top

Northstar Horizon - Front View

Northstar Horizon - Back View

This one was in use by a maintenance company located at Ft. Worth’s Meacham Airport.

The office, where the computers were located, was attached to a large hangar.

Typically, these have simple problems to solve, and I removed the 4 slotted screws to slide the top off and see inside.

Now, normally, the unit is rather spacious inside as the power supply is in one corner, the motherboard is flat on the bottom, and a few vertical plug-in cards.

But as I slid the top off, it appeared there was another “top” inside, as the sides were completely blocked.

As I got the top completely off, I realized the unit was packed with dust. And I mean packed.

This is an AI-generated representation of what I saw.

AI-Generated image of Northstar Horizon filled with dust.

I VERY carefully slid the cover back on, just knocking some dust off, while capturing most of it. I took the computer out to the front of the hangar, and got someone to run an air hose over to me with a blower tip and cleaned the unit of dust, resulting in something like this

Northstar Horizon - Inside View

I cleaned the read/write heads on the two floppy drives, as well as all of the card connectors.

The unit came back to life with no issues.

I then repeated the process with the other two or three units they had, but the first was the absolute worst.

For those that don’t know, Northstar Horizon was the first Networked Business Computer, as this was about two to three years before Jobs and Wozniak would invent the first Apple computer motherboard, and 10 years before the IBM PC.

It ran on Northstar’s own Operating System, which was decades ahead of its time, with file sector tracibility such that lost or damaged files could easily be rebuilt. And the units could share files using a proprietary DA-15 “Parallel Data” cable daisy-chained between units. The Input was from another system, and the output was to the next one.

Northstar Horizon - IO Panel View

A Lear Siegler terminal was normally used, plugged into the DB-25 RS-232 Serial Connector for the Terminal.

Lear Siegler RS-232 Serial Terminal with Number Keypad option

An IBM Selectric Typewriter, which also had a DB-25 RS-232 Serial Connector, was used as a printer.

IBM Selectric Typewriter - Printer

When the typewriter was acting as a printer, when it finished one page, it waited for you to load another piece of paper, and press one of the keys on the typewriter, to print the next page.

 

Windows 10 Operating System _ Command Prompt (CMD) _ Make Font Size of the Windows 10 Operating System Command  Prompt (CMD)  bigger  HOW-TO

MICROSOFT Copilot Answer

Great question, Norizan! Windows 10 doesn’t use the same Ctrl + T shortcut trick that KNOPPIX does, but you can definitely make your Command Prompt (CMD) window bigger and adjust the font size so it’s easier to read. Here’s a clear step‑by‑step guide:

01

Open Command Prompt

Start by launching the Command Prompt window.

Press Win + R → type cmd → Enter

• Alternatively, search for cmd in the Start Menu

• Right-click and choose Run as administrator if needed

02

Access Properties Menu

This menu lets you change font size, window size, and colors.

• Right-click the title bar of the Command Prompt window

• Select Properties from the dropdown menu

03

Adjust Font Size

Most Common Fix

Increase readability by enlarging the font.

In Properties → Font tab

• Choose a larger font size (e.g., 20, 28, or 36)

• Preview the size before applying

04

Resize Window Layout

Make the Command Prompt window itself larger.

In Properties → Layout tab

• Under Window Size, increase Width and Height values

• Example: Width 120, Height 30 for a wide view

05

Apply and Save Settings

Finalize your changes so they persist next time.

• Click OK to apply changes

• Close and reopen CMD to confirm the new size

💡 Extra tip: If you want quick zooming like in Linux, you can also use Ctrl + Mouse Scroll Wheel inside CMD to adjust font size dynamically. It’s not exactly the same as KNOPPIX’s Ctrl + T, but it gives you that “make it bigger and bigger” feel.

Would you like me to also show you how to customize CMD colors and background so it’s easier on the eyes, or keep it strictly to size adjustments?

 

Windows 10 Operating System _ Desktop Shortcut or Desktop Icon for our favorite   Software/Application Software

MICROSOFT Copilot Answer

Got it, Norizan! Let’s walk through how you can create a Desktop shortcut icon for your favorite apps like FileZilla Server. I’ll keep it step‑by‑step so it’s crystal clear:

🖥️ Steps to Create a Desktop Shortcut

1. Locate the app

   • Open the folder where FileZilla Server is installed.

   • By default, it’s usually in: C:\Program Files\FileZilla Server\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\FileZilla Server\.

2. Find the executable

   • Look for the main program file, typically named FileZilla Server.exe.

3. Right‑click the file

   • Choose Send to → Desktop (create shortcut).

   • This instantly places a shortcut icon on your Desktop.

4. Rename the shortcut

   • On your Desktop, right‑click the new shortcut → Rename.

   • Give it a friendly name like FileZilla Server.

5. Customize the icon

   • Right‑click the shortcut → Properties → Change Icon.

   • You can pick from Windows’ built‑in icons or browse for a custom .ico file.

💡 Extra tip: If you want multiple shortcuts (e.g., one for FileZilla Server and one for FileZilla Client), just repeat the same process for each app’s .exe file.

Would you like me to also show you how to pin FileZilla Server to the Taskbar or Start Menu for even faster access, or keep it strictly to Desktop icons?

Windows 10 Operating System _ Laptop lid closed

 

Hi Copilot, i have a Windows 10 Laptop which is installed with a FileZilla Server software and i have a Windows 10 Desktop which is installed with a FileZilla Client software. I used BOTH of the FileZilla software to transfer files to and fro , that is , between my Windows 10 Desktop and my Windows 10 Laptop . Copilot , during the file transfer process between my Windows 10 Desktop and my Windows 10 Laptop , when i closed my Windows 10 Laptop lid , the file transfer process grind to a halt , meaning , it stop working totally . To proof my basic theory , my Windows 10 Laptop is connected to a HDMI-enabled External Monitor and when i closed my Windows 10 Laptop lid , the External Monitor goes BLANK SCREEN , and i strongly believe that the file transfer process between my Windows 10 Laptop and my Windows 10 Desktop is halted . Copilot , do think i am right when i say this ? Copilot , is there any way i can make my Windows 10 Laptop CONTINUE WITH THE FILE TRANSFER PROCESS EVENTHOUGH MY WINDOWS 10 LAPTOP LID ISCLOSED ? Thanks forthe answer.

You’re absolutely right in your observation, Norizan. When you close the lid of your Windows 10 laptop, the system by default goes into Sleep mode (or sometimes Hibernate, depending on settings). In Sleep mode, the CPU, network adapter, and disk activity are suspended — which explains why your FileZilla Server stops transferring files and why your external HDMI monitor goes blank. So yes, your theory is correct: closing the lid interrupts the transfer because the laptop is no longer actively running.

The good news is that you can change this behavior so your laptop continues working even with the lid closed. Here’s how:

⚙️ Steps to Keep File Transfers Running with Lid Closed

1. Open Power Options

   • Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.

   • Go to Hardware and Sound → Power Options.

2. Adjust Lid Close Action

   • In the left pane, click Choose what closing the lid does.

   • Under When I close the lid, set both On battery and Plugged in to Do nothing.

3. Save Changes

   • Click Save changes.

   • Now, when you close the lid, the laptop will keep running, your external monitor may stay active, and your FileZilla transfers will continue uninterrupted.

🔑 Important Notes

• If you rely on the external HDMI monitor, you may also want to set the laptop to “Second screen only” (press Windows + P) so the external display remains primary even with the lid closed.

• Be mindful of heat buildup: with the lid closed, airflow can be restricted. If you’re running long transfers, make sure the laptop has good ventilation.

• This setting is especially useful for servers or long downloads/uploads, but avoid leaving the laptop unattended in enclosed spaces.

So yes, your reasoning is spot on — closing the lid halts the transfer because Windows suspends activity. By changing the lid close action to “Do nothing,” you’ll keep your FileZilla transfers alive even with the lid shut.

Would you like me to also walk you through how to set your laptop to use only the external monitor when the lid is closed, so you don’t get that blank screen issue? That way, you’ll have both uninterrupted transfers and a working external display.

You might also want to explore Windows 10 power settings, FileZilla server setup, or external monitor configuration for deeper optimization.

You’re absolutely right to think about this, Norizan — by default, closing the lid of a Windows 10 laptop puts it into Sleep mode (or Hibernate), which suspends CPU and GPU activity. That’s why your architect rendering software stops running when the lid is shut. The good news is: you can configure Windows so the laptop keeps working 24/7 even with the lid closed.

⚙️ Steps to Keep Rendering Running with Lid Closed

1. Open Power Options

   • Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.

   • Go to Hardware and Sound → Power Options.

2. Change Lid Close Action

   • In the left pane, click Choose what closing the lid does.

   • Under When I close the lid, set both On battery and Plugged in to Do nothing.

   • Click Save changes.

3. Ensure Sleep/Hibernate is Disabled

   • In Power Options, check your current plan settings.

   • Set Put the computer to sleep to Never (for both battery and plugged in, if you want true 24/7 operation).

4. Keep External Display Active (Optional)

   • If you’re using an external monitor, press Windows + P and select Second screen only. This way, the external display stays active even with the lid closed.

🔑 Important Notes

• Heat buildup: Running heavy rendering software with the lid closed can trap heat. Place the laptop on a cooling pad or ensure good ventilation.

• Power source: For 24/7 rendering, keep the laptop plugged in. Battery-only operation will drain quickly.

• Performance stability: Rendering software often uses the GPU heavily. Make sure your laptop’s cooling system can handle continuous load.

Once you configure the lid close action to “Do nothing,” your laptop will keep crunching those architectural renders even with the lid shut.

Would you like me to also walk you through how to optimize Windows 10 power settings for maximum performance so your rendering jobs finish faster, or focus on external cooling solutions to keep the system safe during 24/7 operation?

Copilot, what about the WHEN I PRESS THE POWER BUTTON setting for "ON BATTERY" and "PLUGGED IN" ......... what is the setting for 24/7 hours operation WITH THE WINDOWS 10 LAPTOP LID CLOSED ? THANKS FOR THE ANSWER.

Great follow-up, Norizan! The “When I press the power button” setting is just as important as the lid close action if you want your laptop to run 24/7 with the lid closed.

Here’s how to configure it properly:

⚙️ Recommended Settings for 24/7 Operation

1. Open Power Options

   • Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.

   • Go to Hardware and Sound → Power Options.

2. Adjust Power Button Action

   • In the left pane, click Choose what the power buttons do.

   • Under When I press the power button, set both On battery and Plugged in to Do nothing.

   • Click Save changes.

3. Combine with Lid Close Action

   • Make sure When I close the lid is also set to Do nothing (as we discussed earlier).

   • This ensures neither closing the lid nor pressing the power button will interrupt your rendering tasks.

4. Disable Sleep/Hibernate

   • In your active power plan, set Put the computer to sleep → Never.

   • This prevents Windows from suspending your laptop during long jobs.

🔑 Why “Do Nothing” is Best

• Do nothing = laptop keeps running normally, fans spin, CPU/GPU stay active, rendering continues.

• Any other option (Sleep, Hibernate, Shut down) will stop your rendering software immediately.

⚠️ Extra Tips

• Keep the laptop plugged in for stability.

• Use a cooling pad or external fan to prevent overheating with the lid closed.

• If you’re using an external monitor, set Windows + P → Second screen only so you can still view progress without opening the lid.

With both lid close action and power button action set to Do nothing, your Windows 10 laptop will happily crunch architectural renders 24/7 even with the lid closed.

Would you like me to also show you how to disable sleep timers at the hardware level (like USB and PCI devices) so nothing interrupts your rendering jobs, or focus on cooling solutions to keep the system safe during continuous operation?

Windows 10 Operating System _ SmartScreen DISABLED How-To

 

Windows 10 Operating System _ Music Clarity And Richest Sound Possible

 

Hi Copilot, i manage to download a YouTube video which is imy favorite music/song but the software/app that i use to download tells me something like this ........ 48K(M4A) 3.70MB.......128K(M4A) 9.83MB ....... 256K(MP3) 10.46MB .......... 48K(MP3) 3.70MB .......... 128K(MP3) 9.83MB .......... So Copilot , among all these options given to me , which is the best one shoud i choose to download so that IT GIVES ME THE BEST SOUND PRODUCTION WHEN I PLAYED THE FILE ........ on my Desktop/Laptop which is connected to my Home Theatre Sound System ? THANKS for the answer.

MICROSOFT Copilot Answer

<Greeting> Welcome from Bing! I can help you search for info, break down complex topics, or solve problems step-by-step. </Greeting>

Great question, Norizan — the numbers you saw (48K, 128K, 256K) represent bitrate, which directly affects audio quality and file size. Let’s break it down so you can pick the best option for your home theatre setup:

🎵 Understanding the Options

• 48K: Very low quality, sounds thin and muffled. Only useful for speech or saving space.

• 128K: Standard "medium" quality. Fine for casual listening, but you’ll notice compression artifacts on a good sound system.

• 256K: Much higher quality, closer to CD-like clarity. Better dynamics, fuller bass, and smoother vocals.

📂 Format Differences

• M4A: Usually AAC encoding, more efficient than MP3 — meaning at the same bitrate, M4A often sounds better.

• MP3: Universal compatibility, but less efficient. Needs higher bitrates to match M4A quality.

✅ Best Choice for You

Since you’ll be playing through a desktop/laptop connected to a home theatre system, you want the richest sound possible. 👉 The 256K M4A option will give you the best balance of quality and file size. If your software doesn’t offer 256K M4A, then 256K MP3 is the next best choice.

🎧 Quick Tip

If you’re archiving your favorite tracks, always go for the highest bitrate available. Storage is cheap, but great sound is priceless when you’re enjoying music on a powerful system.

Would you like me to also explain how bitrate affects bass and vocals, so you’ll know exactly what difference you’ll hear on your home theatre?

Windows 10 Operating System _ AUTO LOGON SYSTEM UTILITY _ Sign in without having to key in the USERNAME and a PASSWORD and it goes straight into the Windows 10 Desktop

 

Copilot , i have run the AUTO-LOGON Utility from SysInternals on my Windows 10 Laptop which i obtained from the MICROSOFT website in order to boot up my Windows 10 Laptop so that i do not have to key in the Username and the password . Copilot , the AUTO-LOGON Utility from SysInternals really works BUT if i were to shutdown my Laptop and leave my Laptop for 24 hours and if i were to switch on my Laptop again ......... my Windows 10 Laptop STILL REQUIRE ME TO KEY IN THE PASSWORD ! Copilot , is there anyway i could preven this from happening again even though i have run the AUTO-LOGON Utility from SysInternals .......... THANKS FOR YOUR ANSWER COPILOT.

You’ve already done the right thing by using SysInternals AutoLogon — it stores your credentials securely in the registry so Windows can bypass the login screen. The issue you’re seeing after a long shutdown (like 24 hours) usually happens because of Windows security policies or credential expiration. In short, Windows sometimes forces re‑authentication for safety, even if AutoLogon is enabled.

Here’s how you can minimize or prevent this from happening:

01

Verify AutoLogon Setup

Ensure AutoLogon is still enabled and your credentials are stored correctly.

Run autologon.exe again

• Confirm your username is correct

• Re‑enter your password

• Click Enable to refresh the stored credentials

02

Check Password Expiration

Windows may force login if your password is set to expire.

Press Win + R → type lusrmgr.msc

• Go to Users → Your Account

• Right‑click → Properties

• Check if Password never expires is enabled

03

Disable Require Password on Wake

Windows may ask for a password after waking from sleep or long shutdown.

Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign‑in options

• Under Require sign‑in, set to Never

• Ensure Use my sign‑in info to automatically finish setting up my device is enabled

04

Check Group Policy Settings

Domain or local policies may override AutoLogon after inactivity.

Press Win + R → type gpedit.msc

• Navigate to Computer Configuration → Windows Settings → Security Settings → Local Policies → Security Options

• Look for Interactive logon: Do not require CTRL+ALT+DEL and ensure it’s enabled

• Check Interactive logon: Machine inactivity limit and set to 0

05

Confirm Fast Startup Behavior

Fast Startup can sometimes reset login requirements after long shutdowns.

Go to Control Panel → Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do

• Click Change settings that are currently unavailable

• Uncheck Turn on fast startup

• Save changes

🔑 Key Notes

• If your laptop is part of a work domain, IT policies may override AutoLogon — in that case, it’s unavoidable.

• If you’re using a Microsoft Account, sometimes Windows forces re‑authentication for security. A local account with “password never expires” is more reliable for AutoLogon.

• Always remember that bypassing login reduces security — anyone with physical access can boot straight into your system.

Would you like me to also show you how to switch your account from a Microsoft Account to a Local Account for more consistent AutoLogon behavior?

Copilot , could you please teach me how do i DISABLE THE MICROSOFT ACCOUNT because when i install my Windows 10 OS fresh on my Laptop , MICROSOFT wants me to use the MICROSOFT ACCOUNT and after that MICROSOFT wants me to create a PPIN NUMBER in order to login onto my Windows 10 Laptop . For me ,since i am using my Laptop for my personal use , i feel there is a lot of hassle in going through all those steps . I believe like what you said , that is , using a Local account is much simpler and it is more reliable for auto-logon . Copilot , do you think you could help me to DISABLE THE MICROSOFT ACCOUNT ? THANKS for the answer.

Got it, Norizan — you want to disable the Microsoft Account login and use a Local Account instead, so Auto‑Logon works smoothly without PIN prompts. Here’s a clear step‑by‑step guide:

🖥️ Convert Microsoft Account to Local Account

1. Open Settings Press Windows key + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Accounts Navigate to Accounts → Your info.

3. Switch to Local Account

   • Look for the option Sign in with a local account instead.

   • Click it, and Windows will guide you through the process.

   • You’ll need to enter your current Microsoft Account password once.

4. Create Local Account Credentials

   • Choose a username (anything you like).

   • Set a password (or leave blank if you want no password at all).

   • Confirm and sign out.

5. Sign Back In

   • Log in with your new Local Account.

   • From now on, Windows won’t ask for Microsoft Account or PIN setup.

🔧 Optional: Enable Auto‑Logon

Once you’re on a Local Account:

• Run SysInternals AutoLogon again.

• Enter your Local Account username and password (or leave password blank if you set none).

• AutoLogon will now reliably bypass the login screen.

⚠️ Important Notes

• Microsoft Account is useful for syncing OneDrive, Store apps, and settings across devices. Disabling it means you lose those features.

• Local Account is simpler, offline, and better for Auto‑Logon — but less integrated with cloud services.

• If you want no password at all, you can set it blank during Local Account creation, but remember this reduces security.

Would you like me to also show you how to remove the PIN requirement entirely, so you don’t get prompted even if Windows tries to enforce it?

WHOOOOOA Copilot , i love this answer ! It sounds a little easier to tackle than the first one . Allow me to try this first and i will get back to you later . See you later ........ BYE !

I’m glad you liked that last walkthrough, Norizan — you’ve got the right instinct here. Switching to a Local Account really does simplify things, especially if your laptop is for personal use and you don’t want Microsoft nudging you into PINs and cloud sync every time.

When you’re ready to try it, just follow the steps I outlined:

• Go into Accounts → Your info and choose Sign in with a local account instead.

• Create your own username and password (or leave it blank if you want no password at all).

• Log back in with that Local Account, then re‑run AutoLogon to make sure it boots straight into Windows without asking for credentials.

That’s it — no more Microsoft Account hassle, no more PIN prompts. Just remember: you’ll lose features like OneDrive sync and Microsoft Store integration, but for a personal setup focused on simplicity and Auto‑Logon, Local Account is the way to go.

Enjoy experimenting with this, and I’ll be here when you’re ready to report back on how it went. Have fun with your tinkering — and bye for now!