Category: Computer

PC stuff

System-wide colour picker added to Microsoft PowerToys for Windows 10

Colour picker settings in PowerToys for Windows 10

Last year I tested out the new Microsoft PowerToys for Windows 10 and liked what I saw.

One of my favourite additions since then is a system-wide colour picker utility that enables you to pick colours from any currently running application (including Windows itself) and automatically copies it in a configurable format to your clipboard.

With PowerToys running and Color Picker (sic) enabled, press Win + Shift + C.

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Linux Mint on the iOTA Flo 11.6″ laptop

This is how the laptop arrived, pre-installed with Windows 10. I soon put an end to that nonsense!

I recently installed Linux Mint on my iOTA Flo 11.6″ laptop. The process was simple and very straight forward.

The iOTA Flo is a compact 11.6″ laptop featuring 4GB RAM, 64GB eMMC drive and a two-core Intel Celeron N33350 1.1GHz CPU, and an Intel HD 500 graphics card. On the sides it has inputs for power, two USB ports, mini HDMI, headphones and a micro SD card slot. It also features a 720p (I think) webcam, full HD (1920 × 1080) screen, and Bluetooth capabilities (which I have switched off for power and security reasons). Not bad for £179.99.

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Struggling for an image to illustrate something? Find inspiration at the Noun Project

Images for ‘blog’ suggested on The Noun Project

The Noun Project is a wonderful resource for creatives, especially when brainstorming.

According to their website, the purpose of their site is to create “a global visual language that unites us — a language that allows quick and easy communication no matter who you are or where you are.”

What image comes to mind when you think of the word ‘save‘?

I guess many of you would have thought of an old 3.5″ floppy disk, the kind used as the save icon in Microsoft Word. Or maybe you thought of a lifebelt, the kind that is thrown out to sea to help save someone’s life.

It is this kind of thing that the Noun Project is trying to collate—the connection between words and images.

Another one, what image comes to mind when you think of the words ‘improve‘ or ‘wish‘ or ‘inspire‘? It is those more abstract words that I find the Noun Project particularly useful for, when I need to illustrate something.

Fliqlo flip-clock screensaver

Fliqlo screensaver in 24-hour mode, low brightness about 50% scale

I may be a bit late to the party when it comes to minimalist-style PC clock screensavers but I’m here now.

Loved by photographers of beautiful desktops and minimalist office setups the world over, Fliqlo is a free screensaver that displays a clean, simple flip-style clock on your screen.

Currently, it is offers three options: 12-hour/24-hour, brightness and size. Future releases promise multiple monitor support and the ability to exit from the screensaver by mouse-movement rather than keyboard press.

Fliqlo is available for Windows and Mac.

Firewatch (redux)

Firewatch wallpaper

Five years ago today, Campo Santo released what quickly became my all-time favourite computer game, Firewatch.

If you haven’t already played it and you’re tired of running, jumping, shooting-at-people games, this is a very welcome change.

In a world that has been locked down for almost a year, this game has been a perfect virtual escape for this introvert who loves to explore the world alone.

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