Workaround for Windows 7 to have multi-panel [All Programs] like Windows XP

The "All Programs" in the Start Menu of Windows XP is expandable to multiple panels to show all the items in it.

However, this behaviour has been changed in Windows 7, and now when you click on "All Programs", the items is listed in a short, single panel listing, and if you have a long list of installed applications, you have to scroll through the list  to reach the one you intend to open.

There is a workaround for this without having to install and make use of 3rd party Start Menu alternative program such as Vista Start Menu.

I'll share with you how to do it.

Firstly, you need to make sure the hidden ProgramData folder is visible. Go to Control Panel > Folder Options and click on View, select "Show hidden files, folders and drives" under Hidden files and folders option.

Now, right click on the round Windows logo of the Start Menu, and click on Properties. Then click the "Customize..." button.

Search for an item that you won't use (eg. Recorded TV) which can be display as a menu, check on Display as a menu for that item.

Now, you should be able to see the Recorded TV item in your Start Menu. Right click on it, and Rename it to "All Programs". After that, right click on it and select Properties.

Next, Remove the item inside the Library locations panel. Then click on "Include a folder..." button.

Then, navigate to "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs" and  click the Include Folder button. No need to share this folder if you're asked about this.

You're done. Check your Start Menu and see it in action! Now you have 2 options of "All Programs", the original one which remains, and the new one you've just made.

AnDevCon - the 1st Android developer conference

For your information, BZ Media LLC, the publisher of Software Development Times, is organizing the first AnDevCon for developers, entrepreneurs and IT professionals focusing on the booming Android mobile software market.

This will be a 3 days conference. It will begin with 1 day of intensive workshops, followed by 2 days of technical classes. The conference will include a tabletop exhibit area for companies selling products and services for Android marketers and developers.

Detail as below:

• Date: 7-9 March 2011
• Venue: San Mateo in San Francisco, California, USA
• Admission: non-free, with payment

Classes and workshops at AnDevCon fall into 3 topic areas:

• Android Developer Essentials: These technical classes and workshops are for all Android developers, and cover all programming topics.
• Android Enterprise Essentials: These technical sessions cover topics specific to building and managing apps for employees, business customers and partners, such as back-end integration corporate datacenter communications, ERP or CRM systems.
• Android Business Essentials: These classes and workshops are for entrepreneurs and developers who want to learn the most effective ways of distributing and marketing Android apps, including how to maximize sales through the Android Market.

Click here for more information about the AnDevCon event.

Toyota Avanza enhancement - Titan high-low adjustable performance suspension system

I have upgraded the stock suspension of my Toyota Avanza to Titan high-low adjustable performance suspension system.

Titan is a well-known Malaysian brand of serviceable car shock absorber and suspension components, manufactured by a company called MPd Auto Centre Sdn Bhd founded in 1999 by Richard How, and located at No. 38, Jalan Mewah 3/3, Taman Perindustrian Hata, Pandan Mewah, 68000 Ampang.

Titan is highly recommended by AOCM as a replacement for the stock suspension of Toyota Avanza (either the 1.3 or the 1.5 models). Although its initial cost is higher than normal absorber, it has advantages such as:

• Height is adjustable to tune for the suspension dampening rate
• Can be custom made according to your requirement
• The package includes the whole car suspension system, i.e. absorber, spring, damper, panhard rod modification, etc.
• Serviceable, no need to replace the whole thing in the future, thus lower maintenance cost
• Has second hand resell value

Built upon inverted monotube design, Titan suspension can be adjusted to be stiffer for racing performance, and also adjustable to be softer for comfort driving. With this, the car can be tuned to greatly reduce its bumpiness and bounciness on the ride. In fact, you will be amazed by Titan's performance in handling uneven road conditions, road bumps and road holes.

If Titan is used together with the Ultra Racing bars, Toyota Avanza can have a greatly improved steady and stable ride, as well as safer and better handling for high speed and cornering.

For those who complain about stock suspension system of Toyota Avanza, this could be your solution.