Open multiple web pages at the same time using a batch file

Recently whilst working on a customer's PC I noticed that when they booted up they would manually open several webpages. I asked the customer two questions, do they do that every time they use the PC and if so would they like me to show them an easier way.

As it happens the user did repeat this process everytime they worked on the PC and she was more than willing for me to show her how to get the same result with two clicks !.

Solution

1. Open up notepad

2. Type the following (substituting the web addresses you require) :

start iexplore.exe -new http://www.supportingtech.blogspot.com/
start iexplore.exe -new http://www.bbc.co.uk/
start iexplore.exe -new http://www.facebook.com/

3. Save the file to your pc e.g. your desktop.

4. Rename the file to have a .bat extension instead of .txt.

5. Double click the file and you will see that the 3 websites will now open up

Specify username and password within an FTP URL address

If you are using Windows explorer to access an FTP site you will know that you enter the username and hostname to be taken to the relevant site i.e. ftp:// username@hostname/. You would then be prompted for your password which you would enter into a dialogue box.

However, there is a short cut you can use to take you straight into the directory by just adding or clicking URL. The structure of this is as follows :

ftp:// username : password@hostname/

Although, this is a time saver it does have its dangers with regard to security. For example, the password will be visible in plain text and the username and password can be retrieved from your explorer/browser history if someone else accesses your pc.