What is, and what is, the function of a text editor?

A text editor is software that allows you to enter, change, store and print text (characters and numbers). Usually, the text editor provides a default empty screen that we can fill with text, line by line. In a text editor you can only insert unformatted text instead of formatted text in a word processor. These programs allow special functions such as bold, italics and various text sizes and fonts.

The editor displays only the characters visible in the file. In contrast, word processors add special formatting characters that are not visible in the document. Consequently, the editor accepts only plain text and does not allow the user to format that text, add images or tables.

Its most common functions include the ability to cut, paste and copy text. Additionally, it is possible to create a bulleted list, adjust the text to the next line and undo or redo the last command typed. In some cases, they may offer more advanced options, such as the ability to configure macros. Even add keyboard shortcuts to edit the source code.

Today, text editors are used to create computer programs. Other functions include editing the source code of programming languages, editing HyperText Markup Language (HTML), creating web pages or web design templates. Nowadays, this type of software is used more for programming purposes, rather than for creating documents, as was done in the past.

Best Text Editors as an alternative to Notepad

We have already said that Notepad is a very basic text editor. Therefore, let’s look at similar options but with additional functions.

Notepad++, a great Notepad alternative

It is undoubtedly one of the most popular options for editing and viewing text files. It is certainly a serious alternative to Notepad. Furthermore, it is a free software, which is increasingly used for editing programming codes. Indeed, it supports several of these, such as Pascal, C, C++, Ada, Java, Perl, etc. We can also extend its number of functions through plugins that it supports.

It also has interesting editing tools such as large text editing and simultaneous editing. It also includes customizable hotkeys, search for text in all files in a folder, bookmark files, etc. NotePad++ is a very lightweight application, weighing only 5 MB. It is available for free from its web page.

AkelPad, simple and basic text editor

This alternative is a simple and basic editor. In fact, it is similar to notepad. However, it has a number of useful and much requested features that are not included by default in the original Notepad.

This software has several view types and different interface modes, so we can choose the one we like the most. It supports drag-and-drop, so you can open files in any view or interface and move documents from one to another. It also has a very useful feature. In fact, the possibility to split the window into 1, 2 or 4 parts, being able to view up to 4 documents at the same time. In addition, we can select the content by lines or columns. It even supports Unicode characters and allows us to assign different colors to the text. Finally, it is available for free from here.

OSD note, with semi-transparent interface

This program may not be as well known as others, but it is certainly attractive. It stands out for being lightweight and portable, so it does not require installation to work. With it, we will be able to create and edit plain text without formatting. However, something that makes it stand out is that it has a semitransparent interface. Thanks to this we will be able to take notes while we work, read documents or perform any other task with our PC.

In addition, it is a tool that in operation is always kept at the top, which avoids distractions. It also includes the functions common to any editor. For example, copy, paste, increase or decrease the font size, underline, add bold, toggle transparency or reset everything to default values. The notes are saved in RTF format, being compatible with word processors such as Microsoft Word, WordPad, among others. OSD note is a free and open-source program, available here.

QOwnNotes, for writing plain text notes without formatting

This is an open source, cross-platform, lightweight and free text editor. With it, you will be able to take all kinds of plain text notes without formatting. These notes can be enriched with the possibility of formatting them, adding images, tables, links and other elements. It also allows you to organize them using folders and subfolders so that they can be linked between them, thus obtaining a cleaner structure.

Another notable feature includes the ability to use text files without importing them and customizable keyboard shortcuts. It also features note encryption in AES 256 format and support for spell checking. In addition to support for various scripts as well as an online repository where you can install scripts within the application. QOwnNotes has a simple and intuitive interface, so it is oriented to all types of users. Just download it from here.

Okay, so we have seen the best alternatives to Notepad. Best of all, they are free and lightweight options. It’s up to you to choose the option that best suits your needs. Stay tuned for more software news. See you soon!

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What is the Host file and how to modify it in Windows 10.

Before proceeding further, it is necessary to define the Hosts file. In simple words, it is a file that stores important information. This information is of capital influence for the system. As its name indicates, it configures the hosts and domain names. Which will be assigned to the corresponding IP addresses. Consequently, it enables or disables Internet access to those websites. In addition, it is a practical solution for changing DNS servers. Beyond the information provided by the internet provider. Therefore, it is an essential file for the security of the system.

First, we will see how to access this file. The first option I propose to you is through the file explorer. With this in mind, press Win+E and then paste the following address:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc

Another option is through the execute command. With this in mind, press the combination and paste the following text:

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc

This action will take you directly to the location of the Hosts file.

How to modify the Hosts file in Windows

We have several options to modify this file. Besides, all of them are functional. Just select the one that best suits your needs.

Copying the Hosts file.

• Copy the Hosts file to another drive
• Open the copied file in Notepad
• Edit the file as desired and select Save
• Overwrite the original Hosts file with the edited file

Using notepad with administrator rights.

• Open Notepad with administrator rights.

• Once there, go to the address we have indicated and open the file.
• Make the necessary modifications and save the file.

Editing the Hosts file with third-party tools.

• Download and install the Host File Editor software from this link
• Once it has been installed, open the program and enter the site address
• The site(s) you have added will be blocked, unless you later delete them.

Very well, in the last instance, we have seen how to modify the Hosts file in Windows 10. As you can see, a tool to improve the security of the system. See you soon!

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Paint for Windows will finally be headed to the Microsoft Store

In 2017 it was rumored that Paint would finally be removed from Windows. This would happen with the arrival of the Fall Creators Update. However, after complaints from the community, Microsoft backed off. Therefore, it announced that the app would be headed to the Windows Store. In order to receive updates and improvements from there. But we already know that this did not happen. In fact, Paint was offered as an optional feature. Finally, Microsoft Paint will be available for free from the Windows Store. In addition, it will receive updates through the store in future versions of Windows 10. However, it is not yet known if it will continue to be developed, or if they will focus on Paint 3D.

Obviously, since it is a downloadable app from the store, it can be uninstalled. Just go to Windows Settings>Apps>Optional Features and from there uninstall it. Once uninstalled, it can still be restored. From the same Optional Features window. Or simply by downloading it from the store. Like Notepad, Paint will be moved to the Accessories folder of the Start menu. We think this is the logical evolution of this type of apps. Despite their age, they are still widely used. So now you know, Microsoft Paint will be targeted at the Microsoft Store. Bye!

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Changing windows font.

The default font in Windows 10 is Segoe UI and it is the one that we are going to change. It is important to realize that this method implies to modify the windows registry and always, I repeat, we always must to make a backup of it. If you do not how to do that, please check our tutorial. So, let is do it. In the first place, we need to write in search bar themes in order to select themes and related settings

In the windows are the variety of fonts installed in the system. We can choose any font we like by noting the exact name of the font. In this particular case, we select Candara font.

Then, open Notepad and copy and paste the following registry code into the text file:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Fonts]
"Segoe UI (TrueType)"=""
"Segoe UI Bold (TrueType)"=""
"Segoe UI Bold Italic (TrueType)"=""
"Segoe UI Italic (TrueType)"=""
"Segoe UI Light (TrueType)"=""
"Segoe UI Semibold (TrueType)"=""
"Segoe UI Symbol (TrueType)"=""

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\FontSubstitutes]

"Segoe UI"="Candara"

Please remember, I select Candara font, for that reason, it was written on the notepad, but if you need another font, just replace it in the last name for your font of choice.

Next, proceed to go to File / Save as and there, we select the option “All files”, assign any name to the file with the .reg extension, an click save. Now, we need to double-click in new .reg file to merge into the registry. A warning window will appear, click yes

A confirmation message will appear.

Restart the system to apply the changes made.

How to restore Windows 10 fonts to their original state

If we want Windows to have the original appearance we should do the following. Open Notepad, and write this:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Fonts]
"Segoe UI (TrueType)"="segoeui.ttf"
"Segoe UI Black (TrueType)"="seguibl.ttf"
"Segoe UI Black Italic (TrueType)"="seguibli.ttf"
"Segoe UI Bold (TrueType)"="segoeuib.ttf"
"Segoe UI Bold Italic (TrueType)"="segoeuiz.ttf"
"Segoe UI Emoji (TrueType)"="seguiemj.ttf"
"Segoe UI Historic (TrueType)"="seguihis.ttf"
"Segoe UI Italic (TrueType)"="segoeuii.ttf"
"Segoe UI Light (TrueType)"="segoeuil.ttf"
"Segoe UI Light Italic (TrueType)"="seguili.ttf"
"Segoe UI Semibold (TrueType)"="seguisb.ttf"
"Segoe UI Semibold Italic (TrueType)"="seguisbi.ttf"
"Segoe UI Semilight (TrueType)"="segoeuisl.ttf"
"Segoe UI Semilight Italic (TrueType)"="seguisli.ttf"
"Segoe UI Symbol (TrueType)"="seguisym.ttf"
"Segoe MDL2 Assets (TrueType)"="segmdl2.ttf"
"Segoe Print (TrueType)"="segoepr.ttf"
"Segoe Print Bold (TrueType)"="segoeprb.ttf"
"Segoe Script (TrueType)"="segoesc.ttf"
"Segoe Script Bold (TrueType)"="segoescb.ttf"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\FontSubstitutes]

"Segoe UI"=-

We save this file with the extension .reg. After this, we will double click on it, accept the warning messages and restart the system so that the changes are effective.

As has been noted, the way of change windows font is a little complicated, but it worth it in order to have a different Windows.

If fonts present in Windows 10 are not enough, you can download more variety from here.

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