Computer Tricks and Secrets

Short answer: type .LOG (uppercase, on the very first line) in a plain Notepad file and save it, from then on, every time you open that file, Notepad automatically adds the current date and time and puts the cursor below it. It turns Notepad into a zero-effort dated diary or log. Here is how, plus a few other genuinely useful Notepad tricks. Make the auto-dated log Open Notepad and type this as the first line exactly (capital letters, with the dot): .LOG Save the file (anywhere, name it "Diary.txt" for example). Close it, then open it again, Notepad automatically writes today's date and time at the bottom. Type your entry, save, and repeat. Every open adds a fresh timestamp. It is perfect for a quick daily journal, a work log, or tracking anything by date without any app. Why this beats a fancy app for logging .LOG file Benefit Plain text Opens on any device, forever No app, no account Nothing to install or sign into Tiny file Easy to back up or ...

Short answer: a popular Notepad batch script can hide and "lock" a folder behind a password for casual privacy. It is a fun trick that stops a nosy sibling or coworker, but it is NOT real security, the files are recoverable. For anything genuinely private, use encryption. Here is the trick and, more importantly, the safe alternative. The Notepad folder-lock script Open Notepad and paste this script (change YOURPASSWORD to your own): cls @ECHO OFF title Folder Locker if EXIST "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}" goto UNLOCK if NOT EXIST Locker goto MDLOCKER :CONFIRM echo Lock the folder? (Y/N) set/p "cho=>" if %cho%==Y goto LOCK if %cho%==N goto END :LOCK ren Locker "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}" attrib +h +s "Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}" echo Folder locked goto End :UNLOCK echo Enter password to unlock set/p "pass=>" if NOT %pass%==YOURPASSWORD g...

Short answer: Notepad has a few genuinely useful hidden features, the built-in .LOG auto-timestamp, handy shortcuts, and encoding control, that most people never use. Here are the tricks worth knowing, plus when to switch to a more powerful free editor for bigger jobs. The auto-timestamp log trick Turn Notepad into an instant journal or log: Open Notepad, type .LOG (in capitals) on the very first line, and save the file. Every time you open that file after, Notepad automatically adds the current date and time on a new line. Just type your entry and save, a timestamped log with no effort. Great for a quick diary, work log, or notes with times. Insert the time and date manually Press F5 anywhere in Notepad to insert the current date and time at the cursor. Fast for timestamping a note without the .LOG setup. Useful shortcuts and features Feature How Insert date/time F5 Word wrap Format > Word Wrap (fit text to window) Go to a line Ctrl+G Find and replace Ctr...