Keeping track of multiple Windows XP computers with BGInfo

by Greg Shultz | Jan 10, 2007 8:00:00 AM

Tags: PRODUCTIVITY, Greg Shultz, BGInfo, Microsoft Windows XP, computer, Microsoft Windows, Windows XP Tips Newsletter

Takeaway: Working with multiple Windows XP computers from the same screen? Clear up potential confusion by using BGInfo, or Background Information. Greg Shultz explains the benefits of this free program.

Do you regularly work with multiple computers using a Keyboard Video Mouse (KVM) switch? If so, you know that it is very easy to get confused about which computer you currently have on the screen. Of course, you can find out on your own, but doing so takes several steps and can be distracting—especially if you're in the middle of an important or lengthy task.

Fortunately, there's a solution in a program called simply BGInfo, which is short for Background Information. When Microsoft acquired Sysinternals, they also acquired a whole library of cool little utilities that fall along the line of Microsoft's own PowerToys and BGInfo is one of them.

Once installed, BGInfo displays relevant information about a computer on the desktop's background. For example, you can configure BGInfo to display the computer name, IP address, service pack version, boot time, amount of free space, and much more. You can even choose the font and background color.

You can download BGInfo from Microsoft's TechNet site. You'll also find detailed instructions on how to install and use BGInfo.

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Print/View all Posts Comments on this article

been using this a lot Wyrmlord | 01/11/07

BGInfo damien.hayes@... | 01/11/07

Not automated, but close tom@... | 01/11/07

Automation for BGinfo wirrel@... | 01/16/07

GPO cyberjunkie21 | 01/14/07

how to consolidate the data aazencott@... | 01/11/07

SQL Database cyberjunkie21 | 01/14/07

Win2k3 compatibility? ccolantonio@... | 01/11/07

See MS's site james@... | 01/11/07

Yep, works fine... morristl@... | 01/15/07

like "inventory" aazencott@... | 01/12/07

Good Utility larora2 | 01/11/07

BGInfo works great smartin@... | 01/11/07

a great visual IP config check Rob Schmidt | 01/11/07

BGINFO is not all that useful rsmmail04-tech1@... | 01/12/07

Read it again..... dlragsdale@... | 01/12/07

Read my posts cyberjunkie21 | 01/14/07

BGINFO is not all that useful rsnod@... | 01/14/07

What? morristl@... | 01/15/07

Old story pmshah@... | 03/14/07