Recent Comments
Comment by BobD on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (October 7, 2025 10:52 PM)
This is really packed with useful links and information. I Bookmarked this so I can pass it on to my friends. Thanks for the article! Bob D. ...
Comment by Gary on Time to Switch from Windows to Linux? (October 7, 2025 01:27 AM)
I don't understand all of the drama about Win 10 support ending! I have pcs and laptops with Win 95, XP, Vista, Win7, Win7 Pro, Win10 Pro, Win 11 and...
Comment by Catherine on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (October 5, 2025 01:14 AM)
On the subject of security software, I used Avast happily for several years until its increasing nagging became intolerable. Then I found that AVG cam...
Comment by Wolf! on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (October 4, 2025 11:42 PM)
Great article! Yes! Security software is important, and I like how the article emphasizes removing the McAfee and other bloatware. This is exactly wha...
Comment by peter on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (October 4, 2025 01:15 PM)
bob, you did not say anything about windows 11 S mode...
Comment by AstridR on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (October 4, 2025 06:08 AM)
As Mac user and long term Bob Rankin subscriber, I never cease to marvel at the Windows/Microsoft etc machinations that you reveal. Currently am usin...
Comment by Jeri on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (October 3, 2025 07:42 PM)
Enable System Protection by typing CREATE A RESTORE POINT in the search box on the Taskbar, Configure: choose how much of the hard drive to devote. Th...
Comment by Jon on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (October 3, 2025 06:50 PM)
Thank you yet again Bob! Just downsized my computer after a critical crash - physical dropped to hard floor.... I've been trying to remember which c...
Comment by hill on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (October 3, 2025 06:06 PM)
Also turn off Bitlocker encryption. I've seen it cause frequent problems and even total data loss whenever there are login password issues. If you don...
Comment by cropduster on Your Computer's Worst Enemy (Cows, Bees, or...?) (September 26, 2025 12:18 AM)
Tried Fanny for my Mac. The app didn't open, so absolutely nothing! Plus, there is no way to contact the developer....
Audio Articles
Try VLC: A Better Media Player
Do you like to play music, videos, CDs or DVDs on your computer or mobile device? Are you frustrated with the limitations of iTunes or Windows Media Player? Tired of having to convert audio or video formats? Here comes VLC Media Player to the rescue! Read on…
...[HOWTO] Convert Vinyl Records to CD or MP3
For seasoned audio purists, nothing compares to good old-fashioned analog recordings on vinyl LP records. But those old records are fragile... here's a step-by-step guide to help you convert vinyl to CD disc or MP3 files so you can enjoy them for years to come...
...[LEGAL?] Record Streaming Video and Music
It’s great to watch a favorite movie on Netflix, but if you want to watch it again and again, you’ll have to pay Netflix’s monthly fee again and again. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could record that movie (or tunes from Spotify) for infinite offline enjoyment, free of further charges? It's possible, but is it permissible? Read on for the scoop...
...Convert Vinyl Records to CD or MP3
For seasoned audio purists, nothing compares to good old-fashioned analog recordings on vinyl LP records. But those old records are fragile... here's a step-by-step guide to help you convert vinyl to CD disc or MP3 files so you can enjoy them for years to come...
...Convert iTunes to MP3
Is there a way to convert iTunes to MP3? I've purchased a bunch of music from iTunes and enjoy listening to it on my computer. But my portable music player is not an iPod, so I can't take my songs with me. Is there any way I can convert my iTunes music to MP3 format to get around this unfair restriction?
...Free Audio Software
Sometimes it's not enough just to play your music. Audio aficionados and sound professionals can use audio software to dig into sounds, analyze waveforms, edit and remix tunes. Here's a rundown of the best free audio software...
...Speakers for Laptop Or Notebook
Many people use a laptop or notebook computer as their primary computer, eschewing the bulk and immobility of desktop machines. But they also like their music and videos. However, the speakers that come with most portable computers are just a step above terrible. Here are some tips on selecting a set of great portable speakers for your laptop or netbook...
...WAV to MP3 Converter
I have hundreds of WAV audio files that are taking up a lot of hard drive space. Can you recommend a good WAV to MP3 converter that will do the job, preferably free?
...USB Turntables
I want to buy a USB turntable to convert some vinyl record albums to MP3 format. Are there any specific turntables you can recommend?
...DRM Removal
Are you trying to convert iTunes music to MP3 format? Or maybe you have some protected WMA files that you want to convert? There are plenty of good reasons why honest people might want to use a DRM remover to convert their legally purchased DRM-protected music into other formats. Here's how to do it...
...Voice Recognition
Didja ever notice that Captain Kirk never had to fuss with a mouse or keyboard to communicate with the computer on the Star Trek? He simply spoke direct commands at the machine, and the computer complied. Happily, voice recognition technology has moved from the bridge of the Enterprise to your home computer. Here's how to get started with voice computing...
...Rip & Burn Basics
I have a big music collection on CDROM discs. I'd like to get all this music on my computer and burn my own mix CDs. Can you help me get started?
...What is Podcasting?
Hey Bob, what's a podcast? Is this some kind of broadcast just for people with iPods?
...Convert WMA to MP3
I have lots of music in WMA (Windows Media Audio) format but I want to convert it to MP3 for my iPod. How can I convert WMA to MP3?
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