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....
Vista Articles
Cannot Connect to Wireless Router
I ran into a very odd problem with a public WiFi hotspot recently. I learned from it something I didn't know about Windows Vista and Windows 7: their default configuration settings don't work with older wireless networking equipment. Fortunately, there is a fix. Here are the symptoms I encountered and the solutions I found...
...Recovery Disc for Windows Vista or Windows 7
When you buy a new PC these days, it is rare to receive a bundled CD-ROM or DVD disc containing the Recovery Disc software that you can use to try to repair or reinstall your operating system in the event of a catastrophe. Here's how to create a Recovery disk that you can use when your computer won't boot up normally from the hard drive...
...Repair Vista or Windows 7
A hard drive glitch, virus, or other data catastrophe can delete or damage critical system files in any operating system. Windows Vista and Windows 7 offer new repair procedures not found in earlier versions of Windows. Here are a couple ways to attempt repairs of Vista and Windows 7 installations without having to reformat and reinstall Windows from scratch...
...Upgrading to Windows 7
Will I be able to upgrade my XP system to Windows 7? I'm hoping I don't have to upgrade to Vista in
order to install Windows 7. What's the scoop?
Windows 7 is Coming
Windows 7 does not sleep... it waits. Will the eagerly awaited successor to Vista be a winner in the marketplace? Read on for a preview of what to expect in Windows 7...
...Make Vista Look Like XP
I just got Windows Vista, after using XP for many years. Frankly, I'm not crazy about the Vista look and feel... are there some tweaks I can use to make Vista look more like XP?
...Vista ReadyBoost
What exactly does ReadyBoost do? Is it the same as adding RAM, or is it more like a disk cache? I've read varying reports as to whether or not it really boosts performance on Vista or Windows 7. What do you know about ReadyBoost?
...Disable Vista UAC
I'm getting popups on Vista saying Windows needs your permission to continue. Is this spyware or something I need to deal with? If it's part of Vista, can I turn this annoying 'feature' off?
...Vista SP1 - Do You Need It?
I've heard that Microsoft just released Vista SP1, a package of updates that will make Vista run faster. Should I install it? If so, how do I get Vista SP1?
...Vista to XP Downgrade
Windows Vista was launched with much fanfare and was touted as the operating system for a new generation with a slick graphical interface and many new features. But the reaction to Vista has been mostly lukewarm, and many customers are looking for a way to downgrade from Vista to Windows XP.
...Upgrade to Vista?
I'm confused about upgrading to Windows Vista. There are so many options, prices, and new features. Which ones are really important, and is Vista ready for prime time?
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