Recent Comments
Comment by Donna Sue Fraley on [WOW] ASCII Artwork - An Internet Treasure (December 21, 2024 07:14 AM)
Ohhhh gosh, how this brought back memories! I was a rider on the Bus when it first came into being! And I do indeed remember when the squirrels starte...
Comment by howard on [WOW] ASCII Artwork - An Internet Treasure (December 21, 2024 02:34 AM)
I remember the days long ago when Steve and Johnnie, were on the overnight show on WGN radio, one day a week he would be on answering callers computer...
Comment by Cheryl C on [WOW] ASCII Artwork - An Internet Treasure (December 20, 2024 10:36 PM)
Patrick's squirrel signature was because squirrels were frequently chewing on the electrical lines into the house interrupting internet access....
Comment by Donna on [WOW] ASCII Artwork - An Internet Treasure (December 20, 2024 08:06 PM)
I'm a bus-rider from way back, too! Thanks so much for this blast from the past; love it!...
Comment by Bryan Hanes on [WOW] ASCII Artwork - An Internet Treasure (December 20, 2024 07:41 PM)
I was a happy rider of the “Internet Tourbus” in the 90’s. I believe that the Squirrels were antagonizing the wiring at the University of Alaba...
Comment by Thom on [WOW] ASCII Artwork - An Internet Treasure (December 20, 2024 07:18 PM)
Wow, is right! This brings back a lot of memories of the early days of the Internet....
Comment by Peppi on The Click That Could Cost You (December 20, 2024 08:01 AM)
Windows 11 home is not build well. Never had any security problems with Windows 10 for 7 years home version. But Windows 11 is easy to crack by phishe...
Comment by Sarah L on 14 Computer Facts That Are Not True (December 20, 2024 05:10 AM)
AdBlocker Plus is not clearing the screen of the ads that come with your post. Did you change what ads you buy? If I cannot block the ads, it is near ...
Comment by John Burrows on The Click That Could Cost You (December 20, 2024 02:35 AM)
Can it be dangerous to scan a QR code?...
Comment by Bob K on The Click That Could Cost You (December 20, 2024 01:18 AM)
Tom wrote: Bob - really like your articles, however I never have liked McAfee, there are much better software out there, ---------------------- Ind...
Windows-10 Articles
How Many Windows Keyboard Shortcuts Have You Tried?
Windows 10 and 11 keyboard shortcuts can save time, wrist motions, and for some people, carpal tunnel pain. Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of two or more keys (or a key and a mouse button) that, when pressed simultaneously, perform a task that would normally require moving the mouse around, clicking, and possibly navigating sub-menus. There's even a useful super-secret keystroke that very few people know! Here are some keyboard shortcuts you should know, and try for yourself...
...Forgot Your Windows 10 Password? Here's the Solution
You forgot your Windows 10 login password? Or maybe you 'inherited' a Windows 10 computer and you can't log in. There's hope, but resetting a forgotten password for a Windows 10 PC can be complicated by several factors. In this article, I’ll show you how to create a Password Reset disk as a preventive measure, and also how to reset your password if you don’t have the disk. Let's dig in...
...Check Out These Windows 10 Security Settings
Recent versions of Windows 10 have security features built in that are designed to identify threats, eliminate vulnerabilities and make it harder for hackers and cybercriminals to do their dirty work. Let's take a look at the Windows 10 Security Center, and explore all the features and settings there. Read on…
...[HOWTO] Recover a Deleted File on Windows 10
'Oh no... I didn't mean to delete that file!' It happens to everyone... it could be a stray mouse click, a senior moment, or fumbling fingers. And the document, spreadsheet, or photo you just spent hours creating or editing is gone. Or maybe not. Fortunately, 'deleted' doesn't necessarily mean 'gone forever' on Windows 10. Here are some things to try when you want to recover a deleted file…
...OH NO… It’s the Blue Screen of Death (Windows 10)
Fans of Windows XP may differ, but I believe that Windows 10 is the most stable version of the operating system to date. Still, it's not unheard of to see the dreaded Blue Screen of Death suddenly pop up. It's usually a warning of a major problem in your system and should not be ignored. Here's what to do if you encounter the Blue Screen of Death on Windows 10…
...Try These Handy Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts can save time, wrist motions, and for some people, carpal tunnel pain. Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of two or more keys (or a key and a mouse button) that, when pressed simultaneously, perform a task that would normally require moving the mouse around, clicking, and possibly navigating sub-menus. There's even a secret keystroke that very few people know! Here are some keyboard shortcuts you should know…
...Best Time to Make a Windows 10 Recovery Drive?
What is the best time to prepare for a data disaster? When everything's working just fine, of course. Unfortunately, many people don’t take the time to create a System Recovery Drive for their Windows 10 systems until AFTER they really need it. Here are the steps to make a bootable USB recovery drive; I hope you will follow them right now, if you have not done so already...
...Windows 10 – Finding Help
What should you do when you have a problem with Windows 10? Today I was surprised (or perhaps reminded) to learn that Windows 10 has a built-in app to help you learn more about using it, and connect you with Microsoft when you need help from a real person. Read on to learn about the Help app...
...Safe Mode: Your Windows 10 Bomb Shelter
Safe Mode has been an important troubleshooting tool for Windows since the operating system’s debut. With Windows 10, Safe Mode got a major upgrade, with new features that make it more powerful than ever. Read on to learn about them and new ways to access Safe Mode in Win 10…
...[Windows 10 Tip] - The Windows Store
Apple has their App Store, Google has Google Play, and there's Amazon Appstore. All of the big dogs in the online world want you to download your software, games, books, music, and movies from their own 'ecosystem.' Microsoft was slow to adopt the 'store' concept, but the Microsoft Store seems to have reached critical mass. Here's what you need to know...
...Windows 10 Tip: Try Task View and Virtual Desktops
If you juggle a bunch of tasks on your Windows desktop, two features unique to Windows 10 can help you stay organized. They are Task View and Virtual Desktops. Let's take a look at each, and how they can help you be more productive...
...Windows 10: Did You Know...?
I've been using Windows 10 for a while, but I'm always finding new things features that are worth sharing. Some will improve security or privacy. Others will save you time or trouble. Here are few tips and tricks you should know about if you're using Windows 10...
...Windows 10 Hard Drive Cleanup
A computer is much like a car in one respect: both tend to accumulate junk in hard-to-reach places. Cleaning out your car can be a messy, sweaty job with plenty of opportunities for back injuries. Cleaning out a PC is a more civilized affair, and Windows 10 makes it easier. Here's what you need to know...
...Afraid To Edit Your Registry? Don’t Be...
In many tech troubleshooting articles you’ll find a way to fix a problem that involves “editing the Windows registry.” There’s always a dire warning attached, along the lines of, “Do not attempt to edit the registry unless you know what you’re doing! One wrong registry edit can render your machine unusable!” That's true, but with a bit of caution, you can safely edit the registry. (Just beware of the hives.) Here's what you need to know...
...[Windows 10 Tip] - Security Settings
Windows 10 has new security features built in that are designed to eliminate vulnerabilities and make it harder for hackers and cybercriminals to exploit. Let's take a look at the Windows 10 Security Center, and explore all the features and settings there. Read on...
...Make a Windows 10 Recovery Drive, NOW
What is the best time to prepare for a disaster? When everything's going just fine, of course. Unfortunately, many people don’t take the time to create a System Recovery Drive for their Windows 10 systems until AFTER they really need it. Here are the steps to make a bootable USB recovery drive; I hope you will follow them right now, if you have not done so already...
...Forgot Windows 10 Password? Here's How to Reset It
So you forgot your Windows 10 login password? Or maybe you 'inherited' a Windows 10 computer and you can't log in. There's hope, but resetting a forgotten password for a Windows 10 PC can be complicated by several factors. I this article, I’ll show you how to create a Password Reset disk as a preventive measure, and also how to reset your password if you don’t have one. Let's dig in...
...Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts are handy combinations of two or more keys (or a key and a mouse button) that, when pressed simultaneously, perform a task that would normally require moving the mouse around, clicking, and possibly navigating sub-menus. Windows keyboard shortcuts save time, wrist motions, and for some people, carpal tunnel pain. There's even a secret keystroke that very few people know! Here are some keyboard shortcuts you should know...
...Recovering Deleted Files on Windows 10
'Wait... I didn't mean to delete that file!' It happens to everyone... a stray mouse click or fumbling fingers, and the document or spreadsheet you just spent hours creating is gone. Or maybe not. Here are some things to try when you want to recover a deleted file...
...Blue Screen of Death on Windows 10
Windows 10 is the most stable version of the operating system to date. Still, it's not unheard of to see the dreaded Blue Screen of Death suddenly pop up. It's a serious warning of a major problem in your system and should not be ignored. Here's what to do if you encounter the Blue Screen of Death on Windows 10...
...Try System Restore for Windows 10
Sometimes Windows suddenly starts to misbehave for reasons unknown. You could spend hours tracking down the subtle change that caused the problem, or you could climb into your time machine and go back to an earlier, pleasanter time when everything worked perfectly. That latter option is possible with the System Restore feature in Windows 10. Here's how it works...
...Yes, You Can Still Get Windows 10 For Free
January 14 2020 is the 'end of support' date for Windows 7. The last 'official' day to get a free upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 was July 29, 2016. Many of us chose to let that opportunity pass, for a variety of reasons. Maybe you saw no need to upgrade, maybe it was reports of bugs in the new OS, or perhaps you just got busy and missed the deadline. Or did you? Now, over three years later, there is still a path to upgrade your Windows 7 computer to Windows 10 for free. I tried it, and successfully upgraded a Windows 7 computer. Here's the scoop...
...Try These Windows 10 Tips and Tricks
The latest versions of Windows 10 are chock-full of handy new features that are worth exploring. Some will improve security or privacy. Others will save you time or trouble. Here are few tips and tricks you should know about if you're using Windows 10...
...[FIFTEEN] Windows 10 Features You Didn't Know About
Windows 10 has been here since July 2015, and hundreds of millions are using it. Yet there are still many new and useful features in Windows 10 that most people don’t know about. Here are some of the most useful, interesting, or at least amusing ones...
...Delay the Windows 10 Spring 2019 Update?
This year’s first major feature update to Windows 10 (Version 1903) is expected to arrive in April. Microsoft allows some customers to delay major updates for up to one year. Are you among those chosen ones? Should you postpone major updates or let them happen on schedule? Read on to learn the answers to these and other burning questions about how to defer the Windows 10 Spring update...
...Windows 10 Safe Mode: The Easy Way
The Safe Mode of Windows should be seeing a lot less use these days. After all, Windows 10 is the most trouble-free operating system of all time. Right? Who needs Safe Mode? Actually, you do. Everyone needs Safe Mode, eventually. Here's the 'secret' easy way to boot your computer in Safe Mode…
...[WARNING] Don't Click This Button!
By now, you probably know that the launch of October’s Fall Update of Windows 10 (formally called version 1809) was such a disaster that Microsoft took the unprecedented step of halting the update’s gradual roll-out. What you may not know is that Microsoft now urges Windows users not to force the update upon their PCs by using the “Check for updates” function in Windows Update. The reason for that warning is utterly scandalous. Read on...
...Grab October Windows 10 Update Now Or Wait?
The October 2018 Windows 10 Update (to version 1809) is rolling out now. Should you grab it, wait for it, or dodge it as long as possible? Here's what you need to know...
...Hey Ghost Administrator, It's MY Computer!
Have you ever tried to change a setting in Windows 10 only to be told, “Some Settings Are Managed By Your Organization” and have permission to change them denied? It’s happened to me and I was pretty miffed. My dumb computer thought that some mysterious “organization” was more powerful than I, its lord and sole master? Here's how to solve that problem…
...Windows 10 Spring Update - Embrace Or Delay?
The year’s first of two major feature updates to Windows 10 will occur in April (the second will come in November). Microsoft allows some customers to delay major updates for up to a year. Are you among those chosen ones? Should you postpone major updates or let them happen on schedule? Read on to learn the answers to these and other burning questions about Windows 10 Spring and Fall updates...
...[HELP] Windows 10 Can't Install Important Updates
A reader named Louise wrote to me saying her Windows 10 installation was not updating properly. 'Every day my computer tries to install a Windows 10 update, and it fails every time, with an error 0X80248007. Any suggestions that will help me?' Yes, read on for the solution...
...The Lowest Price for Windows 10?
Recently, I checked up on the two methods for getting Windows 10 for free that I described in a February 2017 article. Today, 13 months later, both methods are obsolete. So the next best thing, if you want to buy Windows 10, would be how to get the best price. Read on for the answer, and my warning about some sticky situations regarding the Windows 10 license key scam…
...[Windows 10 Tip #5] - The Windows Store
Apple has the App Store, Google has Google Play, and there's Amazon Appstore. All of the big dogs in the online world want you to download your software, games, books, music, and movies from their own 'ecosystem.' Microsoft was slow to adopt the 'store' concept, but the Microsoft Store seems to have reached critical mass. Here's what you need to know...
...[Windows 10 Tip #4] - Cortana: Friend or Foe?
Cortana, Microsoft’s version of a “personal digital assistant,” is something you either love or hate. To some, Cortana is a useful productivity tool, and to others it’s a creepy, intrusive nuisance like Clippy, the prototypical “intelligent assistant” that debuted in Microsoft Office 97 and died a much-celebrated death after Office 2003. This article has tips for both sorts of users…
...[Windows 10 Tip #3] - Where Is Everything?
Last week, I said I would next cover Win 10’s new browser, Edge. I don’t know what I was thinking. Less than 6% of all Web surfers use Edge, and only about 1 in 5 Windows 10 users use it. The only time a typical consumer uses Edge is immediately after installing Win 10, when he needs a browser to download his favorite browser. So for now, let’s ignore Edge and get to a more interesting subject...
...[Windows 10 Tip #2] - Installing Windows 10 (FREE)
This is the second article in a weekly series that explores Windows 10 at a leisurely, low-stress pace. Our first goal was to set up Windows 10 in a dual-boot configuration with Windows 7, so that a user could experiment with Windows 10 without putting all of his/her eggs in that basket. The idea is to reduce anxiety and hesitancy about trying Windows 10, and to prepare everyone for its inevitable takeover of the desktop. Let's jump right in today...
...[Windows 10 Tip] - Dual Boot Setup
This article kicks off a new series of weekly Windows 10 tips, because it’s about time we started getting used to the future of personal computing. Whether we like it or not, Windows 10 is taking over the PC world. If you have already upgraded to Windows 10, you may find in this series help with difficulties that continue to plague you. If you have yet to take the plunge, this series will help you install and learn Windows 10 systematically, without giving up your beloved Windows 7. Read on...
...What (and WHY) is Windows 10 S?
Microsoft has done it again - rolled out a new “paradigm” that makes the whole world say “Why?” The company has released Windows 10 S, a seriously crippled version of its latest operating system. Even stranger, it simultaneously released the long-awaited Surface Laptop with this oddball OS installed on it. Here's what you need to know...
...What Data Does Windows 10 Collect From You?
The Creators Update of Windows 10, which will start rolling out on April 11, 2017, will include changes to the amounts and types of data that Windows 10 collects from your system and transmits to Microsoft. Here is an overview of what you can expect, to help you decide what to allow. Read on…
...[COMING SOON] Windows 10 Updates You May Actually Like
On April 11, 2017, Microsoft will release the third major update to Windows 10. Some of the highlights include an improved Security Center, simplified Privacy Dashboard, enhancements to the Edge browser, and some new and improved apps. Here's what you need to know...
...Can You Still Get Windows 10 For Free?
The last day to get a free upgrade to Windows 10 was July 29, 2016. Many of us chose to let that opportunity pass, following reports of ongoing bugs in the new OS. But now, eight months later, the major bugs in Windows 10 seem to be resolved, and it’s time to upgrade. The question is, can you still upgrade for free?
...Windows 10 Makes Privacy Concessions
Windows 10 has been embroiled in controversy with privacy advocates since the moment it was released in August, 2015. Now, Microsoft is making changes to Win 10 that please privacy advocates overall. But will the changes increase your privacy or make Win 10 even more complicated? Read on…
...New Features of Windows 10 Safe Mode
Safe Mode has been an important troubleshooting part of Windows since the operating system’s debut. With Windows 10, Safe Mode got a major upgrade, with new features that make it more powerful than ever. Read on to learn about them and new ways to access Safe Mode in Win 10...
...Windows 10 - The Missing Pieces
Windows 10 is full of new features and some pretty spiffy native apps. But there’s always room on a hard drive for more apps that Microsoft chose not to include for whatever reason. Here are some of the most useful third-party utilities for Windows 10...
...Fixes For Top Windows 10 Annoyances
As Windows 10 enters its second year, the operating system is accumulating its share of user complaints, just like every previous version. Here are some of the most frequently cited Win 10 annoyances and solutions to them…
...Postpone The Windows 10 Anniversary Update
Microsoft began to roll out the much-anticipated Anniversary Update (AU) of Windows 10 on August 2, 2016. Depending on how old your hardware is, it may be several weeks before the AU is installed on your PC. You may want to postpone that update as long as possible, given the glitches and unwelcome new features in the Anniversary Update. Here's how…
...[WATCH] Free Training Videos for Windows 10
Video tutorials can be a big help for people new to Windows 10, or any other software. There are many amateur Win 10 how-to videos online, but unfortunately, most of them are awful. But I found some that are excellent, and free. If you're having trouble getting acclimated to your new operating system, or you just want to see what's new and different in Windows 10, read on...
...[HOWTO] Install Windows 10 and Keep the Windows You Have Now
The July 29th deadline for claiming your free upgrade to Windows 10 is approaching soon. But many people want to try Windows 10 while retaining the option to go back to their familiar older version (Windows 7 or 8.1). You may have heard about the 30-day “downgrade window" for Windows 10, but today you'll learn how to keep both the old and new versions indefinitely. Read on…
...[TIP] The Windows 10 Secret Microsoft Won't Tell You
Microsoft says July 29, 2016, is the last day to upgrade your Windows 7 or 8 system to Windows 10 free of charge. After July 29, you will have to pay for a retail copy of Windows 10 ($119 for a Home upgrade or $199 for the Pro edition). Most people will eventually upgrade, but what if you're not ready to give up your Windows 7 or 8 system permanently by July 29? Here's a secret to delay the process as long as you want, and still get Win10 for free...
...[SNEAKY] Microsoft is Pushing Windows 10 Hard
Windows 10 debuted a little over 8 months ago, leaving less than 4 months for you to upgrade your Windows 7 or 8 system to Windows 10 free of charge. The exact cutoff date is July 29, 2016. But even if you have decided to stick with one of the older Windows versions, you may soon wake up in the morning to find Windows 10 has taken its place. Here's what you need to know...
...[PREVIEW] What's Next For Windows 10?
My, how time flies! As of today, only 81 days remain to upgrade to Windows 10 free of charge. Also on July 29, the first anniversary of Windows 10’s debut, Microsoft is widely expected to roll out a major update to its flagship operating system. Here's what you need to know…
...[TWEAK] Unwanted Windows 10 Features
Windows 10 comes with a myriad of new features in the core operating system and in standalone apps bundled with it. They can make Win10 confusing for some users; others are leery of features and apps that seem to invade privacy. If you don’t want a feature or app, you can get rid of it in most cases, but not all. Here are some things that many users don’t want and how to get rid of them...
...[SOLVED] Windows 10 Bugs and Fixes
Windows 10 was released to the public on July 29, 2015. It’s seen one major update and dozens of minor bug patches as of November. It still isn’t 100% bug free - just like any other major piece of software with millions of lines of code. Here are some of the most common problems people are encountering with Win 10, and some suggestions for fixing them...
...7 Good Things About Windows 10
Windows 10 has been battered in the trade press lately. While some of the criticism has been justified, much of it is overblown and distorted. The truth is that tens of millions of people are happily using Windows 10. So just to balance things, here are seven good reasons to upgrade your Windows 7 or 8 system to Win 10...
...Windows 10: Ready for Primetime?
The first major update to Windows 10, code-named “Threshold 2” during beta testing, was released on November 16, 2015. It speeds boot-up times, includes updated drivers for thousands of devices, and adds new features to the OS, Edge browser, and Cortana digital assistant. Microsoft is proudly proclaiming Windows 10 is now ready for widespread deployment in businesses, signaling confidence in the platform’s stability. Here's what you need to know...
...How To Undo a Windows 10 Upgrade
Windows 10 has a lot going for it. Improved speed and security, the return of the Start button, and the Edge browser are just a few things I like about the new Windows operating system. But it also has a few rough edges right now. The good news is that Microsoft has provided an “Undo button” for those who've tried Windows 10 and want to go back to what they had before. Here's how it works, and my experience using it...
...Got Windows 10? Do These 5 Things NOW...
Microsoft’s new operating system brings back old Windows 7 favorites like the Start menu, and dispenses with most of the things people hated about Windows 8/8.1. Even better, Win 10 runs faster than previous versions, enough to make a five year-old PC perform better than it did when new. But there are some privacy concerns. Read on to learn how to tweak your settings to maximize privacy...
...How To Get Windows 10 Right Now
Windows 10 has arrived, and for the most part, early adopters are giving it rave reviews. The Windows 8 annoyances are gone, things just seem to work, and many with older PCs say it runs faster after upgrading. If your free upgrade has not yet arrived, read on to learn how to jump-start the process, and how it worked on my aging laptop...
...Is Windows 10 WiFi Sense Nonsense?
A storm of FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) swept the tech media world this month. The rumor is that Windows 10 will include a new feature called WiFi Sense which gives all of your contacts the keys to your WiFi networks. There's a kernel of truth here, but let’s separate facts from fiction…
...Windows 10 is Here, Almost...
It’s time to get serious about Windows 10. Microsoft has announced a firm release date of July 29, 2015. In addition, most systems running Windows 7 or Windows 8 will get Windows 10 for free. So let’s take a look at what home users stand to gain (or lose) by upgrading to the last version of Windows…
...Microsoft Edge: New Browser on the Block
The new browser that will replace Internet Explorer in Windows 10 has been called “Project Spartan” during its earliest development phase. But now it has an official name – “Edge.” At Microsoft’s Build 2015 developer conference, held during the first week of May, the company unveiled Edge completely. Here's what you can expect in the newest web browser...
...Internet Explorer is Dead
Love it or hate it, Internet Explorer has been the king of browsers since it was introduced in 1995. So why is Microsoft planning to replace Internet Explorer? And what new features will its replacement offer? Read on to learn about the browser that Microsoft has code-named Spartan...
...Windows 10 - Will it Be Free?
Will Windows 10 fix everything that was wrong with Windows 8? What new features will be in the Next Big Thing from Microsoft? And will you really get Windows 10 for free? Read on for the scoop…
...Good News: Windows 10 is Coming!
Wait, what happened to Windows 9? No, you didn’t sleep through it, though many users have chosen to sleep through Windows 8. Microsoft chose to skip #9 and call the last major version of their flagship operating system Windows 10. Here's how you can get a sneak peek at what's coming...
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