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....
Windows-8 Articles
Cheap Windows 8 PCs
Earlier this year, Microsoft began to offer a variant of Windows 8.1 to PC vendors at a special, super-secret price that is rumored to be “practically zero.” This “Windows 8.1 with Bing" license has brought a crop of low-cost PCs to the market. Here's the scoop, and what you need to know about the Bing thing...
...3 Ways to Repair Windows 8
If your Windows 8 computer isn't working properly, there are three new tools built into the Windows 8 operating system that you can use to attempt repairs. Read on to learn about Restore, Refresh and Reset...
...Uninstall These Windows Patches NOW!
On August 2, Microsoft began pushing out its monthly bundle of Windows security patches and feature updates via Windows Update. By August 5, hundreds of users’ PCs were failing to boot after being powered off; the infamous Blue Screen of Death appeared. Some tech-savvy users traced the problem to a handful of patches in the August 2 release. On August 15, Microsoft pulled the flawed patches from Windows Update and advised users to uninstall them. Here is what you need to do:
...Crazy Eights? Come on, Microsoft!
Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Update. Even I was confused at first about how they differ, and the mess about 'no more updates unless you install the Update update.' Hopefully, this will clear it all up...
...Switching to Windows 8 Made Easier
A reader asks: 'I really need a new laptop computer, but all of them come with Windows 8 now. I've heard many negative things about Windows 8, but my friend says it's not so bad once you get used to it. Are there any tips or tricks you can share to ease the transition to Windows 8?' Actually yes! Read on for my tips on restoring sanity to Windows 8, and some surprising things you'll actually LIKE in Windows 8...
Chromebook Versus Windows 8
There are signs in the market that Chromebooks are preferred as an alternative to laptops running Windows 8. If you’ve been looking for a new laptop, but don't want the learning curve of Windows 8, you may find a Chromebook is the right choice for you. Read on to learn more...
...Windows 8 Pricing (Plus Other Confusing Facts and Rumors)
Windows 8 is coming to market on October 26, and Microsoft is doing all it can to urge users to upgrade to its radically new operating system. That includes dropping the cost of a Windows 8 Pro upgrade to unprecedented lows. But will the lower price tag be enough to entice people to switch?
...Why NOW is a Good Time to Buy a New PC
If you're currently using Windows XP or Vista, and wondering whether you should buy a new PC with Windows 7 now, or wait for Windows 8 in October, here's my advice...
...Windows 8: Will You Be Pleasantly Surprised?
The run-up to Windows 8's release (tentatively in October) has made everyone nervous -- or excited -- depending on how one feels about radical changes to the world's most popular operating system. As pundits probe the beta versions of Windows 8, surprise features and Microsoft policies are greeted with delight or dismay. Here are some of the current rumors surrounding Windows 8...
...Laptops for Windows 8
My laptop is five years old and still runs XP. I'll be buying a new laptop before summer ends, and I want to make sure it's compatible with Windows 8. Are there any specific features, brands or models you can recommend?
...Download the Free Windows 8 Consumer Preview
On February 29, Microsoft made the beta version of its forthcoming Windows 8 operating system software available to the public. You can download the Windows 8 Consumer Preview for free and install it on a PC or tablet device. Here's what you need to know...
...New Features in Windows 8
Microsoft unveiled Windows 8 at the D9 conference in early June, 2011. CEO Steve Ballmer hints that Windows 8 will be launched in late 2012. The next generation of Windows will be a radical departure from the past for users and software developers. Here is what we know about Windows 8 so far...
...Windows 8 Preview
The development of every new version of Microsoft Windows is accompanied by speculation, hope, and advice for Microsoft. We don't know anything, for sure, about what will be new in Windows 8. But here is what the rumor mill is grinding out right now...
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