June 17, 2013 -
Do It Yourself
I love getting email from readers saying that I helped
them fix their problems. I also love getting email saying they fixed
their problems themselves, and telling me how. This week, two problems I
didn’t even know were out there and how to fix them, plus bonus tip from
another reader. Keep those emails coming!
[R E A D M O R E]
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June 10, 2013 -
How Did You Do That?
Sometimes when I’m working on a computer my customer will
stop me and say, “How did you do that?” I’m always surprised that the
things I do amaze people, but they do. (And I can be just as amazed by
people who do routine things like clean a battery terminal to get my car
started, as the nice young gentleman from BCAA will attest.) Here are
two things you can easily do to make your life a little easier.
[R E A D M O R E]
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June 3, 2013 -
What is is with Windows Live Mail?
The weakest email program ever from Microsoft has to be
the Mail “app” on Windows 8. The most annoying email program from
Microsoft has to be Windows Live Mail. It has a mind of its own.
[R E A D M O R E]
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May 27, 2013 -
Solved!
In the last few weeks I’ve visited lots of customers
whose computers were working pretty well, but there was just one little
thing that was driving them crazy. Some detective work was required to
solve the problems. Maybe something here will help you if you find your
computer building a mystery [R E A D M O R E]
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May 20, 2013 -
Please Hold
Have you ever had to wait on hold for a long time? Have
you ever gotten bored? Even those of us who provide tech support have to
wait on hold for tech support sometimes. Or the cable company. Or the
phone company. This week: three websites to help you pass the time on
hold. [R E A D M O R E]
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May 13, 2013 -
What's the Difference?
Add-ons, plugins and extensions. Browsers and search
engines. Are these things the same? Should we accept the updates when
they’re offered? [R E A D M O R E]
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May 6, 2013 - Hey, you! Get off my lawn!
When it comes to Windows --- any version of Windows ---
some of the built-in “features” make me feel downright curmudgeonly.
Here’s how to turn off a pair of the most annoying things Windows does.
[R E A D M O R E]
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April 29, 2013 -
Q and A
This week’s column answers three questions that have come
up in the last couple of weeks. Learn how to find out if a website is
safe, spot a hoax, and open more than one Explorer window at a time.
[R E A D M O R E]
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April 22, 2013 -
Picture This
People are clamouring for a decent Windows 8 photo app.
But it’s not just Windows users who need to deal with photos. Whether
you’re using Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista or XP, there’s something in
this week’s column for you. [R E A D M O R E]
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April 15, 2013 -
How Did That Get In There?
Often when I clean malicious software from a customer’s
PC, I find toolbars, search engines and assorted unnecessary and
unwanted programs. My customers almost always ask, “How did that get in
there?” which is a good question. Another good question is, “What can I
do to keep that from happening again?”
There is no foolproof way to keep unwanted programs from getting on your
computer, but there are a few easy, worthwhile things you can do to keep
the number of times this happens down to a minimum, and things you can
do to recover from the problems if something does get past you.
[R E A D M O R E]
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April 8, 2013 -
Getting Help
When you have a computer problem and you need help, one
way to go about it is to throw your hands in the air and just say "my
computer doesn't work!" You’ll definitely have my full attention. That's
what we're here for, after all.
But if you can calm down a little bit, you might well be able to help
someone help you. Ask yourself a few simple questions and make a note of
the answers.
[R E A D M O R E]
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April 1, 2013 -
Great Stuff
Sometimes it’s not enough fun setting up new computers
for my customers. Sometimes I just have to get a new computer for
myself. And I did! But just like any major purchase, it’s ever so
important to accessorize. Here’s some great stuff I found to go with my
brand new Prima Aprilis notebook. [R E A D M O R E]
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March 25, 2013 -
Things Should Be Simple
Einstein is quoted as having said, "Everything should be
made as simple as possible, but no simpler." I’m often quoted as having
said, “You’re not kidding!” Keep reading to find out how simple it is to
arrange stuff on your desktop the way you like it, print from a Windows
8 modern app, and resurrect the online form you were filling out when
your browser crashed. [R E A D M O R E]
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March 18, 2013 -
Windows Live Messenger Shutting Down
Windows Live Messenger will soon cease to exist. You can
use Skype and keep your contacts. Also, some Windows 8 users have
experienced a problem with Windows Live Photo Gallery. But…there is a
simple fix. [R E A D M O R E]
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March 11, 2013 -
Update Your Avast and Tweak Your Firefox
The new version of Avast! antivirus offers excellent
protection and includes a couple of interesting tools. Firefox might
need some tweaking to make the fonts look right.
[R E A D M O R E]
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March 4, 2013 -
One Size Does Not Fit All
Whatever your version of Windows, you can customize it so
that you can see things better. This week: Three ways to get your
Windows looking good.
[R E A D M O R E]
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February 25, 2013 -
What's New
This week: Firefox gets better, Outlook.com gets out of
beta, and I get my Google back. [R E A D M O R E]
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February 18, 2013 -
Make Your Life A Little Easier
Things are a lot easier when you keep your passwords
handy, use a new awesome utility. And I have the correct link to a
utility mentioned in last week’s column.
[R E A D M O R E]
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February 11, 2013 -
Just For Fun
Enough of the dire warnings for now. If you want dire
warnings, have a look at the preceding columns. Today is just for fun.
[R E A D M O R E]
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February 4, 2013 -
Backing Up Your Files Is Easy!
Backing up your files is easy. It really is. You should
be doing it. Also, you can get around Windows 8 without your hand
cramping up from trying to use a mouse.
[R E A D M O R E]
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January 28, 2013 -
Ransomware Holds Your Computer Hostage
Have you heard of Ransomware? You don’t want it. But if
you get it, don’t pay the ransom!
[R E A D M O R E]
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January 21, 2013 -
Do You Need Java?
Many of you heard about the warning to disable Java or
uninstall it. This week I’ll try to sort out the situation for you.
[R E A D M O R E]
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January 14, 2013 -
Grab Bag
Three unrelated items this week: First, more reader
feedback about last week’s reader feedback. Then, a reminder about
iTunes on a computer you’re giving away or recycling. Finally, how to
get your Google back in Windows 8.
[R E A D M O R E]
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January 7, 2013 -
Reader Feedback
Thank you to everyone who sends in questions and
comments. I appreciate the feedback, and I love knowing what interests
readers of this column. Keep them coming. This week: How to insert
special characters in an email or other document, how to “undo” a
too-thorough cleaning, and a pointer on registry cleaners.
[R E A D M O R E]
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