by David Hakala
When Windows starts up, it loads many small programs that run “services.” Many of these services are necessary on all computers. Some, such as the fax service, are used heavily by businesses but not by as many home users. Others are used only under the rarest circumstances. But Windows loads these services “just in case” they are needed, and that can degrade performance.
(more…)
by Tina Gasperson
File shortcuts are very handy and efficient ways to locate and open files and applications on your Windows computer. All the items under your Start menu are shortcuts, and a great number of the icons on your desktop are also shortcuts. Did you know that you can create your own custom shortcuts? It is quick, easy, and painless, and will help you to customize your desktop computing experience.
(more…)
by Nathaniel Poor
You may be a dedicated Mac user, but sometimes you might want to run Windows. Maybe because the huge majority of the computers in the world use it and you feel pressured. Maybe there’s an application at work you would like to run at home. For some reason, you want to run Windows, but all you have is your Mac. And you can!
(more…)
by David Hakala
Microsoft releases “critical” updates to Windows every month. Those are fixes for bugs that should be fixed immediately, such as security holes in the operating system or things that can make your computer crash. Much less often Microsoft releases very large “service packs” that fix a whole lot of non-critical and critical bugs in one installation. Service packs also include new features and improvements to existing, unflawed features.
(more…)
by Tina Gasperson
Windows XP includes a lot of cool screensavers and backgrounds, but if you don’t know how to change them you can’t take advantage of this benefit. Here’s how to change your screensaver and desktop background, and how to set your preferences.
(more…)
by Gabe Goldberg
If you’ve used Microsoft Windows for a while, you likely have several — or many — favorite applications open simultaneously. And if you frequently switch among them, you’re likely frustrated by apps appearing and disappearing, depending on which ones you’ve clicked most recently.
Fortunately, Windows has a nifty but little-known facility for increasing your computer desktop real estate, and recent industry developments help take advantage of this. The first step is checking whether your video card — the part of your PC innards that controls what’s displayed on your computer monitor — has two connection ports. If so, you’re ready to proceed. If not, it’s simple to replace your video card or add one with a second port.
(more…)
by David Hakala
One fine day, it will happen to you: you will turn on your PC and nothing will happen. “Unable to load operating system” or something similar will appear on an otherwise dark, blank screen. The feeling engendered by this experience is somewhat akin to waking up in a hospital and finding one of your limbs gone. But fear not, it can probably be grown back!
(more…)
by Tina Gasperson
It seems that almost every day there are new bugs and viruses being uncovered and apprehended. Microsoft issues security updates and fixes almost as frequently. Windows can automatically download and install these updates in the background if you prefer, or you can set the computer to check with you first before downloading or installing anything. You can also “roll back” any updates that cause problems with your system.
(more…)
Powered by WordPress