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Issue #669
Volume 13 Number 42
August 5, 2016

Dear Friends,

Welcome to InfoAve Premium - the best free computer newsletter anywhere. This is InfoAve Premium Issue #669. If you've missed a back issue, you can catch up. You can find the last few issues of InfoAve Premium on this page.

If you want to help us by telling your friends about our Cloudeight Direct Computer Care service, you can download a printable flyer you can handout or post on bulletin boards, etc.  Get the printable PDF Cloudeight Direct Computer Care flyer here.

We both want to thank you for being a reader and for your support; we appreciate it very much.

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Get unlimited Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Support For One Full Year With a Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Season Pass!

Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Season Ticket - Back to School Special! Just $99 (Save $36)

It’s like having insurance for your computer! You get: One year of unlimited* Cloudeight Direct Computer Care service for one low price. Includes Emsisoft with installation plus a one-year license plus SoftMaker Office Standard lifetime license (while supplies last). If you already have Emsisoft, you'll get a one-year renewal license and security checkup - all included in your Season Ticket package.

Visit this page for more details and to take advantage of a great price on a great service.

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Get two Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Repair Keys for just $79

For a limited time, you can get 2 Cloudeight Direct Computer Care repair keys for $79. Buy one for yourself and give the other to your student - or a friend - or yourself! No matter how you slice it, you save $56.

Our computer repair keys never expire, they are good until you use them. Buy now and save. Our repair keys normally sell for $65 each - but during this sale you can get 2 repair keys for just $79!

Visit this page for more information and take advantage of this super-savings offer.

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A comment from Margaret
Hi TC and Darcy. Thank you TC for working your magic and upgrading my computer to Windows 10. I very much appreciate TC and Darcy's help with maintaining my PC and thoroughly endorse their patience, care and attention. From a Happy Lassie in NZ.:-)

A comment from Daniel
My first time of using Cloudeight repair was last week. I'm sold. Darcy has my computer running great again. I will never use my computer tech again. Cloudeight is my new computer tech! Many thanks. Daniel L.

A comment from Glenn
I'm sorry this is so late, but TC took an old laptop of mine that was as slow as a turtle, and we found out full of malware and made it like new! The time he spent on it was amazing for the cost of the ticket, I highly recommend Cloudeight repair keys for anyone!! :-)

A comment from Bobbie
Darcy. Than you so very much for fixing my computer. I was about get a new one but you have this one running so well now, you saved me hundreds of dollars. Anyone who is not using your service is missing out! Thanks so much, Darcy & Cloudeight. Bobbie G.

A comment from Pam
Thanks so much to TC for checking my computers today after my Windows 10 installations. His fingers flew through menus and settings! I now have my old start menu back, and both computers are purring like kittens. If TC and EB didn't have our backs, I don't think we'd feel very confident or safe in this digital world. Kudos!

Thanks to Margaret, Daniel, Glenn, Bobbie, Pam and all of you who wrote to us during the past week about the computer services you received from Cloudeight Direct Computer Care. We are so glad we've been able to help so many people from all over the world If you need computer service we hope you'll let us help you. TC & EB

NOTE
: If your Windows Mail program won't work after the latest updates, we can re-set it for you. See this page for details.

Save on Cloudeight Direct Computer Care with our Back-to-School Specials. Get 2 repair keys for $79 or Get one-year of unlimited support for $99.

Do you have a comment, question, tip or freeware pick to share? Send it to us. 

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Cloudeight Direct Computer Care

You never have to leave your home. Just sit back and relax and watch us work. Get PC service from folks you trust at the best price you'll find anywhere. Learn more here.

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Keith wants to know if Bing and Yahoo offer the same kind of tools that Google does to remove all personal search data
Hi There:  The app for Google works great to erase all the searches made. Do you know if the same thing is available for Bing and Yahoo? Keith. in London, Ontario. Canada. I got your website from a friend. Barbara here in London. Have a great day!

Our answer
Hi Keith. Thanks! I am not aware of anything offered by Bing or Yahoo that's as thorough & complete as Google's.

You can remove your Bing search history by visiting this page: https://www.bing.com/profile/history/delete

If you're using Yahoo, they offer a page where you can get instructions on how to view and delete your Yahoo search history. If you're interested visit https://help.yahoo.com/kb/SLN22645.html  .

We are not aware of any other search engine or web service that offers complete control over your personal data as Google does. For those who missed our article on how to control what Google knows about you and how to take control of it, see this page.

Welcome to Cloudeight, Keith. Tell Barbara, thanks from us!


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Shirley wants to go back to Windows 8.1
Can you tell me how to take Windows 10 out of my computer and go back to what I had (8.1). I've had nothing but trouble with Win10 and now there is some kind of System Error Warning and it will not let me shut that part down. Help!

Our answer
Hi Shirley. We're surprised to hear you're having problems with Windows 10. If it has been less than 31 days since you upgraded to Windows 10, you can easily go back to Windows 8.1 without losing any of your data, settings or programs. It's very simple and takes only 30-45 minutes.

Here's how you do it:

1. Left-click on the start button.
2. Choose "Settings".
3. Click on "Update & Security"
4. In the "Update & Security" window, click "Recovery" on the left-hand side.
5. Select "Go back to Windows 8.1" by clicking it and your on you way back to Windows 8.1

If you don't see "Go back to Windows 8.1" then it's been more than 31 days since you upgraded to Windows 10 and you have no option to go back to Windows 8.1 other than to use the factory reset option. Doing a factory reset will erase all your data and programs and return your computer to its factory state - i.e. the way it was the day you bought it. So, unless you have all your personal data backed up, a factory reset is probably not a viable option. If you are interested in doing a factory reset, check with you PC manufacturer or visit their Web site to get instructions on doing a factory reset - each PC brand has its own protocol for factory resets.

You have one other option if you don't want to do a factory reset and you cannot go back to Windows 8.1 because it's been more than 31 days since you upgraded to Windows 10. You can do a System Reset and keep all your personal files (but you'll have to re-install all your programs). Doing a system reset can fix a host of issues and it's easy to do.

To do a Windows 10 reset:

1. Left-click the start button
2. Click "Settings"
3. Click "Update & Security"
4. Click "Recovery"
5. Click "Reset this PC" and choose the option to keep your personal files.
6. Follow the instructions on the screen.

A Windows 10 reset takes about 30 minutes.

Before you give up on Windows 10, though, you should try our Windows 10 Checkup & Customization service. We can make it look more like Windows 7 (or even Windows 8.1 if you prefer) - and we can enhance your privacy and optimize your PC's performance. You can get more info about our Windows 10 Checkup & Customization service here.

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Marilou has questions about OneDrive
I would like to know about OneDrive, do I really need it, can I uninstall it, and if I can will I lose anything that has been stored on ONEDRIVE, mostly concerned about my pictures. Thanks for your help.

Our answer
Hi Marilou. To Answer your questions:

About OneDrive: OneDrive is Microsoft's Cloud service. It lets you choose to backup files of your choice, to a server in the cloud (on the web). You can access them from any computer browser by logging in to your Microsoft account. If you have two computers with One Drive, and the same Microsoft logon, you can see the files on both computers. You can either set it to backup specific files or folders, or you can just drag and drop files or folders you want it to backup right into OneDrive.

Do you really need it: It's up to your. EB loves it. It's a great way to back up your pictures and other irreplaceable files so that even if something happens to your computer, your precious pictures and files are safe in "the cloud".

Can you uninstall it? OneDrive is built into Windows 10, so you can’t uninstall it like an app. However, you can stop it from starting with Windows, and prevent it from running and syncing files you have asked it to store, between OneDrive and your PC.

Will you lose anything if you remove it? You can't remove it, but if you do disable it, you won't lose anything.

We suggest you let OneDrive sync your files. If you have pictures that are irreplaceable, it would be a wise choice to setup OneDrive to syncing personal files like documents or pictures you don't want to lose. It's like a free backup - one you never have to worry about.

But if you really don't want OneDrive running and syncing your files and folders, here's how to prevent OneDrive from starting with Windows as well as stop it from synching files from/to your PC:

In the Notification area on the bottom of the Windows screen, right-click the OneDrive icon. You might have to click the Show Hidden Icons arrow to find OneDrive.

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Above: The OneDrive icon in the system tray (notification area)

Right-Click the OneDrive icon and choose "Settings" Click the Settings tab at the top and uncheck all the boxes under General.

Click the Auto save tab (at the top), set the Documents and Pictures lists to This PC only, and uncheck the other boxes.

On the Account tab, click Choose folders. Uncheck all boxes. Then click "Unlink OneDrive".

In the Sync your OneDrive files to this PC box, check and uncheck the box at Sync all files and folders in my OneDrive.

You won't lose any of the files/folders on your PC by doing this.

Before you disable OneDrive, give it some thought. OneDrive is a great way to back up your pictures and other personal files. You get 5GB of space free, and 5GB stores a lot of pictures.

For the advanced users who would like to disable OneDrive and remove the One Drive icon from File Explorer -- you'll have to edit the registry. Make sure you've disabled OneDrive first (as above). Please create a system restore point before doing this. If you are not an experienced user, do not try this:

How to get rid of One Drive from displaying in File Explorer:

1. Press Win+R and type Regedit to open the Registry Editor
2. Navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}
3. Double-click on System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree. Change the value from 1 to 0.
4. Restart your computer. Now when you open File Explorer, the OneDrive entry should be gone from the list.

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Gail has a problem with a Windows 10 Update
Just tried to do the first WIN10 update that became available today (Tues. Aug 2). Everything checked out fine until it got to my display monitor and then it said it was not compatible with WIN 10 & I could not install the update. It appears this is a problem for quite a few people. I have a DELL 24" monitor and I can't find any updates for it relating to WIN 10. Do you have any advice?

Our answer
Hi Gail. Here's some good advice for you and for others who are having problems with hardware in Windows 10. The first thing you should do if you are having problems with a hardware update is to contact the manufacturer. In your case, give Dell support a call. There's a good chance they've heard about this problem and either have a fix for it or have a fix coming - but either way you'll know sure.

For those who've upgraded to Windows 10 and whose printers won't work...we give you the same advice. Most printer manufacturers offer support; most provide online forums where questions from users are answered. It's very likely you won't be the only one that has had a problem with a printer after upgrading to Windows 10.

And you're probably not the only one having a the Dell hardware update issue. The people who know your hardware the best are the people who made it.

Just a few days ago we had a problem with a Dell BIOS update (not a Windows update). It left one of our computers unbootable. We contacted Dell and within 15 minutes we had the computer up and running again. It was a simple BIOS setting we had to change.

Contact Dell, Gail. We're pretty sure that they will have an answer for you.


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David has problems playing a game on Windows 10
When playing TriPeaks on the computer, I am constantly getting a message that the display driver for Windows 8 has malfunctioned and repaired itself. I only get it on one computer. What do I do to get rid of this annoyance?

Our answer
Hi David. It is most probably a driver issue, but beware of updating drivers using one of those driver updater programs. Most of them are recipes for disaster.

There are two different fixes that Microsoft recommends for your problem. We have posted them below:

Method 1: Run Windows Store Apps troubleshooter

1. Press Windows key + X and click on Control Panel.
2. Change View by from Category to Large Icons/Small Icons.
3. Click on Troubleshooting and then select View all.
4. Select Windows Store Apps and follow the on-screen instructions.

Method 2: Update Display adapter drivers:

Follow the steps below.
Press Windows key + X and click on Device Manager.
Expand the Display Adapter.
Right-click on the Graphics card and select Update Driver Software.
Restart your system

We hope one of the above helps you resolve your problem with TriPeaks.


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Troubleshoot Blue Screen Errors
Windows 7, 8x and Windows

Microsoft has published a Web page that may help you figure out what’s causing your BSOD (Blue Screens of Death). It’s a very simple page, and there for easy to use, but because of its simplicity it may not be able to help with you with your BSODs – but hey, it’s worth a try, right?

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It’s a multi-layer question & answer set up. Each successive question is based on how you answered the previous question, until, at last, you finally arrive at an answer and, hopefully, a solution.

If you want to give it a try, visit this Microsoft page right now. Cloudeight InfoAve

How Are Your Drives
Windows 7, Windows 8x, Windows 10

Almost all hard drives these days have a feature called SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) which monitors your hard drive(s) for errors. Periodically checking your SMART data is kind of like looking into a hard drive crystal ball. You can find out if your hard drive(s) are at increased risk for imminent failure. Never fear, SMART Is here.

There are dozens of programs you can download to check your hard drive(s) SMART DATA. By why bother downloading a 3rd-party app when Windows has a built in feature that lets you check your drive’s SMART data almost instantly.

All you need to do is open a Command Prompt with Admin privileges.

In Windows 7 open the start menu, type CMD into the start menu search. When CMD appears at the top of the menu, right-click and choose “Run as Administrator”.

In Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, right-click the start button and chose “Command Prompt (Admin)”.

In the Admin Command Prompt enter the following command:

WMIC DISKDRIVE GET MODEL,STATUS

And press Enter.

Make sure you type the command exactly as it’s shown above – or better yet, copy & paste it.

 

My drives are OK – hope yours are too. If you get error messages or codes, be sure to look them up online. If your drive or drives are not OK, make sure your data is backed up on a drive (external) that is OK.  

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Cloudeight Boosters - Help us with your gift

The Cloudeight Booster Store is open and there are always special prices for our boosters - and there are more specials on the way.

Not a Cloudeight Booster? Join us!

If you're not a Cloudeight Booster now, you can become a booster my making a donation of as low as $10. You will easily save this on your first purchase. Our special Booster prices will be $10 to $60 (or more) lower than our regular prices.

Additionally, donations help us continue to provide support to thousands of people - Every week we help dozens of people via email at no charge. And our Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Service provides computer repair and other services for much less than others charge.

Right now, we really need your support. We hope you'll take a few minutes today and help us with a small donation. 

After you donate, you will receive info on how you can become a Cloudeight Booster. Help us continue to help you with a donation. 

Visit this page to make a donation - we would really appreciate it.

Already a Cloudeight Booster? THANK YOU!

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Controlling active windows using your keyboard
Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10

If you are like EB, a control freak, and you’re busy all the time, you probably have many windows open at once. Clicking your mouse can be tiresome and time consuming.. at least for EB who thinks more than one step to complete a task is more than anyone should endure (i.e., All that shaking to make a martini? Let TC do it!)

You can quickly switch between your email, browser, e-mail, graphic programs, messenger, and other programs without taking your hands off the keyboard, or your beer!

Minimize a window to your taskbar
ALT – SPACEBAR – N (in one-at-a-time quick sequence, not at the same time)

Maximize a window so it takes up your whole desktop
ALT – SPACEBAR – X (in sequence)

Switch to the last window you had open
Hold down ALT, then click TAB key

Switch to any open program/window
While holding down the ALT key, press TAB key until the window you want is visible/on top

Close a window
Hold down ALT key, then click F4

Restore a window so it’s visible but does not take up your whole desktop
ALT – SPACEBAR – R (in sequence)

If you use these commands often, you will find that it gets really automatic for you after a while; you will be much more efficient!

I'm tired of shaking this, EB! 

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Managing File History in Windows 10
Windows 10

File History is great feature of Windows 10, but it can be even better with some tweaking by you. If you have not turned on File History yet or don’t know what it is, you can learn more about File History here.

By default, Windows 10 File History saves copies of files and folders until space on the drive gets low. And by default it backs up new or changed versions of files/folders every hour.

We’ve left our “Save copies of files” at the default settings -“Every hour”. Using the drop down menu, you can choose anything from every 10 minutes to every day. Every hour is good for us. When writing a newsletter or doing graphics work, saving files every hour gives us a fallback just in case, if a program freezes or we accidentally reboot our computers, the work is saved in File History every hour. So we might not get all our work back, but the most we’ll lose is an hour’s work, instead of the entire day’s work.

We don’t work fast enough to have to set it to every ten minutes, do we EB?

But let’s go beyond the stuff we already covered in this article and show you some advanced settings in File History, specifically, how to clean up File History. You can clean up all the file history but the latest ones, or choose to clean up all files older than 1 months, 2 months, 3 months, and all the way up to 2 years.

So how do you get to these settings? In Windows 10, right-click on the Start Button can choose “Control Panel”. Make sure you’re in icon view (top right) and click on File History. In the left pane you’ll see “Advanced settings”. Click on “Advanced settings”.

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Once you click on Advanced settings you’ll see the dialog below. Click on “Clean up versions” and you’ll see the “Delete older versions of files and folders” dialog (below).

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You can clean up your File History files and folder backups by selecting one of the options of under delete files (see below). You can choose to delete files “Older than 1 month” or all the way up to 2 years. You can also choose to save only the very newest copy of each file/folder.

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And that’s how you can keep your File History clean. (EB's file history will never be clean, but that's another story!) You’ll also note you can change the File History drive and exclude folders from your File History backup. Now you can take control of Windows 10 File History.

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A Word About Email
All Windows Users

Some of you are using Windows Live Mail and are now having problems with receiving email from Microsoft accounts. A Microsoft account is any email address ending in any of the following:

@outlook.com

@hotmail.com

@live.com

@msn.com

It seems that Microsoft is trying to get users to use the Mail app in Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, but it's so limited not many people like it and even fewer people use it. (Here's a tip for Microsoft! Bring back Windows Mail or Outlook Express and make it THE MAIL APP! Duh!)

All of you who have a Microsoft account can check your email online, anytime you want, by going to https://www.outlook.com/ and using your full email address as your user name (i.e. tomdickandharry @hotmail.com ) and your password.

In fact, you can check most email online. Most ISPs like @roadrunner.com, @charter.net, @centurylink.net, etc. offer Web mail. So if you can't find an email program you like that does what you want it to do, remember you can use your browser to check almost any email account you have..

So just because your Microsoft accounts don't work for you anymore in Windows Live Mail doesn't mean you can't check your email. All you need is a browser.

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SaferWeb: Not So Safe
All Windows users

In the past two weeks we’ve over a dozen people ask us about SaferWeb. Since we have never had an inquiry about SaferWeb before, we are thinking perhaps SaferWeb is being bundled with other programs or buying a large number of advertisements. So we decided to look into “SaferWeb”.

SaferWeb is a browser add-on that connects you via a VPN to the Web, thus (theoretically) by passing your ISP. Supposedly, SaferWeb protects you from being tracked by anyone since the internet connection grid goes something like this:

You —> Your ISP—>SaferWeb’s VPN servers –> The internet

Theoretically your ISP can’t track you because they only see that you’re connection to a VPN service and anything you do on the Internet cannot be tracked.

The truth:

Legitimate VPNs do enhance your online privacy and security by routing your connection through a VPN server. The best VPN services don’t keep server logs so there is no tracking of your internet activity. However most VPN services do keep logs, and more and more are being pressured into logging user activity because of the rising threat of terrorism. However, still some VPN services still don’t log user activity – these VPN services have servers in countries that do not cooperate with the “West” in anti-terrorism or anything else. You should be leery about using one of these.

VPNs can be helpful in increasing your online security and limiting tracking. They are also useful if you live in a country that blocks certain Web sites, or if, for example, you live in Canada and you cannot access a service that is for the USA only. A good VPN service would allow you to select an American VPN server which would automatically assign an IP address that would show your geographical location as somewhere in the USA, while you’re actually in Canada.

There are many legitimate VPN services, such as CyberGhost, available. SaferWeb is not one of them.

SaferWeb is classified as a browser hijacker, PUP, malware or adware. “Should I Remove It” says that 84% of those who installed SaferWeb recommend against installing it. Most within a week:

“…A majority of users end up uninstalling this less than a week of it being installed. The setup package generally installs about 8 files and is usually about 2.28 MB (2,390,572 bytes).
Malware detected in the program.

  • Integrates into the web browser

  • Typically distributed through a pay-per-install bundle

  • Injects advertisements unassociated with the underlying web page

  • Most users and experts agree, you should remove it!…”

Read more at: http://www.shouldiremoveit.com/saferweb-102565-program.aspx

We checked out SaferWeb’s reputation and found these comments:

After signing up for this, it made my computer worse. I tried emailing them to stop further automatic withdrawals, as I didn’t like their product and didn’t intend to use it. They charged me $9.95 plus $5.99 for a book, which they never sent. Then on July 12, 2016, they took another $14.97 out of my bank account after my having emailed them several times not to charge me anymore! I want my money returned promptly!!! (See https://reportscam.com/saferwebcom/#9726)

After signing up for a promotional cost of 9.95, a charge of 119.64 also showed up on my billing invoice. Servers could not connect, upon further investigating…NONE of their servers were available to Denver, Colorado, even the server the Help Center recommended to use. If you think your getting security for a trial of 10 bucks…you’re not. You’re getting taken for a ride. (See https://reportscam.com/saferwebcom/#9726 )

BE WARNED! Claimed to sell me software for safe internet for $4.99 and charged me $119.64 unauthorized and the software does not work.. also they do not answer their phone number provided and have not returned the support ticket email response. Stay away from these scammers. BE WARNED!! (See https://reportscam.com/saferwebcom/#9726)

From our research, some of the best malware scanners detect SaferWeb as malware/adware. While there are some favorable reviews, we look at them askance, since the reviewers may be getting paid by SaferWeb.

Our advice: Avoid SaferWeb. Many reports indicate it is malware, adware and/or a hijacker; others report it as a scam.

If you’re interested in a free or commercial VPN, there are many to choose from. One good one we’ve used is CyberGhost. If you want to read more about VPNs, visit this pageAll being said, most users don’t need a VPN.

The only way to be 100% safe and secure online is not to be online – but then you have Social Security numbers, driver’s license info, credit card numbers, etc. floating around the Web too. So you’re going to have to minimize your exposure there too.

Best advice: Use your common sense and be wary.

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Gmail Power Trick: Send & Archive
Everyone who uses Gmail

If your Gmail inbox contains a long list of emails that you’ve already replied to (and by default they’ll stay in your inbox even after you’ve replied), here’s a tip that allows you to reply and archive an email at the same time. So when you reply to someone, their email is moved from the inbox to the “all mail” folder as soon as you hit the “Send & Archive” button.

So how do you get the “Send & Archive button”? Easy!

Open Gmail, and click on the gear icons near the top right. Choose “Settings”.

gear-settings

Under the “General” tab, next to “Send and Archive” tick the box next to “Show ‘Send & archive button in reply”.

send-archive

Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page and click “Save changes”.

Now when you reply to an email using the Send & Archive button, the mail you replied to is moved out of your inbox and archived in the “All Mail” folder, making for a much neater inbox. And you still have a copy of the mail in your Sent folder and the All Mail folder. 

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Reg Organizer - a Swiss Army knife of Windows Utilities - Cloudeight Endorsed

Reg Organizer - A Swiss Army Knife of Windows Utilities and Tools

Reg Organizer works on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. The newest version of Reg Organizer has newly added special tweaks for Windows 10 - including a Windows 10 Start menu fix.

Get more information and or order Reg Organizer today and SAVE!
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Angel Of Mercy

Most of you know, or have known, an angel in your lifetime. It might an angel of the Biblical kind, or a more material angel who seems to always be smiling and helping others.

Then there are angels like me.

The last few weeks I’ve dedicated myself to helping things in need. Or should I say helping things that I need. Are you confused yet? I figured you were, so let me give you an example.

The other day, there was a plate sitting on the counter. On it were five pieces of chocolate-peanut butter fudge. I admit, my yearning for chocolate has increased with age. When I was a kid it was anything cherry-flavored. But now, as my aging arteries grow narrower and narrower and my blood slogs through brittle arteries and capillaries crusty with mold and sediment, my body yearns for things I should not have and do not need. It makes me want them all the more.

But I’m an angel, yes I am.

So anyway, there are those little squares of chocolate-peanut butter fudge sitting there, all alone, begging for attention. They’ve probably been separated from the mother fudge for several days; they were pining and lonely.

I guess as I’ve aged, I’ve become a more compassionate person, but an angel, I’ve never been...

Read the rest of this essay here.

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Cloudeight DIrect Windows 10 Checkup & Customization

If you have upgraded to Windows 10 or you have purchased a new Windows 10 computer...

We'll check your Windows 10 to make sure it's set up for best performance & privacy - and a lot more!

With our Windows 10 Checkup & Customization Service we will:

  • Check over your Windows 10 installation to make sure everything is set up right
  • Set your default apps to your preferences and check to make sure they have all their defaults
  • If you have an external hard drive - we'll set up File History backup and make sure it's working correctly
  • Check over Windows Update options, background apps, and Windows feedback settings for best performance & privacy
  • Install a Windows 7-style start menu for you, if you choose that option.
  • Service available for computers which were upgraded to Windows 10 or new computers with Windows 10 pre-installed.
Visit this page to order!

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Sounds Abound

If you like sound effects – for whatever reason – we’ve found a place with thousands of sound clips you can listen to and download (you have to register for the site to download, but it’s free).

So if you’re looking for the sound of a jet plane taking off, or thunder rippling through the sky, or the sound of rain pounding down on a metal roof, or a goat bleating, or a cow mooing or whatever (everything but the grating sound of EB’s voice), you’ll probably find what you’re looking for at Freesound.

Indeed…

The folks at Freesound would like to tell you more about their site and sounds. We’re Cloudeight and we approved this message:

"About Freesound - What is this site anyway?

"Freesound aims to create a huge collaborative database of audio snippets, samples, recordings, bleeps, … released under Creative Commons licenses that allow their reuse. Freesound provides new and interesting ways of accessing these samples, allowing users to:

-- browse the sounds in new ways using keywords, a “sounds-like” type of browsing and more
-- upload and download sounds to and from the database, under the same creative commons license
-- interact with fellow sound-artists!

"We also aim to create an open database of sounds that can also be used for scientific research and be integrated in third party applications. Using the Freesound API researchers and developers can access Freesound content a retrieve meaningful sound information such as metadata, analysis files and the sounds themselves. See the developers section and the API documentation for more information. Freesound API usage is free for non-commercial use, but it can also be licensed for being used in commercial applications..."

Oh yes, there’s more and more and more, but all you probably care about is listening to and downloading sound snippets – why, maybe you could even convert the sound of a blowfish blowing, into a cell phone ring tone! Or worse, convert EB's voice into an alarm clock - it would sure jolt you out of a peaceful slumber.

Whoa! I almost forgot!

You can visit our site pick "Freesound" right here.

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What is a hijacker?

EB is a hijacker. She hijacks my day and makes me her slave. That's what a hijacker is.

No! No! No! We're talking computers here, right? Most generally the term "hijacker" applies to a web browser, like Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Edge, etc.). A hijacker is considered a form of malware. It's more of an annoyance than a danger. If you don't know how to remove a hijacker it can be aggravating.

A hijacker either changes your start page to something other than what you want, changes your default search engine to something other than you want, or both.

What's in it for the hijacker? Money. If a hijacker changes your start page to something other than what you want or changes your search engine to something other than what you want, they're diverting you to pages and searches that make them money.

Hijackers are generally installed when installing a software program. Be very careful when installing software and read every dialog during the installation. Uncheck anything you don't want or don't recognize.

Most hijackers can be removed easily, but some are very tricky. The best way to deal with hijackers is not to get them in the first place. Also, use good security software like Emsisoft and heed any warnings you get. 

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Have a great weekend!

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Cloudeight InfoAve Premium - Issue #669
Volume 13 Number 42
August 5, 2016
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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER ABOUT SOFTWARE RECOMMENDED IN THIS NEWSLETTER and OTHER IMPORTANT INFOO

All software recommendations we make in this newsletter are based on our own experience and testing of the programs that we recommend. This does NOT guarantee they will work on YOUR computer. We assume you will read the program documentation and use the program according to the instructions. We make no guarantees about any program recommended in this newsletter or its suitability for any particular purpose. We will not be responsible for any problems you may have. We do not and cannot provide support for any products other than our own Cloudeight products and we will not answer email concerning any product which is not a Cloudeight product. We urge you to use good judgment when downloading and installing software and to use a program only after reading the program's documentation. And, all Tips & Tricks in this newsletter have been tested by us on several different computers and were found to work as indicated. They may not work on yours. We make no guarantees. Anything we recommend you try and use at your own risk. We will not be responsible for any problems caused by any software programs recommended in this newsletter or any of the tips and tricks in this newsletter..

Readers' comments are their own and Cloudeight Internet LLC is not responsible for comments of our readers. All readers' comments, suggestions, questions, and tips and tricks sent to us become the property of Cloudeight Internet LLC. You understand that we may use your comments without your explicit permission.

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