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Windows 10 Spring Creators Update - Coming Soon!
Windows 10
Is Microsoft running out of names or are they fixated on the word
“Creators”? Whatever the reason is, the next Windows 10 version
update (version 1803) looks like it will be called “Spring Creators
Update” and will be released sometime next month (April 2018).
Windows 10 Spring Creators update will bring as many (or more) new
“improvements" and features to Windows 10 as Windows 10 Creators Update
brought with it when it as released in April 2017.
We list some of the new features here, but one the most anticipated new
features is
Timeline..
Windows 10 Spring Creators Update’s Timeline Feature
(Microsoft’s words):
Timeline introduces a new way to resume past activities you started
on this PC, other Windows PCs, and iOS/Android devices. Timeline
enhances Task View, allowing you to switch between currently running
apps and past activities.
The default view of Timeline shows snapshots of the most relevant
activities from earlier in the day or a specific past date. A new
annotated scrollbar makes it easy to get back to past activities.
It pulls in all your activities across your devices up to 30 days
and allows you to pick up exactly where you left off in any app that
supports it. It stores browser history, opened documents, locations
visited in the Maps app, articles read in the News app, and more.
It syncs across all your devices, meaning you can resume what you
were doing on one computer on all your other computers logged into the
same Microsoft Account. It lives in the Task View area and is one of
the more helpful features being implemented into Windows, especially
if you have multiple Windows 10 devices.
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Above: Timeline settings
Other new features in Windows 10 Spring Creators Update include:
Font Settings and Fonts in the Microsoft Store
Fonts are moving from Control Panel to Settings. You’ll also be able to
get new fonts from the Microsoft store . Control Panel’s font settings
have not been able to show off newer font capabilities, such as color
fonts or variable fonts. Microsoft thought Windows users needed a refresh.
Actually, Microsoft seems bent on getting rid of the Control Panel and in
Windows 10 Spring Creators Update they continue to move things out of
Control Panel and into settings.
Cloud Clipboard
In Microsoft’s continuing attempts to make it easier to work and share
across different devices they’ve come up with Cloud Clipboard. Cloud
Clipboard allows users to copy images, text, documents, links, etc.
between Windows 10 PCs and Android and Apple Phones. In one early
version, Windows Key + V brings up the Cloud Clipboard.
A new look
Windows 10 Spring Creators Update will reveal the “Reveal effect”. In
this new version of Windows, the apps on your start menu will glow and
borders will be highlighted when the cursor moves over them. The Reveal
effect will be used on other features like the Calendar fly-out.
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Above: The “Reveal effect” on apps menu.
Control Startups and Sounds from Settings
The Settings app in Windows 10 Spring Creators Update features a
new page to turn on and off apps that load at startup, Sounds will also be
moved from Control Panel to Settings.
Start Menu
In Windows 10 Spring Creators Update, you’ll be able to access settings
for a particular app by right-clicking on its live tile.
Microsoft Edge improvements
Mute Tabs in Microsoft Edge
In other browsers, like Chrome and Firefox users have been able to mute
tabs for quite some time. Microsoft Edge catches up. In Spring
Creators Update Microsoft Edge will get the mute tab feature.
Clutter-free Printing
Microsoft Edge will have a new feature that will allow you to print web
pages more cleanly without ads and other clutter. Microsoft Edge in Spring
Creators Update will offer you the option to enable the “Clutter-free
printing” option in the print dialog – you can choose to print only the
web page content you want. This option will be available for certain kinds
of web pages.
More to come…
There are probably even more feature updates and operating system changes
coming to Windows 10 "Spring Creators Update". We’ll keep you
updated as we get closer to the release date.
All features shown above seem almost certain to be included in Windows
10’s next version update. But we do have to mention that until Windows 10 Spring Creators
Update is released, everything – including its name – is subject to change
without notice. We will keep you updated.
Check Your Router to Make Sure It’s Hacker-free
Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (all versions) and using Wi-Fi
You’re doing everything right – using good security software, a
strong Wi-Fi network password so you’re safe, right. Well, probably.
Hackers are nothing if not innovative and they can break into a router
using what’s known as DNS-hijacking. And if your router is
compromised, so are all the devices connected by it. And let’s be honest –
the chances that your router has been compromised are really quite slim.
But, since it takes only a few seconds to make sure, we’re going to
provide you with a link to a web site where you can check your router to
be sure it hasn’t been hijacked.
Before we do that, again we want to make sure you understand that it is
very unlikely your router has been compromised – our motto is always
to present things in an honest, non-scary way. We don’t like tech sites
that scare people in order to get viewers/readers.
So take a few seconds and make sure your router is clean and
uncompromised; we’re pretty sure you’ll find that it is.
Check your router by going this site. Click the
“Check your router” button.
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Names You Can't Use For Files and
Folders in Windows
Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10
Today, I was working on a tip about the Windows Control Panel and
I took a
screenshot. We have done a lot of tips about Control Panel and I had used
about every variation of the name Control Panel I could think of to name
screenshots. Today, I decided to name the two new Control Panel screenshots con and con1. But what to my
bloodshot eyes should appear when I tried to name a file con.png?
This:
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So - no con do, EB!
Maybe somewhere in my long ago, I knew there were system reserved names
that you could not use to name a file or folder, but I sure don't remember
it. This came as a surprise to me - and I've been using Windows for
twenty-some years. Just goes to show you that no matter how much you
think you know, there's always more to learn. I learned this like we
learn a lot of things, by doing and trying things. That's the best way to
learn.
This is just a fun tip. If you have an inquiring mind, you just may want
to know that in Windows these are the names that are reserved for Windows
use only- so you can't use any of the following names to name a file or
folder in Windows:
con
prn
aux
nul
com1, com2, com3, com4, com5, com6, com7, com8, com9
lpt1, lpt2, lpt3, lpt4, lpt5, lpt6, lpt7, lpt8, lpt9
None of these names are case sensitive, so you can't get around using the
names by using all capital letters... CON is the same as con in Windows.
You can substitute a zero for the letter "o" and use the names c0n, c0m1,
c0m2, c0m3 ... you get the picture!
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How to Sort Bookmarks in Chrome and Firefox
Anyone using Chrome or Firefox on Windows 7, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10
(any version)
One question that we are frequently asked is how to sort bookmarks
alphabetically in Chrome and Firefox. We’re happy to tell you that it is
quick and easy to do both browsers. So here's how you do it:
Chrome
Open Chrome, click CTRL+ SHIFT + O (not zero) and Chrome’s Bookmark
manager will open, Now click on the 3 horizontal dots icon on the far
right edge (see the screenshot below).
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From the drop-down menu that appears, click on “Sort by name” to put
your Chrome bookmarks in alphabetical order.
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Your bookmarks will be instantly sorted by name. You will get a
confirmation and a chance to undo it. See the image below:
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If you have more than one folder in your main Chrome bookmarks folder:
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If you created your own folders in Chrome bookmarks, you will need to
open your main Bookmarks folder ( CTRL+SHIFT+O (letter O not number zero).
Highlight the folder you want to sort (it will be in the folder list on
the left) you want to sort and click the menu icon (3 vertical dots) and
click “Sort by name” Do this for each folder. However, if you have
sub-folders in a folder each one of those has to be done individually if
you want all files in each sub-folder sorted by name. Sorting the parent
folder sorts the contents of the parent folder by name. it does not sort
the contents of each sub-folder by name. You will have to do each of those
individually too.
Firefox
Open Firefox bookmarks manager by using the shortcut CTRL+SHIFT+B. Then
click on “Views” on the menu at the top of the window. Then choose “Sort”
and “Sort by Name”. That’s all there is to it. Note that Firefox
gives you many different sort options including A to Z and Z to A.
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Show Control Panel and Recycle Bin in File Explorer on Windows
10
Windows 10 (all versions)
Quick & easy tips are the tips we all like best — they are easy to do
and useful too. This tip works in all versions of Windows 10.
If you would like Control Panel and Recycle Bin to show on the
Navigation pane in File Explorer, it’s easy to do. Just to clarify
terminology, the Navigation pane appears on the left-hand side of File
Explorer. It’s a menu that allows you to choose between items such as This
PC, Quick Access, and more.
Here’s how easy it is to change File Explorer so it lists Control Panel
and Recycle Bin in the Navigation pane of File Explorer:
#1. At the top of File Explorer and click “View” at the top.
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#2. Click the down arrow next to Navigation pane, and check “Show all
folders” and you’ll see Control Panel and Recycle Bin in File Explorer in
the Navigation pane.
See?
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You can empty the Recycle Bin from here or access all Control Panel
items – right from File Explorer.
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Want more computer tips & tricks?
How to Find the Default User Name and Password Of Almost Any Router
65 Windows 10 Run Commands
We have thousands of Windows tips, tricks and more on our InfoAve web site. Come see for yourself!
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HELP US HELP YOU!
Make a small donation
and help us help you!
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helps you with your computer as well as helping to keep you safe on the
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So if you don't need any our products or services right now, please
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Visit this page. Help us keep helping
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Our Favorite Download Sites
When it comes to keeping
you safe, steering you away from download sites that thrive on tricking
you into download parasitical download bundles (are you reading this CNet
- Download.com and, how about you, Softonics?). Installing software
bundles teaming with adware, browser hijackers, backdoors, search engine
hijackers, and even worse, is a really good way to not only harm your
computer - but a good way to toss away your privacy - and maybe even
sanity. These download bundles contain other software - we call them
parasites - that try to trick you into clicking "Yes" or "OK" thus
giving them permission to install their garbage on your PC. It's bad
enough playing whack-a-mole with download buttons and links, but it's
really bad if you keep clicking next > next > next when you install
software and don't read the dialogs as they pass by.
One of the best things we can do to keep you safe is to keep you away
from download sites that prey upon your trusting nature and count on you
being in hurry when you download and install software. So today, we're
going to tell you about the only two major download sites we trust.
We download a lot of software - particularly freeware. We have to. We’re
always testing new software trying to find good software to recommend to
you.
But these days downloading software, especially freeware, is a bit like
playing Russian roulette. There are so many software download installers
that try to sneak unwanted 3rd-party junkware and worse by unsuspecting
users, that you must be constantly vigilant when you install any
software you’ve downloaded – particularly freeware.
But it’s not enough to be vigilant when you install software that
you’ve downloaded, you have to be extra careful where you download it
from. Unfortunately, the world’s most popular download site (CNet's
Download.com ) has decided to make even more of a crap shoot out of
downloading by taking clean freeware and bundling it in its own installer.
And the worst download site in the world, Softonics doubles down on
CNet's game with even worst bundles of garbage (see
our article about Softonics here).
So, if you like to download software we’re going to tell you the two
sites from which we generally download – after we make a simple
suggestion. Whenever possible, we always try to download from the software
developer’s site - the program's homepage, so-to-speak. That does not
guarantee that we (or you) will always get clean software, but it does
give us a better chance than downloading from sites who care more about
getting their garbage installed on your computer and making money than
they care about you or integrity and/or clean downloads. But no matter
where you download, take our advice – and always be careful – even
developers who offer clean software sometimes love to play Whack-a-Mole
with the download links.
Here they are – in order – our two favorite software download sites:
SnapFiles
Our favorite download site – by far – is SnapFiles. The site’s
developer has been around as long as we have – that’s a long time! –
and we’ve come to trust his reviews and his site. On SnapFiles
programs that that may try to install 3rd-party software are noted
so you can be watchful when you install. They have a section dedicated to
freeware and one dedicated to trialware. If you're looking for freeware,
be sure to browse only in the freeware section on SnapFiles.
Here’s some info from the site owner:
What makes us different from other download sites?
- We download and test EVERY program before listing it.
- We create the screenshots.
- If it’s not working for us, it will not be listed.
- If it appears to be a waste of your time, we won’t list it…
If we have any doubts as to the integrity of the software and/or
author, we will not list it.
Unlike most other software download sites, we actually download,
install and review every single program before it is listed on the
site. We use our years of experience to bring you the products that
appear reliable and worth your time. If it’s not working for us, we
won’t list it. If it appears to be a waste of your time, we won’t list
it…
Adware & Bundle Policy
All products you find at Snapfiles.com are carefully selected and
constantly monitored.
Please refer to our Adware policy for additional details.
If you are looking for a trustworthy download site where the
reviews are accurate and where software bundles are clearly identified, you’ll
want to make a trip to SnapFiles and take a look around - they have a
great selection of freeware.
MajorGeeks
Another download site we use occasionally is MajorGeeks. And while we
don’t use MajorGeeks nearly as much as SnapFiles, it’s still a good
download site and worthy of mention here. MajorGeeks does not do as good
of a job of notifying users when applications contain bundled software, but
the download links are easy to find and the reviews are generally
trustworthy.
Here’s some information from the owners of MajorGeeks:
MajorGeeks is a small, home-based software download site where all
the software is handpicked and tested by just two people. We lean
heavily towards freeware, but we gladly post high-quality shareware.
We do not automate anything, and we reject 95% of submissions. While
most websites brag about having hundreds of thousands of software
titles to download, we brag about having fewer than 10,000. The
intention is to give you a place to go where you can find the top 1%
of software, and we try only to add software that we consider to be
four stars or better. We have no employees, no offices, and no social
life. We live for this stuff and hope you appreciate the difference.
How we test for software:
1: We Google it and look into the software and company reputation.
Sometimes we can eliminate a program right here.
2: If it passes step 1 then we need to scan it with multiple virus
scanners using VirusTotal, for example.
3: Last is the most important and unique step at MajorGeeks for
software we’re comfortable listing. We use VMWare Workstation to test
the software safely. We want to see if it does what it promises, is
fairly priced if shareware and is worthy of a 4 star or better rating.
If we have time we write a mini review with our thoughts and post that
first under MajorGeek says. We will also grab screenshots at this
point if needed.
Here is a video explaining it better.
If you need further assistance, please visit our Boot Camp for how
to use te (sic) website, check out our must have free downloads list or for
personal help, stop by our Support Forum and ask for help. We believe
you will find our forums friendly to newcomers.
The Software Awards Scam is a classic example that still applies
today. A lot of those big websites will do whatever they have to do to
get traffic from authors. We have even seen sites offer to remove
negative reviews for authors to trade for traffic. Can you imagine?
Please, be careful who you trust.
If
you’re looking for a decent and trustworthy download site, give MajorGeeks
a try.
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Spring Forward: Playing With Time
Well. here it is again. The weekend of the time change
Just last year I learned that calling daylight saving time, “Daylight
Savings Time”, with an S, is horribly stupid and incorrect. They say it
makes me look like an idiot to everyone who knows better; it’s correctly
called daylight saving time. So for decades, I’ve been considered stupid
for calling it daylight savings time. Who cares? Obviously, I do, since I
wrote this.
Now, this year, once again I’ve been educated by those who know. Yes
indeed. I just learned that it’s not Daylight Saving Time, it’s daylight
saving time – no uppercase letters. At least that’s what the Associated
Press stylebook says.
Who in the heck ever consults the Associated Press stylebook? You
wouldn’t really do that, would you? It costs over $20 just to get the
online edition. Now I’m sure many of you reading this would be glad to
send me a free online subscription to the AP stylebook thinking it would
improve my writing, but you know better.
Look here: “Daylight Savings Time is a misspelling, but more common
than the correct term. Setting our clocks 1 hour forward in the spring is
often referred to as “Daylight Savings Time” even though “Daylight Saving
Time” is the correct spelling…” [From
https://www.timeanddate.com/time/dst/daylight-savings-time.html ]
But you see, you can’t believe anyone about anything anymore..because
that article is wrong. And how do I know this? Well, because the
aforementioned AP stylebook says it's correctly spelled “daylight saving
time”. And if you’re puffed-up enough to think you set the style for all
writers, then I guess you better be right.
But me? I’m not puffed up – at least not with knowledge. But I am tired
of being corrected, I tells ya. So, not wanting to look like an idiot or a
fool any more than I usually do, I’ve called this piece “Spring Forward:
Playing With Time” – the uppercase being correct because… I said so.
It’s my stylebook that counts here!
And if you’re thinking I’m going to remind you to set your clocks ahead
an hour, I’m not...
Read the rest of this essay here.
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What is the cloud...really?
The Cloud... the cloud... the cloud. The Microsoft Cloud... the Amazon
Cloud...what the heck is the Cloud really?
EB says the simple way to explain the cloud
is to say its like having an external hard drive to store information from
your computer.. but you are using an external hard drive owned by someone
else, like Microsoft. However...
Have you ever seen "The Wizard of Oz"? Well
if you have, then you know what The Cloud is. It's that dark, sinister,
twisting column of caliginous gases and detritus stuff. Or have ever lain
down in the grass on a warm spring day and looked up and imagined dragons
and horses and castles floating by in The Clouds - then you know what The
Cloud is and what The Clouds are. But unfortunately, the cloud we are
talking about is not so ephemeral or delicate...nope it's mostly hard
stuff like EB's head or the cider in EB's fridge.
The cloud used be called "The World Wide Web",
and then more commonly referred to as the Internet. And whether you call
it the World Wide Web or the internet or even the (and I hate this term)
the interwebs, you are talking about a bunch of interconnected computers
called servers. And despite the euphemistic, light, airy, feathery, soft
and fluffy sounding name, the cloud is no more than a web server, or a
whole bunch of servers in a data center. That's all the cloud is. Or as EB
likes to say, the cloud is a big external hard drive owned by someone else
where you can store your data free -- or for a fee.
It's just typical cool-speak to make you think
it's something new. But it's not. The Microsoft Cloud is just like
anyone's else's cloud, just a bunch of Web servers, interconnected and
storing your precious files (OneDrive) or a company paying big bucks to
store data in the cloud. Of course, those who run the servers back up
everything a whole bunch of times because the last thing the cloud needs
it to lose someone's precious love letters or pictures, or almost as bad,
some company's entire payroll
There is no question that the cloud has its
place. With more and more folks using more than one device to access the
internet, it's nice to be able to easily access the same data from each of
those devices.
But the cloud is definitely a euphemism because
a web server -- or a collection of interconnected servers -- looks nothing
like a cloud. Trust me. Look at your computer, does it look like a cloud?
If so, please send us a picture!
I guess euphemisms are nothing new are they EB?
How about the word "tinkle"?
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Emsisoft
Anti-Malware: Emsisoft is the only Cloudeight endorsed
and recommend Windows security program. It provides users with a complete
antivirus, antimalware, anti-ransomware, anti-PUPs solution. We offer
single Emsisoft licenses and multi-computer licenses at discount prices.
Also, we offer our exclusive Emsisoft with Cloudeight installation &
setup. Get more
information here.
Cloudeight
Backup Service: Professional setup of a complete backup
system including creation of rescue media, image backups, incremental
backups, Cloudeight Direct Backup session key and a lifetime license for
Ashampoo Backup Pro 11.
Get all the
details here.
Thunderbird Email
Setup: Thunderbird is a great email program that you can use
with your Gmail and Outlook.com (Hotmail) web mail accounts as well as
with your Internet provider's email. We'll set it up right for you. Our
set up includes configuring up to 3 emails accounts, and setting up
Thunderbird to use stationery (if desired). Our Thunderbird Email Setup
Service is always a great deal.
For more information visit
this page.
Reg Organizer 8.5:
Reg Organizer is the Swiss Army Knife of Windows tools. It's far more than
just a registry optimizer and cleaner... it's Windows all-in-one toolkit.
Helps you keep your computer in tip-top shape and also helps you solve
annoying Windows problems. Reg Organizer works great with Windows 10 too!
Get more information about Reg
Organizer (and get our special discount prices) here.
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If you don't need any of the above products or services at this time,
please consider helping us by making a donation. Everyone who makes a
donation is invited to become a Cloudeight Booster and is eligible for
special Cloudeight Booster Freebies and special Cloudeight Booster sales.
Please consider
making a small donation today. Thank you so much!
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