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We wish all of you who celebrate Labor Day Weekend a happy & safe holiday weekend. Every major holiday weekend we publish a review edition. Not only does this provide us with some extra time to spend with family and friends, but it also allows us to review some of the best questions, tips, and articles from previous issues of "Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly". All articles from past editions are updated when necessary...and we may even sneak in something new in a review edition. We hope you enjoy this special edition of our InfoAve Weekly newsletter.

Have a happy and safe Labor Day weekend! 

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How can it be the unofficial end-of-summer weekend already? Cold days ahead! But during our Labor Day weekend sale, we're giving you a hot price on our Cloudeight Direct Computer Care repair keys. You can help us and help yourself and/or help a friend or family member too! During our Labor Day sale, you can buy three Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Repair Keys for $89! Keep the repair keys for yourself, or keep one for yourself and give the others away, it's up to you. These Cloudeight Direct Computer Care & Repair keys are fully transferable, they don't expire until you use them - so keep them until you need them.  Don't miss out on this GREAT DEAL!. Help us, help yourself, and help someone else too!. Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Repair Keys never expire - they are good until you use them!  This offer is good through Tuesday, September 7, 2021.

Get more information and take advantage of our special 3 for $89 Labor Day Weekend pricing here.

John is being inundated with Norton and McAfee ads
Hello. I am being inundated by Norton and McAfee to renew my antivirus several times a day; I have used neither one in years. Norton told me I had five viruses, the next day ten and one day later three. I use only Emsisoft and am clear of malware. I thought Norton was a legitimate antivirus distributor and would not resort to those tactics. Is there a way to block them? Thank you, John.

Our answer
Hi John. It's not McAfee or Norton spawning these ads. Most likely you've installed and allowed a browser extension that is spewing ads for Norton / McAfee.

You need to reset your browser, disable all extensions, and clear your browser's history.

I don't know what browser you're using, so here is our page explaining how to reset the most popular browsers.

Jean can't find Windows Accessories on the Start menu
Reading your article regarding Windows Accessories, thought it was something I could really use. Then only problem is when I click Start the only Windows mention I get is Windows Power and Windows Power (Admin).

I typed Windows Accessories in the search panel and get nothing. I do often find that when you mention things on Windows 10  my computer doesn't seem to have it. I do have the latest update installed. My computer is somewhat elderly so maybe that is the problem.

Our answer
Hi Jean. Windows PowerShell and Windows PowerShell (admin) only appear on the Windows 10 right-click Start menu.

You're right-clicking the start button. Don't right-click, left-click it or just press the Windows key (and wait a few seconds) to open the Start menu.

Windows Accessories is a start menu folder so you can't get to it by typing Windows Accessories in the taskbar search.

Jeanie says she is getting an AVAST warning that she's being tracked
I purchased Emsisoft through you and am in my 2nd year of using it. While I was signing into a new program today, a box showed up in the corner of my screen from AVAST... and it said "You're being tracked. We found 34 tracking cookies on your PC."

Our answer
Hi Jeanie. My guess is Avast was added as an extension in your browser. Unfortunately, some antivirus programs think it is good to alert you to cookies, which happen to be a very necessary part of browsing the Web.

A cookie is simply a text file, that a site can only read if it is their cookie. You need cookies to log in to sites, and also, most sites leave a cookie, so they do not keep showing you the same ads. Cookies are harmless and when we were searching for the best antivirus program, part of our attraction to Emsisoft was they recognized that it was not necessary to flag harmless cookies.

My advice is to check your browser extensions which is where, I am guessing, you will most likely find an Avast extension. If you find it there, you should remove it.

How to Check Your Installed Browser Extensions – Cloudeight InfoAve (thundercloud.net)

Rina wants to know how to install fonts
I do like the Halloween fonts very much but have no idea how to install them. nor how to find them when writing an email. some help would be appreciated very much. Thanks so much.

Our answer
Hi Rina. Installing fonts on Windows 10 is as easy as pie.

Here is an article that will help you:

As far as using special fonts in email, it won't do you much good unless the person you're sending the mail to has the same font installed - you'll see it, but they won't. You can make graphics with the font and use them in emails.

As far as finding the fonts, any program that allows you to change fonts has a font selector on its toolbar. For instance, Word, OE Classic, Notepad, Wordpad, etc.

I'm going to use Notepad as an example. However, Notepad is very basic and it does not have a full range of font options, but I'm using it as an example so you can see how to access installed fonts Notepad lets you change fonts, font style, and size but not color... but here's how it works.

Other programs like OE Classic, Thunderbird, and most other email programs, Word, (and most other word processors), most graphic programs, etc., allow you to change fonts, font style, font size and font color.

We hope this helps you, Rina. 

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Barbara wants to know if clicking the "Skip ad" button on YouTube
Hi TC and EB. I have been wondering if it is okay when I am on YouTube and those ads come on and want me to sit still for a few minutes while they try to sell me something or tell me how to vote and I don't have the patience to sit there, I click the Skip Ad button. Two different people have told me it is okay to do that. It won't cause my email to fill with junk mail. But it seems that I am getting a ton of it since I have been watching teaching videos. Can you set the record straight?

I'm sure I am not the only one who wonders if it is safe to skip those annoying ads and click that Skip Ad button. Thanks guys, and take care of yourselves! Barbara

Our answer
Hi Barbara and thanks! Yes, click the "Skip ad" button when it appears. It takes a few seconds or more for the button to change to "Skip ad".

If you click before the ad is done, it often leads to a new page, so always wait until the button changes to "Skip ad". You can see how many more seconds you have to wait by looking in the lower right corner for a countdown showing how long you'll have to wait before you see the "Skip ad" button,
--------
Maureen wrote back: "THANK YOU. You are great! I did think it was odd and I knew you would come through for me as you always do. Maureen."



Linda's wireless adapter quit working
I have a huge problem I reset my old computer to clean it out and use it as a backup because it was suggested to me to update to a newer computer. This is the first time I've ever done anything like this and behold the old computer does not recognize the wireless adapter, so I cannot access the internet. I went to the computer manufacturer's website and downloaded all the drivers for this computer, but I still don't have wireless internet. I don't know what to do now.

Our answer
Hi Linda. The easiest and least complicated "fix" is to buy a USB Wi-Fi adapter (around $20).

Once you have the adapter, all you have to do is plug it into a USB port on your PC and follow the instructions that come with the adapter.

For more info about USB Wi-Fi adapters, see this page.

If you need more help, let us know.

Judy's screen has gone black
Hi, I don' know if this question is suitable to answer the newsletter but my desktop screen suddenly is black. By suddenly I mean I was working with my files and my hands had a spasm (stroke) and I must have somehow moved one of the images I was working on to the desktop. It is a .psp image, therefore is on a transparent background. I've tried doing what I had always done when I got this screen before, but it doesn't work this time. shutting down doesn't work either. Any easy suggestion before I ask for an appt. I thought of system restore but Windows 10 is a little different. Can you guys suggest something? wish I could send a screenshot to explain better. Thank you for the many years of help. Judy

Our answer
Hi Judy, thank you! It sounds to me like you turned on High Contrast. Press Windows Key + U. Click on "High Contrast" in the menu on the left. In High Contrast - turn the switch to OFF.

Let me know if this helps you.
----------
Judy wrote back: "Yeah! Did it. All the way I wanted it. You helped get the old brain working!"

Eileen wants to know where to get the latest version of Windows 10 (download)
Where can I get a current Windows 10 download for a new hard drive?

Our answer
Hi Eileen. You can always download the latest version of Windows 10 from this Microsoft page:

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

If you're making installation media, you'll want to click the "Download tool now" button. You'll have a choice of making a Windows Installation USB drive (you'll need a 16GB USB flash drive to do this), or making a Windows 10 Installation DVD - you'll need a DL(Dual Layer) blank writeable DVD to make this.

Nora asks about 2FA
Hi. Thank you for taking my question. What is 2FA and do I need it with an Ethernet connection? If so, how do I set it up on my computer and/or my iPad?

I had a wireless connection before updating to Windows 10. I could go to see and or change my password under network and security, etc. and it showed that I had WA2 and I was able to see my password but not with the Ethernet connection. How do I know that there aren't others sneaking a look at my email, etc. in my apartment building? Thanks for answering. Nora

Our answer
Hi Nora. 2FA means two-factor authentication. It generally applies to accessing websites or web services such as webmail, online banking, and other sites that deal with money or highly personal information. It is not used for Internet connections.

True 2FA pairs one authentication factor — usually a password or (username/password) in most cases — with a second factor of an entirely different kind such as a security code sent to your cellphone or email address that only you have access to. You'll need to enter both factors You'll need to enter both before you gain access to the site or service. 2FA does not apply to Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection. Wi-Fi uses WPA2 security (WPA3 -released in 2019 -is even more secure but most computer hardware does not yet support it.) WPA2 is an advanced encryption standard.

If you're using Ethernet then you're connected directly to a modem or router via an Ethernet cable and it's already a secure connection. WPA2 and WPA3 are encryption standards that apply only to wireless connections.

We hope this helps you, Nora

Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Repair Keys
THREE CLOUDEIGHT DIRECT COMPUTER REPAIR KEYS FOR $89!

These keys are transferable - share them with family, friends or keep them for yourself. They never expire - they're good until you use them! Get them here!

How can it be the unofficial end-of-summer weekend already? Cold days ahead! But during our Labor Day weekend sale, we're giving you a hot price on our Cloudeight Direct Computer Care repair keys. You can help us and help yourself and/or help a friend or family member too! During our Labor Day sale, you can buy three Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Repair Keys for $89! Keep the repair keys for yourself, or keep one for yourself and give the others away, it's up to you. These Cloudeight Direct Computer Care & Repair keys are fully transferable, they don't expire until you use them - so keep them until you need them.  Don't miss out on this GREAT DEAL!. Help us, help yourself, and help someone else too!. Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Repair Keys never expire - they are good until you use them!  This offer is good through Tuesday, September 7, 2021.

Get more information and take advantage of our special 3 for $89 Labor Day Weekend pricing here.

Windows Accessories: What’s in it for you?
Windows 10 (all versions)

The Accessories menu has been on every version of Windows since Windows XP. But back in the days of Windows XP, Windows Vista, and even in Windows 7, the Windows Accessories folder was listed under “A” for “Accessories”. Makes sense, right?

It used to be near the top of the Start menu and easy to find, but now in Windows 10, it’s “Windows Accessories” so it’s near the bottom of the Start menu.  

But just because Windows Accessories is buried near the bottom of the Start menu doesn’t mean it’s not useful. On the contrary, Windows Accessories contains a lot of useful Windows apps including Notepad, WordPad, Character Map, Paint, and many more.

Let’s have a look…

Hidden in the Windows Accessories menu is a bunch of useful stuff. Sorry for that extremely technical language!

When you click on Windows Accessories (above) you’ll see a menu open.

As you can see there are a lot of useful Windows apps hiding in the Window Accessories menu – things like Character Map which helps you make stuff like æ Ø ß ¿ – characters not normally available on your keyboard – well at least not on my keyboard. You’ll also find WordPad, Notepad, Sticky Notes, Snipping Tool, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, Quick Assist, and more.

And if anything in the Accessories menu is something you use often, you can make a shortcut on the Start menu or Taskbar. All you have to do is right-click the item you want to put on your Start menu or Taskbar and choose “Pin to Start” or click “More” and then “Pin to taskbar” (see below):

And now you know what’s in the Windows Accessories menu. 

Windows Hotkey Combos Make Launching Your Favorite Programs Easier
Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (all supported versions)

Do you have several programs you use every day? Instead of clicking on the start menu or a desktop or taskbar shortcut to open those programs, why not create a hotkey combination to open them? It’s really easy to do.

Let’s get started using Hotkey combinations:

I use OE Classic every day. I have a shortcut on my taskbar and my start menu for it. It’s nice having a shortcut on the taskbar because it’s always right where I can see it. However, you can only add so many shortcuts to your taskbar before you can’t see all your shortcuts.

So rather than taking up taskbar space with another icon, I decided to create a hotkey shortcut to open OE Classic. It’s really easy to do.

I thought a good hotkey combination to open OE Classic would be CTRL+ALT+T. T being for OE Classic – I’m so smart

So, all I had to do was open OE Classic’s Properties dialog. You can do this for any program by right-clicking its shortcut or right-clicking on the program’s executable file — and then clicking on “Properties”.

Once you have the Properties window open, click anywhere inside the shortcut key box:

… and type in your desired Hotkey combination.

To get the Hotkeys CTRL+ALT+O for OE Classic, all I had to do was press CTRL O. Windows automatically adds the ALT and the + signs.  Press “Apply” then “OK” when you're done to save your Hotkey combo for that program.

When you click “Apply” “OK”, you may see this:

If you see this dialog, no worries mate, just press “Continue” and your Hotkey combo for that program will be saved.

Now all I have to do to open OE Classic is press CTRL+ALT+0. Pretty cool.

Here’s more info on how to create Hotkey combos for your favorite programs:

If you hold the CTRL key and type a letter, number, or Function Key, Windows will automatically add the ALT key to the combination

If you hold the ALT key and type a letter, number, or Function Key, Windows will automatically add the CTRL key to the combination

You can use the CTRL, ALT, and/or SHIFT keys in combination with a letter, number, or Function Key

If you try to use a Hotkey combination that you’ve already used, Windows will detect it. You can’t use the same Hotkey combo more than once.

I created Hotkey combos for Notepad

CTRL+ALT+N

And Chrome

CTRL+ALT+C

And Firefox

CTRL+ALT+F

I know I can remember my four Hotkey combos because I’ve made them easy to remember.  And I’ll use them almost every day!

T=OE Classic

N=Notepad

C=Chrome

F=Firefox

Windows Hotkey Combinations: Simple. Easy. Handy. Maybe Windows Hotkey combos will make life easier for you too!  

The Toggle Keys - Beep! Beep!
Windows 10 (all supported versions)

Toggle Keys is a term used to describe a computer keyboard key that has one or more functions. For example, the caps lock key, Num lock key, and scroll lock key are examples of Toggle Keys. Toggle Keys is also an accessibility option.

When Toggle Keys are turned on, your computer will make a high or low tone beep when you press any of the NumLock, Caps Lock, or Scroll Lock keys. You can turn on Toggle Keys in the Ease of Access Center. Hold down the Windows Key and tap the U key to open the Ease of Access Center on any version of Windows. In Ease of Access Center, click on Keyboard and turn the Toggle Keys switch to On.



While you're there, if you choose, you can also turn on the switch that allows you to turn ToggleKeys on and off simply by holding down the Num lock key for 5 seconds.

When the Toggle Keys setting is turned on, your computer will beep whenever you press the Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, or NumLock keys.

Want more tips, tricks, and information?

We have thousands of Windows tips, tricks, and more on our InfoAve website.

Subscribe to our free InfoAve Daily newsletter.

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If you purchased or renewed Reg Organizer through Cloudeight within the last 12 months, you're entitled to a free version upgrade to Reg Organizer 8.76.

Save $14 on Reg Organizer right now!

Reg Organizer - A Swiss Army Knife of Windows Tools - Works Great on Windows 10!

A Treasure Trove of Desktop Wallpaper & More!

Quite by accident today, I discovered a web site that is a treasure trove of desktop wallpaper for Windows users. But you can also use this site if you have Apple or Android devices. So, you would say, this site has something for everyone.

Not only are there thousands of (mostly) beautiful wallpapers, there are hundreds of beautiful videos (loops) you can download and/or share.

But no more words, how about some samples?

There are thousands more. All are high-resolution images perfect for any desktop. Visit our Cloudeight site pick,"PeaPix"  right now. HINT: Most of the wallpaper is in the Bing Gallery.

I'd Love to be a Painter

"Because I could not stop for death --
He kindly stopped for me..." Emily Dickinson - 1830-1886

It’s been a warm and beautiful summer this summer. For some, it’s been a little hot. But for me, it has been one of the best summers I can remember. There has been plenty of sunshine and plenty of beautiful warm summer days. A summer simply perfect for outdoor activities.

Two of my favorite outdoor activities are walking and reading. Most people think of reading as an indoor activity and do more reading on those cold, dark, blustery days of winter. But to me, there’s nothing better than sitting in the shade of a large maple tree and reading an engaging book.

The more books I read, the more I find myself drawn to books written by writers who paint pictures with words. Some writers have amazing ways of painting with words that the paintings they create enchant the mind of the reader. To me, it is much better than watching a movie. Movies are always about how someone else sees the scenes and the characters that the writer painted. Books make me the director of the movie and allow me to create the scenes as I see them.

My mind, for whatever reason, never sees scenes the way a movie director does. Maybe it’s just me, but I’ve often heard people say that a movie is “not as good as the book”. It seems to me that the reason for that is that everyone who reads a book sees the scenes the author paints in many different ways.

I like books. I read a lot of them. I like books that take me places I’ll never have the chance to visit. I like books that show me things I’ve never seen or allow me to do things I’ve never done. Books that let me do things I know I’ll never do. I like books that let me do things I can’t do – things I know I’ll never have the good fortune to do.

I like books with dreamy scenes of surreal sunsets on mysterious islands... 

Please read the rest of this essay here.

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Read more about OE Classic here!

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OE Classic Email program. The email program most like Outlook Express. We can even set it up for you. Get more details here.

Reg Organizer: Reg Organizer is the Swiss Army Knife of Windows tools. It's far more than just a registry optimizer and cleaner... it's a Windows all-in-one toolkit. Reg Organizer helps you keep your computer in tip-top shape and helps you solve annoying Windows problems. Reg Organizer works great with Windows 10! Get more information about Reg Organizer (and get our special discount prices) here.

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