Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly


Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly
Issue #1015
Volume 20 Number 21
March 24, 2023

Dear Friends,

Welcome to Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly Issue #1015. Thank you very much for subscribing and for being a part of our Cloudeight family. We appreciate your friendship and support very much!  Please share our newsletters and our website with your friends and family.

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If you're not getting our InfoAve Daily newsletter, you're missing out on a lot of good stuff!

It's free and it only takes a few seconds to sign up. We'd love to have you with us. Visit this page to sign up for our Cloudeight InfoAve Daily Newsletter.

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Cloudeight spring cleanup

It's springtime and time to get your computer ready for spring & summer. With our Spring Cleanup service, we'll make that EASY for you. We'll check your PC, clean it up, optimize it and get it ready for spring & summer.

Here's what we'll do for you:

  • We'll connect to your computer and do a deep scan for malware.
  • We'll check your computer for suspicious and iffy programs and remove any we find (with your permission, of course)
  • We'll check your browser for problematic extensions/add-ons
  • We'll optimize your startups.
  • We'll optimize your settings and make sure your computer is set up for maximum performance.
  • We'll check for installed driver updaters and/or "one-click-fix" software known to degrade computer performance.
  • Special Offer... When you purchase our spring cleanup special you'll have the opportunity to purchase a SeniorPass for $25 off the regular price.

You'll get all of the above for just $30.

After you purchase our Spring Cleanup Special you'll be presented with a special opportunity to save $25 on a Cloudeight Senior Pass!

We're offering this special for a limited time only!

Get more information and/or get your spring cleanup here!

*Note: Our Spring Cleanup Service does not include repairs.

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Cloudeight InfoAve

Sandy asks about OneDrive, the Cloud, and browser home pages
What's the difference between OneDrive and Cloud? I hate both. Next question: When I first got this computer a year or so ago, the first thing I do is put your start page on here. When I did that, somehow, now, every time I start this computer, 2 of your start pages come up. I don't want to delete one, cause I might delete both. I'm not too whippy when it comes to this machine.

Our answer
Hi Sandy. You asked about the difference between OneDrive and Cloud - did you mean iCloud? The term "Cloud" is used to refer to storing files "in the Cloud" or storing files on remote web servers. I'm going to assume you mean iCloud. iCloud is an Apple product and service and it's closely tied to Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, iMac, etc.) It backs up files on your Apple devices to the "Cloud". I believe if you have iCloud installed on Windows it allows you to access photos (and other files) stored in your iCloud account on your Windows computer(s). Since I don't have any Apple devices, I've not used iDrive.

OneDrive is a Microsoft product/service. It backs up your Windows user folder (Documents, Desktop, Pictures, Music, Videos, Favorites, etc.) in the "Cloud". It's closely tied to your Windows computer. It makes it easy to access all your user folders on any Windows device. You can also install OneDrive on Android devices by downloading the OneDrive app from the Google Play Store and signing into OneDrive using your Microsoft account credentials. You can also install OneDrive on Apple devices such as iPhones or iPads by downloading the OneDrive app from the Apple App Store and signing into your Microsoft account.

OneDrive comes with 5 GB of free space. You can purchase more space, or if you purchase a Microsoft 365 (Office) subscription you'll get 1 TB of OneDrive space free. According to Apple, when you set up iCloud, you automatically get 5 GB of free storage. You can use that space for your iCloud backups, photos, videos, documents, and more. If you need more space, you can upgrade to iCloud+.

We highly recommend OneDrive to back up your Windows computer - if you have enough storage space - you can easily access your personal files and folders from any Windows computer - or if you get a new Windows computer - once you sign in to OneDrive - all your personal files show up your new computer.

As for duplicate home pages in your browser (and thanks for using our start page!) here's how to fix that.

In the Edge address bar, type or copy & paste the following:

edge://settings/startHomeNTP

and press Enter.

Under "Open these pages" remove one of the links to https://thundercloud.net/start/ by clicking on the 3 dots to its left and choosing "Delete" from the menu.

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We hope this helps you, Sandy.

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Richard says his new computer won't allow him to use his Gmail address
My new computer will not let me use my old address. It inserts a 2 after my username.

Our answer
Hi Richard. The computer or device you use to access your email has nothing to do with your email username or password. You should be able to go to https://www.gmail.com and sign into your Gmail account from any computer, smartphone, or tablet using your username (Gmail address) and password. The device you use does not change your email address or your password. So, this is not a Windows issue or a computer problem.

We are sorry that we can't be of more help but this is something you'll need to investigate by trying to log into your account by going to the Gmail login page at https://www.gmail.com/.

Also, if you use an Email program on your computer, you may have to re-set up your Gmail account in it.

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Debbie wants a good ad blocker but cannot find one on our website
I was thinking I could do a search on your website to find past articles on topics, but can't find it on your website so I'll just ask... what is a good ad blocker that actually works?

I'll also need to set up a spring clean on 2 of my computers. Doing that next. I so appreciate you both!

Our answer
Thanks so much, Debbie. We look forward to doing the spring clean-ups for you.

The site search on our website is very easy to find. Just visit https://thundercloud.net/infoave/new/ and the search box is near the top right.

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As for our number one choice for a free ad blocker, we recommend uBlock Origin. You can read our full recommendation here. That article contains download links too.

We hope this helps you, Debbie. We look forward to "seeing" you soon for your spring clean-ups.

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Cheryl has questions about Windows 11 security settings
Hello again my friends. After the latest Windows 11 update on my PC, I now notice this in my Windows Security notifications.

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When I click on Settings, this is what comes up: Do I need to turn any of this on?? The bottom one (Microsoft Vulnerable Driver Blocklist) was on by default.

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Thank you for your time.

Our answer
Hi Cheryl. The settings you have are the settings that I and many others have. This usually happens when you have incompatible drivers in your PC and the only solution to get “core isolation ” back will be to remove the incompatible drivers, before you do so, please keep in mind that removing a driver means, that the device which is associated with the driver will not work, so either accept the risk and ignore the Core isolation Memory Integrity not available error or give it a try. Everything on my computer is running fine and I'm not going to mess with deleting drivers just to turn on Memory integrity.

Keep in mind, Windows 10 had the same settings options, and Core isolation/memory integrity was turned off by default. So, since Microsoft is supporting Windows 10 until 10/14/2025 and since there are hundreds of millions of Windows 10 users, Microsoft may be (again) blathering.

As I said, my settings are the same as yours and I'm just going to leave them alone.

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We hope this helps you - or at least gives you some peace of mind, Cheryl. 

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Help us with a small donation!

We gladly help everyone who writes every day by answering their questions and helping to solve their computer problems. Please help us continue to do that!

Make a small donation and help us help you!

If you don't need any of our products or services right now, please help us with a donation. Even the smallest gift is appreciated. Every donation helps us to provide useful information that helps you with your computer as well as helps us to keep you safe on the Internet. We offer free help to thousands of people every year... and we offer an honest and inexpensive computer repair service too. We do everything we can to help you with your computer and keep you safe too.

So if you don't need any of our products or services right now, please help us by making a donation right now.

Interested in making a monthly gift? Visit this page. Help us keep helping you!

Thank you so much for your support!

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Des wants our opinion of Ashampoo WinOptimizer 18.
Just wondering what you guys think of Ashampoo WinOptimizer 18. Many thanks for your help, Des.

Our answer
Hi Des. Like all one-click-fixers/optimizers, we think they are borderline scams.

Think of it this way. If there were really a one-click fixer or one-click optimizer, Microsoft would buy the technology and include it with Windows. It would surely improve the reputation of both Microsoft and Windows.

There are no instant optimization or repair programs worth installing. We would advise you to save your money.

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Audrey has major problems with her shortcuts
Dear Darcy and TC. I'm really frustrated this week! I have desktop shortcuts for things like my bank login page, and others and now I suddenly find they are not opening the target page but instead opening Google Apps - "C:\Program Files\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome_proxy.exe" --profile-directory=Default --app-id= (with a string of 33 lower case letters). The right-click menu has options – Open as window / Start App when you sign in / Remove from Chrome Settings / Create Shortcuts. Choosing to create shortcuts brings up the box to create shortcuts on the desktop, etc., but I still end up back in Google Apps.

I can find no help on the Google website. The only advice offered was to reinstall Chrome, which I am hesitant to do if I can avoid it. So I’m sorry I have to bother you. I’ll be very surprised if you don’t have a simple answer which will make me say, “Why didn’t I think of that?”

Kind regards to you both, Audrey.

Our answer
Hi Audrey. I am not sure what is going on. But the easiest way to create a shortcut for a program on your desktop is to go to the installation folder (where the program is installed) and right-click on its exe file then choose "Send to desktop (create shortcut)".

For example, to create a correct shortcut for Chrome, open File Explorer, navigate to your C: drive > Program Files > Google > Application > and right-click on Chrome.exe and choose "Send to" > "Desktop (create shortcut)".

But first, make sure you delete all the shortcuts that don't work correctly before you do this.

After you've removed all the incorrect shortcuts to websites on your desktop... create new ones. To create website shortcuts on the desktop using Chrome, open the page you want to create a shortcut to, click on the 3 dots in the top right corner, and click "More tools" > "Create shortcut". Do this with all the pages you need a correct shortcut for.

I'm not sure why you're getting that Google apps page. But if you do need to uninstall Chrome, make sure you save your bookmarks. Because uninstalling Chrome correctly requires you to also delete a folder in a hidden directory called AppData\Local. If you decide to remove Chrome and reinstall it, let me know and we'll help you with that.

We hope this helps you, Audrey.
---------
Audrey wrote back: "Thank you for your prompt reply, TC. It now seems all shortcuts are working except this particular website. When I click on the shortcut within the Apps page, this message appears - “XXXX – Internet Banking Login” is no longer supported. Old versions of Chrome apps won’t open on Windows devices after December 2022. You can check if there’s a new version available.

So the ball is back in my court! Maybe I’ll have to stop being lazy and do it the long way.

We wrote back. to Audrey...
Hi Audrey. Delete the shortcut you currently have to your bank. Right-click on your desktop (not on an icon).

Choose > New shortcut.
And where it says "Type of the location of the item" copy and paste the URL below:

(The URL was omitted from this newsletter to save space)

And paste the entire URL into the "location" box. Then click "Next".

Under "Type a name for this shortcut" type the name of your bank and click "Finish".

Now try your bank shortcut.
------
Audrey wrote back..."Dear Genius. Thank you for sticking with this. I followed your instructions and it works a treat. We’d have to work hard to stump you! Kindest regards, Audrey. PS I am happy to make a small donation!"

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Richard doesn't like the Windows expanded clipboard, and want's to know if we have any alternatives

Hey TC. Back again to ask for your advice regarding Clipboard management. I have enabled Clipboard in Windows 10 as you have written about before. However, I don't get the results I had gotten previously which was a simple list of clipped pieces. So I am exploring fee-based CLIPBOARD managers, and CLIPMATE seems to be one of the best, though it is far from simple in its displays. It is useful but seems to have too many bells and whistles not to mention that $35 is not very appealing.

Can you suggest something relating to CLIPBOARD management: something free or inexpensive, something that displays a simple list of clipped data that I can manage?

Appreciate your help and your weekly newsletters which I have touted on my website many times. Thank you, Richard.

Our answer
Hi Richard. The expanded clipboard feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11 works great for us. We are not sure what it doesn't do that you want it to. Anyway, here are three free clipboard managers we found - but have not tested.

---------------------------------
Ditto

Ditto is a lightweight and easy-to-use clipboard manager that allows you to save and access multiple clipboard items. It supports various data formats, including text, images, and files.

Read more about and/or download Ditto from the Microsoft Store here.
-----------------------------------

ClipClip

ClipClip is a feature-rich clipboard manager that allows you to organize and store text, images, and files. It also includes a built-in editor that allows you to edit and annotate your clips.

Read more about and/or download ClipClip here.

------------------------------------

CopyQ

CopyQ is a powerful clipboard manager that allows you to store and organize clipboard items, including images, text, and HTML. It also includes a scripting feature that allows you to automate tasks and extend its functionality. 

Read more about and/or download CopyQ from here.
------------------------------------

Please note, we have not tested these clipboard managers and are only recommending them because they are all free clipboard managers and appear to be free from any malware or bundled applications.

We hope this helps you, Richard. 

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Cloudeight spring cleanup

It's springtime and time to get your computer ready for spring & summer. With our Spring Cleanup service, we'll make that EASY for you. We'll check your PC, clean it up, optimize it and get it ready for spring & summer.

Here's what we'll do for you:

  • We'll connect to your computer and do a deep scan for malware.
  • We'll check your computer for suspicious and iffy programs and remove any we find (with your permission, of course)
  • We'll check your browser for problematic extensions/add-ons
  • We'll optimize your startups.
  • We'll optimize your settings and make sure your computer is set up for maximum performance.
  • We'll check for installed driver updaters and/or "one-click-fix" software known to degrade computer performance.
  • Special Offer... When you purchase our spring cleanup special you'll have the opportunity to purchase a SeniorPass for $25 off the regular price.

You'll get all of the above for just $30.

After you purchase our Spring Cleanup Special you'll be presented with a special opportunity to save $25 on a Cloudeight Senior Pass!

We're offering this special for a limited time only!

Get more information and/or get your spring cleanup here!

*Note: Our Spring Cleanup Service does not include repairs.

Cloudeight InfoAve Premium

Cloudeight InfoAve Premium -Tips & Tricks

How to Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives
Windows 10 and Windows 11

By default, Windows hides certain files, folders, and drives. But many times, the Windows tips we write and the ones you see online assume you can “see’ hidden files, folders, and drives.

Some files and folders in Windows are automatically marked as hidden because Windows doesn’t want you messing around with them. But, leaving them hidden hinders your ability to make changes that can enhance your Windows experience. As we’ve mentioned, many tips and tricks you find online assume you can view hidden files.

For example,  if you need to access the AppData folder in your users’ directory, you’ll need to unhide hidden files, folders, and drives. And we think it’s a good idea that you be able to see all files, folders, and drives on your computer, and here’s an easy way to do it.

Windows 10

1.) Open File Explorer (Windows key + E is a great shortcut).

2.) Click on the “View” tab at the top.

3.) Tick the box next to “Hidden items”.

Cloudeight Windows 10 tips

4.) Close File Explorer.

Windows 11

1.) Open File Explorer (Windows key + E ).

2.) Click on “View” at the top.

Cloudeight Windows 11 tips

3.) Tick “Show” in the drop-down menu.

4.) Click on “Hidden items”.

5.) Close File Explorer.

That’s it! From now on, you will be able to see all your files, folders, and drives including the ones that Windows was previously hiding from you.

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Five Rules for Safe Downloading
All Windows Users

1. Use Good Security Software:

Using a good antivirus/anti-malware is your first line of defense. We use and highly recommend Emsisoft Anti-Malware (and antivirus). Emsisoft provides immediate warnings if you click something you shouldn't have. Emsisoft is the only program we have seen that helps users avoid installing PUPs and hijackers by warning them right away. Plus, Emsisoft is an excellent anti-malware and anti-virus tool - it always scores well in reliable tests performed by independent antivirus testing labs.

2. Don't click without knowing what you're clicking.

If you get a popup offering a download that you didn't ask for, don't click anything; press the ALT+F4 keys to close the popup.

3. Be careful where you download from.

Many sites like CNet, File Hippo, and many others, use deceptive practices including strategically placed, large and small green download buttons which download software all right, but not the software you intended to download. Sites like Softonics and Brothersoft are even worse. They bundle good, clean freeware in their own malware bundler which they euphemistically call a "download manager". When possible, we suggest you use www.snapfiles.com for downloading. Snapfiles is our number one safe site for downloading software. We use Major Geeks sometimes too.

4. Think before you click.

If you click to download something, and something looks or feels amiss, stop the download. It might be that you clicked on a deceptive download button or an ad instead. No software program or app is worth messing up your computer. Again, we cannot stress this more... THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK!

5. Take your time:

During installation, take your time. Do not rush. Make sure you read each dialog screen during setup. Many times, you will have to uncheck other programs being "offered" or you will find you've infected your PC with malware, most often hijackers & PUPs. Taking an extra minute or two and reading each dialog during installation can help protect your computer. So, don't rush through installations by simply clicking "next", "next", "next", "Finish".  Take your time when you install software, and you'll save time in the long run.

Our rule of thumb:  If we start installing a program that offers to install anything other than what we wanted, we cancel the installation and delete the installer. No one needs to put up with software download and installation trickery.

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How to Customize the Windows 11 Start Menu
Windows 11

Most people loved the list-style start menu from Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. But Windows 8, with its large tiled menu, was a flop, and Windows 10 tried a hybrid of Windows 8’s tiles and Windows 7’s program list menu.

Still, many folks opted out of the Windows 10 menu and installed ClassicShell, OpenShell, or one of the many other apps that made Windows 10’s Start menu look a whole lot more like the Windows 7 Start menu.

Then, along came Windows 11, with its version of a hybrid menu which we rather like, but some people don’t. But you can customize the Windows 11 Start menu and make it quite functional and more the way you want it.

Get an alphabetical Start menu showing a list of all installed apps

First, you can easily find an alphabetical “List” style menu by clicking on “All apps” in the top-right corner. This shows all of your installed apps/programs in an alphabetical list.

All About the Windows 11 Start Menu -Cloudeight

All About the Windows 11 Start Menu -Cloudeight

Customizing the Windows 11 Start menu

Besides displaying your installed apps and programs in the old tried-and-true alpha listing, the Windows 11 Start menu is very customizable. Here are some things you can change…

Here are some of the things you can do to customize the Windows 11 Start menu.

What a drag it is …

The Windows 11 Start menu does not show your apps and programs in alphabetical order. You can drag them into any order you want them. If you’re like us you’ll want the programs you use most at the top. So drag the app/program icons around to further customize the Windows 11 Start menu.

Make it just the way you want it

Right-click on the Start menu, to access “Start settings” which will give you a lot of control over how the Windows 11 Start menu looks and works.

All About the Windows 11 Start Menu -Cloudeight

In the screenshot above, you can see that you can opt to see more apps/programs on the Start menu (More pins), Default (default pins & recommendations), and “More recommendations”.  If you’re like us, you’ll want to choose the “More pins” option to display the most installed apps and programs.

More Ways to Customize the Windows 11 Start Menu

Choose which folders appear along the bottom of the Start menu by turning the switch next to them “On” to show that particular folder and “Off” to hide it.

All About the Windows 11 Start Menu -Cloudeight

All About the Windows 11 Start Menu -Cloudeight

The folders you’ve turned on will show up as icons along the bottom (right side) of the Start menu as you can see in the screenshot below. Your username will appear at the bottom left.

All About the Windows 11 Start Menu -Cloudeight

Oh, and one more thing…

If you want to customize the color of your Start menu… just click on “Changing Start menu  color” or just go to Settings >Personalization > Colors

Still don’t like the Windows Start Menu?

And if, after all of this, you still find yourself yearning for a Windows 7 or Windows 10-style Start menu, see this post.

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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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Reg Organizer: Cloudeight recommended and endorsed.

Now available: Reg Organizer 9.1

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 9.1. Works great with Windows 10 and Windows 11!

Save $14 on Reg Organizer right now!

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

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Cloudeight InfoAve Premium -Tips & Tricks 

HiBit Uninstaller 2023

We featured HiBit Uninstaller for the first time in June 2018 when it was first introduced. We revisited it in 2019 after discovering more interesting features had been added. But after downloading and installing it again four years later we are even more impressed. The developer has added several new useful features. And so, now, we think HiBit Uninstaller deserves to be featured again as a Cloudeight Freeware Pick.

HiBit Uninstaller - Cloudeight Freeware Pick
Above: Just opening HiBit uninstaller gives you instant information about your computer such as processor type and speed,  your computer’s graphics, how much available RAM, your operating system and type ( 64bit or 32bit), and the total time elapsed since your last reboot.

Revisiting HiBit Uninstaller

The developer has added many new features and has made the uninstaller utility even better. There’s a Windows Store App remover which makes uninstalling all those pre-installed Windows Store Apps a piece of cake plus a Windows Updates Manager, System Restore Manager, Browser Extension Manager, Context Manager, and more.

The Context Manager, for instance, makes it easy to add or remove entries from your context (right-click) menu.

HiBit Context Manager - Cloudeight

How to access all the tools in HiBit Uninstaller

You can access over a dozen great Windows utilities by clicking the arrow next to “Tools” at the top-right of HiBit Uninstaller.

HiBit Uninstaller Features, 2023 - Cloudeight

First and foremost, it’s a GREAT uninstaller

HiBit Uninstaller wouldn’t be HiBit Uninstaller if it wasn’t for its superb uninstaller feature. One of the best features of the uninstaller, other than it thoroughly removes programs/apps and leftovers, is that you can uninstall more than one program at a time. Just select the programs you want to uninstall, right-click on one of the selected items, and choose “Uninstall selected”.

And should you have a particularly stubborn program that doesn’t seem to want to be uninstalled, you can use Hibit Uninstaller’s “Force removal” feature.

Plus, if you want to know more about the program you can view its installation folder or search for more information about it online.

HiBit Uninstaller - Cloudeight Freeware Pick

Over a dozen useful Windows tools are included in HiBit Uninstaller

HiBit Uninstaller has become our free uninstaller of choice. Not only our uninstaller of choice but our freeware utility of choice. HiBit Uninstaller replaces several other apps & utilities. What’s not to like about that?

HiBit Uninstaller Features, 2023 - Cloudeight
Above: Over a dozen useful utilities are included with HiBit Uninstaller. Plus you can add the Uninstaller and the Install Monitor to your Context Menu to make it easy to monitor software as you install it and uninstall any program or app by right-clicking on it. We do not recommend using its registry cleaner; our favorite ‘safe’ HiBit tools are highlighted in the screenshot above.

Control browser extensions, system restore points, and more…

HiBit Uninstaller is a great freeware program and the newest version adds a lot of new features and an even better uninstaller that we think is the best free uninstaller when it comes to cleaning up the detritus most uninstallers leave behind.

Cloudeight InfoAve
Above: The Browser Extensions Manager lets you remove extensions without opening your browser. It supports Firefox, Chrome, Edge, and Internet Explorer.

Cloudeight InfoAve
Above: The System Restore Manager instantly shows you how many restore points you have and when they were created. You can also create a restore point.

HiBit Uninstaller is a great solution for uninstalling Windows apps and software and it’s also a treasure trove of useful Windows tools.

What’s not to like about HiBit Uninstaller?

HiBit Uninstaller is what great freeware should be: no nags, no ads, no games, and no tricks. We use HiBit Uninstaller often and you should too. It’s an amazing Windows uninstaller and utilities bundle that is free of malware, badware, and developer tricks. And it works great with Windows 10 or Windows 11.

You can read more about HiBit Uninstaller and/or download the portable version or the installer here. 

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Cloudeight spring cleanup

It's springtime and time to get your computer ready for spring & summer. With our Spring Cleanup service, we'll make that EASY for you. We'll check your PC, clean it up, optimize it and get it ready for spring & summer.

Here's what we'll do for you:

  • We'll connect to your computer and do a deep scan for malware.
  • We'll check your computer for suspicious and iffy programs and remove any we find (with your permission, of course)
  • We'll check your browser for problematic extensions/add-ons
  • We'll optimize your startups.
  • We'll optimize your settings and make sure your computer is set up for maximum performance.
  • We'll check for installed driver updaters and/or "one-click-fix" software known to degrade computer performance.
  • Special Offer... When you purchase our spring cleanup special you'll have the opportunity to purchase a SeniorPass for $25 off the regular price.

You'll get all of the above for just $30.

After you purchase our Spring Cleanup Special you'll be presented with a special opportunity to save $25 on a Cloudeight Senior Pass!

We're offering this special for a limited time only!

Get more information and/or get your spring cleanup here! 

Cloudeight InfoAve Premium

Cloudeight InfoAve Premium - Essays , Rants, etc.

Beautiful Morning

I see some children waiting for the school bus…

It is such a beautiful morning, and the children look so happy. It makes me pause for a moment and remember a time in my life when I was a child and I waited for the school bus on a spring day just like this. The sun is just above the horizon, and though spring has just begun, it seems as if a touch of summer is in the air. The dreams and anticipation of picnics, baseball games, and the feel of a warm sandy beach on my toes, all dance in my mind.

I remember this same wonderful feeling as a child when after school I would go outside with my friends on a spring day like this one to do whatever I wanted. We were enchanted and laughter flowed easily because we all knew that summer vacation grew nearer with each day.

The innocence of children is too quickly corrupted by the world, more now than ever before, I think. At some point in time, we all lose the child inside of us – or at least it seems to me that most people do. But some of us fight hard to keep the child inside alive – and it’s not easy to do.

Today, as I watch the children waiting for the bus...

Read the rest of this essay here.

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Help us with a small donation!

We gladly help everyone who writes every day by answering their questions and helping to solve their computer problems. Please help us continue to do that!

Make a small donation and help us help you!

If you don't need any of our products or services right now, please help us with a donation. Even the smallest gift is appreciated. Every donation helps us to provide useful information that helps you with your computer as well as helps us to keep you safe on the Internet. We offer free help to thousands of people every year... and we offer an honest and inexpensive computer repair service too. We do everything we can to help you with your computer and keep you safe too.

So if you don't need any of our products or services right now, please help us by making a donation right now.

Interested in making a monthly gift? Visit this page. Help us keep helping you!

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Cloudeight InfoAve Premium - Back to Basics

What does "Refresh" mean?

Have you ever been outside on a hot day, mowing the grass, pumping oil, or laying bricks? You're getting all sweaty and red? So you decide to take a break, go into the house and open the fridge and grab a cold one. You sit down in the shade of a sprawling weeping willow tree, twist off the cap, and take a big slug. Now that's refreshing. In my dreams! In reality, EB yanked that beer out of my hand so quickly, it made my eyeballs spin - "back to work you lazy sot" she said. "Please don't flog me!", I cried.

Nah, we know what you want to know, we were just teasing you. You mean what does "refresh a Web page" mean, right? It means forcing the browser to reload the page you're viewing. You can do this by clicking the refresh button on the browser's toolbar or by using the F5 key. The F5 key works in almost all browsers including Microsoft Edge, Firefox, and Google Chrome. So next time you need to refresh, don't reach for a cold one, reach for the F5 key. It's free, it's not intoxicating, and EB can't grab it out of your hand.

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We hope you have enjoyed this issue of Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly. Thanks so much for your support and for being an InfoAve Weekly subscriber.

Have a great weekend... be safe!

Darcy and TC
Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly - Issue #1015
Volume 20 Number 21
March 24, 2023 

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