Cloudeight Direct Computer Care  - Get Ready For Winter Checkup

When you order our Get Ready For Winter Computer Checkup:

• We'll check your computer for malware and questionable programs
• We'll check and optimize your startup programs
• We'll check your computer performance to make sure your RAM and CPU usage are within normal ranges
• We'll check to make sure your Windows settings are configured for the best performance and privacy.
• We'll review your installed programs
• If you're using Emsisoft, we'll make sure it's set up for the best protection & performance
• We'll make sure your computer is ready for the long winter nights ahead!

Nancy just got a Windows 11 PC and doesn't like the centered taskbar
Hi guys. Love your newsletters and tips. I just got a new Windows 11 laptop and I'm learning how to use it, but one thing I don't like is the taskbar in the center of the screen. Is there any way to put it back like it was on Windows 10? Thanks in advance for your help.

Our answer
Hi Nancy. Thanks! It's easy to change the taskbar location on Windows 11. Just right-click on the taskbar and choose "Taskbar settings".

Scroll down to "Taskbar behaviors" and next to "Taskbar alignment" click the little up arrow. When you do you'll be able to choose the "Left" alignment option and your taskbar will immediately be left-aligned just as it was in all previous versions of Windows (until Windows 11). Here's a screenshot to guide you.

We hope this helps you, Nancy.

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Steve's desktop computer has no internet connection
My Windows 10 desktop computer no longer has an internet connection. When I look in Device Manager, I see a yellow triangle next to the network adapter. My Internet works. My smartphone and tablet are connected to the Internet without any problems. The first thing that came to mind was the device drivers needed updating. But when I tried updating, I got the message "Windows has determined the best driver for this device is already installed." I am at a loss to know what to do next and I would appreciate your advice. Thanks for being there for us.

Our answer
Hi Steve. Installing a new driver will not fix your Ethernet connection. We're assuming it stopped working before you tried installing a new driver. So, our first guess is your network card is going bad or has gone bad. We can rule out a problem with your modem and router since your other devices are connected and working. Does your desktop computer have a wireless card? If so, you could connect try connecting using the Wi-Fi connection.

But, before doing anything else we suggest you reset your network settings. Resetting the network settings only affects your computer -it won't affect the other devices connected to your network. Resetting your network settings on your desktop will completely reset your desktop computer's network settings as well as its network adapters. This may help you. If you want to try resetting your network -- and we think it's worth a try -- follow the instructions on this page.

Let us know what happens, Steve.
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Steve wrote back: "Hi TC. Just wanted to let you know your idea worked! I reset the network settings and I'm back online. The instructions you gave me were excellent! Thanks so much for taking the time to answer and helping me fix my computer problem. Steve"

About Me and About You Too!
Everyone who uses Google/Gmail

Did you know that Google has a page at https://aboutme.google.com/ where you can change or update your personal information across all Google services (Drive, Gmail, Calendar, etc.)? You can change or update your name, contact information, photos, etc. And you can also change your privacy settings and do a privacy checkup from there too. It's a good idea to visit https://aboutme.google.com/ and ensure your contact information is correct.

There's a lot about you on aboutme.google.com, maybe even more than you knew. So, take a look

A female dragon mascot and a place where males get paid less than females. That's us... Cloudeight!

How to Copy and Print Info from "About Your PC"
Windows 10 and Windows 11

This tip was created in answer to a question from Rosa who wrote, “I would like to print the info about my computer. But when I go to “About your PC”,  I can’t print it.”

So for Rosa and everyone else who would like to print the information shown in “About your PC” on Windows 10 and Windows 11, this tip is for you.

Most screenshots shown here are from Windows 11, but this tip works in Windows 11 and Windows 10.

First, open “About your PC” by typing ABOUT YOUR in the taskbar search. Press Enter or click Open when you see "About your PC" appear in the search results.

When About your PC opens you’ll see “About” at the top.  The first category you’ll see is “Device specifications” and next to it (or beneath it) you’ll see a “Copy” button.

Above is a screenshot from Windows 11, and below is a screenshot from Windows 10.

Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 show “Device specifications” at the top with a “Copy” button that allows you to copy the information shown to the Windows clipboard.

As you scroll down, you’ll see “Windows specifications” (on both Windows 10 and Windows 11), and on Windows 11 you’ll see “Support”.  On both Windows 10 and Windows 11 there is a “Copy” button next to or beneath “Windows specifications” which allows you to copy that information to the Windows clipboard. If you’re using Windows 11 you can also copy information from the “Support” section.

To print the information from any of the categories, you can use Notepad, WordPad, or whatever word processor you have installed. Every Windows 10 and 11 PC has Notepad and WordPad.

For this tip, we’re going to use Notepad.

Whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11, type NOTEPAD in the taskbar search and press Enter when you see Notepad appear in the search results. Press the “Copy” button next to (or beneath) “Device specifications”, then press CTRL+V and paste the text into Notepad.

Next, under or next to “Windows specifications” click the “Copy” button and press CTRL + V to paste the information into Notepad. If you’re using Windows 11 you can press the “Copy” button next to “Support” if you wish, and use CTRL+V to paste the info into your Notepad file.

When you do all of that, you’ll end up with something that looks like this which contains all of the information in “About your PC”:

Then, all you have to do to print your “About your PC” file is to press CTRL + P or use the File menu… “File” > “Print”.

And that’s all there is to printing the information in “About your PC”.

And if you choose, you can save your Notepad file – just give it a name and save it.

Google Voice
For everyone with a phone in the U.S.A.

Years ago I tried Google Voice and I wasn’t impressed; I ended up not using it. But things change. Today, I tried Google Voice again, and WOW! This time I was more than impressed.

Google Voice is very easy to set up, it works like a charm, and it allows you to make and receive phone calls without revealing your real phone number to the person or company you’re calling without having to use the old *67 trick.

Using a Google Voice number is a great idea when calling people who you don’t know well and when calling companies you’re not familiar with. It’s also a great idea if you have a small business or side hustle but don’t have a business phone number.

Here are some of the many advantages of having a Google Voice phone number:

• It’s Free (USA only):  If you are in the USA and have a Google Account, you can get a Google Voice number for free. Google Voice is not free in other countries. It requires a Google Workspace subscription – starting at $6 USD per month.
• Link your Google Voice number to your phone. You can link your Google Voice number to your cell phone or your landline number.
• You can make and receive free calls and send and receive free texts to the US and Canada. Google Voice users can make and receive free calls and texts to the US and Canada. This can save you a lot of money on your phone bill, especially if you make a lot of international calls.
• Flexible call forwarding. Google Voice allows you to forward your calls to any phone number in the world. This is great for managing multiple phone numbers or for taking your calls with you when you travel.
• Voicemail transcription. Google Voice transcribes your voicemails into text. This is a great way to quickly and easily read your voicemails, especially if you are on the go. You can have the transcribed voicemails sent to your Gmail address.
• Call blocking and filtering. Google Voice allows you to block and filter unwanted calls. This can help you to reduce spam and telemarketing calls.
• Call recording. Google Voice allows you to record your calls (where legal). This can be useful for business meetings or for personal protection.
• Call screening. Google Voice can screen your calls and let you know who is calling before you answer.
• Group messaging. Google Voice allows you to create group messaging threads with multiple people.
• Simultaneous ring. Google Voice can ring multiple phone numbers at the same time. This is great for when you are expecting an important call and want to make sure that you don’t miss it.
• Call routing. Google Voice allows you to route your calls to different phone numbers based on the time of day or the caller’s identity.
• Use your Google Voice number as your business phone number. If you have a small business you could use your Google Voice number for your business number. Publish your new business number with confidence that your real number and identity will remain hidden.

How to get your free Google Voice number

If you have a Gmail Account (and if you have a Gmail address you do) you can create a Google Voice phone number in just a couple of minutes.

Visit this page to log in to Google Voice

If not already signed into your Gmail account, sign in.

Review the terms and proceed to the next step.

You’ll see a list of phone numbers you can choose from. Or, if you like, you can search by city or area code.

Verify the number and enter the phone number you want to link to your Voice account. You can link a landline phone or a cell phone number.

Google will then send you a six-digit code to enter to continue setting up your Google Voice account just how you want it.

Once you’ve signed in, you can set up your Google Voice number and enable some of all its features by clicking on the Settings icon (the gear icon) at the top of the Google Voice page.

If you have an Android or Apple smartphone, download the Google Voice app. The Google Voice app makes it easy to use your Google Voice number and all of its features on your smartphone.

Want more tips, tricks, and information?

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Now available: Reg Organizer 9.30

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 9.30. 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 and Windows 11!

Wonderopolis for the Wonderer in You

Wonderopolis is an amazing website that encourages wonder, curiosity, and learning. Every day, Wonderopolis features a new  “Wonder of the Day” along with an engaging article that answers the question. All Wonderopolis articles are well-written and easy to understand, and many times include videos, images, and other multimedia content.

In addition to the Wonder of the Day, Wonderopolis also has a vast archive of previous wonders, which you can search using the site’s excellent search engine. This makes it a great resource for anyone curious about the world around them.

One of the things we love most about Wonderopolis is that it encourages people to think critically and ask questions. It encourages people to wonder. Many times the articles don’t just provide answers; they also challenge readers to think about the world in new and different ways.

For example, a recent Wonder of the Day asked, “What is the best way to learn?” The article didn’t provide a single, definitive answer; instead, it discussed different theories of learning and encouraged readers to think about what works best for them.

Wonderopolis is also a great resource for grandparents, parents, and teachers. There is a dedicated section of the website with activities and resources for families and schools. The activities are designed to help children learn more about the wonders of the day and to develop their critical thinking skills.

Wonderopolis is a great resource for anyone curious about the world around them. Wonderopolis is a site for people of all ages, and it will spark a sense of wonder and curiosity in everyone who visits.

Here are some of the recent wonders of Wonderopolis:

• Why do we wonder?
• Would you want an electric car?
• Why do sharks have nostrils?
• Do trees communicate with each other?
• Why do some plants flourish without sunlight?
• Why is the ocean salty?
• Does music help you with math?
• Who was the world’s first female dentist?

We highly recommend Wonderopolis to anyone curious and looking for a fun way to learn more about the world around them.

Visit our site pick, Wonderopolis, and explore all the wonders around you. 

THE ONLY CLOUDEIGHT-ENDORSED EMAIL PROGRAM

OE Classic is the only Cloudeight Endorsed Email Program - Very Similar to Windows Mail & Outlook Express!

If you're looking for an email program that feels familiar and works much like Windows Mail & Outlook Express, OE Classic might be exactly what you've been looking for!

Read more about OE Classic here!

Thoughts on Winter and Snowflakes

With a single flake of snow, winter begins. Like that first faint shadow of twilight, we hardly take notice of it. Our lives begin with a single breath – and end with one final one. Spring begins with a single flower and fades into summer – and we hardly notice. Like our children who grew up right before our eyes, we hardly noticed until they left us to seek their own lives.

And all is as it should be.

A single flake of snow brings winter. The autumn leaves, glorious and majestic, catch our attention as we hurry through our lives. But that first flake of snow is the sentry of winter, and yet we pretend it is not. We go on about our lives relying on calendars and watches and all sorts of devices to keep track of seasons and time. Still, winter begins with a single flake of snow, whether the calendar agrees or not does not matter.

Calendars and watches are made by people. Snowflakes are not. Snowflakes do not need to know the time of date. They come and go as they will.

Today, a single flake of snow catches my eye. It is a dull, gloomy, and lifeless autumn afternoon. The air is chilly, but not particularly cold. My eyes follow a single snowflake as it wafts silently and slowly to the ground. My mind drifts back to another time – when the world was a gentler and simpler place...

Read the rest of this essay here.

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What is the difference between a modem and a router?

A modem, often called a cable modem, is the piece of equipment that connects your computer to the coaxial cable coming into your home (it looks just like the cable that comes into your home for your television). Modems are generally provided by your cable company at a small monthly cost - or you can buy your own.

A router is another piece of equipment, provided by either you or your cable company, that allows many computers to be connected to the same modem. Better yet, a wireless router connects to your modem and gives wireless access anywhere in your home. Unless your home is a palatial mansion like EB's. Then you need relay routers. Do you really want to know? We'll have EB tell you about them -- maybe next week.

Sales of the following products and services help support our newsletters, websites, and free computer help services we provide.

Cloudeight Direct Computer Care: Single Keys, SeniorPass, or Season Tickets - always a great deal. Cloudeight Direct Computer Care is like having PC insurance. Get more information here.

Emsisoft Anti-Malware:  Emsisoft is the only Cloudeight-endorsed and recommended Windows security program. It provides users with a complete antivirus, antimalware, anti-ransomware, and 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.

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 and Windows 11! Get more information about Reg Organizer (and get our special discount prices) here.

SeniorPass - One year of Cloudeight Direct Computer Care - unlimited sessions! Get more information here.

Windows 10 Customization: Make Windows 10 look and work the way you want it to. Learn more.

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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 #1044
Volume 20 Number 50
October 13, 2023 

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