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Sherri has icons instead of thumbnails for pictures
Hi. All of a sudden,  I can no longer see thumbnails of my pictures. No matter what I try all is see are icons - no thumbnails.. All this started after I installed a Windows update. Please help me get my thumbnails back!

Our answer
Hi Sherri. This should help you get your thumbnails back.

Type folder options in the taskbar search then click "Open".
In File Explorer Options click on the 'View" tab and make sure "Always show icons, never thumbnails" is not checked. If it is, uncheck it and click APPLY/OK. 

If you find this is already unchecked, do this:

Type default apps in the taskbar search. Click "Open" and under Photo Viewer select something other than what you are currently using (it's okay you can switch back later). Now look in your pictures folder.

Let me know if this helps you.
------
Sherri wrote back: "Oh my goodness! It worked. Thanks so much for helping me! Sherri L."

Roger wants to know if SponsorBlock is safe
Hi there. I need to ask you your opinion of a program called SponsorBlock. It supposedly stops ads etc., popping up on YouTube. Do you know if it is safe to download any help will be appreciated. Many Thanks. Roger

Our answer
Hi Roger. SponsorBlock is generally considered safe to use. SponsorBlock's code is publicly available on GitHub, allowing anyone to inspect it for malicious code. It has a clear privacy policy outlining how it handles user data, which is minimal and anonymized. It's maintained by a reputable developer who has a positive track record in the open-source community.

Its primary function is to skip sponsor segments and other content you might not want to see, it does not inject ads or track your browsing habits.

 

It may, at times, block not only ads but sometimes part of the content, but it's rare and does not happen often from what I found.

 

The only words of caution I have is to make sure you download SponsorBlock from a reputable site such as the developer's site at https://sponsor.ajay.app/.

 

I hope this helps you, Roger.

 

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You Should Start Using Windows Key Shortcuts and Here’s Why
Windows 10 / Windows 11

OK…we’ve featured Windows key shortcuts several times, but sadly not enough times to convince some of you just how much of a time-saver Windows key shortcuts can be.

Casting “Zulu” from my laptop to my Roku 

Just last evening I was using my laptop and I wanted to watch something on TV via my Roku player. I subscribe to a streaming service (which I will not mention here for obvious reasons). When I watch this particular streaming service (I’ll call it Zulu for convenience) on my TV I have to watch all of the commercials because I’m too cheap to pay the extra $6.95 a month to buy the ad-free version of “Zulu”.

I discovered, however, that if I log into “Zulu” on my laptop and “cast” it from my laptop to my TV, good old uBlock Origin blocks all the ads on “Zulu” and effectively gives me the ad-free version at no extra moolah. Is this cheating? I don’t know – it was accidentally discovered, so I think not.

What the heck does this have to do with Windows key shortcuts? A lot actually. I use the Windows key + K shortcut to open the “Cast” dialog in Windows 11 (it works on Windows 10 too). When the Cast dialog opens I can see my 3 Roku players (2 Roku Express and 1 Roku Ultra).

Using the Windows key + K shortcut opens the “Cast” dialog immediately and saves me from having to type in “Cast” in the Taskbar search or muddle around in Settings to find “Cast to a wireless display”.

I use the Windows key + K shortcut just about every day. Not many days pass me by that I don’t use the Windows key + R (Run box), Windows key + I (Settings), Windows key + V to paste from the extended clipboard, Windows key + X to open the Start button right-click menu, Windows key + S to open a search box, and many others.

So consider this a reminder that using Windows key shortcuts can save you a lot of time and the more you use them the more you’ll remember them and the more they’ll become part of your computer skill set.

What is the Windows key and where can you find it?

We’re glad you asked. Some of you are afraid to ask where the Windows key is because you think it’s a stupid question. But you know, the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask.

The Windows key is on the bottom of the keyboard between the Ctrl key and the Alt key… or if you’re using a laptop it is usually between the Fn key and the Alt key. You can find it easily as it’s the only key with the Microsoft Windows logo on it.

And when we say, for example, Windows key + R (or Winkey+R), what we mean is that you hold down the Windows key while tapping the “R” key. So, Windows key + means holding down the Windows key while tapping the key after the “+” (plus) sign. To further shorten our Windows key shortcuts we use “Winkey” instead of “Windows key” – but they are exactly the same. Easy peasy, right?

Here’s an extensive list of Windows Key shortcuts

There are many more but those should be enough to get you started!

How to Use Windows Update to Reinstall Windows 11 without Losing Anything
Windows 11

Did you know you can use Windows Update to reinstall Windows 11 to fix PC problems without losing anything? It’s true. Using Windows Update to reinstall Windows 11 allows you to keep everything — all of your apps, programs, files, and settings will be preserved.

Windows Update can help fix problems with your PC. Fixing problems using Windows Update is a recovery tool that can help fix computer problems and resolve updates-related issues. Using this tool will reinstall the current version of Windows on your device. This tool preserves all your apps, programs, files, documents, and settings. Make sure to keep your PC connected to a power source and the internet during reinstallation.

Here’s how to use Windows Update to Repair Windows

1> Open Settings (Windows key + i )
2> Click on System
3> Click on Recovery
4> Next to “Fix problems using Windows Update” click “Reinstall now”

After you click “Reinstall now”, you’ll see the following prompt. Make sure you stay connected to the internet and a power source during the Windows 11 reinstallation process.

After you’ve read the information in the dialog, click “OK” to start the Windows reinstallation process. 

Find Things Faster
Windows 10 / Windows 11

If you’re searching for something on your computer, especially in a folder, we will show you a faster way to find what you’re looking for.

Press the Windows Key + E to open File Explorer. If File Explorer opens Quick Access, click “This PC” in the left pane.

You’ll see a tiny search box at the top that says “Search This PC”. We’ll enlarge it for you so it’s easier to see

Type what you’re looking for in the search box.

Here’s another helpful hint. If you know the folder that the file you’re looking for is in, switch to that folder first by clicking on it, and then search. It’s even faster;

The search box is available for all folders. Here we’re using the Documents folder as an example.

And if you want even faster searching, check out our freeware pick, Everything Search.

Want more tips, tricks, and information?

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

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The Best Computer Care and Repair - Anywhere!

We can fix your computer while you watch. You never have to leave your home. Just sit back, relax, and watch us work. Get PC service from folks you trust at the best prices you'll find anywhere.

Get more information here.

    

Snappa – Create Online Graphics in a Snap

Today’s site of the week ought to appeal to 82.3% of you. That’s the percentage of our subscribers who love to work with graphics. Of course, it’s based on an EB International Poll, and she does not bother polling anyone. She uses my top hat, writes numbers on pieces of paper, then picks three numbers, averages them, and adds “point 3” to it so it looks official. See what I have to put up with?

I spent a good amount of time on this site playing around with graphics. But instead of trying to make a graphic to dazzle you, I tried to make a graphic to ingratiate myself with EB. But I know I’ll fail… no one ingratiates themselves with EB. Go ahead and try. I dare you!  

Anyway, in my futile attempt to please her and thus get a paycheck from the famously parsimonious EB, I created this flattering graphic.



Ain’t it cute? Imagine a T-shirt like that? Or perhaps a bumper snicker… don’t correct that EB, that’s what I meant SNICKER.  Feel free to download the above graphic and send it to EB and see if she’ll like you more than she does me!

How about another one?  This time without the surly influence of EB.


And we all love Cloudie, right? Wouldn’t that make a great t-shirt!

Do you think you’re the only one who loves this part of these articles – where I stop my oral – or in this case- written – perambulation, and bring in the developers to top things off and tell you what the heck this Cloudeight Site Pick is good for?  I love it too! And it’s okay. I know you’re tired of my rambling by now. I get it. I work with EB. I have tough skin,

I can take it. I’m used to it I tells ya! Yes, I can take a hint. I herewith present you with some words from the developers of our site pick… Snappa – not to be confused with the once popular sugary drink Snapple.

Take it away, developer people:

“A Brief History

Snappa was founded in 2015 when we noticed that a lot of small businesses struggled to create quality online graphics. The tools available were not only complicated, but they were incredibly time consuming. Hiring a graphic designer was also out of the question.

Since then, we’ve been optimizing our graphic design tool to be as quick and easy to use as possible.

Today, Snappa is used by thousands of marketers, entrepreneurs, and non-designers to create a wide range of graphics for social media, display ads, blog posts, and more.
The Team

Snappa is proudly headquartered in Canada. We’re a small, but hard working team that spans across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all of your photos and graphics completely free?

They sure are! All photos and graphics included in Snappa are 100% royalty-free. They can be used for both commercial and non-commercial purposes and you are not required to provide attribution.

Can I use my own company logos and graphics?

Of course! You can upload all of your own photos and graphics into the program and keep your branding intact.

Can I use my own custom image dimensions?

Definitely! In addition to providing popular presets, Snappa allows you to create images with custom sized dimensions thus giving you endless possibilities for creating graphics.

Are you always adding to your library of photos and templates?

Absolutely! Over a thousand new photos are added daily and our team of in-house designers are busy creating new templates each and every week.

Do I need to install anything to run Snappa?

Nothing whatsoever! Snappa lives in the cloud so you can access it on any laptop or desktop computer with an internet connection.

That’s about it folks. If you like playing around with graphics, or if you’re a graphic designer for a poor broken-down, financially-challenged company like Cloudeight and/or you don’t have any money, and/or you’re just looking to waste some time – quality time, you’ll enjoy Snappa – we’re pretty sure you will.  At least 82.3% of you will.

YES, you do. You do need to sign up to create graphics and download graphics you make to your computer, but signing up is free. Free accounts are limited to three downloads a month. If you’re a serious designer and do stuff for money or fame, you can create unlimited graphics and downloads for $10 a month.

To get a free account, all you need to give them is your name and your email address. If you’re paranoid, give them any old name – like Lucy Jupiter, or Bill Andromeda, and cloak your real email address using an email address cloaking service (throwaway email addresses) like Guerrilla Mail or ThrowAwayMail. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!

Now it’s time to say goodbye and send you off to make some eye candy or dazzling graphics. Or should I say it is time for 82.3% of you to take a trip to Snappa and see what you can do?

Thanks for the scientific poll, EB. You’re a peach!

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Fancy Phones and Apologies to Beethoven

I was looking at smartphones the other day – thinking maybe it’s time to get rid of my old flip phone. Not flip-flops! But it is that time of the year for everyone who does not have toenail fungus – if you do, skip the flip-flops. Please.

No. I don't use a Jitterbug.

Anyway, while I was looking at all the smartphone choices, I got an idea that I know is going to make me rich. I’m sure of it. I’ve always been an idea man, but I’ve never had an idea that made me rich. I want to be like the guy who sewed sleeves on a blanket, called it a “Snuggie” and made $572.4 million.

So anyway, I was looking at phones when this great idea popped into my head and I wanted to tell you about it.

But first I want to give you a little background just in case you don’t know much about the new fancy cell phones. Expensive cell phones are called “smartphones”, but since I don’t like that term - how can a piece of plastic, metal, and guerilla glass be smart - I call them fancy phones. There are so many kinds of these fancy phones available these days, and they really can do much more than just make phone calls. Things like selecting just the right gigolo in Buenos Aires, or making reservations for one at a “Gentleman’s Club” in Madrid, or telling you what street the local ice cream man is on and exactly how long it will take until he gets to your house...

 

Read the rest of this essay here.

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What is the Dark Web?

The Dark Web is an invisible part of the Web that is not searchable by search engines like Google. You can only access with via the Onion (Tor) network. The Tor Browser can be used to access the dark web - it's the original dark web browser. The Tor browser routes your web page requests through a series of proxy servers operated by volunteers around the globe, supposedly making your IP address unidentifiable and untraceable.

The Dark Web is mostly a place where people buy and sell illegal things like stolen credit card numbers, fake passwords, stolen identities, illegal drugs, illegal prescriptions and a lot more. . All traffic to/from the dark web is encrypted and theoretically hidden from all other internet traffic and searches- hence the "Dark Web".

Some companies like Experian and others, supposedly scan the Dark Web to see if your Social Security number or other highly personal information is listed there.

If you're interested in learning more about the Dark Web, here's some interesting reading for you.

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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!

Darcy & TC
Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly
Issue #1081 - June 28, 2024

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