Cloudeight InfoAve Weekly - A weekly computer publication featuring tips, tricks, website & freeware picks, answers to your computer questions and more!

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Roy wants to know where to find our tutorial on what to do if a computer won't boot
Good morning, TC. My wife's computer Windows 10 boots only to the screen with a continuous circle but won't boot up. She does not have much computer savvy so she can't describe what she was doing or how it happened. I recall in one of your recent newsletters (can't find it) you explained in a simple step-by-step how to troubleshoot the problem and enable boot up again. I remember the procedure to shut down and restart three times but not much else. At 85 years, I have a great memory but it is just very short. Could you direct me please to your Windows 10 troubleshooting/rebooting instructions? Thanks in advance. Roy

Our answer
Hi Roy. Here's the article you're looking for. It might be a good idea to print it out and have it handy to follow it step-by-step...

What to Do If Windows 10 Won’t Boot – Cloudeight InfoAve

I hope this helps you and your wife get the computer up and running again.

Marian wants to know what program we recommend to uninstall apps & programs
Could you please help me find the add/remove program you recommended years ago? I have used it for years, but I shut down my old computer one night, and it refused to turn on the next morning, suggesting the cause was a possible power surge overnight. Whatever the cause, I cannot retrieve the name, and it completely escapes me/ Would be so pleased if you could help me out. So many thanks for your help and advice over the years, I have no idea what I would have done without you.

Our answer
Hi Marian, thanks so much for your kind words. We recommend and use HiBit Uninstaller. It's free and it not only allows you to uninstall programs completely but also includes many other useful features and tools too. You can read more about HiBit here.

We hope this helps you, Marian.

Sandy wants to know about NordPass
Have you ever used or reviewed NordPass password manager? It was mentioned as a good option in another newsletter and it was less expensive than LastPass. I was just curious about your opinion.

Our answer
Hi Sandy. I would not buy a password manager. There are great password managers that are free. One of them is Bitwarden which I use every day. You can read more about Bitwarden at www.bitwarden.com.

Other good password managers that offer free versions are RoboForm and LastPass.

I hope this helps you, Sandy.
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Sandy wrote back: "Thanks! Have a Blessed 2025! Can you believe it has been 25 years since Y2K? LOL"

Uwe wants to know why his Ethernet connection is faster than his Wi-Fi connection
About your recent article about internet speed. I checked my speed.

1. With an Ethernet cable the speed is 295 Mbps download speed
2. With Wi-Fi the speed is .79 Mbps download speed.

Why is there such a difference? Is Wi-Fi slower than the Ethernet cable? Thanks. Uwe

Our answer

Hi Uwe. Cabled (Ethernet) will always be faster than wireless (Wi-Fi). Wi-Fi depends on the quality of the signal from the transmitter (router) and receiver (wireless card) and the distance between the two. The more distance, the more walls in between, the slower the internet speed. That's the simple explanation.

Ethernet (direct cable connection) will always be faster than Wi-Fi.

I hope this helps you.

We've helped hundreds and hundreds of you with your computers since we started our Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Service! If you're having computer problems - we CAN help you!

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We will connect to your computer via the Internet and fix any problems you may be having. You can watch us work and chat with us while we do. If you have any computer questions you'd like to ask we'll be glad to answer them for you. We don't just fix your computer, we explain what we're doing and why we're doing it and we are right there with the entire time. Since we've started we've helped hundreds of you with your computer problems and we've received dozens of referrals and testimonials from our readers and customers.

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Norman says Task Manager shows 28 Google Chrome processes running
In Task Manager, it shows that I have 28 Google Chrome processes running and I can only get it down to 20 before it goes back to 28. Is this a problem?

Our answer
Hi Norman. Every Chrome tab and Chrome extension is a separate process in Task Manager. It's not a problem, it's how Chrome is designed. It's designed that way so that if one tab or extension crashes it doesn't cause Chrome to crash. Hope this answers your question.

Carolyn wants to go back to Windows Photo Gallery

Can you restore the original Microsoft photo program (Photo Gallery)? I have the new program which I do not like. If you get the old one back for me is there a way to stop Microsoft from messing things up again?

Our answer
Hi Carolyn. Unfortunately, Windows Photo Gallery no longer works on current versions of Windows, and neither does our workaround.

If you're looking for a good replacement see our article on FastStone Image Viewer here.

We hope this helps you.
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Carolyn wrote back: "Thank you so very much for your quick reply. I have downloaded that program and so far I like it. Being a non-techie senior it may take a while to get accustomed to it. I will be sending a thank-you donation. Thanks again! Carolyn."

Jeannie found a new adblocker called Pie
Morning! I know you recommend uBlock Origin Lite. However, I found an adblocker that is free and works great. It's called Pie adblocker. It works on all my pages and YouTube as well. So if you are interested see what you think of it. I've been using it for over a month now and no problems. Thanks for listening, Jeannie.

Our answer
Hi Jeannie. We are not currently recommending Pie. The reasons we're not recommending it at this time are:

#1. There's a conflict of interest going on here: Pie was developed by the same people who created Honey, a browser extension that was acquired by PayPal. Honey was known to sometimes replace retailer coupons with its own affiliate links, earning a commission. This raises concerns that Pie might engage in similar practices, such as allowing certain ads to bypass the blocker in exchange for payment, potentially prioritizing its revenue over user experience.

#2. Pie's emphasis on rewarding users for viewing "approved" ads suggests a focus on monetization. This approach might prioritize showing ads over completely blocking them, which might not be what users are used to with uBlock Origin which has no questionable alignments or modifications.

#3. Compared to uBlock Origin, Pie is relatively new. This means it has not undergone the same level of scrutiny and community testing, and potential bugs or privacy issues might not have been fully addressed.

We recommend uBlock Origin and uBlock Origin Lite for Chrome. It's proven. It's completely transparent, open-source, privacy-focused, and community-driven and we trust it and we've trusted it for a long time. So, we won't be recommending Pie any time soon.

But as we always say, your computer, your choice!

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Reg Organizer - A Swiss Army Knife of Windows Tools - Works Great on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Cloudeight InfoAve Premium -Tips & Tricks

Windows 11 2024 Update Now Mandatory: Brace for Impact
Windows 11

Windows 11 24H2 Update Now Mandatory - Cloudeight InfoAve

We’ve often been asked if it was safe for Windows 11 users to update to Windows 11 version 24H2. Our advice has always been to be cautious and wait because the update has a reputation for being buggy. Rather than rush into the update we advised users to wait until February to install the 24H2 update. But now, it looks like, Windows 11 users will be forced to install the update.

Microsoft has officially begun the mandatory rollout of the Windows 11 2024 Update (24H2) to home and professional users. This means you can no longer avoid the update, and being prepared is crucial.

Expect a Lengthy Installation: Unlike previous minor updates, 24H2 involves a “full code swap,” meaning the installation process will take significantly longer. Plan for at least an hour, potentially more, for the update to complete.

The update can interrupt ongoing tasks, such as online shopping or important software processes. Ensure all your work is saved before the update begins.

You will still be able to delay the update for a short time. If you don’t have updates paused, Windows 11 24H2 will be installed on your computer and once it starts you’ll have no choice but to let it complete. To learn how to pause updates see our tutorial here. You can only pause updates once and the maximum time you can pause is 5 weeks.

The update brings several notable enhancements, including support for USB4’s 80Gbps speed, Bluetooth LE Audio for hearing aids, and improved energy-saving controls.

Remember, the update to 24H2 is a full code swap update and, in most cases, will take an hour or more.

Zooming Back to Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!
Windows 10 / Windows 11

Make Text and Content Bigger or smaller When Reading Emails or Web Pages; Make Icons Bigger or Smaller on Your Desktop or in File Explorer

We receive quite a few emails from people asking for help because the text in an email or web page has become too small to read comfortably. They ask us, “How can I make the text bigger?” While each browser and email program has its own “view” options, this tip will work on almost any browser or email program. So, it’s kind of like “one size fits all,” only this one-size-fits-all really does!

To enlarge the text in your email reading pane or when using your Web browser, hold down the CTRL key and move the mouse wheel away from you until the text is as large as you want it. You can also hold down the CTRL key and keep tapping the + (plus) key until the text is as big as you want it. This works when reading an email, as well as when composing an email. It also works on most web pages in most browsers.

If you want to make the text smaller, hold down the CTRL key and move the mouse wheel toward you. Or hold down the CTRL key and keep tapping the – (minus/dash) key until the font is the size you want it. As with making text larger, this works in most email programs when reading mail as well as when composing mail. It also works in most browsers on most web pages.

Cloudeight InfoAve

Above is the compose window in Thunderbird. The text is the normal size. But, my eyes are weary and I’m having trouble reading that, so a little CTRL Key + moving the scroll wheel away from me (toward the screen) and look!

Cloudeight InfoAve

No matter how blurry my eyes were or where my glasses were, I could still read that!

And it works the same in the reading pane (window):

Cloudeight InfoAve

Above. I was feeling patriotic and decided to send myself the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. But when I received it, sans glasses, I couldn’t read it very well. But then, a little Ctrl Key magic and… look ma! No more squinting!

Cloudeight InfoAve

Now, look up there. See? Now I can see the double comma I didn’t realize was there.

So if you’re having problems reading or writing an email because the text is too small and you want a quick way to make it bigger – you got it!

In Thunderbird (and some other email programs) the text will remain larger until you restart the programs. In most browsers, changing the text size as above only works for the current tab/page.

Note: When composing an email, you also make your font bigger in your email program’s options/settings. But be careful with this: If your recipient has normal vision your text may look HUGE to them if you change the font size in your email program. If you use the method above, the recipient will see the normal text size set in their email program, but you’ll see the text as big as you need it to be.

This tip works in any browser too!

This works in any browser including Firefox, Chrome, Opera, Microsoft Edge, Brave, Vivaldi, and more. You can make page contents, including text, bigger or smaller using the Ctrl key and your mouse wheel.

You can also use this tip to make your desktop icons bigger or smaller

That’s right! You can use CTRL + mouse wheel to make your desktop icons larger or smaller. You can also use the same method to change the size of icons in File Explorer. Check out the screenshots below:

File Explorer Zooming - Cloudeight

File Explorer Zooming - Cloudeight InfoAve

Above: Changing the size of icons in File Explorer.

Below: Changing the size of icons on the Desktop.

Zooming Desktop Icons -Cloudeight

Zooming Desktop Icons - Cloudeight

Having Computer Problems? Try These Two Things First!
Windows 10 / Windows 11

It’s been a while since we featured these tips. It’s an essential one that can save you a lot of grief.

If you’re having problems with your Windows computer, before you tear out your hair in exasperation, relax. Here are two quick and easy tips that we are sure you’ll use… “Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon. And for the rest of your life…”

Anyone who uses a computer knows they will have problems occasionally. It’s expected. It’s the nature of the beast. We’re here to remind you that if you start having computer problems, the first thing you should do is make sure there’s a real problem with your computer before you set sail on a long, time-consuming voyage to fix it.

Here are two things you should always try as soon as you notice something’s not right with your computer:

1. Restart your computer.

As silly and simple as that sounds, restarting your computer can correct a lot of minor temporary errors and put your computer back on track. It won’t work every time, but it’s the first thing you should try if something isn’t right with your computer.

And… if restarting it does not work, we have one more simple thing you should do before you go off searching for help and fixes.

2. Shut down your computer completely and wait a few minutes.

Make sure all power is off and all power lights are off. Wait five minutes and then turn your computer back on.

You’ll often find the second method may be successful if restarting your computer doesn’t work.

Now, we’re not here to convince you that these two simple tricks will fix all computer problems and woes – they won’t. But often restarting or shutting down your computer and waiting for a few minutes before restarting it can correct many minor annoying errors.

And since it does not take much time or effort to try one or both of these tips, there’s no reason not to give them a try before looking for other solutions. We’ve seen restarting and/or shutting down the computer and waiting a few minutes before powering it back on, work many times on our computers and many other folks’ PCs as well.

And this trick also covers other electronic devices – tablets, smartphones, streaming devices, etc. Sometimes the best fix is the simplest – restarting the device. It works more often than you might think.

Just about everyone loves playing around with graphics; manipulating images is fun and a great pastime. When you edit images with the right tools you can do some very creative and amazing things. You might even surprise yourself.

If you have a favorite photo editor or paint program like Photoshop or PaintShop Pro, our site pick isn’t going to replace it. But for those who don’t have a professional image editing or paint program, this site has 60 image, paint, and graphics editing tools. And even if you do already have a heavy-duty professional set of image editing and paint tools on your PC, you may just find a few things featured here you’ve never seen before. It’s surely worth a look.

This site and all its tools are free to use – no registration is required, and the images you edit and create are not watermarked. Your privacy is assured since the images you edit from your computer stay on your computer… they are not stored online.

Here is a list of the paint and image editing tools you’ll find on the site… in the order you’ll find them listed on the page:

Resize, Crop, Rotate, Type, Sketchpad, Pop, Vintage, Art, Frame, Overlay, Stickers, Converter, Auto Fix, Red Eye, Color Picker/Converter, Dropper, Brightness/Contrast, Hue/Saturation, Vibrance, Curves, Blur, Sharpen, Smooth, Noise, Grayscale (Black & White), Threshold, Opacity, Vignette, Pixelate, Mosaic, Straighten, Skew, Perspective, Twirl, Bulge/Pinch, Wave, Splitter, Color Tint, Bump, Invert Colors, Palette Extractor, Optimize Palette, GIF Editor, APNG/AWebP, Mirror, Kaleidoscope, ANCII Art, 3D Anaglyph, Glitcher, RAW, Exif, PNG Metadata, Stenography, ANSI Art, Vector Graphics Editor,

But, to be fair, we need to allow the developers a chance to say a word or two. Developers – are you ready? Take it away!

So… if you enjoy using paint or image editing programs, or if you just like being creative and trying new things, we think you’ll find the dozens of graphics-related tools on Mara Photos interesting and useful.

While you’re on the Mara Photos website, take a look near the bottom of the page and you will find some other very interesting stuff such as:

Onlive Clock
Web Media Center
Click & Relax
System Scanner (all about your PC plus an Internet speed test)
Onlive Soft (a lot of interesting stuff here!)
Desktop Lux (an image gallery and a lot of free desktop wallpaper here)

AI this. AI that. AI here, AI there. Chat GPT, Gemini, Claude, Copilot, Jasper, and on and on and on. AI Everywhere. Many important (and wealthy) people are pouring billions of dollars into AI development. And now governments have joined the fray and are pouring billions of dollars into AI development. Are they trying to replace you and me?

We, the people, the common folk, are being inundated with things AI. AI is everywhere. But, it seems, that many people forget that while AI might be intelligent, it has no common sense. Maybe you know a few people like that!

Let’s take a look a some major cases showing just how unintelligent Artificial Intelligence can be.

For example… Apple recently felt the sting of AI’s lack of common sense and its inability to discern facts from misinformation.

Apple has temporarily disabled its AI-powered “Apple Intelligence” feature, which provides summaries of text messages and news alerts, following the emergence of numerous factual errors. This marks a significant setback for the tech giant...

AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is like giving computers the ability to "think" and "learn" in a way that resembles how humans do.

Imagine teaching a computer to recognize cats in pictures. Instead of giving it a list of rules, you show it thousands of pictures of cats and non-cats. The computer then figures out the patterns and features that make a cat a cat – pointy ears, whiskers, fluffy tails, etc.

AI is still developing, but it has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives.

AI is here to stay and one day soon you'll be using it whether you want to or not, whether you know it or not.

But don't worry it will never replace you or me - because it has no common sense.

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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.

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