Computer Tips Archives - Page 2 of 233

How to make sure your downloads aren’t infected with a virus

Posted on June 14, 2026

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Regular readers of this blog know I’m a huge fan of free software because I routinely recommend the use of freeware whenever possible to accomplish whatever the task at hand may be.

But as you probably also know there can be hidden dangers lurking behind the scenes every time you install a piece of free software.

The dangers range all the way from the installation of unwanted add-on software to installing viruses and other forms of malware right along with the programs themselves.

[Read more…]

How to force a Windows Desktop shortcut to always ‘Run as Administrator’ by default

Posted on June 12, 2026

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One of the things I like most about Microsoft Windows is the ability to create shortcuts on the Windows Desktop that simplify the execution of common tasks.

For example, I find myself creating a lot of System Restore Points on my PC so I created a handy desktop shortcut that creates a new Restore Point every time I click on it.

This particular shortcut makes it easy for me to quickly create a Restore Point at any time without having to wade through a series of menus. [Read more…]

Why you (probably) need an external USB optical drive

Posted on June 8, 2026

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Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

If your family is like mine, you probably have a stack of CDs or DVDs containing numerous photos, videos, music or other precious files that can never be replaced.

Would you be heart-broken if you ever lost access to those precious, irreplaceable files? [Read more…]

How to easily monitor airline flights in real time

Posted on June 7, 2026

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Have you ever watched an airliner fly over your house and wonder where it came from and where it was headed?

Or perhaps you’ve waited in an airport terminal on pins and needles for what seemed like an eternity because the flight your loved one was on was long overdue?

Well, now you can visit an amazing website called FlightRadar24 and monitor many passenger flights in real time as you literally watch the planes “fly” across the map on their way to their destinations!

Monitoring a particular flight is easy. Just follow the steps below: [Read more…]

This is the fastest and easiest way to track most any package

Posted on June 2, 2026

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Do you receive a lot of packages via UPS, FedEx or the U.S. Postal Service?

If so you’re no doubt familiar with the process of tracking your packages via the handy tools on those carriers’ respective websites.

It’s actually pretty easy to track a package: Simply visit the shipping company’s website and type (or copy and paste) the tracking number into the form on the tracking page.

But what if the person shipping the item to you didn’t mention how it was shipped?

[Read more…]