Computer Tips Archives - Page 207 of 232

How to disable SkyDrive in Windows 8.1

Posted on February 10, 2014

Microsoft went all out with their integration of SkyDrive into Windows 8.1, and some people don’t like it. I happen to be one of them.

I can understand why they would want us all to use SkyDrive with their recent push into the realm of mobile devices and all, but I have no desire to use it with my desktop and notebook computers (personally, I prefer DropBox).

If you feel the same way, you can easily disable Skydrive in Windows 8.1. Here’s how: [Read more…]

How to pin the ‘PC Settings’ screen to your Windows 8.1 Start Screen

Posted on February 2, 2014

pc-settings The PC Settings screen is one of the most useful screens in Windows since it allows access to a wide range of important tweaks and settings.

There are several quick ways to get to this screen in Windows 8.1, but if you find yourself using the Start Screen a lot, why not just pin it there?

Windows 8.1 makes it really easy to pin the PC Settings screen to the Start Screen. Here’s how: [Read more…]

Boost your router’s Wi-Fi signal with a DIY antenna booster

Posted on January 25, 2014

windsurfer-antenna-booster Does your router’s Wi-Fi signal have trouble reaching the far end of your home? If so, you can extend the reach of your Wi-Fi signal by making a simple antenna booster out of paper and a sheet of tin foil.

These DIY antenna boosters really work, they are easy to make, and the entire project will only cost you a few pennies (and a little bit of your time).

How do they work? By redirecting some of the radio waves transmitted by your router’s omni-directional antennas towards the area of your home where the signal is the weakest. [Read more…]

How to find drivers for ‘Unknown Devices’ in Device Manager

Posted on January 23, 2014

microsoft-windows If you have ever had to re-install or upgrade Windows on a PC, chances are you have had to deal with “Unknown Devices” in the Device Manager.

These unknown devices are easy to spot because they are labeled with a small yellow shield that’s stamped with an exclamation point. In some cases they will even be labeled with the words “Unknown Device”.

We end up with unknown devices after completing a Windows installation if Windows failed to recognize one or more devices and install drivers for them. And unfortunately, this happens fairly often.

Oddly enough, Windows will sometimes recognize the device and install the driver if we ask it to perform a re-check. Here’s how to do it: [Read more…]