Computer Tips Archives - Page 226 of 233

Q&A: If I upgrade to Windows 8 will I be able to go back to Windows 7?

Posted on February 10, 2013

Question from Elizabeth A.: I’m thinking about upgrading my computer to Windows 8 but I have a question first. If I try Windows 8 for a while and don’t like it will I be able to go back to Windows 7 without losing my files?

Rick’s Answer: Elizabeth, the short answer is yes, but you’ll have to prepare for the potential downgrade from Win 8 to Win 7 before you install the upgrade by creating a System Repair Disc and Backup Image for your current Windows 7 installation (click the link for instructions).

You should create this backup set right before starting the Windows 8 upgrade process to ensure that none of your user-created data files will be lost if you end up deciding to downgrade back to Windows 7 later. [Read more…]

How to “unsend” a Direct Message on Twitter

Posted on February 9, 2013

Have you ever sent someone a message that you regretted sending and wished you could take back? Well, if you had sent it via Twitter’s Direct Message feature you could have.

When you “unsend” a Twitter Direct Message, not only will the message be removed from your outbox, it will also be yanked from the recipient’s inbox as well, even if it has already been read!

Here’s how to “unsend” a Direct Message on Twitter:

1 – Click on the Gear icon located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

2 – Click on Direct Messages.

3 – Locate the message you wish to “unsend” and click on the Trash Can icon.

How to turn on SSL Encryption for your Yahoo Mail account

Posted on February 9, 2013

The proliferation of free Wi-Fi access points has made it a lot easier to stay connected with the online world these days. Now, finding a usable Wi-Fi hotspot is literally just as easy as finding the nearest McDonalds or other fast food joint.

But along with the convenience of free Wi-Fi comes a real and serious danger. Unsecured Wi-Fi signals make your unencrypted emails readily available to hackers and snoops, and guess where hackers and snoops just love to hang out? In establishments that offer free Wi-Fi access! [Read more…]

Is this the handiest keyboard shortcut ever?

Posted on February 7, 2013

ctrl-z How many times have you been typing away on a lengthy report, email or blog post only to realize that you just accidentally committed a faux pas and erased half of your document?

When this happens you have to stop typing (losing your train of thought in the process) and click “Edit”, then “Undo” (assuming they are even available to you at the time). If you do a lot of writing this can really eat into your productivity and patience levels. [Read more…]

Dell to release $99 PC that you can carry in your pocket

Posted on February 6, 2013

dell-ophelia How would you like to pay just $99 for a very capable Dell PC that you can carry around in your pocket? Well, starting sometime around June 2013 you’ll be able to.

Although it hasn’t been given an official name yet, Dell is developing the device under the code name “Project Ophelia”.

It’ll look very similar to an over-sized USB thumb drive, run Google’s Android Jelly Bean operating system and plug directly into a monitor or TV (from which it will draw its power). A keyboard and mouse will connect via either USB or wirelessly via Bluetooth, your choice. [Read more…]