Computer Tips Archives - Page 230 of 233

How to create a Wi-Fi hotspot with your Android phone

Posted on January 9, 2013

tethering-screenshot Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to use your laptop, tablet or other Wi-Fi enabled device at any place where there is a decent 3G or 4G signal available?

Well, if you have a smart phone running Android 2.2 or later you have everything you need to create a Wi-Fi hotspot that can provide Internet service for up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices!

The Android feature for creating a hotspot is called Tethering, and here are the steps for turning it on in your phone:

1 – From your Android phone’s Home screen, tap the Menu button or screen location to go to the Settings screen.

2 – Tap Settings.

3 – Tap Wireless & networks. [Read more…]

How to disable the Windows 8 Lock Screen

Posted on January 8, 2013

If you find the new “Lock Screen” that Microsoft decided to add to Windows 8 annoying, you can easily disable it. Here’s how:

1 – Type gpedit.msc on any blank section of the Start Screen.

2 – Click Computer Configuration

3 – Click Administrative Templates

4 – Click Control Panel

5 – Click Personalization

6 – Double-click on the policy labeled Do not display the lock screen

7 – Select the option Enabled

8 – Click OK

There you go! Now you won’t have to go through the hassle of “unlocking” your computer every time you want to use it.

Never rest your laptop on a bed or pillow!

Posted on January 5, 2013

laptop-on-bed Obviously, one of the greatest benefits of owning a laptop computer is the ability to use it pretty much anywhere, including in bed.

But if you like to relax with your laptop while lying in bed, you’d be wise to never rest it directly on the bed itself or on a pillow.

Like desktop computers, laptops need an adequate amount of airflow over and around the internal components in order to prevent the build-up of damaging heat inside the case.

If you turn your laptop over and look at the bottom you’ll see several vents that allow the internal fan to draw air into the case. This airflow cools the internal components by drawing heat away from them and blowing it out the exit vent. [Read more…]

How to automatically start up Firefox in Private Browsing mode

Posted on January 4, 2013

If you value your online privacy above all else then you’ll probably enjoy using Firefox’s Private Browsing mode.

Private Browsing prevents Firefox from saving any of your Internet history in its log files which in turns makes it difficult from a third party to see what you’re been doing on the Internet.

Most people who use Private Browsing simply clicking the “Start Private Browsing” option on the main Firefox menu, but this only turns on Private Browsing for the current session only. But there is a simple way to instruct Firefox to turn on Private Browsing automatically every time the program is started. Here’s how: [Read more…]

How to enable HTTPS secure browsing on Facebook

Posted on January 2, 2013

Hackers, crooks and busybodies are always on the prowl for sensitive information on unsuspecting Facebook users, and one of their favorite hangouts is at venues that offer free, unsecured Wi-Fi service such as restaurants, airports and libraries. And if you have an unsecured wireless router in use inside your home (not recommended!) they can even steal your info while sitting in your driveway!

You can protect yourself and your Facebook account from hackers, thieves and other scoundrels by securing your account using HTTPS encryption. Here’s how to turn it on: [Read more…]