Gadgets

Gadgets are the little helpers at the side of your screen. Usually you see the clock and maybe a calendar. But you can get some nifty gadgets that help with other things too. CLICK HERE to go to Microsoft's gadget page and browse through the different items to see if any interest you. When you find one, just click on the download link, then a window will pop up asking if you want to install. Click Install and the gadget will pop up. There's a wrench picture on the side to make adjustments to the size and other features. Set it like you want, and off you go.

S.M.A.R.T. Status - Bad Backup and replace.

When booting up your computer, if you happen to see the message "S.M.A.R.T. Status - Bad Backup and replace." This message signifies that your hard drive IS beginning to fail. Copy your data off the hard drive immediately, or contact Tech Support to help you with this.

Password on the Welcome Screen

Do not set a password for the Windows Welcome Screen, unless you have people in your house that you want to keep off of your computer. The Windows Welcome Screen password does not help prevent intrusions from viruses or hackers from the internet. It is fairly easy to remove for anyone with a little bit of computer knowledge, and doesn't stop stolen computers from being accessed. It's only irritating to you.

Alt + Tab Key

Pressing and holding the "Windows" key (has the windows logo on the key), then pressing the "Tab" key, allows you to switch through your open windows in 3D, allowing even easier time finding correct window or screen.

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Windows Key + Tab Key

Pressing and holding the "Windows" key (has the windows logo on the key), then pressing the "Tab" key, allows you to switch through your open windows in 3D, allowing even easier time finding correct window or screen.

Turning Off Your Computer

Turning off your computer every day does not cause problems with the OS or any of the components inside. In fact it will help them to last longer, since they can cool down, clear out buffers and save you on your electricity bill.

Icons on the Desktop

Deleting an Icon on the desktop, does not remove the program from the computer. You have to use the "Add/Remove Programs" utility in the control panel for Windows XP, or "Program and Features" utility in Windows Vista/7 to remove the program. On Windows 8 and 10 you can right click on the Start menu or go to the Folders option. If icons are not showing up properly (usually on XP and Win 7 or Vista) you have to refresh the icon cache. Search for the phrase on the internet or call Tech Support.

Taskbar (long bar at bottom of screen with start button on it, as well as the date/time) is not where I want it:

If the taskbar has moved in Windows, or you would like to move it to another location on the screen, press and hold the left mouse button while the cursor is on a blank spot on the taskbar and drag it to the left, right, top or bottom.

Making Win 8 and 10 look like Win 7, Vista, or XP

If you don't like the way Windows 8 looks or works, give us a call. We have a program to change it back to the Windows 7 (or earlier) looks and menus.