Print out a free Quick Reference Keyboard Shortcut Sheet

direct link to a PDF Here

If you ever forget how to copy and paste etc then this should help. download it and print it off.

Is your text too big or small on the internet?

Does the text on your web browser look too small or too big?

1. Hold down 'CTRL'

2. Tap the - + keys (After the number keys)

There you are. An easy way to adjust your text size on line.

Why use Free Antivirus when you can use Free Internet Security

Loads of us use the free offerings from AVG, Avast and Panda and we put up with the nag screens that keep offering premium features for a discount or trial period.

What I find some people don't realise or simply forget is that they could get a full internet security suite from one of two places. Many banks offer free Internet Security Software with on line banking and many Internet Service Providers also offer free Internet Security software with your subscription. If you are running free software then you should check with your ISP or bank and see what's on offer with your current level of service.

Current as of 26/05/2016

Talktalk have a product called HomeSafe that you set up on line via your account and also a downloadable product called SuperSafe Boost (provided by F-Secure) that you can install on your computer for added protection. Check out your level of service as some subscribers can protect up to 8 devices with SuperSafe Boost.

BT provide McAfee Internet Security in the form of BT Net Protect Plus. Also BT Protect that you can activate from your account on line (nothing to install) and they also offer parental controls. Information of what you have will be available to you once you log into your BT account.

EE offer Norton Security Premium for up to 10 devices.

Any of these security packages can be complimented with the free Trusteer Rapport

Windows 10 is a 'Recommended Update' - Do you want it?

Many computers are now being automatically scheduled to upgrade to Windows 10 whether you as a user wants it or not. The notification app in the bottom right of your screen does have options through its menu to decline this but the trouble is that Microsoft keep changing the options. Unless you use the menu and take a minute to explore the options and permanently decline the upgrade or even schedule it it will be installed at some point by Microsoft. You can make things easy and use the GWX Control Panel to remove this nagging app and carry on blissfully using your computer.

Extended support for Windows 7 ends on the 14th January 2020 and the chances are you will have changed your computer by then. Windows 10 is fine on a computer that can run it efficiently, and one that was built for Windows 10 but there are loads of us that have computers that while they will take the upgrade they will take it very badly. Printer drivers and other third party applications get interfered with, the internet gets cut off and many other problems I have come across. 

Pebble time : A quick review.

Here is a quick review of the Pebble Time smartwatch. (posted on my personal website)

Laptop Buying Guide

This is intended to be used as general information only. Please click the link below to see it on my personal website.

PDF version direct link

http://www.mwatkins.net/computer-advice/laptop-buying-guide/

Uninstall / Remove Windows 10

If you suddenly find out your computer has upgraded to Windows 10 and you don't want it then it is easy to remove. This is a quick help guide without photos.

1. Click the Windows button and choose 'Settings'.
2. Click the 'Update & Security' option'.
3. Click the 'Recovery' option on the left.

On the right you will find an option to revert to your previous version of Windows be it 7 or 8.1. Click this and follow the prompts (and decline the offer to look for updates). Your computer will reboot and should restore you back to your previous version.