Innehållsförteckning för The Ultimate Windows 10 Manual från The Ultimate Windows 10 Manual

Windows 10 Essentials Start Menu, Action Center and Taskbar Start Menu, Action Center and Taskbar The Start menu, taskbar and Action Center are likely to be three of the most used areas of the Windows 10 interface for most people. There have been several additions and improvements to these tools in the recent Anniversary update, making them even easier and more intuitive to use, so let’s take a look at what you can do with these essential Windows tools. All Apps List As you use Windows 10 and the various apps and software, a list of your most used tools will appear here. This is constantly updated as your use of the OS evolves. At the top of the All Apps list is a Recently Added section, showing newly installed…

Windows 10 Essentials How to Use Windows Mail How to Use Windows Mail Long gone are the days of Microsoft Outlook Express being included with new releases of the OS, replaced instead by the Microsoft Mail app. This app first appeared in Windows 8, was vastly improved in 8.1 and has now been improved yet again for Windows 10. Mail Folder The messages in whichever email folder you have selected are shown in this panel. By default, the most recent emails are at the top of the list. You can change how the emails are viewed, so that only unread or flagged emails are displayed, using the dropdown menu at the top of the inbox. New Mail Button If you are not replying to an email, but rather starting a…

Windows 10 Essentials How to Use the Cortana Assistant How to Use the Cortana Assistant Cortana is Microsoft’s ‘virtual assistant’. If you’ve heard of Siri on the iPhone, it’s very similar. You can talk to it, and it will pick out relevant information that’s appropriate for you. If that sounds like it’s too much, we’d encourage you to give it a chance. Meet Your Digital Assistant The Cortana personal assistant could well be a completely new experience for many users. So we’ve gone into quite a lot of detail here in order to give you the complete picture on how Cortana can be of help to you day-to-day. Welcome to Cortana On the previous pages we talked you through Search in Windows 10. Cortana is like a layer on top…

Windows 10 Essentials Sharing to Nearby Devices Nearby Sharing lets you instantly share your videos, photos, documents and websites with people and devices near you over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. For example say you’re in a meeting with your boss and need to quickly send them the report or PowerPoint presentation you’re looking at on your screen, Nearby Sharing helps you do this quickly and easily. Nearby Sharing Share your files quickly with Nearby Sharing: your computer automatically picks the fastest way to share your file or webpage, either over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. 1 To enable Nearby Sharing, open Settings and click on System. Now click on Shared experiences and turn on the Nearby Sharing toggle switch. If you have not yet applied the Windows 10 Spring/April update, you will need to…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Exploring the Windows App Store Exploring the Windows App Store Windows 10 comes with great built-in apps including Skype and OneDrive but that’s just the beginning. The Store has loads more to help you stay in touch and get things done, plus more games and entertainment than ever before – many of them free! Category Tabs Just as with other online app stores, the Windows Store features several different download categories. These include Apps, Games, Music and Films. Each category has its own Home screen, which displays: Most Popular, Top Free and Trending sections. Software Charts These links take you to lists of the most popular and most downloaded apps and games on the Windows Store. Once you click on one of the links,…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Navigating with the Maps App Navigating with the Maps App Boasting excellent mapping, great aerial photography, up-to-the-minute traffic and the ability to calculate directions by public transport, road or foot, the Maps app is one of the very best ways to navigate. New additions make the Maps app even more useful, with new ways to get directions and plan routes added in the latest update. Moving Around in Maps There are few controls in the Maps app but they allow you to do a lot of things very easily. Let’s take a look at how you move around in the app. 1 The easiest way to move the map around is to left-click and drag it and use the mouse wheel or trackpad slider to…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Understanding the OneDrive Interface Understanding the OneDrive Interface OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage or file hosting service, giving you the option to keep your files in a folder which is accessible from more than just the computer or device on which they are initially saved. OneDrive was previously known as SkyDrive or Windows Live Folders and although the name has changed, the basic service is much the same. OneDrive Tabs Many of the standard Microsoft Office tabs are here, allowing you to quickly switch between different toolbars. You can find tools for saving, copying, pasting, changing formatting, inserting images, tables and other media and many others. Everything you need to create, manage and save your notes can be found here. OneDrive Folders You can…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Inside Microsoft OneNote Inside Microsoft OneNote OneNote is a great way of recording ideas, projects or creating to-do lists quickly. When you use OneNote on a Windows PC, a taskbar tool allows you to quickly create notes from almost any source and at the click of a button. OneNote is one of the least appreciated Office tools but once you begin to use it, it can quickly become a daily essential. OneNote Tabs The available tabs in the latest version of OneNote have been reduced down to just the essentials. Clicking each of the tabs opens up a new toolbar, giving you access to different tools. Unlike many similar apps, there is not Save or File tab. This is because OneNote now saves everything…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Exploring GIMP on a PC Exploring GIMP on a PC GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a multi-platform, completely free, extremely powerful image editing suite. It is perfect for photo retouching, image composition and image authoring and also advanced enough to allow the creation of impressive original artwork. The software provides further extensibility through integration with several key programming languages, including Scheme, Perl and Python. Main Toolbox If you have used any image editing software before, such as Photoshop, you should recognise at least some of the tools here. The Main Toolbox contains a set of icon buttons used to select tools. By default, it also contains the foreground and background colours. You can add brush, pattern, gradient and active image icons in the…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides WhatsApp Desktop on Windows 10 WhatsApp Desktop on Windows 10 At its heart, WhatsApp is simply a free to use cross-platform instant messaging service but to its many users the app is much more than just a means of keeping in touch. In just nine years, WhatsApp has grown into one of the most used messaging apps available. What’s Up With a user base of over 1.3 billion and growing, WhatsApp shows no sign of slowing down. Here’s how to install and use it via the Windows Store. 1 You need to install WhatsApp and create an account on your phone before you can use it. The app has been developed for Android, iOS and Windows Phone. Tap the Store icon on your phone, searching…

Using Windows 10 Night Mode/Installing and Managing New Fonts Installing and Managing New Fonts Windows 10 now includes a new, easier way to install and manage system fonts. This is part of Microsoft’s ongoing process of moving all the system options and features to the main Settings interface, rather than having them split between Settings and the Control panel. This new system of font control even allows you to download from the Store. Install and Manage Fonts To install and manage your fonts through the Settings, you will need to have the April/Spring update installed and up to date. In older versions of Windows 10, you will need to dig deeper. 1 You can now find the fonts controls in Settings > Personalisation > Fonts. Here you will see a scrollable…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Back Up with a Recovery Drive Back Up with a Recovery Drive A recovery drive is one of the best ways to ensure that you don’t lose everything on your computer in the event of a critical malfunction. It can help you both troubleshoot and fix problems, even if the PC won’t start as it normally would. All you need is a blank, formatted USB flash drive (sometimes called a thumb drive) and this step-by-step guide. Creating the Recovery Drive Creating a recovery drive is a relatively simple process, although it takes a bit of time, but one which could save a lot of frustration in the future. 1 The first thing you need to do is find a USB drive that is large enough…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Listening to Music with the Spotify App Listening to Music with the Spotify App Recently, Microsoft announced that Groove music would be completely replaced by Spotify in Windows 10. Spotify is an extremely good music playback and discovery app, so this is definitely a good move. Let’s take a look at using Spotify in Windows 10. Exploring the Spotify App The free version of Spotify offers a great selection of features and access to loads of music. However, if you want an ad-free experience, you will need to buy a premium account. 1 You can download and install the Spotify app from the Windows store for free. It is also free to use, although some of the features will need a premium (paid) account. Once…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Essential Windows 10 Apps Essential Windows 10 Apps The Windows Store is crammed full of useful apps for your computer, from well known names like Spotify to little known but extremely useful apps like Pin More. Over the next few pages we will take a look at some of the best, most useful and most unique apps available to download right now. Video Jack Price: FREE Opening a video shouldn’t be more complicated than double clicking on it. Here’s a simple solution, use Video Jack. Enjoy your movies the way they were meant to be seen with simple controls that hide during playback for seamless, full-screen viewing. See your videos in full resolution and with high-fidelity audio. Video Jack is simple, fast and unobtrusive.…

Using the Power Menu/Using Windows 10 Storage Sense Using Windows 10 Storage Sense When your Windows 10 computer begins to run out of space, typically you manually empty the recycle bin and delete temporary files to free up storage space; then use different tools, such as the built-in Disk Cleanup utility. You can now use Storage Sense to automatically get rid of junk files. Updated Storage Sense Storage Sense has been a part of Windows 10 for some time but it has been updated and added to in the Creators update. If you don’t see the options mentioned here, make sure your OS is up to date. 1 To enable Storage Sense on Windows 10, open Settings > System > Storage. Click on the Storage Sense toggle switch. Once you enable…

Windows 10 Advanced Guides Windows 10 Registry Tweaks Windows 10 Registry Tweaks The Windows Registry can be a scary place to visit if you don’t understand how things work. It is true that there are often simpler ways to action some of the changes shown below but understanding the inner workings of your Windows 10 PC is key to understanding how to accomplish more with your screen time. Backing Up Your Registry Before you edit any part of your system registry, it is always a good idea to make a backup of all keys that you intend to edit. Here we will look at the simple and quick method of backing up Windows Registry keys. 1 You can back up any of the keys in the registry by right-clicking on any…

Windows 10 Advanced Guides Defragment Your Hard Drive Defragment Your Hard Drive Over time the data stored on your hard drive may get fragmented and become slower for your system to access. Windows has always included tools to clean up these fragments and Windows 10 is no different. Using the built-in Windows utility to tidy up can greatly improve performance. 1 Log on to your PC as Administrator. You’ll need to be using an Administrator account in order to perform the disk defragmentation process. 2 Click on the Start button and open File Explorer. Expand the This PC file tree so that you can see the list of drives on your system. 3 Right-click on any drive in the list and select Properties. You’ll see in a moment that it doesn’t…

Windows 10 Advanced Guides Windows 10 Hotkeys Windows 10 Hotkeys Hotkeys, or keyboard shortcuts, are a useful way to speed up navigating your way around Windows 10, especially if you are using a laptop and touch pad. Many users know basic Hotkey combinations, such as Ctrl + C and Alt + Tab, but there are literally hundreds more to learn. These let you do everything from Snap windows left or right, to switching between Virtual Desktops. Here are some of the most useful Hotkeys for everyday use. Basic Hotkeys Ctrl+C: Copy the selected item Ctrl+X: Cut the selected item Ctrl+V: Paste the selected item Ctrl+Z: Undo an action Alt+Tab: Switch between open apps Alt+F4: Close an active item, or exit an app Windows key + L: Lock your PC or…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides Blocking PUPs with Windows Defender PUPs, Potentially Unwanted Programs, are bits of software that can sometimes be stealthily installed when you install other free software, usually by making it a default installation option with the choice to opt out. Windows Defender has the ability to block these sneaky software installs but it isn’t enabled (or even visible) by default. Enable PUP blocking PUP’s can include toolbars, browser extensions, adware and other unwanted software. In almost all cases, this software should be called DUPs (Definitely Unwanted Programs). 1 You can enable PUP protection with System Centre Config Manager, PowerShell or Microsoft Intune. For this guide, we’ll be using the PowerShell, as this is available within Windows 10 without installing any additional software; as long as you…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides Windows 10 Maintenance Tools Windows 10 Maintenance Tools Before you start to add software to help with PC and Windows 10 maintenance, it is worth checking out the numerous tools included with the OS. These are slightly spread out over several different settings menus and tool folders but once you know where to find them, you will see that they can really help with system security and performance. Storage Sense Activating Storage Sense lets the system software automatically free up storage space by getting rid of files you no longer need. These can include temporary files such as cookies and the contents of your Recycle Bin. You can choose when files are deleted, e.g. after 30 days in the Recycle Bin or if apps…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides Secure Your Web Browser Secure Your Web Browser The web browser is possibly the weakest link in the entire Windows 10 security chain. It’s the software product that’s on the front line, the one that will inevitably bear the brunt of any Internet attacks and as such, attackers focus a lot of effort on making the browser a portal into your system. Safer Surfing Securing your web browser isn’t too difficult. There are plenty of options available, including some third-party add-ons you can use to improve things. For this tutorial, we’re using Chrome. 1 Start by opening Chrome and clicking on the three vertical dots in the top right of the browser window. This is the link to the available options; from the list choose…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides Monitor Tasks with the Task Manager Monitor Tasks with the Task Manager If you have a program that isn’t working, want to control what starts up when your PC does or you want to see what’s running on your PC, then Task Manager is the place to go. Access it via the Power Menu (right-click on Start) or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Delete and selecting it from the Security Options menu. Manage Your PC Task Manager is a lot more complex than it used to be and it’s now a useful insight into your PC and app performance, allowing you to check anything from Wi-Fi usage to app crashes and much more. 1 Task Manager starts life as this fairly unassuming little window. If you have an…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides Remove Unwanted Windows 10 Bloatware Remove Unwanted Windows 10 Bloatware The choice to enable free upgrades to Windows 10 for existing Windows users was an almost inevitable step by Microsoft. Almost as inevitable was an increase in bloatware, similar to that seen on Android devices. Thankfully there are ways to remove or disable most of it. Working with 10Apps Manager Adding software to remove other software may seem counterintuitive but this is a safer way to clean up bloatware than trying to remove it manually. 1 You can download the 10Apps Manager software from a variety of file download sites or you can get it directly from the creators at The Windows Club (www.thewindowsclub.com). It should be free wherever you download it from, so don’t…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides Windows 10 Troubleshooting Tips Windows 10 Troubleshooting Tips Windows 10 includes some useful tools for checking on and solving problems but sometimes you need to look a bit further and deeper. Occasionally you just need to go back to basics. These tips will help you solve some common problems encountered in Windows 10, particularly after installing the Anniversary update. First Things to Check If you’re having problems with Windows Update, the Windows Update Troubleshooter might be able to automatically fix the problem. Go to Microsoft.com and search for Update Troubleshooter. Windows Update Troubleshooter Microsoft knows that things don’t always go smoothly when updating and have provided a dedicated troubleshooting tool for use during this key task. If you’re having problems with Windows Update, the…

Windows 10 Essentials Get Online with Microsoft Edge Get Online with Microsoft Edge Microsoft Edge lets you move quickly from browsing to doing. Write or type notes directly on web pages and share them with others, read online articles free of distraction and save your favourite reads for convenient access later. Browser Controls Up in the top left corner, where you would probably expect to find them, are the browser controls. These include the button to add a new tab, the page refresh button and the page forward/page back buttons. Right-click on the main tab and you will see additional options, including Re-open Closed Tab. Search Bar There’s no need to go to a website to search for pictures of adorable penguins or cute kittens. Stay put and save time…

Windows 10 Essentials How to Set Up Email Accounts How to Set Up Email Accounts Windows 10’s new email client is a lot different from previous versions, such as Outlook Express in the late 1990s. But it’s a relatively recent idea for us to have all our email in one place, whether it’s our work account, a Hotmail or Outlook address or email from Gmail. Meet Your New Email Client Mail has been completely redesigned for Windows 10 and is wholly unrecognisable from the Windows 8 equivalent (that’s a good thing). But even with these improvements, it still needs a bit of tweaking before it comes into its own. Welcome As it says here, the idea behind the Mail app in Windows 10 is to gather all your emails together…

Windows 10 Essentials Inside the Calendar App Inside the Calendar App The Windows 10 Calendar app is a fully integrated planning tool, linked up to your email accounts and can easily be synced to your Windows Phone. Adding new events can be done manually or you can simply use it to view national and public holidays, all of which are automatically added based on your location. New Event There are two main ways to add a new event to your calendar. You can either click on the date in the main window or if the date you want is not in view, you can click the New Event button here. You can then add an event name, location and a start and end date. Give the event a short description,…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Importing Photos to Your PC Importing Photos to Your PC Importing your photos from a digital camera or phone on to your PC may seem like a very simple task but if you have never done it before, you can encounter problems. Here we take a look at importing photos from your phone, tablet or camera; using a standard USB cable and tools already included in Windows 10. Importing to a Folder Importing your photos or images directly to a folder on the desktop, or elsewhere, is the traditional method. It tends to be quicker but offers fewer importing options. 1 The first thing you need to do to import photos directly from a phone or camera is to connect the relevant cable to your…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides How to Use Microsoft OneDrive How to Use Microsoft OneDrive OneDrive is Microsoft’s cloud storage app. It can be used with various devices including Android, iOS and Macs; and with any system providing you can access a web browser. Windows 10 includes deep integration with OneDrive, which we’ll explain more about below. OneDrive in Windows 10 Here we’re going to show you how to use the integrated OneDrive app that’s pre-installed with Windows 10. It enables you to access your files offline, which we will look at in more detail later, as well as giving you cloud storage. 1 OneDrive has its own app within Windows 10. It’s not an app like the Universal apps that come from the Windows Store, but is instead classified…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Facebook on Windows 10 Facebook on Windows 10 Like it or not, Facebook has changed the way we communicate through social media. Since the company’s launch in 2004, the platform has had its fair share of positive and negative media. With over 2.2 billion monthly active users, Facebook is here to stay. Be Connected. Be Discovered. If you prefer not to visit Facebook via your browser, the Windows Store has a specially developed app for both PC and mobile platforms that’s just as functional as the web-based interface. In fact, it’s considered by many pundits to be far superior than viewing online. 1 First, open the Windows 10 Store. In the Search box, located in the top right of the Store window, type Facebook. The…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Social Networks – Secure Yourself on Facebook Social Networks – Secure Yourself on Facebook Facebook has become one of the best sources for cyber criminals to gain personal information on the Internet. Without realising it, a user is giving out reams of data and in most circumstances they’re making it public. Remember, your personal information is extremely valuable to a cyber criminal. Create a Safer Facebook Profile The dangers of social media aren’t just for young people, many adults have been duped into befriending someone they don’t know and exposing their personal information. Tip 1 Facebook’s policy forbids the use of fake names but it does allow nick names to be used. Where possible, use your nickname instead of your real name. This will…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Changing File Associations and Protocols Changing File Associations and Protocols Windows 10 comes with its own default set of associations that open specific file types. A file association controls which apps or programs are set to open which types of files. If you’re not happy with the default associations and want to choose your own, it’s easy to do. Default Programs and Protocols The ability to change the default apps and programs that Windows 10 uses goes a long way to helping you take full control of your PC and the system software. 1 Click on the search bar on the left of the taskbar and type “default programs”. You can also navigate to this settings tool by opening the All Apps list, scrolling down…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides How to Update Windows 10 How to Update Windows 10 Keeping your Windows 10 computer up to date is important for many reasons. First, major updates, such as the Anniversary update, will add major new features that you shouldn’t miss out on. Second, all updates are there for a reason, usually to fix problems, close security holes and add improvements. Checking for Updates If you think that your PC needs to be updated, you don’t need to wait for the automatic update process to kick in. You can quite easily check for updates yourself. 1 You can find the Windows 10 update information in the main settings app. Tap the Windows key or click the start menu button and then select the Settings icon from the…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Exploring Skype in Windows 10 Exploring Skype in Windows 10 Skype is a great way of keeping in contact with friends and family in faraway places, without running up huge phone bills. It allows you to phone, video chat and instant message, all from within the same easy-to-use interface. It can even be installed on a mobile device so you never miss a Skype call whilst away from your PC. Skype has seen a recent update, bringing the style more in line with other Windows 10 apps. Let’s take a look at the Skype interface. Skype Controls Most of the Skype controls are now arranged along the left-hand edge. From top to bottom: Recent conversations, Contacts, Bots, Help, Settings and Account info. The default…

Windows 10 Advanced Guides Limiting Data Usage when Tethering Limiting Data Usage when Tethering If you are out and about with your Windows 10 laptop and need access to the Internet, you have the option of connecting through your smartphone, using a tethered connection. Tethering means connecting your phone to the mobile data network and then connecting a second device via Wi-Fi to the phone to make use of that connection. Windows 10 can be data-heavy; a problem if your phone has limited mobile data allowance. Set Your Tethered Connection to Metered Windows 10 can be quite data-heavy, as mentioned, especially if an update happens to become available when tethered. Luckily, you can tell Windows to automatically limit data use. 1 Cellular data connections are set as metered by default. Wi-Fi…

Windows 10 Advanced Guides Tweak and Modify Windows 10 Tweak and Modify Windows 10 There are plenty of ways to customise Windows 10 built right in to the operating system. However, if you really want to tweak and modify the system, you will need to resort to external software. Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4.1 allows you to modify the appearance, security and performance of Windows 10. Set Up Windows Tweaker The Ultimate Windows Tweaker software is not available as an app, so you will need to download the file from http://www.thewindowsclub.com/ultimate-windows-tweaker-4-windows-10. 1 Once you have downloaded the zip file, extract its contents and move the program folder to your desired location. Pin its executable file to your Start menu for easy access. Do not separate out the contents of the download as…

Windows 10 Advanced Guides Ten Things to Disable in Windows 10 Ten Things to Disable in Windows 10 When you install Windows 10 you will possibly activate several features that you won’t use or need. Some of these cause no real problems but some can mean a reduction in computing speed and a reduction in security, especially if you’re not really aware of what is going on in the background. Applying Changes You may not need to apply all of these tips to see an improvement in system speed, and it is actually a good idea to apply one at a time and test the results before trying the next. File Sharing Updates Windows 10 features an improved way to receive updates. More specifically, it allows you to get updates…

Windows 10 Advanced Guides Disable Unneeded Start-up Items Disable Unneeded Start-up Items Windows 10 launches pretty quickly when it’s newly installed but as you install more apps it may slow down over time. Any app that starts and runs automatically in the background will be using up precious processor resources. Here’s how to keep that initial fast launch speed. 1 To get started, right-click on the Start button and select Task Manager from the power menu. This shows you a list of your currently running apps. To see more, click on the “More details” button at the bottom of the screen. 2 The More details view shows you not just running apps but all the other services and routines that Windows is currently running, and there are a lot of them! However…

Windows 10 Advanced Guides Add a Shutdown Timer to the Desktop Add a Shutdown Timer to the Desktop A shutdown timer allows you to delay the shutdown of your computer in the event that you need to leave it on while it completes a particular function, software updates for example, but can’t stay around to shut it down manually. The process is fairly straightforward and the timer is unobtrusive. Adding the Timer Before you can add a shutdown timer to the desktop, you need to understand how to create one using the Command Prompt tool. The initial set up might seem slightly complicated but is much easier after the first time. 1 The first thing you need to do to create a shutdown timer manually, is open the Command Prompt. You…

Windows 10 Advanced Guides Updating Your Device Drivers Updating Your Device Drivers Keeping your device drivers up to date ensures that your computer delivers optimum performance under Windows 10 and makes your whole system more stable and reliable. Once you have updated the drivers for one device, doing the same for any others is relatively easy and quick. Finding Device Drivers Windows 10 comes with default generic drivers that will let it talk to most common peripherals but for optimum performance it’s a good idea to download and install the latest custom made drivers for your hardware. 1 Go to the website of your peripheral manufacturer. In this case we’re looking at the website for Epson printers, to install an update for an R2400 photo printer. Click on the link for…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides Windows 10 Security Windows 10 Security Microsoft is often accused of developing insecure and ‘broken’ operating systems. However, what the Redmond company delivers is an easy to use system that’s as secure as it can be without compromising its use. It’s a difficult balance to maintain and security can suffer in the long run. Security leaks, holes and flaws in development code appear all the time, for every operating system. Windows 10 has the bad luck of being at the top of the security flaw news pile. However, here are ten reasons why it’s actually a secure OS to use. “Windows 10 Security Improvements” Virtualisation-based Security VBS is an improvement to the core Windows security, it stands for Virtualisation-based Security and uses a mixture…

Blocking PUPs with Windows Defender/Using Windows 10 Dynamic Lock Using Windows 10 Dynamic Lock The Creators update for Windows 10 introduces several new tools and features, including Dynamic Lock. This allows you to have more control over the security of your Windows device, with even less effort. It is designed to detect a trusted device nearby and lock and unlock the computer as it moves away or comes close. Setting Up Dynamic Lock Dynamic Lock works by sensing the proximity of a paired device, such as the smartphone you have in your pocket. In this example, the first thing we need to do is pair with our phone. Pairing with other Bluetooth devices will be almost exactly the same as shown here. 1 Dynamic Lock will only work if your PC…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides Types of Security Risk Types of Security Risk There are more security risks for your computer than just the common, run-of-the-mill virus. The amount of digital use the average person has over the course of a week has increased significantly in just a few years, and with it comes a legion of security related issues. Here Be Dragons This isn’t a definitive list of the possible threats available for the Windows user but here are ten modern risks that you face every time you power up your PC. 01 Viruses Viruses have been around for as long as computers. They’ve moved on from simply displaying the name of the coder on the monitor, a kind of virtual vandalism, and now can disable and wipe the…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides Secure Your Home Network Secure Your Home Network We’ve mentioned previously that an attack doesn’t always come from the other side of the globe but can indeed be a little too close to home at times. Home network hacking is possible with the simplest of tools, available on the Internet, and often could just be tapping into a cable. Network Protection Without being too paranoid, it’s remarkably easy to get into a neighbour’s home network. If you live in a block of flats or you use powerline adapters, you may need to consider these ten steps for better network protection. 1 The most common entry point to gain access to your network is via the router. The router from your ISP may well be offering…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides Free Windows 10 Security Softwa Free Windows 10 Security Software Finding security software for your PC can seem easy. Finding security software that works as it should and offers you the protection you need can be harder. From creating strong passwords to protecting your email from spam, there are lots of ways you can make your computer safer and less likely to suffer from external problems. Here are a few of our favourite security programs. Malwarebytes Anti-malware Download From: www.malwarebytes.com The term Malware is used as a way of describing lots of potentially nasty things that can find their way onto your PC, including viruses, hijackers, adware and ransomware. Malwarebytes Anti-malware Free will scan for and protect you from all of them for 14…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides How to Free Up Space in Windows 10 How to Free Up Space in Windows 10 Disk Clean-up is the best way to free up space on your PC. It will clear up redundant files accumulating on your hard drive including temporary files and Downloaded Program files. But that’s not the only way you can free up space, as you’ll see… Clearing Space on Your PC It’s worth giving your machine a little spring clean every so often to keep it lean. And that doesn’t just mean removing unwanted files and folders from the desktop. Disk Clean-up should be an essential part of your PC maintenance. Clean Up Disk Clean-up is a utility included with every copy of Windows. When you launch it (here…

Windows 10 Essentials How to Use the Edge Browser How to Use the Edge Browser Microsoft Edge replaces the old and creaky Internet Explorer as the main preinstalled Internet access tool in Windows 10. Edge is focused on modern web standards and is designed to be safe and fast. It also boasts several innovative features, such as the ability to highlight parts of web pages and share them with others. Get Started with Edge Edge is fast and fluid and we think you’ll like it. It may not have the capability of Chrome or Firefox as yet but for basic web browsing it’s almost perfect. 1 Microsoft Edge carries on Internet Explorer’s use of a stylised ‘e’ as its logo. This is to make things simple for users who are familiar…

Windows 10 Essentials How to Use the Search Feature How to Use the Search Feature Until you use it, it’s difficult to put into words just how much better Search is in Windows 10 than in previous versions of Windows. Microsoft did have a lot of ground to make up to match the search functions on offer in rival operating systems such as Apple’s macOS. Windows 10 Search Basics Search now not only finds files but settings, emails and apps too. You can even search for websites as well, providing you’re happy with results from Microsoft’s own Bing search engine. 1 If you need to search for anything on your Windows 10 PC, the taskbar search bar is now the place to do it. You can still hit the Start button…

Windows 10 Essentials Tracking Dates and Appointments Tracking Dates and Appointments Digital calendars are no longer the preserve of business people scheduling appointments via email. With mobile phones now our new diaries, digital calendars are being used by increasing numbers of people to organise their busy lives. Welcome to Calendar. Schedule Appointments and More If used properly, and particularly if synced to a Windows phone, the calendar can be a great tool. We’ll show you how to set up your calendar, arrange events and change settings so your calendar is exactly the way you want it. Multiple Calendars The best thing about the Windows 10 Calendar app is how admirably it copes with multiple calendars. So providing they invite your account, you’re able to easily see calendars from friends and…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Exploring the Maps App Exploring the Maps App Just like Google, Microsoft provides its own mapping service with the Maps app. This incredibly useful tool not only shows you a 2D map of anywhere in the world but also lets you see satellite view, traffic information and even view major cities in 3D. A new addition to Maps is the ability to draw or write on top of maps and save them for later. Directions You can use the Map app to plan routes: in a car, by public transport and even on foot. Select your chosen transportation method using the icons at the top of the Directions pane. You can either leave the A field as My Location or type a new one.…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Working with Photos and Images Working with Photos and Images The integrated Photos app was first introduced in Windows 8 but it wasn’t the best experience when compared to most third party apps. In Windows 10 and again in the Anniversary update it has been much improved, with better ways to browse photos and a lot more editing options and controls to make the most of the images on your PC. Managing Your Images The Photos app has seen some useful improvements over the last few years and is actually very powerful now. It doesn’t offer the flexibility of an app like Photoshop Elements, but it does a lot of simple edits very well. 1 Photos shows all of your images in a scrolling timeline…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Watching Netflix Movies on Windows 10 Watching Netflix Movies on Windows 10 Netflix is something most of us take for granted these days but did you know that it was founded over twenty years ago? The content streaming side of the company started in 2007 and since then its userbase has grown to a staggering 120 million users. Binge Watching With an ever growing number of shows and movies available, it’s hard not to end up binging on Netflix for hours at a time. Here’s how to install it from the Windows 10 Store. 1 Start by opening the Windows 10 Store. In the search box type Netflix, to bring up the list of available apps. The Netflix app is the first option available. Click…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Twitter on Windows 10 Twitter on Windows 10 With over 330 million active users, Twitter is a force to be reckoned with. Its impact on our modern society covers everything from celebrities, politics, education, religion and emergencies. World leaders use it, astronauts aboard the ISS use it, even inanimate objects appear to use it. Yours to Discover Twitter through the browser is the most common method of accessing the Twitterverse. However, there’s also a handy app available in the Windows Store. Here’s how to get it up and running. 1 In most cases you will find that the Twitter app for Windows 10 is already installed on your system by default. It’s part of a collection of apps that Microsoft chose to include with the…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Using Windows 10 Night Mode Most screens give off blue light, which is known to activate our brains and keep us awake. It can also cause tired or sore eyes. The latest version of Windows 10 (the recent Creators Update) has added a Night Light mode to the settings. This setting, when enabled, will take much of the blue light out of the monitor. Set Up and Use Night Light There are a couple of different ways you can use Night Light mode and a few settings that can be used to make it perfect for your display and personal preference. 1 To turn Night Light on, head in to Settings > System > Display. At the top of the display settings you will see…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides Move or Install Apps to a Different Drive Move or Install Apps to a Different Drive Windows 10 makes it easier than ever to control where your downloaded apps and software is installed. There is now no reason to worry about moving all your apps to another internal drive, or even to a removable USB flash drive, in the event that you need to create space on your main hard drive. With just a few clicks of your mouse, you can move apps around to whichever storage area suits you best. Change Where Apps are Installed Not every user realises that apps can be installed on the hard drive of their choice, not just the one preselected by the Windows 10 OS. Knowing this…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides What to Keep Updated in Windows 10 What to Keep Updated in Windows 10 Discussing updates is one thing but how do you go about making sure that you have the latest updates and that all the necessary components are being updated correctly? Thanks to the improved update process of Windows 10, this is surprisingly easy. Keeping Up To Date Whilst it’s easy to update Windows 10, there are elements that can be missed. We’ve already mentioned that it’s not only Windows that needs updating but also software and drivers. 1 The first port of call is undoubtedly Windows Update. Click on the Windows Start button followed by Settings, the cog icon just above the power icon on the strip to the side. This will…

Windows 10 App and Software Guides How to Use Skype How to Use Skype Now that Microsoft owns Skype it has tried to incorporate it into Windows 10 but rules on being anti-competitive seem to have prevented it from bundling the chat and video call service with the OS. However, you get a Windows app that’s basically an invitation to download the full version as we shall explain. Install and Use Skype After a recent update, Skype has now been turned into a proper Windows 10 universal app and follows the Windows design style more closely. This also means it integrates with other apps better. 1 Skype has a dedicated Windows 10 app and this may be preinstalled on your Windows PC but you might need to download it from the…

Windows 10 Advanced Guides Manage Disk Partitions in Windows 10 Manage Disk Partitions in Windows 10 Disk partitioning is the creation of one or more separate regions on a PC hard disk (hard drive) and all modern drives need at least one partition to begin storing files. A partition could be the size of the whole drive or just a tiny part of it. There are several reasons why you might need to create a new partition on an existing hard drive and Windows 10 now allows you to do that relatively easily. The Disk Management Tool There are several free programs available for creating partitions but the Disk Management tool is just as good and built right in to Windows 10. 1 The first thing you need to do is…

Windows 10 Advanced Guides Using the Power Menu Windows 10 boasts a secret power menu (as did the version of Windows before it), that gives you access to several useful system and maintenance tools and features. Here we show you how you can use it to your advantage to quickly access networking settings and extra features that power users need. Power Up The secret Power Menu enables the more advanced Windows 10 users among you to quickly access key settings that you probably commonly use, but are buried deeper within the system. Start it Up You open the Power Menu using the Start button, but instead of just clicking it to open the Start menu, right-click the button. You’ll see this menu appear. Note that you can also shut down…

Windows 10 Advanced Guides Using the Task Scheduler Using the Task Scheduler The Task Scheduler in Windows 10 is, in many ways, very similar to that found in older versions of the OS. However, in Windows 10, Battery Saver Mode can impact on how it operates (if using a laptop). This guide looks at how the new scheduler works and how we can modify its use. Scheduling New Tasks The Task Scheduler can be a very powerful tool for increasing automation in Windows 10. Let’s take a quick look at exactly how to use the Windows 10 Task Scheduler in normal day-to-day PC operation. 1 Search for “Task Scheduler” in the Cortana search pane or navigate to it in Start menu > All Apps > Windows Administrative Tools > Task Scheduler.…

Windows 10 Advanced Guides Working on Dual Monitors Working on Dual Monitors With a second monitor and the required connectors on your PC, setting up Windows 10 to display over two screens is easier than ever. Aside from looking pretty cool, having a second monitor can really help to increase productivity, and allow you to stay more organised when you are at your computer. Setting Up Dual Display Matching up the resolution and size of your two chosen monitors will give the best results but even mismatched monitors can work really well in dual format. 1 You will obviously need to ensure that your PC has the requisite connections for two monitors (two HDMI, VGA or DVI ports, or a combination of these). Check the back of your PC tower or…

Windows 10 Advanced Guides Run Ubuntu on a Windows 10 PC Run Ubuntu on a Windows 10 PC It is possible to run a full Linux distribution, like Ubuntu, on a Windows PC without installing it. This is useful for a number of reasons but initially it is a great way to try out Linux itself, or even a new distribution, before you commit to installing and using it on your computer. Creating a Bootable USB Drive You can try Ubuntu and other distributions from a bootable DVD but it is usually easier and more convenient to use a USB flash drive, and that is what we will create here. 1 To run Ubuntu from a USB stick, you will need one which has at least 2GB capacity and preferably more…

Windows 10 Advanced Guides Windows 10 Touchpad Gestures Windows 10 Touchpad Gestures If you are familiar with using a laptop, you will no doubt also be familiar with using a touchpad or trackpad to control it. However even if you are used to controlling your laptop with the touchpad, it can be some time before it feels as familiar as using a traditional mouse. Luckily Windows 10 allows for several very useful touchpad gestures which, when combined with hotkeys, make using a laptop much quicker and easier. TOUCHPAD SETTINGS Windows 10 contains some basic touchpad settings when used on a laptop but you may also need to get into the hardware settings for your particular laptop. You can usually find this in the taskbar menu. If not, use the universal…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides Protect Your PC with Windows Defender Protect Your PC with Windows Defender Thanks to a fairly recent update, Windows Defender, the preinstalled security tool for Windows 10, is better than ever. Defender now includes cloud-based protection and automatic analysis of suspicious software or files. You can even run a powerful offline scan that can pick up nasties that a normal scan may not. Set Up Defender By default, Windows Defender should already by running but if you are using a PC that has had anti-virus software on in the past, parts of it may have been disabled. 1 The first thing to do is check that Defender is already running. You can quickly check this by clicking on ‘Show hidden icons’ (the small arrow button)…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides Manage Your Privacy in Windows 10 Manage Your Privacy in Windows 10 Being in control of security on your computer is important but almost as important is being able to control your privacy. Microsoft recently launched a web-based privacy dashboard and this has now become available to everyone in the Creators update. Manage privacy settings across multiple devices using a single account. The Privacy Dashboard The privacy dashboard is web-based rather than in the settings and it allows you to manage multiple devices from a single interface, as long as you are logged in to a single account. 1 Open your browser and navigate to www.account.microsoft.com/privacy. If prompted, use your Microsoft account details to log in. You will be logged in to the privacy overview…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides How to Remove Malware from Windows 10 How to Remove Malware from Windows 10 Previously we have looked at ways to prevent being scammed or indeed getting malware on your system but what if you’re unlucky enough to already have some form of digital infection? Thankfully there’s a way to remove malware and viruses from your computer. Malware Busters For this tutorial let’s use a preconfigured rescue disk from Bitdefender. You need to transfer or burn the disk contents to a CD or a USB stick and boot into the safe environment through one of those mediums. 1 Make sure you have a blank CD or a USB stick that’s at least 1GB in size. The Bitdefender Rescue Disk is downloaded as an ISO, which…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides Using the Windows 10 Task Manager Using the Windows 10 Task Manager The Task Manager is a very useful tool but even if you have been using Windows for some time, you might never have looked at it before. The Task Manager contains information on PC performance, the number of running apps, how many processes are pulling power from the processor and much more. Start-up Tab The Start-up tab contains a list of all the apps, programs and processes that are enabled every time you start your computer. If your computer is brand new, this list should be fairly small and filled with essential items. But as you install new apps and software, this start-up list can become bloated and slow down boot up.…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides Windows 10 Security Checklist Windows 10 Security Checklist Taking the time to write down an effective security plan for your home network will pay dividends in the long-run. With it you’re able to spot potential leaks in security, secure your home network Wi-Fi and powerline adapter technologies and ensure digital peace of mind. Plan Ahead We’ve come up with a template security checklist which you can use to create your own: for your home network. Tick each section and remember to keep checking regularly and alter it as new devices are added. Checklist ◻ Router Check – Make sure that your router’s admin password and access passwords are in a secure, unviewable place. So visitors can’t see them when they come into your home.…

Windows 10 Security and Maintenance Guides Troubleshooting Windows 10 Troubleshooting Windows 10 If you have a problem with your Windows 10 machine, your PC will need to go to the Advanced Start-up Options menu, sometimes called the Boot Options menu. You may also need to boot into what’s called Safe Mode. Hopefully this isn’t something you will need regularly but we’ll run you through it anyway. How to Use Advanced Start-up Options Modern computers are complicated things and there’s a lot that can go wrong. If your PC really isn’t working correctly or seems slow, these helpful options will help you get it back on track. 1 You may be taken to the Advanced Start-up Options menu. It will appear automatically if you have two consecutive start-up errors on your PC.…