Summer is quickly approaching for those of us living north of the equator. It’s hard to believe how fast time passes. Enough blathering!\u00a0 Today is Saturday and <\/span>time<\/span> for another edition of Saturday Bonus Questions and Answers.<\/span><\/p>\n Sometimes the best tips and tricks are hidden in the questions and answers we publish. Today, we\u2019re featuring some of the questions and answers from past issues of our InfoAve Weekly<\/a> newsletters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These questions & answers were selected at random from past InfoAve Weekly newsletters.<\/span><\/p>\n Saturday Bonus Questions and Answers – 042024<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Cheryl wants to save files as PDF files<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/span> Here’s our tutorial showing you how to convert any document or picture into a PDF file.<\/span><\/p>\n The tutorial is for Windows 10 but Print to PDF works the same on Windows 11 too.<\/span><\/p>\n Let us know if this helps you, Cheryl.<\/span> Patty wants to know how to open .ico files<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Here is a link to IrfanView: https:\/\/www.irfanview.com<\/a>. You can also download IrfanView from here.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you, Patty.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Sharon wants to create a database<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/span><\/strong><\/span> We hope this helps you, Sharon.<\/span><\/p>\n Sylvia wants to know if we recommend Adaware Web Companion<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/span><\/strong><\/span> The software was intended to complement the functionality of Ad-Aware by providing real-time monitoring and protection against spyware, adware, malware, and other potentially unwanted programs that may attempt to infect a user’s computer.<\/span><\/p>\n Ad-Aware Companion was discontinued by Lavasoft in 2008, and its functionality was integrated into later versions of the Ad-Aware software. Today, Ad-Aware is owned by another company called Avanquest. It is now an antivirus, antimalware program.<\/span><\/p>\n We do not recommend Ad-Aware, it is not ranked anywhere near the top of any list of the best security software. The only anti-malware, antivirus, security software we recommend is Emsisoft<\/a>. If you are using Emsisoft<\/a>, you don’t need anything else.<\/span><\/p>\n THANK YOU FOR HELPING US! Did you know that we provide support to thousands of people? Every week we help dozens of people via email at no charge. The questions and answers you see in our newsletters are from the email answers and help we provide to everyone free of charge.<\/span><\/p>\n Thanks to your gifts, we do more than provide this free newsletter. We help you recognize online threats, fight for your online privacy, help you navigate the Web safely, provide suggestions for safe, free software and websites, and help you get more out of your PC.<\/span><\/p>\n Please Help us keep up the good fight with a small gift.<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Would you be interested in making an automatic monthly gift? Visit this page<\/a>. Please help us keep on helping you… and help us keep you safe on the Web. <\/span> Audrey wants to cancel her outlook.com email address<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Closing your Outlook.com may have many ramifications. Closing your Outlook.com account may mean closing your Microsoft account. So anything you log into with your @outlook.com address will be affected. Here’s what Microsoft says:<\/span><\/p>\n To permanently close your Outlook.com email account, you need to close your Microsoft account. When you close your Microsoft account, your email and contacts are deleted from the servers and can\u2019t be recovered. If you use your Microsoft account with Xbox, Skype, OneDrive, or other Microsoft services, you\u2019ll no longer be able to access those services.<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n You can visit this Microsoft link<\/a> to close your account. You will have to sign in first and follow the instructions on that page to close your Outlook.com account.<\/span><\/p>\n Whether or not you close your outlook.com account you can continue to use your MSN email address. But keep in mind if you used your Outlook.com email address to sign in to any Microsoft services including your Windows PC, you cannot use your MSN address unless you sign up for those services again using your MSN address.<\/span><\/p>\n My advice? Keep your Outlook.com account but don’t use it. That way you’re safe from any negative ramifications closing your Outlook.com email account might have. You can continue to use your MSN email account as your primary, everyday email account.<\/span><\/p>\n Thanks for supporting us and for purchasing a SeniorPass!<\/span><\/p>\n Carol had a pretty shutdown screen and now it\u2019s ugly<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> On that screen, I think you are referring to the lock screen\u2026 try this and tell me if it fixes the ugly!<\/span><\/p>\n Next to the start button, in the search area (taskbar search), type Lock Screen, then press Enter. You can change the background picture there.<\/span><\/p>\n I hope that helps solve the problem of the ugly screen!<\/span> Audrey found Reimage installed on her computer and she tried to delete it<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> I don\u2019t know how you tried to remove it, but just a reminder you can\u2019t just delete an installed program, you have to uninstall it.<\/span><\/p>\n The best way to uninstall it is to use an uninstaller program like Geek or HiBit.<\/span><\/p>\n You can get Geek Uninstaller free from this page.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Or<\/span><\/p>\n You can get HiBit uninstaller free from this page.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Run the uninstaller you downloaded and find Reimage in the list of programs and then uninstall it.<\/span><\/p>\n If you still can\u2019t find it to uninstall it, please let us know.<\/span><\/p>\n We’ve helped hundreds and hundreds of you with your computers since we started our <\/strong> Cloudeight Direct Computer Care Service<\/strong><\/a>! If you’re having computer problems – we CAN help you! <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n We all know that sooner or later our computers will start having problems. We can help you with any computer need — from diagnosing and fixing Windows problems – to setting up a wireless network for you – to safeguarding by creating an image-based backup (the only kind that really works when you really need it to work) – to cleaning up your computer and optimizing it — and more. We can do almost anything you need done and we guarantee our work – you’re either satisfied or we’ll refund your money.<\/span><\/p>\n We connect to your computer and fix it while you watch<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n We will connect to your computer via the Internet and fix any problems you may be having. You can\u00a0watch us work and chat with us while we do. If you have any computer questions you’d like to ask we’ll be glad to answer them for you.\u00a0 We don’t just fix your computer, we explain what we’re doing and why we’re doing it and we are right there with the entire time. Since we’ve started we’ve helped hundreds of you with your computer problems and we’ve received dozens of referrals and testimonials from our readers and customers.<\/span><\/p>\n We offer many other computer services too! If you have a problem with your computer – we can fix it!<\/span><\/p>\n Get more information about Cloudeight Direct Computer Care and or get your repair keys here.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Karen asks about Google Chrome<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> You can\u2019t have two copies of Chrome on the same computer. Whether you call it Google Chrome or Chrome, it\u2019s the same program.<\/span><\/p>\n The simpler you make things, the easier they are.<\/span><\/p>\n Jim asks about Gmail playing multimedia files<\/strong><\/span> I don\u2019t use Gmail directly, just indirectly. I use Microsoft Outlook as my email client but Gmail is one of my accounts. I\u2019ve never really known about it I\u2019m just asking for my brother-in-law so please say something impressive to tell him. I don\u2019t want to appear as dumb as he is. Thanks, Jim<\/span><\/p>\n Our answer<\/strong><\/span> Suppose you check Gmail with a mail program like Thunderbird, OE Classic, Outlook, etc. In that case, the default media player on your PC plays the multimedia files attached to or embedded in your emails if the email client integrates with your OS media player. When you check Gmail with a mail program, Gmail is just another email account like any other account.<\/span><\/p>\n Mail clients are not media players but integrate with media players in browsers and media players installed on your computer\u2019s operating system (Windows)..<\/span><\/p>\n I hope this helps you explain it to your brother-in-law.<\/span><\/p>\n Earl wants to clean up his cluttered desktop in Windows 11<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> Your desktop icons will still be visible in File Explorer > Home > Desktop (see below)\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n You can\u2019t create custom toolbars in Windows 11 unless you want to go through a lot of fuss\u2026 Since you can see all your hidden desktop icons in File Explorer there\u2019s no reason to jump through hoops to create custom toolbars.<\/span><\/p>\n And that should do it, Earl.<\/span><\/p>\n Now available: Reg Organizer 9.40<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n If you purchased or renewed Reg Organizer through Cloudeight within the last 12 months, you’re entitled to a free version upgrade to Reg Organizer 9.40. It works great with Windows 10 and Windows 11!<\/span><\/p>\n Save $14 on Reg Organizer right now!<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n
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\nHello, my computer gurus. Would you be so kind as to recommend a PDF program I can use? I want to be able to scan either from the PDF program itself to my computer OR from my printer to my computer. I do not use Adobe for anything. If I scan a document from my printer to my computer, I need a PDF program on the computer so that the file will be saved as a PDF Thank you for your time. Hope you both are doing well. Take care.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Hi Cheryl.\u00a0\u00a0Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 have a feature called Print to PDF.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nCheryl wrote back: “Thank you for your prompt response and the information. Have a wonderful day. Feel free to post my question if you think it might be helpful. Cheryl.”<\/em>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nHow do I open a .ico file?\u00a0 Is there a free program I can use to open it? I have looked online and it looks like there are dozens of programs to open .ico files but I don’t know which ones are safe. I would appreciate your help. Thanks, Patty.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Patty. A .ico is an icon file. We use IrfanView to open and view them. It’s free. Ico files are not images – they are image containers for computer icons. Generally, one ICO file has multiple sizes and color depths of the icon for viewing in various settings. For example, if you view a folder icon in Windows Explorer, it appears very small, but if you view a folder icon on your desktop, it will be much larger. Windows lets you resize icons from very small to extra large. All icon sizes are contained in one .iso file.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nHi. Can you tell me of a free spreadsheet program that I can use to create a database for our HOA? Thanks! Sharon.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Sharon.\u00a0\u00a0If you’re looking for a free program to create database files, you can use “Base” which is included in Apache’s OpenOffice. Base in OpenOffice is designed to create almost any type of database. You can use Base to create tables, queries, forms, and reports. And OpenOffice has “wizards” to help you. Open Office also includes a free spreadsheet program called “Calc”. You can learn more about and\/or download Apache Open Office here<\/a>. Open Office is freeware.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nDo you recommend Adaware Web Companion (free version)?<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Sylvia. Ad-Aware Companion was a free software program developed by Lavasoft, designed to provide additional security to users of the Ad-Aware anti-spyware program.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nWhen you support us with a small gift, you help us continue our mission to keep you informed, separate the truth from the hyperbole, and help you stay safer online. Plus, our computer tips make your computer easier to use. <\/span><\/p>\n
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\nHow can I cancel my email address(axxxxxx@outlook.com) and get back to my original email address (axxxxxxx@msn.com)? I have SeniorPass. Please help me! Audrey.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Audrey. One thing I want to be sure you understand. Just because you have an outlook.com account does not mean you have to use it as your primary email address. I have Outlook.com addresses but rarely check them or email using them<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nI\u2019m using Windows 10. I used to have a picture on my shutdown screen. When I updated Edge it went away and now shows an ugly blue screen. How can I get it back? I love all your tips and tricks. Thank you, Carol<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Carol. Thanks for your nice comments.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nCarol wrote back:\u00a0\u201cWow, you guys are quick in responding!!! Problem solved with your help. Thank you, Thank you, Carol\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
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\nAll of a sudden Reimage Repair entered my computer. I do not know where it came from but it is doing things to my computer can you help me? I deleted it but it is still there so checked and it is not listed and I do not know what to do, can you help me?<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Audrey. Reimage was once a legitimate program. It was purchased by a company that chose to turn it into a PUP. It usually gets installed on a computer surreptitiously -bundled with other programs, particularly freeware.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nHi Darcy\/TC, I am having issues with Google & also Chrome or Google Chrome and am getting confused with this. I was using Chrome & then Google Chrome shows up. You folks have helped me before and I hope that I can get one of you to help me get this mess sorted out. I am hoping you can get back to me and advise me as to what I should do here. Thanks so much, look forward to your reply. Karen<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Karen. You are thinking that Chrome and Google Chrome are two different browsers. They are not. Google makes Chrome, just like Microsoft makes Microsoft Windows. Whether you call it Windows or Microsoft Windows they are the same. And Mozilla makes Firefox. You could call Firefox or Mozilla Firefox -they are the same.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nDo you have anything to say about Gmail not playing videos like MP4s and such? I understand this has been going on for over a year.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Jim. Gmail on the Web is a webmail application. Gmail and other email applications are not media players. If you check Gmail using Chrome (or any other browser) you\u2019ll be able to play multimedia files embedded in or attached to the email \u2013 if your browser supports playing them.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nAgain many thanks for the prompt reply\u2026 However, the cluttered desktop remains. As I mentioned, I had already tried your tip and did so again after this email arrived. The problem I have is that when I right-click the Windows 11 Taskbar, I do not get the context menu, but a button entitled \u2018Taskbar Settings\u2019\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Earl. We\u2019ll have to update the desktop tip for Windows 11\u2026 but it\u2019s simple to hide desktop icons on Windows 11 too. Right-click on an empty space on your desktop, click \u201cView\u201d and uncheck \u201cShow desktop icons\u201d. That\u2019s all there is to it.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Cloudeight](\"https:\/\/thundercloud.net\/infoave\/images\/2022\/clutter.png\")
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