Here in our part of the Earth, we have reached what’s known as “meteorological spring” as opposed to real spring, also known as “astrological spring”.\u00a0 It matters not, since spring doesn’t arrive here until mid-April\u00a0 Besides all that, it’s<\/span> Saturday and time for another edition of Saturday Bonus Questions and Answers. Sometimes the best tips and tricks are hidden in the questions and answers we publish. And rarely do we post questions and answers on this website. Today, we\u2019re featuring some of the questions and answers from past issues of our\u00a0InfoAve 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 – 030125<\/strong><\/span> Mary Ann encounters a scam<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> No antivirus can protect you from ads like these. You should install a good popup blocker like uBlock Origin<\/a> to prevent this from happening to you in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n You should also clear your browser\u2019s history and cache to prevent this from recurring. Here is our tutorial<\/a> on clearing your browser\u2019s history and cache. This tutorial covers Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsers.<\/span><\/p>\n If you need more help or have more questions, please let us know, Mary Ann.<\/span><\/p>\n Eldad asks about OAuth2 email authentication<\/strong><\/span>. Our answer<\/strong><\/span> Thunderbird has supported OAuth2 for a couple of years, so all current versions of Thunderbird already support this authentication method.<\/span><\/p>\n If for some reason your Gmail was not set up using OAuth2, you can easily set it up again without losing anything. When you set up your Gmail account in Thunderbird, you will see a Gmail sign-in page appear where you can sign in to Gmail with your username and password. Then the authentication details from Gmail are passed to Thunderbird \u2013 it\u2019s automatic. But you don\u2019t have to do this unless you have problems and we don\u2019t think you will.<\/span><\/p>\n Doris asks about RealPlayer and Movies & TV on her Windows 10 PC<\/strong><\/span> Our answe<\/strong>r<\/span> We hope this helps you but if you need more help, please let us know.<\/span><\/p>\n Please help us to keep on helping you!<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n This week we gladly helped dozens of people solve their computer problems by email quickly and free of charge.<\/span><\/p>\n If you don\u2019t need any of our products or services right now, please help us with a donation. Even the smallest gift is appreciated. Every donation helps us to provide useful information that helps you with your computer as well as helps us to keep you safe on the Internet. We offer free help to thousands of people every year\u2026 and we offer an honest and inexpensive computer repair service too. We do everything we can to help you with your computer and keep you safe too.<\/span><\/p>\n So if you don\u2019t need any of our products or services right now, please help us by donating right now<\/strong><\/a>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Interested in making a monthly gift? Visit this page<\/strong><\/a>. Help us to keep on helping you!<\/span><\/p>\n Thank you so much for your support!<\/span> Kathy says Chrome does not open correctly<\/strong><\/span>. Our answer<\/strong><\/span> You can also try right-clicking on your Chrome shortcut, clicking on \u201cGoogle Chrome\u201d > \u201cProperties\u201d >\u201dRun\u201d > \u201cMaximized\u201d\u2013 See the screenshot below.<\/span><\/p>\n One more thing, uninstalling Chrome and reinstalling it does not usually fix problems like this because there is a folder in C:\\Users\\Your User Name\\AppData\\Local\\Google that has to be manually deleted before you reinstall Chrome. This folder contains all your settings, extensions, history, etc. So if none of the above works, you can uninstall Chrome, delete that folder, restart your computer (you must restart your computer before reinstalling Chrome), and then reinstall Chrome. If you do this you\u2019ll lose your bookmarks so you might want to save them before you do this if they\u2019re important to you. You can learn how to save your Chrome bookmarks here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n Let us know if this helps you, Kathy.<\/span> Dick asks about Chromebooks<\/strong><\/span> I was watching one of the home shopping channels and they had an HP Chromebook for a pretty good price, which included a new printer and a few other goodies. I don\u2019t need the extra goodies but it\u2019s the first time I have considered a Chromebook. I have a Dell All-in-One Windows PC in my office with Emsisoft in it. A Chromebook seems like a perfect little companion computer to have next to me, in my family room to have readily available for looking up info, etc. Doing a small bit of research a Chromebook does not need an antivirus program as it does not get a virus. Also, it\u2019s mentioned that you don\u2019t need a big hard drive as it uses the Cloud.<\/span><\/p>\n Now, this is all I have found out about Chromebooks except that they are made by several companies. The HP seems like one of the best and most inexpensive. If you have a few minutes, in your busy schedule, could you let me know what you think of Chromebooks, which one might be the best one, at the best price? Also, what is your opinion on them not needing an antivirus program? Amazon seems to have a good selection at some pretty good prices. It\u2019s just amazing that both of you are there for us, to help us through the computer gargle we read. Of course, you need donations to do this. I\u2019m sure you like to go to the grocery store just like we do.<\/span> Chromebooks are perfect for doing research, browsing the web, searching for things, online shopping, etc. They\u2019re great as long as you don\u2019t mind using Web apps for everything since you really can\u2019t install programs on a Chromebook.<\/span><\/p>\n As far as what brand of Chromebook to buy, think of it this way\u2026Chrome OS is an operating system, like Windows is an operating system. HP, Dell, Acer, and others offer computers using the Windows operating system and computers with the Chrome operating system. So, just about any major brand that you like would be just fine. Chromebooks don\u2019t need as much RAM as Windows PCs, so while 4GB of RAM is not enough for a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, it\u2019s plenty for a Chromebook.<\/span><\/p>\n Most computer manufacturers now offer \u201cChromebooks\u201d\u2026 so whatever brands you trust for Windows PCs you can also trust for Chromebooks.<\/span><\/p>\n Since you don\u2019t install apps directly on the Chromebook but use them from the Cloud, then antivirus software is not essential. But as Chromebooks evolve, that could change.<\/span><\/p>\n We are not sure if this helps you much, Dick, It seems like you had it pretty well thought out before you wrote.<\/span> Terry says Microsoft Edge tells him our site is dangerous<\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/strong><\/span> It appears that you have a bad extension installed in Edge or you\u2019re using a security program that isn\u2019t working correctly. A site can\u2019t \u201cSelf-sign\u201d a certificate.<\/span><\/p>\n When you do some investigating, here\u2019s what Edge says about Thundercloud.net\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n So, Terry, whatever extension you\u2019ve installed in Edge or whatever security program you\u2019ve installed on your computer \u2013 is giving you incorrect information. If you\u2019ve not installed something, then you\u2019re ISP may be using some kind of filter that\u2019s not working properly. A website cannot \u201cSelf-sign\u201d a security certificate, it would make no sense. A site security certificate has to be issued by a trusted certificate authority \u2013 sites can\u2019t just make one up and sign it themselves.<\/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 are going to start having problems. We can help you with any computer need — from diagnosing and fixing Windows problems – 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 watch 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 Colin wants a narrower left margin in Gmail<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Once you do, you\u2019ll see the names of the folders and labels are then replaced by icons thus reducing the size of the margin on the left of the Gmail window. See?<\/span><\/p>\n If you want to change back to the wider margin and show the full names of folders & labels, just click the icon again.<\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you, Colin.<\/span><\/p>\n Dianne wants to know why she has to sign out and sign back in to see the new items she saved to her desktop<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Method 1: Using the keyboard shortcut<\/span><\/p>\n Click on the Windows desktop (not on an icon) to make sure it\u2019s in focus. Press the F5 key on your keyboard. This will refresh the desktop, updating any icons or files that have changed or been added.<\/span><\/p>\n Method 2: Using the right-click menu<\/span><\/p>\n Right-click anywhere on the Windows desktop (not on an icon). Select \u201cRefresh\u201d in the context menu that appears. This will refresh the desktop and update any changes.<\/span><\/p>\n Method 3: Using Task Manager<\/span><\/p>\n Right-click on the taskbar and select \u201cTask Manager\u201d from the context menu, or press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard to open Task Manager directly. In Task Manager, select the \u201cWindows Explorer\u201d process. Click the \u201cRestart\u201d button at the bottom right corner of the Task Manager window. The desktop will temporarily disappear and then reappear. It will be refreshed and updated.<\/span><\/p>\n We hope this helps you, Dianne.<\/span><\/p>\n Les asks what password managers we recommend<\/span><\/strong><\/span> Our answer<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
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\nOur Acer computer has a pop-up warning from Windows Defender. The message says that Windows Defender has been locked down. We had a trial version of the Emsisoft, but I think it just ran out. We do have a Cloudeight SeniorPass<\/a> for this computer. Can you help us? I am afraid that something is attempting to hijack this PC.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Mary Ann. This is a scam. It\u2019s not something on your computer, it\u2019s a scam ad that appears in your browser. It\u2019s not from Windows Defender at all it\u2019s from an ad that wants to make you believe it\u2019s Windows Defender. But the fact is, it\u2019s not even called \u201cWindows Defender\u201d anymore, it\u2019s called Microsoft Defender. They tell you your computer is \u201clocked down\u201d trying to scare you into calling a phone number or clicking a link for help. It\u2019s just a scam and it can\u2019t hurt your computer unless you call the phone number or link shown in the ad and allow the scammer to access your computer remotely.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nHi. I read in your Infoave Weekly newsletter about OE Classic will comply with Gmail authentication requirements \u2013 OAuth2 \u2013 in due course. My question is: Do you know something similar about Mozilla Thunderbird? I\u2019ve been using this email client for years, and want to continue using it. Thanks, Eldad.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Eldad. OE Classic<\/a> currently supports OAuth2.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nI have RealPlayer on my Windows 10 desktop computer. There is also the \u201cMovies & TV\u201d app installed. When I download a video to Real Player the video also goes to the program Movies & TV, which is fine. My question is, I would like to save the videos to a Thumb Drive but I can\u2019t find any way to do that from either RealPlayer or Movies & TV. Can I do that and if so How. I\u2019m not that computer-smart. Thank you for your help.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Doris. RealPlayer is outdated and unnecessary. Besides that, many security apps consider it a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Program). We suggest you download and install a free media player called VLC from here<\/a>. Once you install it, you can make it your default media player for all media types. See this page<\/a> for instructions on how to save any file you have open in VLC to your computer.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"Help](\"https:\/\/thundercloud.net\/infoave\/images\/2021\/donate2021.png\")
<\/span><\/p>\nMake a small donation and help us help you!<\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n
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\nWhen I open Google Chrome it comes up in the bottom corner of my screen. I have tried everything to make it come up full screen but nothing works. I even tried reinstalling Chrome. Can you help? Thanks so much. Kathy.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Kathy. Can you grab a corner of the window and drag it up? I am not sure what you\u2019re seeing.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Cloudeight](\"https:\/\/thundercloud.net\/infoave\/images\/2022\/max.png\")
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\nKathy wrote back. \u201cThank you so much! My Chrome is now opening full size. I appreciate you guys so much. You are always so helpful. Kathy\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
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\nI need you to put your heads together, not too close though, and help me decide something.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nHi Dick. Thanks so much for your support and your nice comments.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nDick wrote back: \u201cThank you so much TC. You confirmed some of the things I was curious about concerning Chromebooks. You and Darcy are so good to us computer folks. We appreciate you being there for us so I\u2019m going to be there for you. I\u2019m heading to the donation page<\/a> right now. Dick\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
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\nMicrosoft Edge says you are a dangerous site because your Certificate is not valid \u2013 it\u2019s self-signed. I know you are safe. How can I get that junk removed? I trust you and have since you and I met in the 1990s! AND, fabulous news, I root for you all the time. Cheers and Happy Spring, Terry<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Terry. Thanks for your nice comments and your long-time support.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Cloudeight](\"https:\/\/thundercloud.net\/infoave\/images\/2022\/secure.png%20\")
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\nG\u2019day Darcy and TC. Is there any way I can reduce the space taken up in Gmail by that left-hand pane with Categories, Labels, etc.? It takes up a third of my screen. Best regards, Colin.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Colin. Open Gmail in your browser and look near the top left corner. Click on the 3 horizontal lines icon that appears right before the Gmail logo.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Cloudeight](\"https:\/\/thundercloud.net\/infoave\/images\/2023\/gmail-left.png\")
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\nThanks for this tip, and the many others you have provided over the years. I work on posters and have had to redo some of my work because of an update. I often save my work on the desktop so it is easier to find but lately, my work does not show up on the desktop. I have to sign out of Windows and then sign back in and then the items are there. What would cause this problem?<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHi Diane. Thanks so much for your kind words. Your problem is not an uncommon one. And you\u2019ll be glad to learn that you don\u2019t need to restart or sign out of Windows to refresh the desktop. You can do it more quickly and without signing out or restarting. You can refresh the Windows desktop in several ways.<\/span><\/p>\n
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\nCould you give me your recommendation for a password storage program, please? There are many programs on offer and as I highly respect your advice I am looking to you. Regards, Les.<\/span><\/p>\n
\nHere are the three password managers we use and recommend. All have free versions which have some restrictions (I use the free version of LastPass & Bitwarden). Darcy uses the paid version of RoboForm. You can read more about each by clicking the links below. Even the paid versions of these password managers are very reasonable, but you may find the free versions adequate for your needs, as I do.<\/span><\/p>\n
![\"Reg](\"https:\/\/thundercloud.net\/infoave\/images\/2019\/ro2019.png\")
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