Futurelawyer

Sometimes I Feel Like A Voice Crying In The Wilderness.

Got A New Laptop? Here's How To Keep Your Data Safe. I realize that my computer security posts for the rest of us is like preaching to the choir. Most of you already do these things. But, now that Windows 11 will force you to take a look at new hardware to take advantage of Windows 11s hardware security, you should also know how to set up that new laptop so that you are protected, and your data is protected. First, install Malwarebytes or another rock solid Anti-malware and anti-ransomware software solution. Then, setup two factor authentication wherever you can. Then, become knowledgeable about phishing scams and how to avoid them. Then, be proactive about installing updates as they become available. Then, only use messaging or chat software that is encrypted end to end. For me, Signal is the best choice. Then, do not use public WiFi in hotels, waiting rooms, stores, restaurants, or anywhere else without a front end VPN application. I use PureVPN, but there are many competent programs out there. Be careful out there.

Do Not Download Windows 11 Preview - Really, Don't Do It.

How To Download Windows 11 Preview. How brave are you? How curious are you? You have a dependable Windows 10 machine that you use every day of your working life. Microsoft uses new versions as a guinea pig lab. You are now able to download and install a Preview edition of Windows 11. It will contain bugs and glitches, and not all the features. You should not risk your computer by doing it. I really mean it. Please don't. You aren't listening, are you? Jeez.

The Keyboard Is Dead - Long Live The Keyboard.

Keyboard Shortcuts In Windows 10. Since the introduction of the graphical interface, it seems that everything revolved around the mouse and hand eye coordination. We only use computer keyboards to enter text, as I am doing now in this post. However, Some of us remember a time when graphical interfaces didn't exist, and key combinations were used to perform a myriad of tasks in computing. Back then, it was about limiting the number of keystrokes to get something done. Well, software engineers work largely in text, and they never stopped using keyboard shortcuts. This little list contains some labor saving shortcuts that involve holding down the Windows logo key, and pressing another key. One of my favorites is Win V, which brings up the last few items in the clipboard. Ctrl C and Ctrl V work fine to insert and erase strings of text; but, what if you just had to press the Win key and the letter V to bring up a list? You could just select the one you wanted and insert or delete it. There are other cool key combos you should try out to see what works for you. Start using the part of your brain that can read.

Relax. Stardock Will Probably Publish Start 11 If Microsoft Fools With The TaskBar.

Start 10. The first software application I install on new computers is Start 10 by Stardock. Since Windows 7, when Microsoft got the Start menu right with a lower left launch point, and the ability to launch from an Explorer style cascading menu, Stardock has published $5 software that keeps it that way. Many Windows users are up in arms over reports that Microsoft is planning on a central taskbar and Apple like rounded icons. I can't help with the icons; but, they are a minor annoyance. I fully expect that Stardock will publish a Windows 11 compatible version soon after it launches. Be calm, my friends. Stardock will come to the rescue.

Windows 11 - Is Microsoft Putting Lipstick On A Pig?

7 Big Ways Windows 11 Changes Windows 10. Early reports seem to indicate that Windows 11 adds a prettier and easier to navigate interface; but, doesn't do much under the hood. Actually, that is a good thing, because changes in the underlying operational code can have dire consequences. Tiles and Cortana appear to be victims of the simplicity police, and, while calling Windows 10 a pig isn't very nice, it isn't far from the truth. A little beauty and grace in the way we interact with our computers will be welcome. Stay tuned, as the big event is coming. In the meantime, this PC World article will give you the highlights. Enjoy.

Windows Key Commands - Make Your Computer Do Your Bidding.

Windows Keyboard Shortcuts. Graphical interfaces are great. It is fun to move a mouse around and click on icons and things to get things done. However, the keyboard that allows us to type letters and numbers has been also a way, since the beginning of computing, to get things done as well. These keyboard shortcuts can make your life easier. One of my favorite pair of commands involves keeping other people's noses out of my business. If I am accessing sensitive client data, and someone comes into the room, I need a quick and easy way to hide the evidence, as it were. Try using the Windows key (the little wavy flag with 4 little windows between the Control key and the Alt key), in combination with letters. For instance, Win D will immediately minimize all open windows and return you to the Windows desktop. Win D. Windows Desktop. Get it? Then, if you are going to be away from your desk, or a masked intruder with a gun bursts in, try Win L, which will lock your computer immediately. Of course, if he points the gun at you, you are likely going to give up the password anyway; but, hey. Nothing is perfect. There are many Win key commands. Try some.

 

How To Be A Windows God.

How To Enable God Mode In Windows. You, too, can be a Windows God. Windows is a complex operating system, but eminently customizable. It also has many hidden apps and tricks that can solve problems, and adjust the environment to suit every user. If you add a simple line of code, you can bring up a list of every one of the tips, tricks and adjustments possible. I keep the God Mode icon handy, and use it whenever I need to help out. Try it and see whether you can make your day better.

What's In An Icon? A Picture By Any Other Image Would Get The Job Done.

Windows 10 Update Replaces 26 Year Old Icons. We spend a lot of time designing things like icons to click on to get something done. Most of it is wasted, IMHO, since our goal should be to perform the task. We don't need to look stylish doing it. Windows icons have served us well for 26 years since I stood in line outside a Big Box store at midnight waiting to buy Windows 95. So, change the icons if you wish, Microsoft; but, the same tasks will be performed when they are clicked.

Cloud Storage Shoot Out - Google Drive Or Microsoft One Drive?

Google Drive Versus One Drive. These days, one of the safest places for your files and data is the cloud. We all have Gigabytes worth of programs and data stored on our computers, and, while a local saved copy of our files and an image of our entire hard drive or SSD is important, we all live in the cloud these days, and it is a perfect place to store our files for easy on the go access, and a safe place for the files. While nothing is absolutely safe, data security is a mission critical aspect for the companies that provide the service. Google and Microsoft have competing storage services, and which one you choose depends on how you use your computer. This article will give you a good comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of both. For me, I use the Deion Sanders approach. I use both. I live in the Googleverse, so the automatic storage and syncing of my Google data is appealing. However, I also use Windows products, and OneDrive is a great place for Windows users. Pick your poison, or use both. Cloud storage is surprisingly inexpensive.

Want To Find Something In Windows 10? Search Everything.

VoidTools - Everything. Forget Windows search. Forget opening up a Windows search bar and trying to find the file you have been looking for. After using Windows 10 a while, we all accumulate thousands of files and images, and looking for them is a nightmare. This free tool sits at the bottom left on my taskbar, and I use it multiple times every day. Simply named: "Everything", it is a quick and dirty file name search that literally looks for files by name. In seconds a list of every file on the computer with the search term in the file name, in its location. Click on it and you are there. Since lawyers represent clients with names, it is ideal to find every file or document that refers to a particular client instantly. You're welcome.