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Tips & advice

These articles are for those who need a little help with computer basics and security; covering topics beneficial to the personal computer user while using minimal technical talk.

How-tos

Scroll down for picture-based walkthrough style how-tos that cover some commonly asked questions.

The effects of dust and dirt

The amount of dust and dirt built up on this fan and heatsink is inconceivable.

It doesn't take long for dust and dirt to ruin a computer; it's easy to clean your personal computer. Protect your investment by keeping it clean and free of dust buildup.

Wireless basics

It only takes a thief a few minutes to steal a lot of data.

People are out to steal anything they can, and an unsecured wireless network makes an easy target. It is not hard to secure your wireless network.

Basic computer security

Computer security is layered with firewall, common sense, and anti virus.

With common sense, one can secure a computer without taking extreme measures. Take control of your computer's data. Want to know more?

Computer basics

So you got a new personal computer, but where do you start?

Computers are much easier to operate and use than they ever have been before. However, don't just plug it in and go, but then where do you start?

Data backup tips

Most people claim that have nothing worth backing up until they loose wha they did have.

Protect your data before it's too late. Data backup tips are an introduction to data storage and the types of devices used, including the cloud.

Smart surfing

The interent is always changing and it is changing ohh so fast.

Don't just surf the web willy nilly; one click is all it takes to infest a PC thoroughly. We offer tips and advice on surfing the Internet smarter and safer.

The cloud

The cloud is out there floating in the server cloud, but is it really?

The cloud is becoming a popular place to store data and precious memories, but is it right for you? Our article the cloud may help you answer that question.

Windows virus help

It only takes a split second to download malware and infect a personal computer with all sorts of viruses.

Computers don't get sick, but they sure can get infected with malware & viruses. If you think your PC is infected, read Windows virus help and cure your PC.

Using old versions of Windows

Windows has been around for a number of years now. Is it okay to use old versions of windows operating systems?

Is using older versions of Windows a good idea or not? PCMD recommends running the latest operating systems, but do you need to?

Why use Windows Update

Windows update will always get a bad rap, but we still recommend it over being out of date.

PCMD recommends all users of Windows operating systems use Windows Update. The benefits outweigh the risks most of the time.

What is e-waste?

Electronic waste or e-waste is pretty much every thing that runs on batteries or has a power cord. Do your part, don't throw electronic waste of any kind in the trash.

Electronic waste or e-waste is pretty much everything that runs on batteries or has a power cord. Do your part; don't throw electronics in the trash.

How-tos

How-tos of commonly asked questions about Windows 10.

Set static monitor backgrounds

Microsoft hid the ability to set individual static monitor backgrounds for all the connected monitors.

Microsoft Windows 10 has hidden a personalization feature in plain sight that is an easy way to set static background images for single or multiple monitors.

Reposition multiple monitors

Bought a second monitor and your mouse won't go across the middle of the screens? We can help.

Bought a second monitor and can't get your mouse to go across the middle of the screens? The fix is easy and only takes a few steps, and we walk you through using Windows 10.

Turn off Autoplay

AutoPlay helps Windows make your life easier but at what cost?

PCMD recommends you turn off AutoPlay. Turning off AutoPlay can help prevent issues. It can create significant problems for some. Read our how-to and decide what's right for you.

Windows power plans

When using a desktop computer one should turn off AutoPlay.

When Windows Balanced (recommended) won't do, turn to Windows power options high-performance battery plan. However, please note that your PC won't be any faster.

Windows text size

The setting for Windows 10 fonts seems to be changing for the better.

A simple yet easily forgotten but beneficial setting is Windows DPI (dots per inch). Both Windows adjustments showed using the older slider and the new drop-down.

The quick link menu

The quick link menu is a great shortcut for accessing Windows 10 features.

The Quick Link Menu allows for easy access to Windows settings. To quickly access the Quick Link Menu, press and hold the Windows logo key + x, then release.

Emoticons

Emoticons, also known as emojis, are the modern world's way of portraying feelings and emotions through text. This abbreviated form of communication has become very popular. 😀

ASCII

ASCII characters allow the keyboard to be so much more. To put it simply, ASCII is the numerical representation of text. However, ASCII is not as popular as it once was, though Unicode has extended it, which added a large variety of symbols.

Unicode extends ASCII by taking a 🌍 view adding languages and symbols like U+1F30E, one of the many symbols for planet Earth.

Keyboard symbols

To type keyboard symbols, you must use the numeric key pad to the right of the letters. Do not use the numbers above the letters on the keyboard. Num Lock must be on as well. Here are a few that are handy to know.

Degree °

To type the degree° symbol, hold the Alt key and type 0176 or hold Alt and type 167 on the numeric key pad. On a Mac, press Shift key + Option key + 8.

Copyright ©

To type the Copyright © symbol, hold the Alt key and type 0169 on the numeric key pad. On a Mac, press Option key + g.

personal computer

noun

: a general-purpose computer equipped with a microprocessor and designed to run especially commercial software (such as a word processor or Internet browser) for an individual user

computer

noun, often attributive

com·​put·​er | \ kəm-ˈpyü-tər \

: one that computes
specifically : a programmable usually electronic device that can store, retrieve, and process data

Source: Merriam-Webster