Table of Contents
What is the Computer Club Help Center?
The Help Center is a service provided by Sun City residents to members of the Computer Club. The volunteers of the Help Center offer assistance with computer “problems”.
What is a computer problem?
The help center volunteers, attempt to provide assistance for many computer devices. There are volunteers that are willing to help with cell phones, tablets, PC's, Apple products, printers and network equipment. Assistance with phones or tablets is typically a sofware or “operator” issue. Assistance with PC's or Apple's can involve software, hardware, networking or the “operator”. It is probable that one of the Help Center volunteers can help resolve or define the problem. If a problem is not resolved, we hope to define solutions that can be provided by local commercial services.
How to get help
The Help Center provides help in the Computer Club Annex or in your home. Bringing your device to the Help Center is preferred? Why? The Help Center typically has multiple volunteers. Volunteers are able to consult with other volunteers in the Help Center. Networking and printer problems frequently require a home visit. For home support it is necessary to come to the Help Center to register the support request. This wiki contains information that might lead you to a solution. If you can read this page you might try asking a question or describing your problem in the “discussion” section at the bottom of this page .
What you should bring to the Help Center
If your problem is with a portable device (laptop, tablet, phone) or an all-in-one , bring the device and its power supply. For a desktop PC, the Help Center can provide a power cord, monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Satisfaction is not guaranteed, but....
The goal of the volunteers is to provide assistance that resolves your problem or leads to the eventual solution. Most of the time, the volunteers are successful. When we are not, please remember: The Help Center is staffed by Sun City volunteers who are sharing their time and knowledge with the intent of helping a neighbor.
Discussion
Bold TextBold TextI have a Optimum leased UBEE modem / router. I am trying to hook up a new printer to my home wifi network. When trying to “add a printer” from my Windows 10 PC, it can't find it. I checked, my PC has a totally different IPV4 address than my PC. I also checked my Android phone's IP address to the same UBEE SSID, it has a totally different IPV4 address. I am suspecting since it's a Optimum controlled modem/router, it provides various IPV4 addresses. Can someone help me understand if it's the problem before I buy my own modem/router. I can use the printer via USB or Wifi Direct but not via the same home Wifi netowrk.
Replaced my Optimum leased modem/router with my own new Motorola MG7550 modem/router. Problem went away. Problem is likely due to Optimum UBEE router. Now my printers are now discoverable on my wifi network. My connection seems more stable and startup seems faster as well. I am thinking the routing table either was corrupted on UBEE or Optimum controls the routing table. Either case, problem is resolved with my own modem/router.
I am an Apple user w/many devices. I recently bought a iPad Air v.5 and when I turned it on, it “set-up/paired??” automatically by my iPhone 13. Except for including my gmail account. When I tried to manually include my gmail account, it asked for my password, but would NOT accept when I entered it, “suggesting” I reset my gmail password. I am reluctant to do that since I have several other Apple devices (including my iPhone 13 & iMac) that successfully use my gmail account.How can I include my gmail account on my iPad Air?
As to gmail on your Ipad. First step… On you Ipad Air, use Safari to visit gmail.com and verify the password you think is “right” does allow you to access your gmail from gmail.com in the Safari web browser. If the password you think is “RIGHT” works in Safari, trying to access your gmail account, then I do not know what the next “right step” would be. My guess… Create a “new account” in the Ipad email client and use the “RIGHT” password. If that works, delete the account that does not work.
I'm trying to use a formula in Excel to calculate driving distance from one address to another. Currently I cut & paste the addresses into Google Maps Directions but that's slow & cumbersome. The research I've done says I need an API Key from Google to do this. That process is confusing with many options. Does anyone here have any experience with this?
Thanks,
John
Hello,
Thank you for your interest in the Computer Club. We are a group of enthusiasts who enjoy learning and sharing about various topics related to computers and technology. We have regular meetings, workshops, newsletters, and a help center where you can get assistance from our volunteers. You can find more information about us on our website: https://sctxcompclub.net/doku.php?id=computerclub:start
If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us. We hope to see you soon at one of our events.
Sincerely, Computer Club
Hello,
Thank you for your interest in the Computer Club. We are a group of enthusiasts who enjoy learning and sharing about various topics related to computers and technology. We have regular meetings, workshops, newsletters, and a help center where you can get assistance from our volunteers. You can find more information about us on our website: https://sctxcompclub.net/doku.php?id=computerclub:start
If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact us. We hope to see you soon at one of our events.
Sincerely, Computer Club
I cannot open the club files document that addresses T-Mobile Home Internet, I can open other club file documents. Can someone forward that document to me?
How do I make an appointment at the Help Center? I get the calendar each time. I became a member 3/11/23. Thanks
Warren,
http://mailersite.memfirstweb.net/mail/mail_click.asp?CODE=ITMGBBSRBSGIGROYNOSRBABNIRSG&LID=1
I purchased a new laptop in July. When Geek Squad transferred info from old to new computer, they were not able to move my Quicken or Excel files, nor all my pictures. I have the hard drive from the old computer. Is there anyone who can help me recover these files and put on my new computer? I have checked the cloud and the files are not there. Quicken support tells me they should be on the hard drive. Thank you
As a member of the Computer Club, you can sign up for the Help Center. Help Center hours are by Appointment Only: Tuesday - 12pm and Friday - 9am
Sign up for help at the Help Center from the left side navigation panel of the Computer Club web page under Help Center.
If the files exist on the old hard drive, the Help Center should be able to recover them for you.
I am unable to register for a class because when I try, this site insists my name is Laurence (name of my husband). When I try to delete his name and replace it with mine nothing happens. We are both members as of September 27, 2022. His email address is klwalker@suddenlink.net. We are both on the list of members.
Hello Kay,
You are correct, you and your husband are active members of the Computer Club - thanks for being members!
When you log into the Sun City website at sctexas.org are you logging in with your husband's user name or your own? If you use your own user name, it should correctly have your name instead of your husbands name and then you will be able to sign up for computer club classes as yourself.
Deb Jones Computer Club Web Admin
There is a Help Center Signup page. Looks like there are some openings Today. Sign up and show up.
THIS IS A GREAT REASON TO ALWAYS BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER!!!! Use Time Machine!
My Apple iPhone iOS15.1 automatically puts the number 1 for all my contacts I can phone out however TEXTs do not go through. Please point me in the right direction. Thanks, Nancy B
Nancy, Hopefully one of the Apple guru's will see and respond to your question.
I've spoken with Nancy and will visit her regarding this problem.
I have a surround sound system with a Onkyo receiver. When selecting a movie on streaming the sound disappeared. It is not muted on any of my remotes. I must have accidentally pushed a wrong button when getting out of the chair or something. It is on the correct source; I've looked at settings but not sure what is what. Can anyone help by phone?
Kathy
When I try and log in to Resident Login, all the information comes except at the bottom of the login it says Remember User and nothing more. It that all I need, or does the page go further and say ENTER.
Thanks for your help.
Marvin
Hello Marvin,
You are correct in assuming that there is an enter button. Depending on your display size, it doesn't always show up. You can try playing with your window size or browser zoom settings or just put your cursor after the last digit in password and hit the enter key until you get logged in.
A fellow member is currently having problems/issues with the password manager LastPass. If you have had recent issues/problems with LastPass or have found a solution or workaround please reply to this post.
I am attempting to make an iMovie and need help
Thanks,
Shirley
This is a first attempt.. I do not know anything about imovie, but I do know that youtube.com can be a good resource for learning how to use “stuff”.
After surfing to https://youtube.com I then searched for “imovie tutorial”. This is a link to the results of the search… https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=imovie+tutorial. My assumption is that you have a computer with internet access. Youtube is a gold mine of knowledge and experience.
I need help with Outlook email running on newer Windows 10 Lenovo laptop. All was well, and then 10 days ago I was unable to insert my pre-formatted signature, nor able to create it again. Followed 2 or 3 suggestions to fix from microsoft - none worked. If I need to reinstall will DEFINITELY need help with that. Subsequently, but seemingly unrelated, I am not able to see the original email while I am composing a response to it. Would appreciate a few minutes with an Outlook “geek”. Also, how do I find your answer to this query? keep checking back or will I get a individual email response? Many thanks, Tina
Hi Tina,
Are you using Outlook 365?
Are you able to come to the computer club help center which is open tomorrow (Tuesday) from 12 to 3?
Deb@debjones.com
Sorry Deb, just found the response to “confirm” in my junk folder. Yes, I believe it is Outlook 365. Obviously I missed the 12 - 3 slot today. What might some other options be to get together? Tomorrow, Thurs and Fri (21-23), I'm available after 1:30; let me know where and when I should be with laptop in hand. Many thanks, Tina
The help center is open from 12-3 on Tuesdays and 9-12 on Fridays. You can sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0b4ea8a72fa7fb6-help#/sidebar Right now, because of Covid restrictions, you would not be able to stay while your computer is being checked.
Since I only provide assistance on Tuesdays, and if you need assistance sooner, contact me by email and maybe we can resolve your problem sooner.
Deb Jones
I have a wifi printer and it has stopped working. When I am trying to print a document, it goes into the printer queue but does not print. I tried the trouble shooter but it did not help. Any suggestions?
Printer not working is not uncommon. As with many problems, the devil is in the details. One of my “go to” places for acquiring the knowledge to resolve problems is youtube.com. While at youtube I searched for “wifi printer not connecting”. The results are included here: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=wifi+printer+not+connecting. If one of the videos does not lead you to a resolution or if you need assistance with the details, some Help Center volunteers will come to your home and assist… Assuming you are a member of the computer club.
Need to hire someone to set up new desktop computer, migrate data, etc, from old computer, and wipe old computer so I can donate it. Suggestions?
I just subscribed to Suddenlink 400Mbs internet. I have SSD in all my computers.New Modem and new router with more specs than I need. My HP desktop gets about 90Mbs and my HP Laptop in another room gets 90-100Mbs. My ipad is getting about 200Mbs. Why aren't I getting close to my advertised speed. I don't run them all at once. I may have one computer and one TV going at the same time.I also have an extender in the room with the TV and laptop.
Short answer… Its wifi. Wifi has evolved and my first guess is… Your HP devices are using the 2.4 ghz channels while your ipad is using 5 ghz channels and later protocol definitions/capabilities. First test to prove its not a Suddenlink issue… Connect one of your HP devices to the router with an ethernet cable and if the speed tests reveal something less than 250 mbs I will be surprised. However, the age of your HP devices could be limited to 100 mbs, depending on the internal hardware. Alternate test for your HP devices. Purchase a wifi dongle that is better than the wifi device in your HP computers. Confirm you have a 3.0 USB port in one of your HP devices. 3.0 ports are blue. Here is a recently updated item that might be helpful: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-usb-wi-fi-adapters/ … However… It is unlikely you will “feel” any difference in performance of the HP devices, at higher transfer rates, than you are presently experiencing. At the data rates you are seeing, the time to transfer the data to “fill a screen” is less than the time it takes you to blink your eyes. 1080p video streams (24 frames per second) work fine on about 5 mbs. However… If you are a “gamer”, the game/requirement is different. Games can benefit from higher bps AND low latency time.
Incoming emails disappearing in Suddenlink webmail inbox and Windows Suddenlink account inbox. After a lot of time looking at settings and other trial and error options, found out my Suddenlink email was hacked. Changed the password and all seems back to normal. FYI in case others are experiencing the same.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
I'm having problems with MS Outlook (Office 365). Suddenlink emails go into my gmail folder and into my Suddenlink folder, for example.
Your description of a “problem” implies your Suddenlink email account is configured to forward your emails to gmail. Come to the help center tomorrow, one of us will help investigate the issue and probably identify a solution.
Be sure to know/have passwords for both gmail and Suddenlink
Thanks for the fix from the Help Center. I forgot to mention the number of Contacts folders I have. I'd like help cleaning those up. Not a high priority.
Can you guide me to the best/easiest way to dispose of my old pentium computer? I will remove the hard drive and drill holes, but how do I dispose of the rest?
Goodwill does recycle computers. I have delivered computers and other used electronic stuff to Goodwill in Austin. I have not checked with the Goodwill on 29, in Georgetown.
Thanks for the tip. I went to the Goodwill on Williams Dr. and they accepted my scrap computer.
I'm looking to replace my all in one desktop and am considering going with a lap top, docking station, monitor, keyboard, etc. That would allow me to bring my laptop on extended travel trips. I've only had a desktop or all in one and usually we've gone to Best Buy and purchased everything from them and had them set it up. I use silhouette & cricut cutting machines so need a higher end laptop. I've searched and one of the most recommended laptops is the acer predator helios 300. I know nothing about docking stations, are they universal to all laptops and monitors? I'm concerned about ordering multiple items from various places and when we get Best Buy in to set things up for us, they won't go together or won't have all the cables/pieces I need. I appreciate any help you can give me. TIA
Hmmmm??? On the surface it appears there may be less costly and possibly more flexible solutions to your requirements. Assuming you do not transport your Cricut or Silhouette with you during travel, I suspect a lower cost alternative might be applied. Questions… What do you intend to do with the laptop during travel. Are the programs you use for the Cricut and/or Silhouette, things you want to use while traveling? Do you know how to use the networking features of Windows? Do you know how to use Google Drive or One Drive to share documents between computers? Is your desktop failing to meet any of your present needs beyond “portability”. How old is your desktop. Why am I asking? Today's, low and moderate priced laptops, can be very capable. Identifying the “things” you want to do with a laptop, during travel, might contradict my suspicions. As to docking stations. I suspect one is not required. Laptops typically have USB ports (sometimes 3) and an HDMI port/connector. External Mouse and keyboard might require one USB port for a wireless keyboard/mouse dongle. Printers frequently allow USB or wireless connection. An external monitor can usually be attached via the HDMI port on a laptop. USB extenders are “cheap”. More suspicion… Best Buy can be really good at selling… Learning how to use “networking or cloud services” to share “stuff” between a laptop (or other kind of portable device) and a desktop, might lead to a lower cost and more flexible solution.
Thanks for your reply. I rarely would take my cricut/silhouette when I travel. I would be using the laptop for quicken, emails, updating and creating word & excel documents, and access my photos when traveling. I don't know how to use the networking features of windows and haven't used google drive or one drive. Perhaps I need to learn those. Sometimes I use dropbox to back up and could access on another computer, but mostly I just back up all my stuff to external drives. My desktop is 7 years old and mostly it is the portability that's an issue, but am concerned about the age. I appreciate your help!
I swear I replied to this but can't see it so I'll try again. Thanks for your reply. I would want to use quicken, create/update word & excel docs, access photos, & email on a laptop for travel. I would rarely want to bring my silhouette or cricut when traveling. I haven't used the networking on windows, google drive or one drive so I might need to learn that. I mostly back up to external hard drives and sometimes use dropbox which I could access from another computer. My current computer is 7 years old and mostly it's the portability that I'm wanting but I'm also concerned about the age of my computer. I appreciate your help!
Yes, you did respond twice. The forum feature is “moderated”. One of the admins has to “show” the response for you to see it. As to age of your computer. Opinion… 97+ percent of the time, older computers fail because of a “hard drive failure”. The solution is usually.. Replace the hard drive with an SSD (Solid State Drive). Cost… Usually less than $35, depending on how much “space” you are using on your hard drive. Benefits… Assuming the computer does not have an SSD, performance improvement is TANGIBLE!! Use “Tree Size Free” to observe where and how much space is consumed by “your stuff”. https://www.jam-software.com/treesize_free. More thoughts… The things you want to do while traveling can be done on almost any laptop. Something less than $500 would be “plenty”. You can buy a laptop or tablet with plenty of processing power, memory and an SSD for less than $500. I would not be surprised if a $500 laptop is more than enough as a desktop replacement. Why? 7 years of evolution in processors, memory and SSD have made laptops smaller, faster, lighter and good values, especially in the low and mid price range. Do you know the characteristics of youR present computer? Processor type, Memory size, Hard Drive size, amount of space consumed on your hard drive? Install Belarc Advisor… It will produce a comprehensive report. https://www.belarc.com/products_belarc_advisor
An example of a $500 value: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-vivobook-15-6-laptop-amd-ryzen-5-8gb-memory-amd-radeon-vega-8-512gb-ssd-silver-silver/6420333.p?skuId=6420333
An Excel workbook residing on one of our home network computers, when opened on the other, is flagged as Read Only, even though it is not stored as Read Only on the computer where it resides. Both computers are Windows 10 using MS Office 365. Is there a fix for this problem?
As to : Is there a fix for this problem? Yes. The security for the “shared folder or file” is probably set to “Read Only”, which is the default behavior. Solution… On the machine that contains the file/folder, in “File Explorer”, right click on the folder or folder that is being shared and select properties→sharing→Advanced Sharing. In the “Advanced Sharing” window select “Permissions” and select the “Change” or “Full Control” option, and be sure to select “Apply” before exiting the “Advanced Sharing” window.
I was wondering if anyone does any assistance in fixing a VCR problem. Probably it is at least over 10 years old, but I cannot find the manual to see if it had an answer to my problem.
The VCR had a VCR tape “stuck” in it for years now & we obviously have not been using it. WE do have some VCRs though & would like to have a working VCR. We actually finally got the tape out, but now it will not even load another VCR tape into the machine. Nothing seems broken, but then, I probably would not know if there was. So, my question is if anyone from the computer club could help me with this. Tried on You Tube-nothing really helped. Thanks.. Debra
I was wondering if anyone does any assistance in fixing a VCR problem. Probably it is at least over 10 years old, but I cannot find the manual to see if it had an answer to my problem.
The VCR had a VCR tape “stuck” in it for years now & we obviously have not been using it. WE do have some VCRs though & would like to have a working VCR. We actually finally got the tape out, but now it will not even load another VCR tape into the machine. Nothing seems broken, but then, I probably would not know if there was. So, my question is if anyone from the computer club could help me with this. Tried on You Tube-nothing really helped. Thanks.. Debra
I have 110 slides I would like to convert to JPEG - on thumb drives? for our children. Does anyone have the converter to do this - and can I arrange for you to convert these? I have a Sandisk Ultra 4 GB - can this be used?
The computer club has the equipment for the conversion. Reference:The computer club at https://sctxcompclub.org and the Media Conversion section. If you are a club member you can “sign up” and use the equipment during lab hours.
I have an HP laptop. I wanted to use it today & I unplugged it & it wasn't charged. I plugged it in and logged on. It said the battery was 100%, I unplugged the charger & the screen went dark. I plugged it in again & it didn't come on. I pressed the on/off & it started up again. I logged on, again 100%. I unplugged, same. I then reset the battery & same. I think it's the plug between the charger & the PC or maybe the battery just isn't taking the charge? I dunno. What should I do now? Just run on AC or buy a new battery?
The symptoms you describe imply the battery is done. However there are still some questions. How old is the computer. How old is the battery. If you want the laptop to work, with only the battery as a power source, the first suggestion is: Identify the battery type/model and then do some internet price shopping for a new battery. Amazon is often a good source for battery replacements as is the original vendor of the PC/laptop. You may find a non-trivial price delta between the PC manufactures battery and alternate sources. If you suspect some other reason for the symptoms you describe, you might try measuring the “voltage” of the battery, when it is out of the computer.
One of my Word 2019 Folders has mysteriously disappeard and it is not in the recycle bin. Is there a way to locate and restore the Folder?
Have you tried searching for the folder or for the items in the folder?
If you can not find the folder with a “search” of the hard drive, there is a program called “TestDisk” that may help you recover lost data. Use the search feature in “File Explorer” and start the search at “C:\” Use the search feature on this wiki to search for “testdisk”. Here is the wiki page that mentions testdisk “https://sctxcompclub.net/doku.php?id=file_or_disk_recovery” Before using testdisk, use gsmartcontrol to confirm/deny the hard drive is not having “problems”.
Following directions, I cannot see how to sign up for August classes via Zoom.
I'm sure I have a simple problem, but it seems when Microsoft comes out with a new update and I try to take care of it I get myself in a lot of trouble. The most recent one has me making choices as to my printer type, synching my computer, etc. I wonder if someone could just call me and help me to walk through what I need to do. My phone number is 512-863-0805
I left a voice message.
Many possible contributors to the symptoms you describe. Assuming you are a member of the Computer Club, one of the Help Center volunteers is likely to give you a call.
I use an ASUS laptop. It is slow starting up. I’m not sure if this is caused by my internet speed, age of computer or something else. Also I have trouble with email. I use Outlook to access email. Email is very slow and needs to be cleaned up. I need to delete spam, trash, sent mail but don’t know how to do this. Please advise.
indeed, all manner of possible causes. If you power cycle the laptop Power off - wait 10-15 seconds - Power on while the Acer screen appears press and hold the F8 function key If you then can select the Safe Mode your disk may be ok If you get Advance boot Options and you don't see your laptop's system disk that disk may have died
My Acer laptop cannot start. When I try to turn it on the ‘Acer screen‘ comes up and it starts buffering. Does not advance past this. Can you advise?
All kinds of possibilities, including the latest Windows update. I will give you a call.
As to Zoom requirements: I hope https://zoom.us/ provides a detailed answer. My assumption is you need a computer with video camera, microphone and screen. Zoom appears to function on smart phones, tablets and PC's. If you are buying a PC/tower, then you may need to acquire a USB video camera. Logitech has good options and I believe Logitech also includes a microphone in the camera. As to a tower with wifi? Two factors that impact my attitude. The distance from the PC to the router and costs. These days I am assuming the cost of integrated wifi is low. If your computer is close to your router (typically in the same room or desk), I prefer an ethernet(cat 5 or 6) cable connection. Why? Wifi exposes network activity to “snooping”. If Wifi is not necessary, I avoid wifi. None of my desktop computers are configured with wifi.
Two questions: 1. What equipment do I need for using zoom? 2. Buying a tower computer do you recommend get it with WIFI?Bold Text
FYI For those that have an issue trying to uninstall a printer that is offline and re-installing the same with no success, try running a scan of your registery (with Ccleaner). I found this worked for me recently with much success.
Does the club have any type of software i.e. lightscribe that can be used to print dvd? If not, do you have any recommendations that wold be compatible with MacBook Air?
Thanks. If we open up could the help center work with me on this?
Yes. It is a common request/process provided by the Help Center.
Microsoft used to provide a utility to do this. Easy Transfer If you've updated from a previous Windows version , use Search to see if that utility survived the updates Something to consider - you want/need more than just your files and the files of any other users - you want to preserve your IDentity. User profiles, SSIDs, and other things Might thus consider PCmover from Laplink (pay for utility) or contact someone local for help. you'd probably bring both machines to that service and pick it up afterwards. If you do the service - CHANGE your passwords all passwords before bringing the machines in. sanitize via sanitary wipes. copying your files gets you most of the way. using a utility or service gets you further.
good question. i hope it spawns other member's experiences.
I just purchased a new HP I have a very old Dell which is up to date but a real antique. How can I transfer all my files to the new HP. How can I set it up–it has Windows 10 without having a Microsoft account? Any advice on discounts for word, PP, Excel packages. Thanks in advance
As to: “How can I set it up–it has Windows 10 without having a Microsoft account?”. Do NOT connect the computer to the internet until AFTER you have gone through all the SETUP process. Windows initialization will allow you to create a “Local Account” if you are not connected to the internet. As to: “How can I transfer all my files to the new HP”. “All my files” can have different meanings. If you mean “just your data”, then you have choices. If you expect “programs and data”, that is a bigger problem. If its just “data”, then after you get the new machine running you can “copy your data” from Old to New using your local network, assuming you have both machines attached to the network. Knowing “how much data” is there can be helpful in making a decision about “how”. Use https://www.jam-software.com/treesize_free as a tool to understand how much data you have. Most likely your data is in c:\Users\“Your account Name”. Other possibilities…. Remove the hard drive from the old computer and attach it to the new computer or copy you data to a “thumb drive” and use the thumb drive as a source for putting the data in your new computer. The right answer is, “it depends”. As to: “Any advice on discounts for word, PP, Excel packages. ” Install LibreOffice from https://www.libreoffice.org/. It is free.
Thanks. Assuming there are no dumb questions. What is a local account?
Doing an internet search for “Local account vs Microsoft Account” produces a lot of results. Here is one result. https://www.lifewire.com/local-vs-microsoft-accounts-in-windows-3507003 Another good question is “Local account vs Administrator account”. My preference is to set up a machine with two accounts. One named “MyName” (Local Account and NOT administrator), the other named “AdminMyName” (Local Account AND administrator). Then use the account named “MyName” as the account for everything you do with the computer. Why? Using an account that does not have Administrative privileges is “safer”. If/when Windows 10 needs administrative privileges, it will prompt you for the password for the account named “AdminMyName”.
A local account is local to the machine A Microsoft account is held AT Microsoft to be more informative the Microsoft account allows you to “share” the account among your Microsoft devices and products BUT the account is in the form of and requires an email address. If someone has already registered your desired email/Microsoft account name you'll have to choose another until you don't collide with someone else. AND if you choose a Suddenlink account then drop Suddenlink service you'll have to request another account. If your connection to the Internet is down you can use cached credentials to login for a period of time. A local account is more difficult to setup, but avoids most of the above issues.
to the point of an account with Administrator rights and privileges you can check a specific Cyber Security SIG News Blog post Windows Administrator Account revisit Or browse the News Blog The article details the process with screen shots and more detail. Using an account without Administrator rights or privilege is probably the best method of lessening the threat of malware.
Thanks, Phillip for advice given re: update that changed my desktop and eliminated some icons. I have been able to deal with it successfully with your encouragement. Still missing the safe removal of devices that forces me to go to settings-devices-etc. but that is a small, but annoying thing. Interestingly, when I had a signal interrupt the other day, my old desktop with all the icons came back briefly. The mysteries of computers. Thanks, again, for your help. Carol Hopper
Trying to power flush Epson ET-2550. When I follow instructions, get to the point to where it says to choose Utility option which is not showing on the screen. Any ideas?
Printer is dropping/skipping some lines.
Did better when I printed from Photo app.
Sorry, no personal experience with flushing an Epson. However, I went to youtube.com and searched for https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=epson+et-2550+clean+printhead and discovered a bunch of videos about Epson ET-2550. My present suggestion…. Invest some time looking at the videos on youtube.
We have been happy with our 5 year old MacBook Air, but it needs replacing. We use it for word processing, internet browsing and sometimes purchasing, occasional videos, and lots of photo and video storage (but much is on the cloud) and music storage. Just wondering if the 2020 MacBook Air is the right path. Will it give me recognizable upgrades in storage, processing speed, and visual clarity? Do I even need to consider upgrading to the MacBook Pro?
My concerns. You identified what you do with the MacBook air but it is not clear what it does not do or why it needs replacing. Maybe you just need another MacBook Air not the Pro. Keeping both may be helpful? I suspect some time at Apple.com will expose the differences between what you have and the 2020 models. The value of the technical features may not be important to how you use your Mac. Given your present MacBook Air is 5 years old, it may not have a Solid State Drive (SSD). Any computer, Mac or PC, can demonstrate significantly faster boot and program load behavior with an SSD.
I looking at buying a cable modem. What's the best way to get recommendations and help?
Hmmm??? Best way to get recommendations? Start with a web search for “Best Cable Modem” or “Cable Modem Comparison”. This appears to be a decent review: https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-modems,review-2832.html I found it with a search for “Cable Modem Comparison” My attitude… Netgear and Arris/Motorola offer a broad range of products. Products are available at Walmart, Best Buy and Office Depot. Product differentiators will include “maximum cable speed” and “integrated wifi/router”. My attitude: A cable modem that allows up to 400 mbs (megabits per second) is more than adequate. A separate wifi/router is my preference. Why? I have had the same cable modem for “years” and my wifi/router has been replaced/upgraded a couple of times. However, wifi/router tech has been good, capable and stable for several years. It should not hurt to ask Suddenlink what they recommend for a customer provided cable modem.
The Outlook Address Book has disappeared from my email address book. How can I get it back?
As to the Outlook Address Book… My first guess (I do not use Outlook): There is an option “somewhere” in Outlook that can enable or disable the “visibility” of the Address Book. If that does not prove to be the case, then come to the Help Center, with your computer, on Friday morning (9 to noon) and one of the volunteers can help resolve the problem.
I need help installing a router and a modem. Can the club help me with this? In addition, I am having difficulty with my Quicken program.
Susan Lorms
Susan, The Help Center does provide support for router and modem concerns. The assumption is the house already has the appropriate “in house wiring”. Wiring being any “in wall” coax or phone wires. As to Quicken. Quicken is a big subject, so we can talk about it when you submit a request for help with the modem and router. You can submit a request for help at the “Help Center” on Tuesday (12 to 3) and/or Friday (9 to 12).
I just purchased a new IPAD. As I have always been a PC user, I was wondering if you have a class to help beginners with the IPAD? Thank you.
Here is a link to the Compute Club web page about Education classes.
I need to add more memory to speed up my computer, it only has 4 megabits of RAM. If I buy it can someone there help me install it? If not where do you recommend I take it.Bold Text
Bring your computer to the Computer Club Help Center. It is open from 12 to 3 today. As to slow performance. It is not common for the root cause of poor performance to be “not enough memory”. The Help Center will help you determine the most likely cause or causes of poor performance. Often we resolve performance problems with system maintenance and adjustments. The most significant contributor to bad performance is “disk drives”. However, every computer and user can be different. The Help Center is a free service to Computer Club members.
On a Windows 10 Home desktop, external HDDs & flash drives are not detected by the File Explorer or the Disk Management programs. The external HDDs & flash drives work fine on different PCs. I've uninstalled all the USB controller drivers. Didn't fix it. I've tried several other Google recommended fixes. None fixed it. Any ideas other than clean install?
Thoughts… Something is corrupted.. Do SuperAntiSpyware and Malwarebytes report any issues? Is the registry “clean”? CCleaner can help with “noise” in the registry. “SFC /scannow” may detect and correct the issue. SFC (System File Check) is a command link tool. Start cmd as Administrator the do “SFC /scannow”. SFC an also be invoked from Hirens. SFC is not fast. Be patient. Next swing/try… In Settings/Update/Recovery, if there is a recovery point available, recover to “before” the problem started or “Restore and retain data”. “Restore and Retain” requires installation media, thumb drive or DVD “should” work. Other thoughts… I have observed that some BIOS's can disable/enable USB. Are USB devices detected in the BIOS? Can you configure and boot from a thumb drive in a USB port? You may need to disable UEFI (Secure boot) and enable Legacy boot. If you boot from a USB port with Hirens or Linux do the USB ports work?
Thanks, Phillip. I'll try these.
Are virus prevention products worth the money? If so, would you recommend what you think best?
Today my opinion is: Not on my budget. My budget includes time and money. Why? My experience… Anti-virus stuff inflicts overhead on my devices. The FREE versions of Anti-virus tools have “worked for me”. As to Windows PC and my MacBook pro, I am using free or whatever comes with the system. Windows Defender has been OK for me for several years. Frequent updates, including anti-virus, are part of Microsoft overhead. However… The set of internet places I surf are probably less likely to be sources of malware and I have not seen a hint of an infected email attachment for years. Gmail may have something to do with that observation. As to PCs we see in the Help Center. We frequently uninstall AntiVirus tools, and leave the machine with Windows Defender installed and enabled. Our experience… It works. Its Free. Why do we uninstall other tools. Most of the time it is because there are multiple antivirus tools installed on a machine. Typically those tools do not cooperate and the result is often “slow boot” and “slow pc”. However, again, we do use a couple of tools to “disinfect” a machine. The free versions of Malwarebytes and SuperAntiSpyware have proven to be helpful when something “strange” is going on. When we use these tools we do not configure them to be part of system boot/startup. Anti-virus is one part of security. There are other essential thoughts, items 2 and 6 in the following link are often overlooked.: https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2019/12/21/how-to-secure-microsoft-windows-10-in-8-easy-steps-microsoft-win10-security-tutorial/#478927a44ec9
I have a Mac computer about 8 years old running OS Sierra Version 10.12.6. Sometimes when I surf the internet a window will appear asking me to install the application. The application looks like a magnifying glass in a green circle. My computer will freeze and I can't get out of it unless a do a Conrol-Alt-Delete. Then it leaves a couple of things in my Application file. I delete those and empty my trash. I have pictures, but cannot seem to upload them for your viewing. I feel like it is some kind of malware and I need help getting rid of it for good.
As to an 8 year old Mac running OS 10.12.6. My bet is that it will “upgrade” to a more current OS, perhaps 10.15. An upgrade can be accomplished with an internet connection and I believe it is free. An OS upgrade may resolve more than one issue. As to the “green circle” and Control-Alt_Delete, I am going to suggest that you bring the Mac to the Help Center. Recently there have been volunteers in the Help Center that speak Mac more fluently than I. As to pictures, I suspect you mean “screen shots” of the “green circle”. In either case, bring the Mac to the Help Center. The next Help Center session will be January 7, 2020 from noon to 3 pm.
Thank for responding. Wife uses Imac all in one desktop, OS X; 10.6.8. Purchased in 2011. 4GB memory. I use MacBook Pro, OS Mojave 10.14.6. Purchased 2014. 8 GB memory. Screen somewhat cloudy and “splotchy.” I use Microsoft WORD and EXCEL for Mac extensively on laptop. One goal is to both of us with our own laptop, since we travel a lot and now have to share one laptop. I have looked into transferring apple apps (music, contacts, calendar, etc.,) and feel a little intimidated by time and effort required. I would not mind the learning curve of Windows, my main concern is my apps not transferring without being corrupted.
Sorry for the delay. I thought I responded to this last week. My recollection is: 1st… If you can, identify the applications or interactions that you suspect will be the “hard part” of migration from Mac to PC. I suspect, moving data may be the less difficult part of the process. There are plenty of “open source” and/or free software products that are likely to provide similar features but the “user interfaces” will be different. As with any migration, there will be “cost” and/or pain. Given that a “reasonable” laptop can be acquired for less than $500 and sometimes around $300, on sale, your tolerance for pain will be personal. Second suggestion. If you know which applications/functions you suspect are going to be most painful… Try a PC in the Computer Club lab and see if the pain is tolerable. If yes… Just buy 1 PC and see if it satisfies your partners requirements. If yes… Upgrade/repair your MacBook pro. If it does not have an SSD (Solid State Drive), upgrade it and get a new screen. SSD makes almost any older computer BETTER. But, if the PC for your partner likes the PC, invest some more time resolving the use cases that would make the PC good for you and consider buying another laptop PC. My shortlist for “free software” includes Libreoffice, Thunderbird (mail) and Gimp for photo editing. An internet search for “free software” will provide plenty of “I am not sleepy yet” material.
Thank you for trying to help us. I am ready to replace two old Apple's and am considering PC's instead of Apple on the basis of somewhat of a cost savings. both new will be laptops. We use computers for basic stuff; email, facebook, spread sheets, photo management, music, contacts, calendar, Word. I am using Word and Excel for Apple. and will continue to use those programs. We are not gamers, but do watch some video. There seems to be difficulty in transfering Apple files to pC, such as music, contacts, calendar, etc. That plus the learning curve required for PC use has me leaning toward just replacing Apple with Apples. Any thoughts?
Multiple thoughts and questions. Why do you want to replace your Apple products. Are they not working properly? Are they desktops or laptops. How old are they? If cost is a concern… I upgraded my mid 2011 Macbook pro with SSD(Solid State Drive) and the latest OS. A SSD (Solid State Drive) upgrade can provide a dramatic improvement in performance for less than $100. Newer laptops (PC or Apple) can be lighter and generate less heat. As to your applications and being used to the Apple way of doing things. Changing from Apple to PC can be a challenge. Thoughts… Not all the applications will be “difficult”. There are “free” applications on the PC that satisfy many requirements. For documents there is LibreOffice. A bit of internet research for “free software” will reveal a large rabbit hole. If “time is money”, you may want to try a PC in the Computer Club lab, to discover if the things you fear are interesting challenges or not worth your time.
My husband and I travel a lot and do not want to use hotel or public Wifi for banking. Is there a device that we can purchase so that we can have secure WiFi while traveling?
The simple answer is Yes. There is more that one way to address the subject of “secure internet access while traveling”. The first two concepts that come to mind are VPN (Virtual Private Network) and/or using your cell phone data service (via tethering). A good evaluation of these subjects as relates to the devices that you own or intend to use is not trivial. I did google “secure internet access while traveling” and found “stuff”, but have not found a good “cook book” article, yet. I am hoping there are other people in the community that have personal experience with the alternatives. If not, the Computer Club “Security SIG” leader will probably be more knowledgeable about alternatives. The Security SIG meets this Thursday, Dec 5 from 3 pm until 4 pm Sun City Activities Center Annex
I am looking to hire someone to help me move Lightroom from my old PC to my new of. Do you have any recommendations?
Thank you,
Charlotte
Charlotte, The Computer Club Help Center can assist. I am not a Lightroom expert, but… Lightroom appears to be an Adobe Product. Assuming the “License” is transferable, some interaction with Adobe may be necessary. Interaction with Adobe can probably be accomplished with email, chat or phone. I will assume there is data (including pictures) on the older PC that you would like transferred to the new PC. Once again the Help Center can assist. The Computer Club Help Center is open Tuesday from 12 to 3 PM. If you are a club member and unable to bring the PC's to the Help Center you can arrange for a house call. Club membership is a bargain. Never mind… It appears, Adobe https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop-lightroom.html is an “internet” based product. No need for a license. It appears you should be able to “Login” to your Adobe Lightroom product from any computer. As to “other data” or applications the Help Center may still be helpful.
I am looking to hire someone to help me move Lightroom from my old PC to my new of. Do you have any recommendations?
Thank you,
Charlotte
Is there an easy way to convert PDF files into either pages or Word for MAC. I found a site where they will open it, but if I try to save it as a docx it will not let me. Any suggestions? I assume this is because they discontinued ADOBE or something like that???
Thanks Debra
Debra, I did an internet search for “convert pdf to word”. This one looks interesting.. https://pdf2doc.com/. LibreOffice provides editing of PDF files with Draw. Open a pdf file, edit and save. Installing LibreOffice is not something I have tried, yet.
Bold TextThanks for your help, Phillip, I will check out your suggestion & let you know how it goes.
Debra
Ok, I downloaded it, when I went to use it a warning came up saying it could damage my Mac & I called Apple & they said it is on a malware list for Apple. She told me to move it all to the trash & empty the trash. But I found out to right click & open the file with a compatible app such as books, preview (which was the one not working), Safari, or photos or whatever it brings up on the compatibility list- mine said word would open it on my computer so I did that & it worked. Now I just need to convert all my pdf files into word.
Debra
I have purchased a new printer and need to know how/where to take my old one. Any suggestions? Thank you, Helen Sherrod
I do not invest much time evaluating new products. My habit is to “google” for knowledge when asked about something that is beyond my recent experience. I do know that HP manufactures a lot of printer models with significant or subtle differences. My preference is a color laser printer/copier/scanner. Why? Years ago I tired of buying ink cartridges. Color ink jet products are less expensive, but may eventually equal the price of a laser product, depending on the amount of printing you complete. The ink modules for ink jet printers can get expensive. Suggestion… Google “Best ink jet printer value”. Here is one result: https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/337811/the-best-inkjet-printers. Here is a recent opinion from forbes.com about all-in-one products. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-finds/2019/10/29/these-5-affordable-all-in-one-printers-are-best-for-most-people/#3b69aef0666c . However, recently I helped someone setup a new 3 in one printer. The one issue I had with the device was: The control/display panel was VERY small. This feature contributed to the time (and squinting) required to complete the initial setup of the printer as a network device. After initial setup, control panel interaction is infrequent. If you connect to the printer with a USB cable, the control panel size may not be a concern.
I have a Mac computer operating on OS X El Capitan and need a new printer. Just wondering if there is an HP that you would recommend. Does not need to be fancy. Thanks
HELP!! I was trying to sync my phone and my laptop and got involved with moving things to the cloud, etc, etc, etc. Now I turn on my computer and I have a blank desktop and can't figure out how to get the stuff back on my computer laptop. The sync obviously didn't work either because my songs still aren't showing up on my phone. I was also trying to download or sync or transfer or whatever it is you do to get the pictures on my phone on my laptop. I'm about ready to “kill the cloud”. I hate it and I want it off my computer after I get everything back.
The Help Center is open Friday, 9AM to 12PM. Bring both items to the Help Center and one or more of us will discover if we can help resolve the problem.
I was in the black out last night in #4 and we had our lights come on and off at least 6 times. This morning when I turned on my desktop, it did not respond. It was plugged into a large surge protector so I am dismayed that this has happened. Can you help by at least looking at it before I am forced to purchase a new one? Thank you
If you can deliver the computer to the Help Center Friday morning, the Help Center volunteers will access the problem with your computer. If disconnecting or moving the desktop is not appropriate, you will need to come to the Help Center to create a support request.
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I have a desktop computer with ssd 250gb installed. I bought a 1T ssd to replace it. Unfortunately I don't have the data transfer cable (I think that is what it is called). Can you help me with this? The amount of date to transfer is about 200GB. Thanks in advance. Cheers, Tom Leirer
Tom, The Help Center has the necessary equipment and will help you with migration of the data, cloning the old to the new, or adding the new drive to the system and using it for additional storage. Desktop systems frequently have room for more than one drive. If you want to keep both drives in the system there is usually a spare power connector but you may need to purchase a SATA data cable. Windows also has a feature that allows a second drive to be part of a “folder”, instead of a separate drive letter. “Symbolic Links” is the software feature that enables mapping a second drive into a folder. If you are able to bring the computer to the Help Center, one of us will help you with the process of identifying the “right” solution and completing the necessary process.