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Articles & Books From Andy Rathbone
Article / Updated 08-10-2023
You can transfer files yourself if you're moving from a Windows 7, 8, 8.1, or 10 PC. You can do this with a combination of a Microsoft account and the built‐in File History backup program in Windows. You tell the program to back up your old PC's files, and then you tell your new PC's program to restore the files.
Cheat Sheet / Updated 02-25-2022
In the Spring of 2020, Microsoft released an update to Windows 10, sometimes called the May 2020 Update. The update subtly changes Windows 10 by adding new features, as well as removing some old ones. These tips help you work with Windows 10 and its latest update. Although Windows 10 looks different on different PCs, it usually looks much like this.
Article / Updated 11-19-2021
Microsoft views Windows 11 as a one-size-fits-all computing solution that runs on laptops and desktop PCs, as well as on touch-screens, including tablets.Windows 11 looks and behaves almost identically on each device, and it brings a bonus: Its apps and programs will run on a Windows 11 tablet, PC, and laptop.
Article / Updated 10-28-2021
In a process known as ripping, Windows Media Player in Windows 10 can copy your CDs to your PC as MP3 files, the industry standard for digital music. But until you tell the player that you want MP3 files, it creates WMA files — a format that won't play on iPads, most smartphones, nor many other music players. Ripping CDs is a form of copying files for music using Windows Media Player.
Article / Updated 10-04-2021
When you create a CD or DVD, you must tell your PC running Windows 10 what you're copying and where you intend to play it: Music for a CD player? Photo slideshows for a TV's DVD player? Or files to store on your computer?If you choose the wrong answer, your disc won't work, and you've created yet another coaster.
Article / Updated 09-17-2021
Every once in a while, Windows 10 just drops the ball and wanders off somewhere to sit under a tree. You're left looking at a computer that just looks back. None of the computer's lights blink. Panicked clicks don't do anything. Pressing every key on the keyboard doesn't do anything, or worse yet, the computer starts to beep at every key press.
Article / Updated 09-16-2021
A network is simply a group of connected computers that can share things, such as your internet connection, files, or a printer. Most people use a public network every day without knowing it. For example, every time you check your email, your PC connects to another PC on the internet to grab your waiting messages.
Article / Updated 09-10-2021
On your Windows 10 desktop, a background, also known as wallpaper, is simply the picture covering your desktop, behind the icons. To change it, follow these steps:
Right-click your desktop and choose Personalize.
Windows quickly kicks you over to the Settings app's Personalization section, neatly open to the Background setting shown here.
Article / Updated 09-09-2021
When you're tired of fiddling with your scanner's built-in software, turn to the simple scanning app bundled with Windows 10. Dubbed simply Scan, the new app doesn't work with older scanners, unfortunately. But if your scanner is relatively new, the Scan app is a refreshing change from complicated scanner menus.
Time-tested advice on Windows 10Windows 10 For Dummies remains the #1 source for readers looking for advice on Windows 10. Expert author Andy Rathbone provides an easy-to-follow guidebook to understanding Windows 10 and getting things done based on his decades of experience as a Windows guru. Look inside to get a feel for the basics of the Windows interface, the Windows apps that help you get things done, ways to connect to the Internet at home or on the go, and steps for customizing your Windows 10 experience from the desktop wallpaper to how tightly you secure your computer.