Have you been feeling anxious in the digital space? Feeling like you have a million eyes on you each time you visit a website? It can definitely make you uneasy. Luckily there’s an easy fix, and it’s called a VPN.
In this article we’ll take you through the basics of what a VPN does and some of the biggest benefits you can reap from buying one.
VPN: definition and how it works
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, so its name already says a lot about what it does.
A VPN is specialized software that keeps your browsing private and secure. Essentially it hides your identity, preventing possible cyberattacks and data theft. This is especially important in cases of public network use, where you’re highly exposed to potential threats.
To be more specific, this software encrypts your Internet Protocol (IP) address by filtering it through a server hosted by the VPN provider first. That way, it prevents your Internet service provider, third parties and lurking online thieves from tracking the actual you.
Credit: FLY:D on Unsplash
Some providers, such as Surfshark VPN with its IP Rotator feature, even make it a habit to frequently change your IP address to further protect your identity. With most VPN providers, you can also appear to be in a completely different country, adding to your disguise.
There are tons of advantages you can look forward to if you decide to use a VPN. Take a look at some of the crucial ones.
Benefits of using a VPN
When choosing a VPN, you can find both free and paid options. We recommend you go with the paid ones, since they have stronger security, encryption and data protection, as well as more advanced features. Free VPNs come with limitations and risk of malicious attacks on the software itself.
You can choose to buy a singular VPN service or opt for antivirus software that has a VPN built in, for example Bitdefender’s Ultimate Security plan. That depends on what you use your computer for and how much.
When you pick one, here’s what it can do for you.
1. Access region-specific content
When we said you could change your location, we meant it. Say you’re using a streaming service and a show you desperately want to watch isn’t available in your country. You can use your VPN to make it look like you’re browsing from a country where it’s unlocked.
This option is also convenient for gamers who want to access maps, skins and other in-game items unavailable in their location.
In addition, you can use this powerful feature when you’re traveling to a region where some of your favorite content may not be accessible.
Do keep in mind that you need to read the Terms and Conditions (yeah, we know - who does that?) of your games and services before doing this, since you could end up getting a penalty. It’s also important to remember that there are entire countries that have strict regulations or even bans on VPNs, for example Belarus, Russia and China. So make sure to be very cautious with your VPN use, friends.
2. Browse like no one’s watching
VPNs shield your browsing habits from prying eyes on the web. Those can be malicious hackers or just third-party cookies tracking your every move to later bombard you with targeted ads. For example, Surfshark VPN features a Cookie blocker that blocks all cookie-related pop-ups and lets you browse in peace (and secret). It works even when the VPN is turned off, which is also pretty neat.
In addition, their CleanWeb 2.0 technology makes sure ads and especially malware don’t stand a chance at all, since they’re blocked before they can even load.
The inability of sites to track your browsing means they can’t collect and analyze any of your data. So, your personal information - or your company’s information in case that’s what you’re using your computer for - is entirely hidden and secure.
3. Save money
It’s well-known that the prices of certain items and services vary based on your location, browsing time, age and many other factors. This most commonly goes for airline tickets and hotel stays.
You can use your VPN to avoid high prices and surcharges. Clear all cookies, turn on your VPN and visit an online shopping site to check out their prices. Then compare your findings with the offers you see when your VPN is off, when you spend a long time on the site or have an active account with the company.
Sometimes this can really help you find the best deals and avoid breaking the bank. But again, check the Terms and Conditions before you purchase something using a VPN.
4. Secure your smart home
The more smart devices you have connected to your network, the more exposed you are to potential cyberattacks. Phones and computers are generally designed to be decently secure even without a VPN or antivirus, but smart home devices leave a lot to be desired in that regard.
Protecting your home network with a VPN software means all devices connected to it are secure, be it an air purifier or Alexa.
5. Prevent connection slowdown
Your ISP can intentionally slow down your internet speed based on how much data you’ve consumed (data throttling) or your activities online (bandwidth throttling).
But with a VPN, what kind of data you send and receive and how much is entirely hidden. Therefore, if your ISP can’t see you, they can’t control you and they can’t throttle down your speed.
The bottom line
You can never be too safe online. So definitely think about getting yourself a solid VPN to pump up your privacy and security as much as you can. And if you have any questions or need help choosing the perfect software for you, feel free to reach out to us.
One of the hardest issues you can encounter on your Windows computer is the Blue Screen of Death error. There are various kinds of BSOD or Stop errors and one of them is the “Memory Management Error 0x0000001A” error. This kind of Stop error might signify a hardware problem in your computer and is most likely caused by an issue with RAM or hard disk or even malware that takes up all your computer’s memory, thus, making it crash and display a BSOD error like the Memory Management Error 0x0000001A.
Moreover, this kind of Stop error can also occur during the Windows upgrading process. So in this post, we’ll show you what you can do to fix the Memory Management error on your Windows 10 PC.
Option 1 – Run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter
The Blue Screen troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that can be found on the Settings Troubleshooters page. To use it, refer to these steps:
Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings panel.
Then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
From there, look for the option called “Blue Screen” on your right-hand side and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button to run the Blue Screen Troubleshooter and then follow the next on-screen options. Note that you might have to boot your PC into Safe Mode.
Option 2 – Update the device drivers
Tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
Type in devmgmt.msc into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. Look for the device driver you and then select either “Update driver” or “Uninstall device”. And if you find any “Unknown device”, you need to update it as well.
Select the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option and then follow the instructions to complete the process.
If you have chosen to uninstall the driver, follow the screen options to complete the process and then restart your PC.
Connect the device and Scan for hardware changes – you can see this option under Device Manager > Action.
Option 3 – Run the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool to test RAM
Since the issue concerns the memory of your computer, you can also try running the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool to find out if the RAM module of your computer has become corrupted. To run this tool, follow these steps:
Tap the Win + S keys to open Search.
Then type “Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool” in the field and hit Enter to open the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool.
After that select any of the following option from the prompt that appears:
“Restart now and check for problems (recommended)”
“Check for problems the next time I start my computer”
After that, if you find that your RAM is corrupted, you might have to purchase a new one or change the motherboard of your computer.
Option 4 – Run the DISM tool
There are cases when the Memory Management Error 0x0000001A error is caused by the Windows System Image so you need to repair it using the DISM or Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management tool. The DISM tool is another command-line tool in the Windows operating system that could help users fix various corrupted system files. To use it, follow these steps:
Open the Command Prompt as admin.
Then type in this command: Dism /Online /CheckHealth
Do not close the window if the process takes a while as it will probably take a few minutes to finish.
Option 5 – Run the SFC scan
Tap Win + R to launch Run.
Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow
The command will start a system scan which will take a few whiles before it finishes. Once it’s done, you could get the following results:
Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.
Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.
Option 6 – Try using System Restore
You can also try to perform a System Restore as it can also help you fix the BSOD error. You can do this option either by booting into Safe Mode or in System Restore. If you are already in the Advanced Startup Options, just directly select System Restore and proceed with the next steps. And if you have just booted your PC into Safe Mode, refer to the steps below.
Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
After that, type in “sysdm.cpl” in the field and tap Enter.
Next, go to the System Protection tab then click the System Restore button. This will open a new window where you have to select your preferred System Restore point.
After that, follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process and then restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed or not.
Download the nlm11.16.2.0_ipv4_ipv6_mac_universal.tar.gz file to the Desktop.
To install the Autodesk Network License Manager:
Double click on nlm11.16.2.0_ipv4_ipv6_mac_universal.tar.gz to unpack the installer package.
After unpacking nlm11.16.2.0_ipv4_ipv6_mac_universal.pkg, will be /Downloads/adlm/FLEXnet folder.
Double click on nlm11.16.2.0_ipv4_ipv6_mac_universal.pkg to start installation and follow the installation wizard.
The license server will be installed in /usr/local/flexnetserver/ directory.
Change permissions for /usr/local/flexnetserver/ directory to 777
Open Terminal (located in /Applications/Utilities/Terminal) and enter the following command:
sudo chmod -R 777 /usr/local/flexnetserver
Note: Administrator password may be asked. While typing no characters are shown, just type out the password and hit return key.
Note: To start the license server only with elevated permissions (using sudo command), change permissions to 755 instead of 777.
Create /usr/local/flexnetserver/licenses directory for network license file location
sudo mkdir /usr/local/flexnetserver/licenses
Find the license server Host Name and Host ID.
Generate the Network License File in the Autodesk Account
Once the license file is generated, make sure it has a .lic extension (e.g. adsk_license.lic) and is in a plain text format and place it in /usr/local/flexnetserver/licenses directory
Note: In this article we will refer to adsk_license.lic as network license file name. Feel free to change the actual name of the license file, but make sure to reflect the new name when using the commands below.
Create a debug.log file in the /usr/local/flexnetserver/ directory using the following command:
touch debug.log
To start the Network License Server use the following command:
To configure the license manager use the following steps:
Download Autodesk Network License Manager v. 11.16.2 for Linux from this link
Download the nlm11.16.2.0_ipv4_ipv6_linux64.tar.gz file to your desktop.
To install the Autodesk Network License Manager run following command as root.
tar –zxvf nlm11.16.2.0_ipv4_ipv6_linux64.tar.gz
rpm -vhi nlm11.16.2.0_ipv4_ipv6_linux64.rpm
The license server will be installed in /opt/flexnetserver/ directory.
Find the license server Host Name and Host ID
To obtain the license server system hostid run the following command
/opt/flexnetserver/lmutil lmhostid
From the command output note the hostid in quotes, if the system has two active NIC cards, select the first MAC address.
lmutil - Copyright (c) 1989-2018 Flexera. All Rights Reserved.
The FlexNet host ID of this machine is "000c297949e0"
To obtain the license server system hostname run the following command
/opt/flexnetserver/lmutil lmhostid hostname
From the command output note the hostname of the license server.
mutil - Copyright (c) 1989-2018 Flexera. All Rights Reserved.
The FlexNet host ID of this machine is "HOSTNAME=Centos7.localdomain"
Generate your Network License File in Autodesk Account
Once the license file is generated, make sure it has .lic extension (e.g. adsk_license.lic) and place it in /opt/flexnetserver/licenses directory. If the directory doesn't exits, create it with this command: sudo mkdir /opt/flexnetserver/licenses
Note: in this article we will refer by adsk_license.lic your network license file name.
/opt/flexnetserver/lmutil lmstat -a -c /opt/flexnetserver/licenses/adsk_license.lic
To stop your license server service
/opt/flexnetserver/lmutil lmdown -q -force
alternatively you can also run ps command to obtain process ids for lmgrd and adskflex and then kill those processes
ps -aw | grep lmgrd
ps -aw | grep adskflex
kill -9 (provide process ids obtained by previous commands individually)
To start the license server automatically after the system reboot
Open /etc/rc.d/rc.local script as root and enter license server start up command in it.
touch /var/lock/subsys/local
/opt/flexnetserver/lmgrd -c /opt/flexnetserver/licenses/adsk_license.lic -l /opt/flexnetserver/server_log.logNote: To ensure that the script will be executed during boot, run following command as root.
chmod +x /etc/rc.d/rc.local
Make sure that all necessary ports are open:
lmgrd.exe needs ports 27000 to 27009.
adskflex.exe needs port 2080.
Note: Errors may occur if the network license file is corrupt or in the case of a combined network license it has incorrectly combined licenses. To learn more about combining licenses, see Combining License Files for Multiple Autodesk Products. Use the License File Parser to verify that the license contains the appropriate products and FLEXnet feature codes and does not display an error
Verify that TCP ports (2080, 27000-27009) used by Autodesk Network License Manager are not blocked by Firewall.
The FLEXlm® based version uses the following incoming ports:
TCP ports 2080 (for the adskflex vendor daemon)
TCP ports 27000 to 27009 (for the lmgrd master daemon, which uses the first open port in the range)
Note: If these port addresses are restricted by a router or firewall software, users on the remote side of the router will not have access to licenses controlled by the Network License Manager.
Verify that the client computer is configured with the correct license server name or IP.
Windows:
Clear license server information from the system registry.
Type regedit in the Windows Search box and hit Enter key.
As the key is selected, in right panel ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE will be visible.
Right click on the key and delete it.
Specify the license server in ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE system variable
Go to Start > Control Panel > System and Security > System.
Select Advanced system settings.
On the System Properties dialog, click Environment Variables.
Under System Variables, click New.
Enter ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE for the variable name and 2080@SERVER_NAME _OR _IP for the variable value.
Note: the license server information most often is recorded in LICPATH.lic file and can be verified there too. ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE system variable supersedes LICPATH.lic. Thus, setting the system variable is preferable when this error is seen.
If the license server is on a VPN or a remote network set the FLEXLM_TIMEOUT environment variable:
Go to Start > Control Panel > System and Security > System.
Select Advanced system settings.
On the System Properties dialog, click Environment Variables.
Under System Variables, click New.
Enter FLEXLM_TIMEOUT for the variable name and 5000000 for the variable value.
Click OK to save the setting.
Note: if needed the variable value can be increased to 10000000.
Mac/Linux:
Specify the Autodesk Network License server information in $HOME/.flexlmrc file.
Use a text editor to create a flexlmrc.txt file and save it in Plain text format (In TextEdit on Mac: Format - Make Plain Text) on desktop.
The file content should look like this, except with the name or IP address of the license server.
ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE=@SERVER_NAME _OR _IP
If the license server is on the same machine as the Autodesk software, use localhost as the license server name. Thus, the content of flexlmrc file could look like this:
ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE=@localhost
Note: On firewall restricted network or when accessing the license server via VPN, need to include TCP port/s (usually 27000 or 2080) into Autodesk License Server service as follows: ADSKFLEX_LICENSE_FILE=2080@SERVER_NAME _OR _IP
Once flexlmrc file is created move it to user's $HOME folder as follows:
Open a Terminal window
Type open ~ (Mac) or nautilus ~ (Linux) to open $HOME folder
Drag and drop flexlmrc.txt file from Desktop to the home folder.
To make the file a configuration file, rename it to .flexlmrc (please note . [DOT] in front of the file name) by running the following command:
mv flexlmrc.txt .flexlmrc (Mac)
mv flexlmrc .flexlmrc (Linux)
Verify that the license server information registered with the product is correct (versions 2020 and later only)
In versions 2020 and later, the license server information is registered with the AdskLicensing service running locally on the workstation. When changing to a new license server, the old server information may still be registered with AdskLicensing and result in the error above, if this is not appropriately updated.
See the below steps to solve this:
Click the Start menu and type cmd.
Right-click on the Command prompt and choose "Run As Administrator."
In the Command prompt, run the following command, followed by ENTER:
When it comes to booting an operating system on a computer, one of the most essential pieces of software you can use is the UEFI. In fact, a lot of users now prefer to use UEFI instead of BIOS. It also depends on whether the UEFI or the BIOS is supported on the motherboard. Recently, a number of users reported an issue with UEFI where they were unable to find it under the Advanced Options screen where it’s supposed to be located.
The missing UEFI Firmware settings in the Advanced Options could be caused by several reasons. It is possible that the access to the UEFI menu is blocked or it could also be due to the Extra Fast Startup feature being enabled. It is also possible that the operating system is installed in Legacy mode.
There are several options to try to fix this issue. You need to check if your computer supports UEFI or you could also try to disable Fast Startup or bypass the Extra Fast Startup feature. You can also use a boot to UEFI shortcut as well as check the CMOS battery.
Option 1 – Try checking if your computer supports UEFI
The first thing you have to do is to verify if your computer supports UEFI. If your computer does not support UEFI, then it’s no wonder why you don’t see the UEFI Firmware settings in the Advanced Options.
Option 2 – Try turning off Fast Startup
First, boot your computer in Safe Mode.
Once your computer is booted in Safe Mode, tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and type in “control” to open the Control Panel.
Next, click on the Hardware and Sound section and click on Power Options.
Afterward, select the “Choose what the power buttons do” option from the left side menu pane.
Now click on Change settings that are currently unavailable and uncheck the entry that says, “Turn on fast startup (Recommended)”.
Then click on Save Changes and restart your computer and see if it has fixed the problem or not.
Option 3 – Try bypassing the Extra Fast Startup feature
As mentioned, the missing UEFI Firmware settings could be due to the Extra Fast Startup feature. To fix it, you have to disable this feature. All you have to do is tap and hold the Shift key and click on the Shutdown button from the Start button. This will boot your PC with the UEFI booting from the beginning and then use the hotkey for your motherboard to boot into the UEFI setup.
Option 4 – Try using a boot to UEFI shortcut
Right-click on any empty space on your Desktop and select New > Shortcut.
This will open a new mini window. And here, you have to type this in the text field: shutdown /r /fw
After that, click on Next and name the desktop shortcut and then click on Finish.
Next, right-click on the newly created shortcut and select Properties.
Click on the Advanced button and select the “Run as administrator” option.
Now click OK to save the changes made. Each time you execute this shortcut, your computer will automatically be booted to the UEFI Firmware Settings.
Option 5 – Try to check the CMOS battery
Another thing you can do is check the CMOS battery physically on the motherboard and see if it has to be replaced since a damaged CMOS battery can also cause the issue with the missing UEFI Firmware settings.
Option 6 – Set your computer from Legacy to UEFI
If applicable, you can try to set your computer from Legacy to UEFI to resolve the problem.
In the Windows Search box, type “command prompt” and from the search results that appear, right-click on Command Prompt and select the “Run as administrator” option.
After that, execute this command: mbr2gpt.exe /convert /allowfullOS
Now, wait until the process is completed since you can track its process on your screen.
Once it’s done, go to Settings > Update & Security > Advanced Startup options and from there, click on Restart Now. This will restart your computer and give you advanced options.
Next, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options where you will see further options including System Restore, Startup Repair, Go back to the previous version, Command Prompt, System Image Recovery, and UEFI Firmware Settings.
Now select the UEFI Firmware Settings. This will take you to the BIOS. Boot Mode is typically available under Boot > Boot Configuration. Once you’re there, set it to UEFI and then save the changes you’ve made. After that, your computer will restart.
This is a type of DLL error code. DLL is the abbreviation of Dynamic Link Library. DLL files contain small programs which are similar to executable files. One DLL file may be used to load and run several programs.
Fmod.dll is created by Electronic Arts Inc. and associated with Crysis. This file is developed for the Windows OS. This error code occurs when you are unable to access, run and load programs supported by Crysis on your PC.
Fmod.dll error code message is displayed in different formats such as:
"Fmod_event.dll not found."
"The file fmod_event.dll is missing."
"This application failed to start because fmod_event.dll was not found. Re-installing the application may fix this problem."
"Cannot start Crysis. A required component is missing: fmod_event.dll. Please install Crysis again."
"Fmod_event.dll Access Violation."
"Cannot register fmod_event.dll."
"Cannot find C:\Windows\System32\fmod_event.dll."
Error Fmod.dll may pop up when you start-up or shut down the PC or even during the installation of a program.
Solution
Error Causes
Narrowing down to one cause for Fmod.dll error code is impossible virtually because this error may result due to different reasons on your system. Some of the common causes associated with this error code are:
Viral Infection
Hardware failure
Missing, Corrupt, or Deleted Fmod.dll file
Improper program installation
Registry issues
No matter what the underlying cause of the reason may be, it is recommended to resolve the issue immediately to avoid serious PC threats.
Further Information and Manual Repair
To resolve this error on your system, try the methods discussed below:
Method 1 - Check the Recycle Bin
As mentioned above, Fmod.dll is a DLL file that is used to run and load a variety of programs on your system. There is a possibility that you uninstalled a program that was supported by the Fmod.dll file and accidentally deleted it.
In such a scenario, the easiest way to resolve the Fmod.dll error code is to re-install the deleted file from the recycle bin. For this, go to the recycle bin and search for the file. If you find it reinstall if you can’t then simply download the Fmod.dll file from a reliable website.
Method 2 - Scan for Malware
Malware usually enters through phishing emails and downloads. These malicious programs then hide in your system disguising as either DLL or EXE files.
The occurrence of fmod.dll file error may be due to malicious programs hiding in your system. Therefore scan your entire PC with a powerful anti-virus. An antivirus detects and removes all malicious software programs such as viruses, malware, Trojans, spyware, and adware.
Try this, to resolve error code Fmod.dll and see the results.
Method 3 - Fix Hardware Problems
Fmod.dll file error may also pop on your screen due to hardware failure. If this is the reason, then we advise you to use the Device Manager an in-built tool in Windows 7 and 8 to fix hardware failures.
For this go to the start menu then control panel. Now click on the ‘hardware and sound link’ and then click on the Device Manager. If you find any devices in red exclamation point, then this means this device is problematic.
Uninstall the driver for that hardware device and then update the driver. Install the latest version to resolve. Remember, hardware problems are mostly related to outdated drivers.
Method 4 - Restore Points
Use System Restore, an in-built utility also known as the recovery tool, to restore points and ensure your PC is back to its previous working condition before the error code occurred.
Simply put, it helps undo recent changes. You can find the System Restore tool in the System Tools folder.
Method 5 - Clean and Repair the Registry
The registry is that part of your PC that stores all the information, activities performed, and files including the junk files, invalid keys, bad entries, and cookies.
When these files accumulate on your PC, they take up all the registry space and corrupt the important system and DLL files also stored in the registry, thereby generating such errors. Now you can clean the registry manually.
But this process can be time-consuming and slightly technical, hence we advise you to download Restoro. This is a PC Fixer integrated with a registry cleaner.
It is easy to use deployed with an intuitive interface. The registry cleaner scans the entire PC and removes all registry errors. It wipes out all the obsolete files and repairs the damaged DLL and system files.
Click here to download Restoro.
Having the latest applications is often preferred for most users but sometimes we have some old applications which have not been updated or simply we just want to run oldie on our computer because it does everything we need and we do not want to upgrade in order to save some money.
The issue is presented sometimes when we try to run an old application in Windows 10 and some components are missing in Windows itself or the application is simply coded in a way to work on older Windows versions. If by any chance you have this issue then this guide is for you since we are going to show you how to run old applications in Windows 10.
This guide is made in a way to takes into account that the application itself is completely installed on your Windows 10 machine if you can not even install the application you will need to search solution for that particular application since that can not really be generalized and pinpointed issue, every application is different.
Running old applications using the compatibility option
All of that being said, let's start that old app you have. First thing is to locate an executable file or shortcut of the desired application. Once it is located, right-click on it to bring up the menu, and all the way to the bottom you will find properties. Left-click on properties.
The application settings screen will open, in upper tabs locate Compatibility and left-click on it.
After the click, you will find yourself in application compatibility settings.
In this window, you will face different options to run the chosen application in various modes in order to make it run. How settings are self-explanatory and different applications will need different settings sadly we can not cover them all but your safest bet is to run them in an environment where they have worked.
For example, if the application was working fine in Windows XP and required administrator privileges, check Run this program as an administrator and Run this program in compatibility mode for Windows XP.
If you have received a BSOD error message that says, “Tcpip.sys”, read on as this post will show you how you can fix the problem. The “Tcpip.sys” means Transmission Control Protocol over Internet Protocol. It is a library of a set of rules that are used to interconnect different devices all over the internet. The Tcpip.sys file is a driver and if a BSOD error message includes this one, it could only mean that the driver file is corrupted or incompatible with your system or there are some conflicting programs installed in your computer.
To fix this error, you can try the following workarounds. Make sure to carefully follow each one of them.
Option 1 – Check for conflicting or incompatible programs by putting your PC in a Clean Boot state
As mentioned, the “tcpip.sys” BSOD error might be caused by some problematic programs that clash with your existing operating system. Several users reported that numerous programs that are supposedly designed to enhance computer performance are causing conflict in the system instead. To identify which program is causing the problem, you need to put your computer in a Clean Boot State. To do so, follow the steps below.
Log onto your PC as an administrator.
Type in MSConfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
Clear the “Load Startup items” checkbox and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.
Next, click the Services tab and select the “Hide All Microsoft Services” checkbox.
Click Disable all.
Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)
After putting your PC in a Clean Boot State, try creating a system restore point and see if the problem still occurs. Clean Boot troubleshooting is designed to help you isolate the problem. For you to execute a clean boot troubleshooting, you must do a couple of actions (the steps are given above) and then restart your PC after every action. You might have to disable one third-party app after the other to really isolate the issue. And once you’ve narrowed down the problem, you can either disable the third-party app that’s causing the problem or remove it. Note that you must switch your PC back into the Normal Startup mode after you’re done troubleshooting the problem. Here’s how you can do it:
From the “Start” menu, go to System Configuration.
After that, switch to the General tab and click the option for “Normal Startup”.
Next, go to the Services tab and clear the checkbox for “Hide all Microsoft services”.
Then find and click “Enable all” and if prompted, you have to confirm.
Afterward, go to the Task Manager and enable all the Startup programs and confirm the action.
Restart your PC when prompted.
Option 2 – Disabling Antivirus Software
There are cases when the “tcpip.sys” BSOD error is caused by the antivirus program installed in your computer that’s blocking some essential operations. Because of this, the operating system fails which throws up the BSOD error. As you know, the antivirus program is designed to protect the computer and monitor every action in the system. However, there are instances when the antivirus program gives false positives and shuts down some modules even if it’s harmless. So this could be the case for the “tcpip.sys” error. To verify if the problem is indeed caused by the antivirus program in your computer, you need to temporarily disable it. After you’ve disabled it, restart your PC and then check if the problem’s fixed or not.
Option 3 – Try to update all your Drivers
From time to time, drivers get corrupted or outdated so it’s no surprise that they conflict with the operating system and cause errors like the “tcpip.sys” BSOD error. To fix the problem, you need to update all your drivers especially the network driver since the “tcpip.sys” error is closely related to this driver. Follow the steps below to update your drivers.
Tap the Win + R keys to launch Run.
Type in devmgmt.msc into the box and tap Enter or click OK to open the Device Manager.
After that, a list of device drivers will be displayed. If you see a red or yellow sign that shows up against the driver, right-click on the driver’s name and select “Update Driver Software” or “Uninstall”. And if you find any “Unknown device”, you need to update it as well.
Select the “Search automatically for updated driver software” option and then follow the instructions to complete the process.
Restart your PC.
Note: You also have the option to go directly to the website of your graphics card manufacturer and check if there’s a new update – if there is, download it. After that, you could also check if there’s a new update of the game you’re getting the issue of the black bar.
Open Source Software is developed, tested, or improved through public collaboration and distributed with the idea that the must be shared with others, ensuring an open future collaboration. In other words, it is free software developed and maintained by public contribution. Many open-source projects have reached performance and usability like their paid alternatives, some have even surpassed them. Here we will explore open source alternatives to paid applications, you will find alternatives to paid ones that aim to do the same task.
LINUX - alternative to Windows or macOS
When it comes to the operating system, Windows and macOS mostly dominate the home market, but if you go a little deeper into the OS world you will hear this talk about LINUX and its distributions. LINUX is an open-source operating system, it has many various distributions aimed at different types of users and they are also open source as well. Its security and account privileges, as well as complete control over it, make it one of the best-operating systems in the world, many servers that run websites today use LINUX as their choice of operating system mostly due to its superior security features. If LINUX is good enough for big web companies, I am sure it will be at least satisfactory to you as well. Get your LINUX distribution here.
Thunderbird - alternative to outlook
A great alternative to any mail client actually, connect all of your emails into thunderbird and use it as the centralized email client for all of your email needs. Thunderbird does not lack any features that its paid counterparts have and overall it is a great application worth installing. Grab it from here.
VLC media player - media player able to play almost anything
Are you looking for a great media player alternative to Windows media player or iTunes? Look no further, VLC is a lightweight media player that can play almost any file type, it is customizable and packed with features even its paid counterparts would envy. Its playback features are unmatched by other applications and once you try it, I am sure you will hardly go back from it. Give it a go and grab it from here.
KeePass - password manager
Keepass is a simple, user-friendly lightweight password generator and manager, it uses industry-standard AES encryption and two-factor authentication to keep the details of your accounts safe and secure. you can store him and the database on a USB stick for safekeeping making it a great one to use on a go, wherever you need it. Get it from this link.
FileZilla - FTP client
A lightweight and future-rich FTP solution. It supports remote file editing and resuming of lost transfers, overall great application which anyone who needs this type of software should not overlook. Download it from its official website.
Audacity - alternative to Audition, Fl, apple logic pro,...
Digital audio editor and recording computer software with some great features like recording audio from multiple sources, post-processing of all types of audio, including podcasts by adding effects such as normalization, trimming, and fading in and out. Audacity has a great following and it is well documented, easy to learn and use. Grab it from here.
Shortcut - alternative to adobe premiere, avid media composer, DaVinci resolve
The shortcut is a video editor application that demonstrates how long an open-source project can go if enough dedication and work are put into it, started as not so great and not so feature-packed in beginning, today it can easily contend with its paid counterparts with its non-destructive editing, color gradation, keyframing, etc. It is running and using FFmpeg, an open-source video framework that lets it open and works with virtually any video or audio format. Download it from here.
Gimp - alternative to adobe photoshop
This one has been around since 1996 and it is one of the best maintained open source applications. With its features like built-in support for layers, filters, and automatic photo enhancement. It also makes it easy to create new graphic design elements and you can really take things to the next level by downloading plug-ins created by the broader GIMP open source community. Gimp is the best pixel manipulation-free tool on the market and with the right skills, it can go side by side with adobe's flagship product. Check it out here.
Inkscape - alternative to adobe illustrator, Corel draw
What is Gimp for photoshop that is Inkscape for illustrator. This free open-source vector graphic tool does not fall behind with its tools in comparison to its paid counterparts and I would highly recommend it for anyone. Features like alpha blending, cloning on-point path manipulations can assure that you can create anything you want inside it. get your copy from here.
Libre office - alternative to MS office
Libre office is one of the most quality office suite there, it has spreadsheets, word processor, presentation app, calculation applications, database application, and diagrams. All these applications create and make one great suite that can open Microsoft Office files and even work with them naturally. Completely free and active in development there is no reason, not t use it in your daily routine. Go to its official website and download it for a test run.
Amarok - alternative to iTunes
Amarok is an audio player with a broad range of features like integration with multiple Web audio services, dynamic playlists, bookmarks, scripting, context view, and more. get it from here.
PDF Creator - alternative to adobe acrobat
As its paid counterpart PDF Creator lets you make PDF files from any application that could print. It works the same way as adobe acrobat and supports encryption and digital signature, it lacks in PDF forms a little but if that is not something that you need, it is a great alternative to acrobat and completely free. Download it from here.
Blender - Alternative to Autodesk Maya, Autodesk 3dmax, foundry Modo, cinema4d,...
3D modeling and animation software is very expensive. From the point of home user long it has been lost dream to have industry quality 3D modeling, animation, and rendering application for an affordable price. Blender has made that dream a possibility, completely free and open-source this package offers everything that its paid counterparts offer, some could even argue that since its open-source nature and availability of full code it offers even more. Why you are still here? Go get it here.
Bluefish - alternative to Adobe Dreamweaver
When it comes to web editing and code editing applications, notepad ++ seems like a person go-to application, but if you prefer a more professional suited IDE for web development check out Bluefish, auto-filling, code syntax, and constant development make sure that this application will not go away soon and it is worth investing your time in it. Get it from here.
ClamWin - alternative to Kaspersky, BItdefender, Norton
This antivirus has over 600000 users and active database updates also feature a full email scanner, scanning scheduler, and File Explorer integration. It is far better than other freeware alternatives and if you are looking for a free antivirus option look no further, ClamWin is here to stay. Grab it from here.
Natron - alternative to adobe aftereffects, foundry nuke
Full-featured node-based composition and effects suite. Natron is a powerful Digital Compositor that can handle all of your 2D/2.5D needs. Its robust OIIO file formats and OpenFX architecture is what makes Natron the most flexible open-source compositor for the visual effects community. Its interface and functionally are the same across all platforms such as macOS, Linux, and Windows. Natron has a powerful keying, roto/roto paint, 2D tracking tools that are staple for all current film production project that requires visual effects. Get natron from here.
Clonezilla - alternative to Norton Ghost
When it comes to cloning hard drives usually there is only one application, Norton ghost. Clonezilla tends to change that by offering the same usability as the ghost. Grab your copy from here.
FreeCAD - alternative to Autodesk AutoCAD
Autodesk AutoCAD has years of development and dedication of its team behind it to keep it as the best CAD application on the market and it shows. However, if you are not really a hardcore professional who needs all of AutoCAD features and can live without some automation inside it FreeCAD is one of the best free open source options, it will certainly get the job done and with its dynamic simulation and analysis, it is guaranteed that you can achieve same results as in AutoCAD with little more time investment. Get if here.
Octave - alternative to MATLAB
Octave is the best open-source educational tool used for numerical computation with an interactive environment. The tool features powerful mathematics-oriented syntax with built-in plotting and visualization tools and also Octave syntax is largely compatible with Matlab. Get your copy from here.
Godot - alternative to Unity3D, Unreal
Godot is a lightweight feature-packed node-based game development engine, completely open-source and free to use for commercial projects. The engine has reached 3.2 version and it is more and more adopted by various independent game makers across the globe, recently there are to of video tutorials and documentation to get you up and running and its open-source nature lets you modify the engine itself in any way that suits and benefits you. Also, any project made with Godot is completely yours, there are no hidden fees or anything similar. Download it from here.
Conclusion
That's it, my pick for 20 open source alternatives which I believe you should at least try and if you end up with at least one, you have saved some hard-earned money.
And always remember:
Open-source programs give you complete freedom without any shady terms and conditions.
Open-source software code is readily available for anyone who wants it, so anyone can use it, share it, modify it for their own needs, and study it.
No spying eyes, no tracking, and no telemetry
In some cases, open-source tools offer features or performance benefits that surpass their commercial counterparts.
No hidden charges, completely free.
If you would like to read more helpful articles and tips about various software and hardware visit errortools.com daily.
There are times when you upgrade or install Windows 10 on an old computer and the Aspect Ratio of the screen is in a mess. This issue occurs when a new Windows version does not support the GPU or the driver does not work in Windows 10. And in such cases, Windows uses a generic driver which does not support all the resolution as well as the correct aspect ratio. So in this post, you will be guided on how you can fix the issues with the screen aspect ratio in Windows 10.
It could be that your screen has an aspect ratio of 16:9 but after the upgrade, you changed to screen resolution, and is now set to 16:!0. And later on, you found that you are unable to go back to the previous aspect ratio. Thus, you will notice that everything on the screen might look stretched. You might be wondering if it’s possible to change the aspect ratio in Windows 10 directly even if the GPU does not have the compatible driver, well it really isn’t. However there is another way to resolve the problem. Refer to the options given below to get started.
Option 1 – Try using the Compatibility Mode
The first thing you can do is to run the driver in a Compatibility Mode. Follow the steps below to do so:
You need to download the driver and place it on your desktop.
After that, right-click on it and select Properties.
Next, switch to the Compatibility tab where you should see two options:
Compatibility troubleshooter, and let Windows figure out what works best for you. If it fails, follow the next.
Manually choose the version of Windows it was correctly working.
You also have the option to change the DPI settings and see if that helps. Then click the Apply and OK buttons.
Now right-click on the file and select the “Run as administrator” option to install. After that, you should now be able to change your screen aspect ratio to what you were using early on.
Note: If you have other programs that won’t work on the existing version of Windows, then make sure to run the program in a Compatibility mode.
Option 2 – Try to run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
You might also want to run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter. This built-in troubleshooter is available in the Windows Update & Security section. From there, select Troubleshoot. This will find a list of programs for you and since you have already downloaded the driver files, just click on Not Listed located at the top of the program list. After that, browse and select the driver files and then let the program do its job.
Option 3 – Update or rollback your device drivers
If the first option didn’t work for you, then it’s time to either update or roll back the device drivers. It is most likely that after you updated your Windows computer that your driver also needs a refresh. On the other hand, if you have just updated your device drivers then you need to roll back the drivers to their previous versions. Whichever applies to you, refer to the steps below.
Open the Devices Manager from the Win X Menu.
Then locate the device drivers and right-click on them to open the Properties.
After that, switch to the Driver tab and click on the Uninstall Device button.
Follow the screen option to completely uninstall it.
Finally, restart your computer. It will just reinstall the device drivers automatically.
Note: You can install a dedicated driver on your computer in case you have it or you could also look for it directly from the website of the manufacturer.
Error Code 0x800705b4 is an error that will appear when the computer is not stable, and very critical system files will fail to respond or they will start going missing. This will happen when the computer is not being maintained properly. The problem should be solved immediately to avoid any further damage or loss of data. This error code may be regarded as one of the most severe computer problems that can present itself.
Common symptoms include:
There will be a failure to install updates and a display of the error message.
The Error Code 0x800705b4 will display itself.
After a system update, the computer will not be able to install new drivers.
Solution
Error Causes
Windows 10 update error 0x800705b4 can be caused when the user wants to update their windows system when important dll registries or files are missing or are corrupt. This will also happen when the user is trying to install or uninstall programs in a way that is wrong, or it may be infected with a Trojan virus. Additionally, this error code will be displayed when a PC's drivers are either outdated or installed the wrong way. There could be a registry error, a failure to update by the operating system, or even a device failure to update automatically.
Further Information and Manual Repair
There are several ways to resolve the appearance of error code 0x800705b4 on Windows devices. If you are not familiar with fixing error codes on a computer or are having trouble fixing this one, consider contacting a Windows technician to help with fixing the error. The computer must be run on administrator mode no matter which steps you are taking or which methods you are using. Depending on which version of Windows you are using, the steps for each method may differ slightly, but the basic process will remain the same.
Method One: Fixing it with updates
Start the computer in safe mode to begin troubleshooting for error code 0x800705b4. When the computer is starting up, press F8—this will enter the computer into safe mode.
You will now need to manually update your computer's outdated drivers. To do this, click on Start. Then, type in Device Manager into the search box to see if there are any outdated or corrupt issues with the drivers.
Method Two: Run an SFC scan
This will allow users to find files in Windows that are corrupt, damaged, or lost.
Start the Command Prompt. To do this, click Start and then type in cmd inside of the search box to see the icon. Right-click and choose to Run as administrator. If asked, enter the password for the administrator.
When viewing the command prompt, type in “sfc/scannnow” and then press enter. This will be scanning all of the protected system files and will fix the corrupt files. Do not close the command prompt before it is done.
Method Three: System Restore
This is the most efficient way to fix any problem or system status. System backup is vital when performing this.
Click on the Start button, and then type in “system restore” inside of the search box. Right click on System Restore, and then choose Run as Administrator. This could also be found in the Control Panel. Now you will choose the time point in which to restore the system. You will be able to choose the recommended or specific restore based on the situation. Now you can review the restore point and then click Finish.
Method Four: For Windows 10
You may need to update the Windows Defender in the security center. To locate this, click Start, Settings, Update and Security, Windows Defender.
Go to the Windows Updates and click on Advanced Options. Click on the option that will get updates for more Microsoft products.
Restart the computer, and then check for updates again. This update process will be able to be done without a problem. When a message comes up that says “Your device is up to date” you will need to click Advanced Options once again and check for update options.
Check for updates one more time and now the proper updates should be able to be downloaded and installed properly.
Method Five: Use An Automated Tool
If you wish to always have at your disposal a utility tool to fix these Windows 10 and other related issues when they do arise, download and install a powerful automated tool.
Do you often use MS-Outlook for communicating in your work environment? If so, you should be aware that all e-mails messages you send and receive, attachments, contacts, and schedule items you be, the files you create and the details you include are all stored within an Outlook Data File folder.
This includes 2 kinds of files .OST and .PST.
OST is the offline Storage Table that allows Outlook users to gain access to the e-mail account with no internet access. But this document is vulnerable to corruption.
So you need to change it into the PST (Personal Storage Table) file structure.
This document keeps data protected and saves all of the data in your view e-mail accounts including e-mails, calendar items, contact info, notifications, and accessories in your local hard drive securely.
For security and privacy purposes password protection is necessary.
How can the PST File get locked?
However, with a lot of work to do, a lot of people frequently have a tendency to overlook and easily forget the Outlook password.
This affects the user's capability to gain access to the account and execute the associated e-mail features.
That is very difficult for those who have contacts stored in it and significant e-mails which one would like to see instantly.
In this case, there is also the threat of losing the data that was significant in the long term. Sadly, Outlook will not provide an easy method without removing all of your own personal data to regain this password.
Why Should I Use Stellar Phoenix Outlook PST Repair Tool
Stellar Phoenix Outlook PST Repair tool may be the best fix software out there. It's easy to use, secure, dependable, and quick. You do not have to be a pro to use it.
In just a couple of clicks, your password can be recovered, without losing any of your crucial data, including associates contacts and e-mail communications.
This repair tool is full of special characteristics. It's compatible with most if not all variants of Windows, including 2000 and Vista, Win7, Windows 2003. Additionally, it helps fix all MS-outlook versions like 2010 and 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007.
Here is what you should do
Just click here Download and install Stellar Phoenix Outlook PST Repair tool in your computer. Run it to regain all of your data within your e-mail account and to regain your lost MS-Outlook PST File Password.
Besides assisting you to regain your PST file password, it can be utilized to solve malfunctions in the PST Files and any other associated problems. For instance, this repair tool can help to fix damaged and corrupted PST file size limit errors as well as PST files.
If you use MS Outlook 2002 version on your PC and you use it quite often and prefer not to delete emails in it, then you might come across the PST file size 2GB limit error.
This error occurs when you reach or exceed the 2 gigabytes memory limit. If this happens, your ability to send and receive emails through your MS-Outlook account is greatly hindered.
You can't add new contacts either. In instances such as these, Stellar Phoenix Outlook PST Repair Tool is useful. It helps increase the GB limit twice as much as normal.
This means that your memory limit rises from 2-4GB making Stellar PST Outlook Repair a crucial tool for all MS Outlook users.