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Windows 10 tips and tricks for easy work

Hello everyone and welcome to our new Windows 10 tips and tricks article. Today we will be focusing on small Windows tricks that could prove very useful in everyday workflow and hopefully make your life easier by implementing them in your daily routine.

I am very excited to share this with you all and I hope that you will use them from now on. That being said let us begin.

Tip 1: Minimize all open windows except one.

Daily to the daily routine can involve many opened windows on a desktop and sometimes things can get messy, if you want to minimize all windows to the taskbar except one do this: Click on one window thus selecting him, click and hold the left mouse button on that windows title bar, now shake it up and down and all other windows will escape down to taskbar leaving only one you are shaking on the desktop.

Tip 2: Open the Secret Windows menu.

Through our tutorials on various errors and fixes, we have used this method already but here it is again since it is worth mentioning. If you want to open the command prompt easy and fast, or device manager, event viewer, shut down, etc. In order to open this secret menu all you need to do is press ⊞ WINDOWS + X.

Tip 3: Create an Event without opening the calendar application.

You can easily create an event without opening a calendar application, all you have to do is left-click on the clock in the taskbar, click once on a date for the event, and under calendar in event field type event description. The event will show in the calendar application like it was entered there.

Tip 4: Taking a screenshot.

This one is my favorite and it speeds up workflow very very much. Typically you take screenshots by pressing the PrntScr button on your keyboard. Now, the problem with this approach is that the screen is placed in computer memory, in the clipboard and you will need another picture processing application in order to save it.
Now if you would press ⊞ WINDOWS + PrntScr, the picture would be automatically saved in your pictures/screenshots folder.
And if that is not enough, you can press ⊞ WINDOWS + S + SHIFT to start Snip & Sketch tool and select the area which you would like to screen capture, this method will also place pictures in the clipboard.

Tip 5: Open pinned applications in your taskbar with your keyboard.

We have covered this one in our Windows keyboard shortcuts tips and tricks here, but if you missed that article here is the tip again. By pressing ⊞ WINDOWS + number 1,2,3...0 you will start the application from your taskbar counted from left to right.

Tip 6: Check how much Hard drive space installed applications are taking.

Applications and temporary files grow over time and can slow the system and cause some other unpleasant experiences. Go to Settings > System > Storage, click on the Hard drive on which you have installed applications, and see how much each one is taking, you can remove it from this screen also freeing some space.

Tip 7: Remove ads from the START menu.

Windows has so-called suggestions in the START menu, no matter how Microsoft is calling them, let's face it, they are ads and in my opinion, they do not belong in my START menu. To turn them off, go to Settings > Personalization > Start. Toggle the setting called Show suggestions occasionally in Start to the off position.

Tip 8: Shut down background applications.

Some applications are running in the back and are taking system resources and can send telemetry information, if you want to turn them all off go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps. To stop all apps from running in the background, toggle Let apps run in the background to off. You can choose which apps to run in the background individually by going down the list on the same page.

Tip 9: Use Background scrolling.

Did you know that you can scroll on inactive windows? To do this, just hover over the inactive background window and roll your mouse when the content of the window should be scrolling even if it's not one you are working on. If by any chance this is not happening, go to Settings > Devices > Mouse, and toggle Scroll inactive windows when I hover over them to On.

Tip 10: Show file extensions in File Explorer.

By default extensions of files are hidden, so let's say that for example, you are in a folder with pictures, you have plenty of pictures there but you do not know are they JPG or JPEG for example, do not worry there is an easy fix to bring showing extensions back. Start File Explorer, click on view top menu item, click on options, Uncheck the box that says Hide extensions for known file types. Click Apply, and OK.

Tip 11: Use focus assist.

Set it up by going to Settings > System > Focus assist. Choose from three options: Off (get all notifications from your apps and contacts), Priority (see only selected notifications from a priority list that you customize, and send the rest to your action center), and Alarms only (hide all notifications, except for alarms). You can also choose to automatically turn this feature on during certain hours, or when you're playing a game.

Tip 12: Rotate your screen.

If you have multiple screens set up or you have the rotatable screen press and hold CTRL + ALT together, then use a directional arrow to flip the screen. The right and left arrows turn the screen 90 degrees, while the down arrow will flip it upside down. Use the up arrow to bring the screen back to its normal position.

Tip 13: Enable GOD mode.

Have you always felt limited with Windows settings? Don't be, Right-click on the desktop and select New > Folder. Re-name the new folder with this bit of code:
GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C} To enter the "God Mode" window, double-click the folder.

Tip 14: Use Virtual Desktops.

Click on Task View (the icon next to the search box). This will separate all your open windows and apps into icons. You can then drag any of them over to where it says "New desktop," which creates a new virtual desktop. Once you click out of Task View, you can toggle between virtual desktops by pressing the ⊞ WINDOWS + CTRL + right/left arrows. To remove the virtual desktops, just go back into task view and delete the individual virtual desktops, this will not close out the apps contained within that desktop, but rather just send them to the next lower desktop.

Tip 15: Customize the command prompt.

Yes, you can customize the command prompt, in order to do so, open it and right-click on its title bar, choose properties and go wild. Special badge if you make it look like commodore 64 BASIC.

Tip 16: Dictate, not type.

If you have speech recognition ON, pressing ⊞ WINDOWS + H will bring up a voice recorder, just speak and see how you can easily "write" emails, etc.

Tip 17: Use sandbox.

In Windows you have a sandbox option, which will open another Windows instance inside Windows, what do you need this? Well once the sandbox is closed everything in it is closed and if you catch the virus or other dangerous software, closing the sandbox will destroy it not affecting your actual Windows. Use it for safety testing and enjoy an easy life. Enable Windows Sandbox inside the Control Panel.

Tip 18: Use a hidden game bar.

Press the ⊞ WINDOWS + G, you can pull up the new-and-improved Game Bar. This lets you switch your Windows PC into gaming mode, which pools system resources to the game, turns off notifications, and lets you record and broadcast your gaming, along with added panels for controlling your audio, monitoring FPS, and tracking achievements.

And that's it, Our 18 tips and trick to make your Windows 10 life easier, more productive, and overall more enjoyable. I certainly hope you have enjoyed reading this article same as I was writing it. Until next time if I do not see you, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.

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Create Custom Views in Event Viewer
The Event Viewer in the Windows operating system is used to troubleshoot any computer issues. It is one of the most useful tools that keep logs of both security and system events. It also monitors for both software and hardware problems in the computer. This tool is the only one with amazing features that maintain logs about everything that’s going on in the computer system. It keeps track of all the information to the point where going over them will take a lot of time. Luckily, the Event Viewer tool now allows users to create custom views where you can set the filters and sort the data recorded to limit the information details to only what you’re interested in seeing. For instance, if you want to troubleshoot with one hard drive, you can just create a special custom view to display only the hard drive warnings in the security logs. This will save you hassle and time. Take note that the logs in the Event Viewer are divided into two main categories namely the Window logs and the Application and Services logs. You can just set the filter to the logs by their event id, specific date, and many other events when you have to troubleshoot some problem in your computer. So if you are trying to troubleshoot a problem in your Windows 10 computer and you’re checking the Event Viewer, read on as this post will guide you in creating custom event views in the Event Viewer. To get started, refer to the instructions given below. Step 1: Go to the Start menu and in the search box, type “event viewer” and then click on Event Viewer from the search results to open it. Step 2: After opening Event Viewer, click on Custom Views located in the left pane of the window. Step 3: Next, click on the Administrative events under the Custom View to create special log views. Step 4: Then on the right side of the window, click on Create Custom View to open the Create Custom View window. Step 5: There is a logged drop-down list under Filter. From there, you have the option to choose an appropriate predefined time or use a custom time range for your Custom log views. Step 6: After that, select an appropriate event level for your custom view. You have fine entry-level options to choose from such as critical event level, error, warning, information and verbose.
  • Critical – select this if you want to see the events that require your immediate attention in the custom view.
  • Error – select this if you want your Event Viewer to display the events that are less critical but hints at the problems.
  • Warning – select this event-level if you want to see the event with the potential problem but may not bound to happen.
  • Verbose – select this if you want to see detailed information about all the events.
Step 7: After you’ve selected the event level, you now have to select how you want the events to be filtered. They can either be filtered By the log or By the source.
  • By the log – you can select two options called Windows log and, Application and Service logs. The Windows logs allow you to filter the logs created during events like setup, security, applications, and system events. While the Application and Service logs filter the log created by the installed applications in your system.
  • By the source – select this if you want your Custom View to search for information in event sources. It allows you to view events in detail for various applications and devices.
Note: You have the option to further customize the event logs with more filters like Event IDs, task category, keywords, User, and Computer. Using these additional filters, you can choose to filter the events in the special views by specifying event id numbers in the Event IDs, entering predefined Windows words in the Keyword, specify the user accounts in the User field, as well as choose the system from the server to maintain logs in the Computer field. Step 8: Once you’re done customizing the log filter, click on OK to apply the changes made. Step 9: After that, a Save Filter should be displayed in the Custom View window. Just enter the Custom View name and select the Event Viewer folder where you want to save the Custom view. The folder name should be Custom View by default. And if you want, you can also create your own folder if you want your custom views to be visible to all the system users. Step 10: Next, check all the Users box located in the lower corner of the window and then click the OK button after you’re done. You should now see the customized filter you just created on the left side of the window. Just click on it to check your filtered events in the center of the Event Viewer window. And for you to save the custom view logs, simply right-click on the Custom views you created and then click on Save All Events in the Custom View As from the drop-down menu. Then put a name on the file and select the appropriate location where you want to save the logs and click on the Save button. Note that the log file is saved with the “.EVTX” file extension and when you double click on it, it will open the file in the Event Viewer.
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How to game on a low budget

If you are following the latest gaming trends and spend a lot of time on social media, watching streams, etc. you might be under impression that gaming as a hobby is very expensive. If you plan to play the latest games on a very large screen in their highest setting that might be true but if you do not care about that you can still play games and spend much less money on them.

gaming on a budget

That being said we are here to share with you some tips and tactics on how to play good games with minimum money spent.

Do not buy games the moment when they are released

Buying a game on its launch date is maybe the worst and most expensive thing you can do. Games have their highest price on launch day but sadly with the current state of the industry, they are in their worst state as well. Games eventually became better over time after patches are released but so does their price drops after the hype has calmed down. So if you really must have some specific game on its launch day, go for it but know that by doing so you are getting the worst version of the game for its higher price.

Wishlist games and wait for the sale

All services today have a wishlist, very good and money-saving tactic is to wishlist interesting titles and wait for them to be on the sale. Services will usually have the option of sending you an email once your wishlist titles are on sale so you will be notified once they do. A good tactic as well is to wait for large sales like for example summer, winter, easter sales, or many other seasonal ones.

Get free games

Some online stores are offering free games from time to time and some are always offering some titles as gifts in order to get customers to their platform. EPIC has become famous for gifting some great titles over the past years completely for free and there are a lot of free-to-play games on each platform that you can play.

Get second-hand PC

Having a new computer is great but if your budget is tight you might consider getting your PC as a second hand instead of the new one. Hardcore games will switch components more frequently than your typical users and usually the components will be sold cheaper and be more affordable.

Play games on some older devices in general

Many games today are available on many platforms not only just on your typical PC. Same titles are available on your mobile phones, tablets, and even on your Android TV. Many titles will not even require the latest technology or monster of a computer in order to run them. You can also lower game settings and play many games on lower hardware if you do not mind not having top graphics settings.

Play over the cloud streaming

If you are very tight on budget but want to enjoy new games in their full glory there is always the option to play games via a cloud streaming service, it is not exactly a mega cheap option since it has a monthly fee but it is cheaper than some high-end gaming computer. If you combine this with the game pass you can enjoy the latest games with high-quality settings and pay it on a monthly basis.

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What Is a VPN and What Can It Do For You?

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.

Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN (Credit: Dan Nelson on Unsplash)

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.

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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.

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3 Methods To Fix Qtcore4.dll Error

Qtcore4.dll Error - What is it?

Qtcore4.dll is a dynamic link library file that helps Microsoft Windows in loading several key components of the system. The Qtcore4.dll error occurs when the Qtcore4.dll file cannot be loaded to run the application supported by this .dll file. The Qcore4.dll missing error message may occur while booting your system or launching a certain program. It is a blue screen of death error type. The Qtcore4.dll error code is often displayed as:

BLUE SCREEN ERROR - QtCore4.dll Not Found

Filei386QtCore4.dll could not be loaded. The error code is 7. Setup cannot continue. Press any key to exit.

Solution

Restoro box imageError Causes

This error code is triggered by a variety of reasons such as:
  • Windows file allocation file gets damaged
  • Your computer BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) are misconfigured
  • The Qtcore4.dll file gets corrupt
  • Registry gets damaged and corrupt
  • Non-Microsoft program not running in tandem with Windows
  • Malware attack
  • Improper hardware driver software
It is advisable to fix the Qtcore4.dll error code immediately as this error can pose serious threats to your system. Qtcore4.dll error can lead to system breakdown.

Further Information and Manual Repair

Here are some ways of fixing the Qtcore4.dll error on your system:

1. Re-install the Program Causing Qtcore4.dll error message to pop up

As dll files are shared files sometimes due to program deletion and installation .dll file settings can get misconfigured, damaged, and corrupt. In such a scenario, you can try reinstalling the program that is causing Qtcore4.dll error message to appear on the screen.

2. Reconfigure your Mis-configured BIOS

If BIOS misconfiguration is the cause of this error code on your system, then try reconfiguring your system’s misconfigured BIOS.
  • To do this boot the computer and then press the BIOS designated keys to enter the BIOS. The keys may vary from manufacture to manufacture but typically, the setup keys are F2, F10, F12, and Del.
  • Once you figure out the setup keys, press them rapidly when booting the computer.
  • After successfully hitting the setup keys, the BIOS will load and you will see the BIOS setting menu on your screen. Adjust settings. Go to SATA Operation and change RAID AHCI to RAID ATA. Save changes and then exit.

3. Scan Your PC with a Registry Cleaner and an Antivirus

However, after adjusting the BIOS if the error still pops up on your screen, then this indicates the problem is bigger than you think. It triggers either malware attack or registry corruption. If these are the underlying causes for the Qtcore4.dll error on your system then you need to scan your PC with a registry cleaner and an antivirus. Registry is the main database of your system; if this gets corrupt it is most likely to result in system failure and valuable data loss. And as for malware, the biggest concern is data security threats. Today’s advanced and lethal malware like viruses and spyware can give easy access to hackers to enter your system from a remote location, browse through your confidential and private data and manipulate it to their advantage. This has led to a surge in various types of cyber crime, data breaches, and identity theft cases over the years. To avoid all this while resolving the error code Qtcore4.dll on your PC, registry cleaning and repair and antivirus scan are needed. You can either download 2 separate tools on your system to scan your PC which by the way will take a lot of time and increase your chances of the system slow down or you can download Restoro.

Why Restoro?

  • Total System Care is an advanced, user-friendly, high, and multi-functional repair.
  • It is deployed with a powerful and intuitive registry cleaner. It also functions as a system optimizer. It spares you from downloading numerous tools to address and resolve different errors on your PC.
  • It is your one-stop solution for not only Qtcore4.dll problems but practically all PC-related issues.
  • The registry cleaner utility detects all the malicious, unnecessary, and obsolete files overloading and corrupting your RAM.
  • This includes junk and temporary files. It wipes them out thus clearing your disk space. Simultaneously, it also repairs the damaged and misconfigured dll files including the Qtcore4.dll file, and fixes the corrupt registry.
  • The privacy error utility has the properties of an antivirus. It detects and removes malware, viruses adware, and spyware from your system in seconds.
  • Total System Care resolves the Qtcore4.dll error on your system and boosts the performance of your system. It has a simple and neat interface which makes it quite easy for users to operate it, even those who are not technically adept.
  • It is compatible with all Windows versions
Click here to download Restoro and repair the Qtcore4.dll error on your PC.
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The best Antivirus software of 2021
We have often talked about the security of your computer, we have been giving you tips and tried to explain how to best protect your computer from various attacks and malicious software. Today we will be talking about antivirus applications. antivirusAntivirus software has become the kind of a must-have in every computer in this day and age. When you think about it, our systems are connected to the internet most of the time if not always, and therefore kind placed in from the line of various cyber-attacks. Here antivirus software comes into focus, especially because it has evolved long from just a simple virus removal tool to full security suites. We will be going through the best of these applications in order to present both their good and bad sides and hope that we will help you in picking the right one for you. Remember, picking either one of the presented solutions is way better than not having one at all. The list is made from best down in our opinion so number one is highly recommended.

List of Best antivirus applications of 2021

  1. BitDefender

    In our opinion the best overall security protection suite for this age and time. Bitdefender has cemented itself as number one a few years back and it holds that status even today. It has top-of-the-game virus protection, an incredible amount of features, safepay banking online protection and it is amazingly cheap. Its downside we could say is that it can be annoying sometimes, especially if you set it to maximum protection and paranoid mode. In this case, it will often ask what to do and how to behave leading to minor annoyances.
  2. Norton antivirus

    Norton antivirus is well known to older computer users, this package has been around a long time and it is our pick for closest one to challenge top place because of its packed features. The number of features it has are really stunning and it comes also with great and maybe best-browsing protection of all candidates. It also has a backup tool bundled with it but the reason why it is in the second place is that it is taxing to the system and can have a real impact on computer performance. Great protection is important, but so it is working on it without slowdowns.
  3. Kaspersky

    Another one of the old antivirus software on the list. Kaspersky Lab was once top tier antivirus software but it dropped down due to its high prices, later they have changed their pricing to be more in trend with other rival companies but many have switched to something else. Today it still packs one of the best antivirus engines with fast and configurable scans. It also has very impressive anti-ransomware features but sadly most of the things it just simply does for you leaving you to fully trust it since you cannot really configure much. It is not in step with new technologies and it is lacking some features like support for the Chrome browser that places it lower in our ranking.
  4. Trend Micro antivirus

    The biggest sell point for this antivirus application is probably its ease of use and user-friendliness. It also packs a great antivirus engine and impressive anti-ransomware performance but sadly it comes with very limited configurability and somewhat lack of features comparing it with the top three entries. Never the less a very user-friendly application that you can configure without knowing any kind of tech talk, everything is laid out in simple English.
  5. Avira

    Perhaps best known for its free version, Avira has a premium one that is well better worth than the free version. Strong suites of this software are mostly aimed at the internet with its great anti-phishing and web protection along with a low price for all of its features. Sadly in the domain of virus protection, there are some reports from independent websites that its antivirus engine is not so great, it will offer you moderate protection but not the best.
  6. Webroot Secure Anywhere

    If you are on the lookout for software that has a great virus database and plenty of features but is also incredibly light weighted and fast then look no further, Webroot Secure Anywhere is an application for you, incredibly fast and incredibly small is a great solution for older machines. It keeps all of its databases up in the cloud and this feature among its great advantages is also its greatest disadvantage since if you are out of the internet you will not be able to have the latest virus definitions available to you making this tool very situational.
  7. Avast

    Avast has many great protection features and it is very highly configurable. The firewall comes also in its premium edition and it offers great virus protection including a file shredder and awesome WI-FI inspector for an extra layer of security. This package would be higher on the list if it was not for its lack of WEB protection and its tool on the system resources.
  8. Sophos home antivirus

    Lack of features and somewhat strange user interface are downsides of this software but on its positive side it has good antivirus engine and its user interface is very friendly. Where it shines though is in its price, for one affordable price you get protection for 10 devices making this option a great choice for anyone wanting to protect more devices or just use a single license for the whole family.
  9. ESET antivirus

    Greatly configurable antivirus software with tons of options and very light on system resources makes ESET one of the best out there. Virus engine and database is also top tier but some testing labs have reported that protection offering is not really what it is advertised and if we talk about its strong suite of a great many options and configurations it is at the same moment its downside since it is not very friendly to novice and beginner users.
  10. McAfee antivirus

    McAfee antivirus comes in its package with unlimited VPN service and if we take look at the top tier pricing plan it is a great investment. Sadly for its entry-level price, it covers only a single device and it was reported that it packs little outdated virus engine if we compare it with its rivals. Nevertheless, it still offers good virus protection and if you take into account the VPN that comes with it, it can find its users.

Conclusion

No matter which antivirus you choose you will not go wrong, after all any protection is way better than none.
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Intel Arc A770 GPU

intel's first gaming card that will hit the market soon has been shown in its innovation event, the Intel Arc A770. In its core ticks ACM-G10, coming with 32 Xe-cores and all the way up to 16GB of GDDR6 memory (the basic entry-level version will have 8GB of GDDR6). The card will support ray tracing and supersampling with Intel's XeSS.

intel arc a770

This is Intel's first gaming desktop GPU and after testing with some YouTube channels it turned out that the card itself sits somewhere between nVIDIA RTX 3060 Ti and an RTX 3070 so it will still be low in performance compared with the new RTX 4090 or AMD's new RDNA3 upcoming lineup. But as stated this is Intel's first gaming graphics card and having this kind of performance is no small feat for the first-time product.

One thing that is really great tho and that is going for Arc A770 GPU is its price! The Limited Edition card will cost $329 which is at this moment most cheapest GPU currently on the market in that performance range. nVIDIA is between $500 and $700 for comparison and if Intel can hold on to its performance with almost half the price card could be a great hit among gamers. GPU itself will launch on October 12th.

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How to remove PC Fix Speed from your Windows PC

PC Fix Speed is a Potentially Unwanted Program designed to improve the speed of your computer. This program usually comes bundled with other software, and when installs automatically scan your PC and displays exaggerated messages on the status of the PC’s performance, to get users to pay for the PRO version of the software. It also adds registry entities that allow it to run each time the computer is started, and the application itself will constantly keep reminding users that they have errors by putting the application windows on top.

From the Author: The Service is provided by PCRx through Crawler, LLC. Clean and repair your PC’s registry, optimize PC performance and free up disk and memory space. With everything you do on your PC, including adding on devices, a new entry is created in your Windows® registry, and seldom are any removed after they’re no longer needed. As a result, your PC gets bogged down with unnecessary entries, slowing your PC speed, the start-up, and your Internet browser. PC Fix Speed cleans up registry entries and puts your PC back on track for optimal performance. PC Fix Speed is an essential application that should be a part of every computer. PC Fix Speed especially helps computers that are unusually slow, freeze up often or show error messages, by cleaning the system registry and improving overall performance.

About Potentially Unwanted Applications

If you have ever downloaded software from the internet (shareware, freeware, etc,), it’s quite possible you’ve unconsciously installed unwanted programs on your computer system. A Potentially Unwanted Program, often known as PUP, in short, is software that contains adware, installs toolbars, or has other hidden goals. These kinds of programs are usually bundled up with free applications that you download from the internet or will also be bundled inside the custom installers on many download sites. It’s clear by its name – unwanted programs – but did not actually constitute “malware” in the traditional sense. An important difference between malware and PUP is distribution. Malware is normally dropped through vulnerability exploitation while PUP gets installed with the consent of the user, who intentionally or unwittingly approves the PUP installation on their computer. PUP developers can argue their programs aren’t malicious software however, it can nevertheless be unsafe software and put your PC at risk much the same way malware does.

Exactly how do PUPs look like?

Unwanted programs come in various forms. More often, they can be found in adware bundlers which are known to utilize aggressive and misleading advertising. Most bundlers install many adware programs from a number of vendors, each of which possesses its own EULA policy. Safebytes Anti-malware entirely eliminates this threat and safeguards your computer against unwanted programs or adware infection. Several PUPs also show up as toolbars or add-ons, mounted on your preferred web browser. These toolbars change your homepage and your search engine in the installed browser, track your web activities, control your search results with redirects and sponsored links, and eventually slow down your browser and diminish your web browsing experience. Potentially Unwanted Programs occasionally act very much like viruses or spyware. Some PUPs carry keyloggers, dialers, and other software to collect your personal details that can cause identity theft. Because of this unwanted program, your application may freeze, your security protections can get disabled which could leave your computer susceptible, your system may get ruined, and the list goes on and on.

Some tips on protecting yourself from PUPs

• Read meticulously before you install anything. Don’t click accept until you have read the fine print. There could be a clause about PUPs. • Use ONLY custom or manual install method – and don’t blindly click Next, Next, Next. • Use good anti-malware software. Try Safebytes Anti-malware which can spot PUPs and handle them as malware by flagging them for removal. • Be alert if you install freeware, open-source programs, or shareware. Disable or eliminate toolbars and browser extensions you don’t really need. • Only download applications from the original providers’ websites. Avoid download portals since they use their very own download manager to pack additional programs together with the initial download. Remember the fact that although PUPs could cause damage and hinder the proper function of the computer, they can’t get into your system without your consent, so be watchful not to provide them with it.

What To Do If You Cannot Install Any Antivirus?

Malware could cause a great deal of damage to your PC. Some malware sits in between your PC and your net connection and blocks some or all internet sites that you would like to check out. It could also prevent you from adding anything to your PC, especially the antivirus program. So what should you do when malware prevents you from downloading or installing Anti-Malware? Although this kind of issue will be tougher to get around, there are some steps you can take.

Start your computer in Safe Mode

If the malware is set to load at Windows start-up, then booting in Safe Mode should prevent it. Only the bare minimum required applications and services are loaded whenever you start your laptop or computer into Safe Mode. Listed below are the steps you should follow to boot into the Safe Mode of your Windows XP, Vista, or 7 computers (check out the Microsoft website for instructions on Windows 8 and 10 PCs). 1) At power-on/startup, tap the F8 key in 1-second intervals. This will bring up the Advanced Boot Options menu. 2) Make use of the arrow keys to select Safe Mode with Networking and press ENTER. 3) When you are into this mode, you will have an internet connection again. Now, use your web browser to download and install an anti-malware program. 4) After the application is installed, allow the diagnostic scan run to eliminate trojans and other threats automatically.

Switch to an alternate web browser

Web-based viruses could be environment-specific, aiming for a particular internet browser or attacking specific versions of the web browser. The ideal way to avoid this problem is to select an internet browser that is well known for its security features. Firefox contains built-in Malware and Phishing Protection to keep you safe online.

Make a bootable USB anti-virus drive

Here’s yet another solution which is using a portable USB anti-malware software package that can check your computer for malware without needing installation. To run anti-virus from a USB drive, follow these simple steps: 1) Make use of another virus-free PC to download Safebytes Anti-Malware. 2) Plug in the pen drive to a USB port on the uninfected computer. 3) Double-click the executable file to run the installation wizard. 4) Choose a USB drive as the location when the wizard asks you where you want to install the application. Follow the instructions on the computer screen to finish off the installation process. 5) Now, insert the USB drive into the corrupted PC. 6) Double-click the EXE file to run the Safebytes tool right from the thumb drive. 7) Click the “Scan” button to run a full system scan and remove viruses automatically.

SafeBytes AntiMalware Overview

Want to download the best anti-malware software program for your system? There are various applications available that come in free and paid versions for Microsoft Windows systems. A few are good ones, some are decent, while some are merely bogus anti-malware programs that can damage your personal computer themselves! When searching for an anti-malware tool, select one which gives dependable, efficient, and complete protection against all known viruses and malware. On the list of highly recommended software is SafeBytes Anti-Malware. SafeBytes carries a superb track record of excellent service, and customers appear to be happy with it. SafeBytes can be described as a powerful, real-time antivirus application that is created to assist the typical computer end user in protecting their PC from malicious threats. This tool can easily detect, remove, and protect your computer from the most advanced malware intrusions including adware, spyware, trojan horses, ransomware, worms, PUPs, parasites, and other potentially harmful software programs.

There are plenty of amazing features you will get with this particular security product. Here are some of the features you will like in SafeBytes.

Active Protection: SafeBytes provides a totally hands-free active protection that is set to observe, block, and remove all computer threats at its first encounter. This utility will always keep track of your PC for suspicious activity and updates itself continuously to keep abreast of the constantly changing threat landscape. Anti-Malware Protection: This deep-cleaning anti-malware software goes much deeper than most antivirus tools to clean your computer system. Its critically acclaimed virus engine finds and disables hard-to-remove malware that hides deep inside your PC. Web protection: Through its unique safety rating, SafeBytes informs you whether a site is safe or not to access it. This will make sure that you’re always certain of your online safety when browsing the web. Low Memory/CPU Usage: SafeBytes is a lightweight and easy-of-use anti-virus and antimalware solution. As it uses very little computer resources, this application leaves the computer’s power exactly where it belongs: with you. 24/7 Premium Support: SafeBytes provides 24/7 technical support, automatic maintenance, and updates for the best user experience. SafeBytes has developed a wonderful anti-malware solution that can help you conquer the latest malware threats and virus attacks. You can rest assured that your computer system will be protected in real-time as soon as you put this software to use. So if you need sophisticated forms of protection features and threat detections, purchasing SafeBytes Anti-Malware will be well worth the dollars!

Technical Details and Manual Removal (Advanced Users)

If you do not want to use malware removal software and prefer to get rid of PC Fix Speed manually, you might do so by going to the Add/Remove Programs menu in the control panel and removing the offending software; in cases of web browser plug-ins, you could un-install it by going to the browser’s Add-on/Extension manager. You will definitely also want to reset your browser. Finally, examine your hard drive for all of the following and clean your computer registry manually to remove leftover application entries after uninstalls. However, this is a tough task and only computer professionals can perform it safely. Moreover, some malware keeps replicating which makes it tough to get rid of. It is advised that you carry out the removal procedure in Windows Safe Mode.
Folders: C:\Program files\PC Fix Speed\ C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start menu\Programs\PC Fix Speed\ C:\Program filesx7Help\ Registry: HKLM\SOFTWARE\PCFixSpeed HKCU\Software\PCFixSpeed HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\PCFixSpeed
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4 Methods of Fixing Error Code 49

Error Code 49 – What is it?

Error Code 49 is a common device driver error that users encounter on any Windows 2000 and later operating system versions. The error occurs when the connected peripheral devices fail to function properly due to an overload of the system hive’s size. The error when prompted pops up on your screen with the following message:
"Windows cannot start new hardware devices because the system hive is too large (exceeds the Registry Size Limit). (Code 49)”
The error causes unattached devices to be displayed on the system hive list.

Solution

driverfix boxError Causes

Error Code 49 mainly results from problems in Windows registry system files; the system hive in the Windows registry exceeds its size limit. The system hive is part of the Windows registry and it is where files regarding devices are contained along with user preferences and applications. The devices will not work until the system hive size is brought back to normal levels.

Further Information and Manual Repair

There are several ways you can use to fix your error code. Here are the following.

Method 1 – Uninstall unused devices

One of the best ways to address the error code is to uninstall the unused devices which are listed on your computer’s system hive. To do this:
  • Log in using an Administrator account
  • Click the Start button and then click ‘Run’
  • In the box, enter the command:
  • "set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1 cd%SystemRoot%System32 exit" and click enter
  • Open Device Manager, click ‘View’, and then choose ‘Show hidden devices’ to see unused devices.
  • When you can see the list, click on the device you want to uninstall by selecting the ‘Driver’ tab and then select ‘Uninstall’.
  • After uninstall is complete, restart your computer.

Method 2 – Use System Restore

If the error still persists, you can use system restore to eliminate the problem. Here is how you can do so:
  1. Log in using an Administrator account
  2. Click ‘Start’ button and select All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > System Restore
  3. Click ‘Restore my computer to an earlier time’ and click ‘Next’
  4. Select the last Windows restore point from the ‘On this list, click a restore point’ list, and click ‘Next’
  5. Click ‘Next’ on the confirmation window to proceed
  6. Restart your PC after restoration is complete
By restoring the system via a last saved system checkpoint, you can obtain undamaged Windows system files that can help avert the error code.

Method 3 – Manually uninstall and reinstall the device driver

If using system restore does not work in resolving the error code either, you may have to resort to manually uninstalling and then reinstalling the device driver causing the problem. This would be necessary since the remaining incomplete files due to a partial removal or installation of programs is what results in the error code. By uninstall and reinstalling the device driver program, it would lead to the completion of the files. You can do this by firstly logging in as Administrator and open Device Manager. Select the device that is causing the problem and double click it and make sure that the peripheral is connected properly to the PC. Upon opening, click on the ‘Driver’ tab and then select ‘Update Driver’. Make sure to refer to the system documentation that you received with your PC or computer to check for the motherboard details and driver specifics.

Method 4 – Use software to automatically download the driver

Manually uninstalling and reinstalling the driver will do the trick; however, it may be time-consuming, especially when you would have to resort to your hardware user manual. Therefore, using a program such as DriverFIX can save you a lot of time and frustration in having your device work properly on your computer. DriverFIX, with its user-friendly approach to help you fix your PC issues, comes with an integrated database that detects which drivers you need to reconfigure within just a few seconds and downloads it automatically. It further ensures that your drivers are installed in their entirety leaving no room for any incomplete files to remain that create Error Code 49. It also has the added advantage of being able to backup and restore your files should there be the slightest possibility of system file damage. DriverFIX is the answer to fixing your PC error codes accurately and quickly. Click here to download DriverFIX to fix Error Code 49 quickly and effectively!
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Fix Black border or bar on Monitor
If you suddenly see a black border in your computer’s display then you might be wondering how come this happened but worry not for this post will give you a couple of suggestions that could help you resolve the problem. The black bar could appear at the bottom or just the sides of the screen. Whichever it may be, there are options you can check out. Refer to the options givens below and make sure to follow them carefully.

Option 1 – Try checking the screen resolution

You might want to try checking the resolution of your screen.
  • Open the Windows 10 Settings and go to Display.
  • Next, go for the “100% (Recommended)” option under Scale and layout for the size of the text, apps, and other items.
  • After that, select the Recommended setting again under Resolution.
Now check to see if the black bars are still there. They should be gone at this point, but if for some strange reason nothing has changed, then attempt the steps below.

Option 2 – Try updating Graphics & Monitor drivers

You might want to try updating your graphics and monitor drivers if you haven’t updated them for some time now. To do that, refer to these steps:
  • First, boot your computer into Safe Mode.
  • After that, 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. From there, look for the Graphics drivers or the Monitor drivers and then click each one of them.
  • After that, right-click on each entry and select the “Uninstall Device” option from the menu.
  • Now restart your computer.
  • After restarting your computer, go to the Settings app and Check for Updates in the Windows Update section.
Note: You can also try to roll back the graphics and monitor drivers back to their previous versions if updating them didn’t work. You can also try visiting the manufacturer’s website and download the graphics or monitor driver setup for your operating system.

Option 3 – Try to run the DISM tool

You can also run the DISM Tool as it might also help in getting rid of the black border or bar on your Windows 10 computer. Using this built-in tool, you have various options such as the “/ScanHealth”, “/CheckHealth”, and “/RestoreHealth” which could help you resolve the problem.
  • Open the Command Prompt with admin privileges.
  • Then type in the following commands and make sure to hit Enter right after you type each one of them:
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    • Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    • exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  • Do not close the window if the process takes a while as it will probably take a few minutes to finish.

Option 4 – Troubleshot the problem in a Clean Boot State

There are some instances that some conflicting programs installed in your computer might be the one that’s causing the Black border issue. 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” check box 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” check box.
  • 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.)
  • From there, start to isolate the problem by checking which one of the programs you installed recently is the root cause of the problem.
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