Author Archives: Kristin Willis

Vulnerabilities in Windows Operating System

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Microsoft has verified that a major vulnerability has been discovered in all versions of Windows, posing an imminent threat.

Tracked as CVE-2021-34484, the “zero-day” flaw enables hackers to breach all versions of Windows (including Windows 10, Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022) and take control of your computer. And the worst part is the flaw has been known about for some time. 

Source: Forbes

The Windows operating system unfortunately acquired this bug back in August. When the vulnerability was publicly published in October, Microsoft wrongly believed it had fixed it. They promised a new patch of security, but no word on when it will happen.

According to 0patch, however, a patch they created is available until Microsoft gets with the program. They state, “Micropatches for this vulnerability will be free until Microsoft has issued an official fix. If you want to use them, create a free account in 0patch Central, then install and register 0patch Agent from 0patch.com. Everything else will happen automatically. No computer reboots will be needed.”

The video below shows how to install the fix on your Windows OS.

For help with any computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at Glendale Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Glendale, AZ please call the local office at (623) 295-2645.

Magnifier Reading on Windows 10

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Microsoft seems to be crossing their T’s and dotting their I’s with their variety of tools and applications to suit everyone’s needs. Physical limitations are no match.

One crucial tool available is the Magnifier, which aids those who are hard of seeing. It shows the text larger than normal, so it can be read more clearly. To utilize this tool, Microsoft Support shares how to do so:

To quickly turn on Magnifier, press the Windows logo key+Plus sign (+). To turn off Magnifier, press the Windows logo key+Esc. 

If you prefer using a mouse, select Start  > Settings   > Ease of Access   > Magnifier   > Turn on Magnifier. 

Source: Microsoft Support
Source: Windows Support

One other tool that works well with the Magnifier is the reader. Once the Magnifier feature is open, the cursor needs to be placed wherever the reading needs to begin. Click and hold control, alt and enter to begin the reading.

For help with any computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Scottsdale Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Scottsdale, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2960.

Programs that Start Routinely at Login

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When Windows 10 users log in to their PC, they may notice a handful of apps that automatically start up. While some of these programs are necessary, others could possibly hinder the performance. This is no problem, however, since the user can be in control of what apps start up at every login.

You can find the list of start up apps by going to the Start Menu – Settings – Apps. Then, click on Startup. There, you’ll find the apps. You can easily disable the apps by using the toggle to turn them off.

Windows 10 Support also shares another way to find those background apps.

“If you don’t see the Startup option in Settings, right-click the Start  button, select Task Manager, then select the Startup tab. (If you don’t see the Startup tab, select More details.) Select the app you want to change, then select Enable to run it at startup or Disable so it doesn’t run.”

Windows Support

Disabling apps are quite easy, as are adding them. Simply go to the Start Menu and right-click on an app you want to start up automatically. Then, click on More, and Open file location, and save the shortcut. If the Open file location is not listed, Windows Support says that it means it’s not available to be saved to the Startup.

For help with Windows 10 issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Pearland Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Pearland, TX please call the local office at (281) 860-2550.

Great Ways to Utilize Google Maps

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Get somewhere fast and efficiently!

Back in the 90’s and 2000’s, the best way to find ways around cities and states were with physical, folded maps. Because of evolving technology, map apps, like Google Maps, have allowed users to acquire accurate directions to wherever they need to go. There are plenty of benefits, and are easy to utilize.

Saved Tab

Google has been working diligently on their maps app to give the best possible experience to users. One of the ways you can get the most out of it is to use their Saved tab. You can now save any destinations for easy access. This allows you to quickly go back and get an address you need.

On their blog, Google shares, “When you have a lot of saved places in your current area, it can be challenging to quickly figure out which is which and where to go. When location permission is enabled, you can see all your nearby saved places sorted by distance and arranged in a carousel for easy browsing to make your next decision a breeze.”

Map Accuracy

One of the great perks about Google maps is the accuracy and detail of the maps. Sujoy Banerjee, the Product Manager of Google Maps states, “Google Maps has high-definition satellite imagery for over 98 percent of the world’s population. With a new color-mapping algorithmic technique, we’re able to take this imagery and translate it into an even more comprehensive, vibrant map of an area at global scale.”

Their newest update includes a distinct view of the earth, with over 200 regions available. This adds color-coded visuals to determine what is grass, mountains, water, and other earthly landscapes.

Platforms

You can find Google Maps on Android and iOS. So no matter what kind of phone you have, this map will be able to help you where you need to go. You can even get ETA’s and accurate directions from you Apple Watch, which is a nice perk.

For inquiries, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Sandy Springs Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Sandy Springs, GA please call or text the local office at(678) 695-8120.

Using the Calendar App Quickly

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Accessible through the Taskbar

It’s no secret that Windows 10 holds quite the efficient Calendar app, which helps you remember important dates. But did you know you can quickly access it to create events without even opening the app? Here’s how:

  1. From your Taskbar, you’ll find the date and time. Click on it.
  2. Pick the date you’re needing to add an event to
  3. Enter in the necessary information
  4. Save it.

Once saved, the event will show up to all of your devices through your Calendar app. It’s so convenient.

If you are needing help with computer issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you by our staff at the Largo Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Largo, FL, please call the local office at (727) 350-1090.

Who Still Uses Old Windows Operating Systems?

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Although Microsoft’s computer operating system was released in 2009 and will soon be three main versions out of date, many people continue to use it.

Back in January of this year, a survey was conducted by StatCounter:

This report specifically targets Windows users and excludes macOS and Linux from the runnings.

StatCounter gets its numbers by checking visitors to specific websites and taking note of which operating system they used to visit. It’s not a perfect measurement. It doesn’t count computers without an internet connection or ones that never visited the websites StatCounter watched; however, it’s a fairly good estimate of what people are using.

Out of all the Windows operating systems, StatCounter recorded 18.03 percent of them running Windows 7 in December 2020. Surprisingly, this is a great deal more than the people using its predecessor Windows 8.1, which came in at 3.95 percent.

Source: Make Use Of
Why don’t users just upgrade?

Both operating systems have essentially identical hardware requirements, most users can update for free, and Windows 10 will provide a familiar user experience. There’s no particular reason as to why Windows 7 users don’t just upgrade their operating systems.

Simply put: They don’t want to deal with the hassle.

However, with Windows 7’s end of support, not upgrading your PC could potentially cause more harm than good. This leaves open vulnerabilities for hackers to steal any personal information you have on the computer.

The Difference Between Adware and Spyware

For help with any computer issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Denver Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Make Your Desktop Icons Disappear

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Don’t worry, though. You can make them reappear again.

If you’re wanting a clean desktop, you can easily hide those icons with just a couple of clicks. And the keyword is “hide”. You won’t lose them. Simply right-click on the desktop and hover your mouse over View. A list will drop down, and you will un-check Show desktop icons.

To bring them back, just click on Show desktop icons again. Voila!

For help updating, restoring, or dealing with any Windows 10 issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Clearwater Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Clearwater, FL please call or text the local office at (727) 350-1090.

Windows 11 Snipping Tool Error

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Microsoft confirms a Windows 11 error with the Snipping Tool.

A “This app can’t open – A problem with Windows is preventing Screen Snipping from opening. Refreshing your PC might help fix it” error may pop up if users try to utilize the Snipping Tool app. Microsoft’s community forums have filled up with questions regarding this issue.

Microsoft says for now to try this remedy:

“For the time being, using WIN + PrintScreen, ALT + PrintScreen, or WIN + G, are alternative options if you need to take screenshots.”

Source: Microsoft

Other apps and features, including voice typing and the touch keyboard are also experiencing issues. At this time, Microsoft doesn’t have an update to fix said issues. However, it appears they’re working on it.

For help troubleshooting PC issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Brandon Computer Repair Service. If you need computer service in Brandon, FL, please call the local office at (813) 400-2865.

How to Utilize Safe Mode Properly

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Before you can make use of Safe Mode, you need to understand the basics behind it.

Safe Mode is a secure and handy feature on Windows 10 that allows you to load the minimum interface of the operating system when there are issues occurring on the normal OS. You have the ability to figure out what is causing the malfunctions and fix them accordingly.

How to boot to Safe Mode in Windows 10

Digital Citizen, a tech blog, shares 8 methods on how to boot into Windows 10 Safe Mode. Instructions are easy to follow, and can assist you in troubleshooting PC issues.

The first one, using the “Shift +Restart” option while you’re on the Sign-In screen, seems like an easy way. This will give you the Troubleshoot option. As the admin, you’ll be able to enable Safe Mode and perform the revisions necessary to get your PC back to where it needs to be.

When I tried it on my Windows 10 computer, I didn’t see “Startup Settings” in my Advanced options. Some users may only find “See more recovery options”.

From there, you can enable Safe Mode and then fulfill the needed adjustments to get your computer back on track.

Using the Settings App

Troubleshooting and Recovery are options in the Settings app, under the Update & Security. From there, you can run a troubleshooter for recommendations.

There are plenty of ways that the above blog post shares to boot to Windows 10 Safe Mode. Be sure to read it to get the best option that works for you.

For help troubleshooting PC issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Mesa Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Mesa, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2950.

Customizing Command Prompt App

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Windows Command Processor is the original title for Command Prompt. It’s utilized to carry out directives that have been entered. The majority of those commands use scripts and batch files to automate activities, perform advanced administrative functions, and troubleshoot or resolve specific Windows issues.

If you use the Command Processor app often, you may know how to customize it to your liking.

However, if you don’t, here’s how:
  1. Click the Windows icon on your keyboard to bring up the Start Menu
  2. Type Command Prompt in the search bar and hit Enter
  3. Once the window opens up, right-click on the taskbar
  4. Click on Properties at bottom of the drop-down

From there, you can change the font, layout, colors, and other features to your liking.

If you are needing help with Apple issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you by our staff at the Tucson Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Tucson, AZ please call the local office at (520) 526-9940.