I answered a question recently from someone who was using WEP (the so-called “Wired Equivalent Privacy”) encryption on their wireless network. They were considering changing to WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access). The real answer is that they need to change to the second generation of WPA — WPA2. The biggest question in their mind was whether [...]

One of the things I’ve really missed with Windows 7 has been the Run command on the Start button’s menu. The Run command has been available via the Start button’s menu for a lot of versions of Windows — but not for Windows 7. Fortunately, during a series of emails back and forth with Clif [...]

When we think of security software, we usually think of antivirus, firewall, antispyware and antispam software. But, what other kind of software is security software? Backup software, of course. We need to make backup copies of our important data. That data may be financial, such as your checkbook in Quicken, or your spreadsheet tracking your [...]

Subscriber Terry Millburg wrote recently with a queestion about sending email with Outlook Express. I have an issue with Outlook Express in XP Home on a dell. Do you have any recommendations on a unit that can receive but not send in Outlook Express? I have tried the usual, uninstall & reinstall the OE from [...]

Longtime subscriber Clif of the Clif Notes Newsletter wrote about my Windows 7 installation experience articles in last week’s online issue: Hi Terry, Thanks for the preview of the hassle to come when I move my laptop to win7 from the RC. Hopefully the drivers I have backed up will work. I’m hoping the driver [...]

Recently, one of my subscribers wanted to know about a free program to let him fill in PDF forms. I made a quick check and realized that the free PDF reader Foxit Reader would do this. While Foxit Reader also has a Pro Pack available to add additional functions, the free version does almost everything [...]

Reader Jerry wrote about a problem he was having when he tried to make a backup image using Acronis True Image… Terry I want to make a hard drive image for a backup so that when I have to reinstall my windows and programs all I have to do is copy the image to the [...]

I received a question from Adam, a Terry’s Computer Tips web site visitor recently, who was having problems with two of his computers: Hey Terry, just read your XP SP3 woes, got another one two for you. i have a small home network running with shared internet connection. When SP3 came out both computers immidiately [...]

Subscriber V.R. wrote to ask about Microsoft Word calling home… Terry, I need your advise. How do I stop Word 2003 from wanting to access the internet everytime I launch the program? AVG pops ups asking if want to allow. It then takes about 10/15 seconds for Word to come up. I’ve googled and went [...]

Long-time subscriber Irving wrote to ask: I have XP SP2. I downloaded a zip file to my desktop. I then clicked the icon and ran into a problem. The screen started to “blink” and I couldn’t do anything. CTR-ALT-DEL couldn’t do anything. I had to shut down with power switch. Tried again…..same problem. This has [...]