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Updates are essential to make your computer stay secure. I for one like to be able to decide for myself when to install and update my system. But if you prefer Windows to do it without consulting your first, you will from time to time see the “updates awaiting reboot” icon when you want to shut down your computer.
If you don’t like to leave your computer on when leaving it – waiting for the update process to get done before you leave will test your patience.
If you want to be able to override this feature – shut down … [Read More...]

If you are in need of emailing files, larger than the usual 10MB allowed by your ISP provider, then this is something for you.

MailBigFile offers both a free solution with a 200MB file limit and a professional one, with a 2GB file limit.

How it works

It is almost as easy as sending an email from your own email program. Go to the website, type in the recipient email, your message (optional), choose your file, and press Send.

Once your file has been uploaded to their server, mailbigfile.com will send an email to your recipient with a download link, explaining … [Read More...]

Have any gadgets you can’t live without? Let us know about them in the comments.

Here are a few that are recommended by Mintywhite Windows Guides: 

Uptime Gadget

I’m not sure how much of an explanation this gadgets needs. Simply put, this gadget tells you how long your PC has been running. There are a number of ways to tell uptime but this is a simple way to do so.

Uptime Gadget

AlertCon

From the download page:

Imagine that you have a shared folder but you want to know if someone changes something. You, for sure, have heard about auditing files before and may never had a chance to take advantage of this feature. Here you will find a way to do it.

With Windows 7 we can control when a folder has changed and show a message to us.

I know this post can be a little complex, but believe me, the best way to control your computer is knowing how works.

So, why not start from the beginning?

Press WinKey + R, type gpedit.msc… [Read More...]

Windows Forums member Batupata has done it again and created another great tool for Windows: AdSevenTextEnrypter

What does this program do?

This program will run an encryption/decryption algorithm on your text so the information is protected. For example: you can encrypt some text (say with “Set one” then “Set five”), send it to a friend, and they can decrypt it at the other end (with “Set five” then “Set one”.)

Can you decrypt this?

NJ6UlSESL1qd7p8aNfaUPuFQtM16shQtHI+phLXyEPzq71wZ3C
TfBmzm++2JvGyLy5O70KWVB0Z62ubpr18E3W+Y2TeVDG0e

(Hint: I used set 7 then set 2.)

Download AdSevenTextEnrypter

… [Read More...]

Random

Personally, I don’t see the point in upgrading your hardware if your computer does everything you need it to. However, sometimes it’s nice to improve what you already have. In this guide we will learn how to make the most out of the hardware you have and make Windows 7 run faster. (Here’s a similar list for Windows XP.)

Note: There is a lot of crossover with this guide and the guide to extend laptop battery life as some of the procedures, listed below, will help save power.

1. Scan Your PC for Malware

The first step you should … [Read More...]

Are your children always using Facebook? Or is your brother always using your computer?You will find here a way to control access to websites at certain times.

We will do this in Windows 7 but you can do it in all Windows versions.

This post will use the hosts file and two tasks. The host file is stored in %SystemRoot%\system32\drivers\etc\ and its function is mapping  host names and IP addresses. Before DNS or WINS act the local host do this mapping so is the ideal place for controlling access to Web Pages.

So let start:

Press WinKey + R, … [Read More...]

If you’re having PC troubles and you have a friend that’s good with computers. You may want to call upon them to help you with your issue. In this guide, I’ll show you how to make a request using Remote Assistance, which is built in to Windows XP, Vista, and 7.

Please note: As someone who knows a little about computers, I am often asked to help others. I love helping others, but sometimes I simply don’t have time. Please respect the time of those who help you as you would respect a friend who is a car mechanic, when … [Read More...]

I know, there are tons of sites and applications trying to make a living out of fixing your Windows Problems. The reason for this is mainly because Microsoft’s Solutions Center has always been so high-tech, and not very user-friendly.

Finding solutions to common Windows problems using the Microsoft Website has always been a daunting task. Making you read through tons of more or less useless Tech Information that the common user cannot make any sense of.

Now, Microsoft is finally trying to make amends, by offering a new free product called: “Fix it” .

… [Read More...]

Desktop Client and Online Customer Support

If I’m keeping track correctly, I’ve been asked this same question seven times since I started running this website. In fact, I asked myself this question a few years ago: “why does my computer tell me it may be a risk every time I start my PC?” Now, I could drag this guide out and try and sound really smart; however, I want to keep this simple.

The reason your computer tells you it might be at risk when you first turn on your PC is because your anti-virus software has not loaded yet. As such, windows XP (the offender … [Read More...]

Being a writer for Mintywhite is a very interesting hobby of mine. It’s actually much more than just sitting down in front of the computer and writing something for you to read. Much time goes by for research, reviewing and searching for ideas, … [Read More...]

If you use your laptop on battery power, you’ll know how annyoing it is to lose battery power at the “worst time”. While I can’t guarantee your laptop will lose power at a more convenient time, I can offer ten ways to improve your laptop battery’s life. Learn, in this guide, how to save power when running on batteries. Skip to the end for a bonus energy efficiency tip.

Note: This guide is written for Windows 7 but most tips apply for Windows Vista.

10 Ways to Save Battery Power

Here’s 10 ways to save your laptop battery’s power:… [Read More...]

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