Windows Tips

Infopackets Reader Robert I. writes " Dear Dennis, I operate Windows XP Pro with Service Pack 3 installed on my PC. I own an Epson stylus printer which is capable of printing color. Problem: whenever I print anything, the printed colors do not match what is shown on the monitor. Is this a problem with my computer, printer or monitor? Any help you could give would be greatly appreciated. " My response: Great question. The 'quick and simple' answer is that you likely need to calibrate your printer and monitor. Since all printers and monitors are made by varying manufacturers, I can't give you a ...view more

Infopackets Reader Richard C. writes: " Dear Dennis, You mentioned that Acronis True Image could be used to restore a backup (image) from an old harddrive to a new, larger harddrive. Question: does that create a problem with the hard drive partition structure from the old, smaller drive? If so, how does one take advantage of all the extra space on the new drive? " Reminder: we have a 50% sale on Disk Director Suite available through Infopackets.com which expires on August 31st, 2009. Also offered is Acronis True Image at 15% off , expires September 2nd, 2009. Click the respective link for ...view more

Infopackets Reader Jim 'jhg' writes: " Dear Dennis, I am using Acronis True Image [to backup my operating system and personal files] -- great product. I did a full backup and it worked like a charm. I also did five incremental backups. Question: should I delete incremental backup numbers 1, 2, 3, 4 and save the fifth, or do I save all of them? " Reminder: we have a 50% sale on Disk Director Suite available through Infopackets.com which expires on August 31st, 2009. Also offered is Acronis True Image at 15% off . Click the respective link for more detail. My Response: To quickly answer your ...view more

Infopackets Reader 'katjh' writes: " Dear Dennis, I am running 2 Dell computers and they are connected by a router. The newer computer is windows Vista and I have been purchasing the Norton antivirus that came with the computer from Dell. The older computer is Windows 98 and I have been running Grisoft Avg (free antivirus) 7.5 for a long time -- however, it now says I can't update it to AVG 8.5 and my computer will not be protected from new viruses. Is there something else I can do, or do I have to worry about it? I really can't afford to spend any money on it. Thanks much. " My response: ...view more

Infopackets Reader 'feckinbricks' writes: " Dear Dennis I am trying to find a program for a friend who cannot read or write in order to assist him in being able to use his computer -- and maybe even have the program teach him some skills in the process. He loves his computer but can not use it to the capacity that he would like to. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! " My response: Great question. There are two things that are universal when using a computer for literate and non-literate users: and that is it requires (and provides) both input and output in order ...view more

Infopackets Reader Brad B. Writes: " Dear Dennis, Regarding USB flash drives: how do I know which USB thumb drive is a good one? I bought a 4 gig flash drive that is incredibly slow, and another that is much faster. They both say they are USB 2.0 and cost about the same price. So how can one know which to buy? " My Response: There are a few things to consider here. Regarding USB specifications: USB is simply an interface. If a product says it's USB 2.0 compliant, that doesn't necessarily mean it will operate at full USB 2.0 speeds. What determines the speed is the memory chip inside which ...view more

Infopackets Reader 'Peneloppe' writes: " I have been hacked by someone I know through my IP address, and this is easy for him since he is a hacker. I have Kazpersky anti virus but still he has been able to tag all my conversations through Internet because he gets my IP addresses all the time. Before he used Trojans because he had access to my PC (not anymore). He has shown me files and files of all my conversations. At this point don't know what to do! Please I need help and want to report him to put an end to this never ending story. I am tired of him trying to have control over my personal ...view more

NOTE: Be sure to grab my supplemental report '10 Key Concepts of PC Optimization' at the end of this article for more great tips like this one -- or click here to download now! Infopackets Reader 'lde4' writes: " Dear Dennis, I'm currently using Windows XP Home Edition SP2 (32 Bit). I ordered a new computer with Windows Vista Home Premium (64 Bit) with Service Pack 1. Question: Can I use all my old XP programs and games with my new computer using Vista 64bit? " My response: The quick and short answer: not all XP programs are compatible with Vista (32bit or 64bit, for that matter). As for ...view more

The Internet and its impact on globalization has changed the way we communicate around the world. Boundaries have become virtually limitless and large distances are instantly accessible. These changes let us get acquainted with other people and languages: but how do we communicate with people in foreign countries? Here are some tools and tricks to help overcome language barriers. Gmail Translator Among many widgets, Gmail provides a translator letting you translate emails written in a foreign language to any other language. To activate it follow this procedure: 1. Login to your Gmail. 2. In ...view more

Infopackets Reader 'Larenal' writes: " Dear Dennis, I want to be able to backup my entire laptop's hard drive (including the Windows Registry ) and in case I have to change my laptop, I'd like to be able to restore the image in the new computer. Is this possible with Acronis True Image? Thank you. " My response: This is a great question. There is a workaround -- but unfortunately the scenario you've asked isn't possible. Here's why: You want to transfer MS Windows onto another PC. This isn't allowed by Microsoft because they want you to obtain a separate license for every PC you own. I've ...view more