John Healy's Tech Blog

Category: Computer

Posts related to computer hardware and software

  • Windows 10 troubleshooting — common things to try

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    So, you upgraded from Windows 7 or 8.1 to Windows 10. Good move. But out of the blue something weird happens. Maybe the Desktop does not look normal, the Task Bar is missing, the Start button does not work properly, etc. What to do? Well, assuming that your system is free of malware, if a

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  • Smartphones and privacy — tuning app permissions

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    When you install or update apps on your smartphone, do you get prompts for permissions? Access to your camera, contacts, photos, network, etc. Clear or confusing? Is there a choice — all or none or just some? CNET’s article “Your Android phone is too damn nosy” discussed this issue. On Android phones, people have faced

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  • Trading away personal info — twilight of privacy?

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    Imagine you’re visiting a mall and occasionally someone stops you and asks for some personal information: Your favorite places to shop? Things you like to purchase? Brands you like? … You’re told that as a reward for providing that information you’ll get a gift certificate. What if that happens to you on the street, just

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  • Trust, ad-blocking, and do-not-track reality check

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    So, you’ve been using an ad-blocker and set your Web browsers to not accept cookies and enabled their option / preference to not track you. How’s that working? Well, Re/code’s article “Understanding ‘Do Not Track’: Truth and Consequences” discusses the reality. Make no mistake, this challenge started with publishers. Although many people in the ad

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  • No more support for Windows 8, Internet Explorer 8, 9, 10

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    If you’ve not been following Microsoft’s posts regarding lifecycle milestones for Windows and Internet Explorer, PC World’s article “Microsoft Patch Tuesday kills off Windows 8 and Internet Explorer 8, 9, and 10” (January 12, 2016) noted some important end-of-support events. Microsoft will cease support for the 3 year, 2 month, and 17-day old operating system.

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