Welcome to Andy Rathbone's Web site

Site menu:

I'm one of today's best-selling computer book writers, with more than 15 million books in print.

This website keeps you up-to-date on my books, and your computers. Each week, I answer a reader's question on-line.

Windows 11 For Dummies on sale now!

Windows 11 For Dummies

Drop by Amazon.com for big discounts on Windows 11 For Dummies.

Site search

Popular Posts

Recent Comments

Categories

Archive for 'Windows 8'

Making the Mail app’s links open in the desktop’s Internet Explorer

Q: When I click on an e-mailed link in Windows 8’s Mail app, the Start screen’s version of Internet Explorer opens. I prefer that the link open in the “real” Internet Explorer that runs on the desktop. How can I make the desktop’s version of Internet Explorer open when I click a link in the […]

Do I need to change my e-mail address to create a Microsoft Account?

Q: If I sign up for a Microsoft account in Windows 8 or 8.1, do I have to change my email address instead of staying with my current e-mail address? Will I have to pay a monthly fee, and will I have to notify everyone of my new email address? A: In a word, no. […]

Preventing desktop programs from running automatically in Windows 8

Q: When I enter Windows 8’s Desktop app, some programs start themselves automatically. In Windows 7, I stopped programs from loading automatically by removing their shortcuts from the Start menu’s Startup folder. But in Windows 8, I can’t find the Startup folder! How can I prevent unwanted Windows 8 programs from automatically loading themselves onto the […]

Creating a Recovery Drive in Windows 8

Windows 8: How to create a Recovery Drive on a flash drive, DVD or CD. Be prepared for when your Windows 8 PC, laptop or tablet refuses to load.

How do I add recurring birthdays into the Calendar app?

Q: If I put all of my birthday and anniversary dates into Windows 8’s Calendar app, will they automatically reappear a year later? Or will have to have to remember to enter them all again every year? A: Windows 8’s Calendar app works well for keeping track of birthdays, anniversaries, and other events. But there’s […]