Q: After running Windows Update this morning, Windows 8.1 now acts differently. What gives? Is there anything major I should know about? A: Microsoft continues to tweak Windows 8, a major overhaul to Windows that caught many computer owners off guard. Microsoft tried to repair some of the damage with Windows 8.1, and today Microsoft […]

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 […]

Q: Recently a relative gave me a computer that runs Windows XP. I’m trying to clean it up, and I discovered several Adobe programs: Acrobat, Air, Shockwave Player, and Flash Player. Do I need them all, or can they be safely deleted? A: Since its founding in 1982, Adobe Systems has released many programs, and […]

Q: Windows 8 doesn’t seem to offer a way to edit images, as you could in Windows 7. In particular, I’d like to edit my photos for their exposure, color balance and fix otherwise wonky pictures. Do I have to buy another program, or am I missing something? A: Neither Windows 7 nor Windows 8 […]

Q: I’m an old dog trying to learn a lot of new tricks in order to use Windows 8. I’m having a terrible time trying to find games like Freecell, Hearts, Spades, and Pinball to play in order to relax as I break away from the awkwardness of learning this new way of doing things. […]