Save your files to This PC by default in Windows 10

Have you ever created a new file, edit photo or video then save it to Documents or Pictures and then when you looked for it you can't find the thing you just did.  It is frustrating.  After spending a lot of time looking for it, you find that is was saved to OneDrvie.  Windows 10 saved it there by default.  OneDrive is Microsoft's cloud storage.  OneDrive is great for sharing files between your phone and computer or computers but I really don't want files I create saved there but default.

Luckily, you can change that but Microsoft didn't make it easy or obvious.  Here is how you change it  so you and save files to your PC instead of the cloud.

1.  In the notification area at the bottom right of your desktop you can find the OneDrive Icon you may have to click on the "^", as I did here.

Now Right Click on the OneDrive Icon.

2.  When the following window appears click on "Settings"

3. Select the "Auto Save" Folder

4.  Click on the drop down boxes and select "This PC only." for both Documents and Pictures

Now when you create your document or edit a picture or video it will save to your computer.

Ransom Ware on Microsoft Edge

The other day I was helping Penny install a clean version of Windows 10 on her laptop.  After the installation was complete we needed to set up her Email in Microsoft Edge.  I made a search for the Outlook Email web site.  The query resulted in a number of different web sites and I didn’t examine them as closely as I should have and clicked on one.

Up came a web page window along with a window with a voice saying “Your system has reported a virus and you need to call this number immediately”  It would not allow me to “X” down Microsoft Edge and the computer was locked with the voice repeating that we needed to call that number.  I then used task manager to exit Microsoft Edge and got control of the computer back but when I launched Edge again it came up to the exact same web site with the annoying voice requesting I call the telephone number.

I have heard of a few people who have actually called the number provided them with a credit card to pay $500 to get the problem fixed.  One person managed to negotiate them down to $300 and another who paid the amount, got the computer fixed and then called Visa to have the transaction cancelled.

There is a wide variety of Ransom ware but here is how I fixed this one:

1.       To exit Microsoft Edge:

a.       While holding down the Ctrl and Shift key hit Esc

b.      When the task manager comes up select Microsoft Edge

c.       Then click “End Task”

2.       Where you see “Ask me anything” (Cortana)

a.       Type any web site e.g. google.com

b.      This will bring up Microsoft Edge in another tab.  The Ransom ware site is still in the first tab but your site will appear and you still have control of Edge

c.       Click on “…” ( Three Dots) in the top right corner

d.      Click on “Settings”

e.      Look for “Clear browsing data” and click on “Choose what to clear”

f.        Select every box and then hit “Clear”

3.       Close Microsoft Edge

Now when you bring Microsoft Edge up the Ransom ware web page will be gone.

Setting up Emergency Information on your Android Phone

Did you know, if you have an emergency situation where you are unable to communicate, your phone can be a life saver.  Anyone with access to your phone can call 911 even if your phone is locked.  First responders can call emergency contacts that you have set up.  Your Android phone makes it easy.  Here is how you can set it up:

1.        Go to settings and select “Users

2.       Select “Emergency Information” 

a.       From here “Info” you can provide medical information like Allergies and your medication

b.      Click on “Contacts”

Now click on “Add Contact”

c.       You can now select a family member or friend you would like to have contacted in case of emergency

Now, when your phone is locked, your medical information and contacts are accessible by First Responders.  It may save your life.

How to Wirelessly Cast Your Android Phone

Today, I had the privilege to present to the Port Perry Seniors Club. There were a surprising number of attendees looking to learn how to use their technology..  I did the entire presentation from my Android Phone ( a Nexus 5X ) and wirelessly projected it through my projector.  The class included both a Powerpoint Presentation and a functional demonstration of Android all from my phone.

As you may know, the recent versions of Android ( Marshmallow and Nougut ) have eliminated the ability to cast your device using the industry standard, Miracast.  And it turns out,  Chromecast doesn't support connection through my WiFi hotspost which I found strange since it works with any other standard wireless router.
  This called for a new solution.

So here is how I put it together:

1. I powered on my hotspot.
2.  I connected a $25 HooToo wireless extender to my hotspot.  This device is a router is really meant for people to who travel and spend times in hotels and want to have a secure device to extend the WiFi from the hotel.
3.  I wirelessly connected the Chromecast device to the HooToo router..
4,  I connected the phone to the HooToo router.

That allowed to me walk around during my presentation and pay attention to the audience and not have to be concerned with the technology.

Get help with Windows 10 - Quick Assist

Are your grandchildren your main access to technical support?  If you have Windows 10, they now don’t have to come to your home to help you out..  If you are having a problem with your computer, need to get the right app or simply adjust a setting to make using your computer easier for you to use. You can get that help very easily with a new feature in Windows 10 called “Quick Assist.”   Quick Assist is a very simple way to allow one of the grand kids, or maybe a technically savvy friend, to access your computer remotely and quickly fix the issue you are having.

Here is how it works: 

1.        Make a phone call to the person (helper) who is going to help and while you are speaking with them.

2.       Click on Start – Window Accessories – Quick Assist (or just type “quick assist” into Cortana and hit enter) The following screen will appear:

3.        Click on “Get assistance”  - you will now see this

 

    4.       Your helper will now, on her/his computer, will run “Quick Assist” and Click on “Give assistance.”  Your helper will see this”

.

            5.  When your helper tells you the security code – key the number in to where it says “Enter code” and then Click on “Allow”

.       

Your helper now has remote control of your computer.  You, also, can and use the computer to show the helper the trouble you are experiencing.  Either of you can stop sharing at any time by clicking on the “X” in this window:

Simple huh?

Making "OK Google" Available on Every Home Screen

I use “OK Google” on my Nexus 5X for everything from asking “What’s the score in the Blue Jays game?”, to Google searches, to sending SMS messages.  When I first purchased Nexus 5X, I found “OK Google” only on what I call the notification screen.  I really wanted to have it on every home screen and now I can.  It wasn’t easy, so, I thought I would share it with everyone else who would like to do this.

Here’s how:

1		2
Go to the notification screen (swipe from left to right at the home screen)  and Click on the Hamburger Menu.		Now Click on Settings
3		4
Click on Voice		Now Click on “OK Google” detection
5
Notice that it says “any Home Screen” So turn this switch on		You should now see the “OK Google” at the top of every Home Screen

Microsoft Releasing Anniversary Update

Microsoft will be releasing an Anniversary Update for Windows 10 on August 2, four days after the expiration of the free update from Windows 7 or 8.
Windows 10 has had excellent improvements over the past year and there is more to come with this new update including well needed improvements in Cortana and Microsoft Edge.  There will be major update for the Microsoft apps included with the OS.  These include enhancements to Groove Music, Photos and many others.
There is only 2 weeks left to upgrade to Windows 10.  If you can you should do it now.  You can always return to your previous version of Windows 7 or 8.