Tired of the Windows 10 Update harassment? Read this.

http://goo.gl/hI5W4s

Android Home Screen Items

Here's an article from Drippler (a very good site to follow for information on your device - the site can be device-specific) regarding 12 things to put on your Android home screen.  I've tried about half of them, but will try the rest.  Let us know which ones you find useful.

http://goo.gl/FPI3WB

Modem Status

Here's an interesting link from How-to Geek today.  http://goo.gl/htzX29

If you ever wanted to know the status of your internet modem, here it is.

Install Windows 10 the Easy Way??

This post tells you how to do it - http://goo.gl/KLn5xx

Let us know if it really was easy.

Downloaders Beware

A story about blind downloading.

http://goo.gl/Sa6g7S

OMG! A MAC?

Well, I broke down the other day and bought a Mini Mac at Best Buy.  It was on sale - that's my excuse for purchasing at BB.  Otherwise, I'd have shopped elsewhere.

It's a nice learning curve for me.  During my "corporate days", I used Apple products most of the time.  They were provided by the Company, so I didn't have much say in the matter.  They were/are beautiful machines.  And, early on, they only way to get a good GUI device.  When I retired from the Company, I kept both my home computers - a PC AND a Mac.  Thought I could help someone with either product.  But, guess what?  When out in "the real world" no one could afford a Mac!  I eventually sold mine (can't remember now what it was).  PC software was cheaper and more easily obtained.  Read into that what you will.

Lately, I've had the chance to "try" to help a few people with their Mac's.  Problem is - they don't really know what the Mac will do; they just know it's supposed to be the best, and it's pricey.  I needed to learn Mac again (besides, learning something new is good for the mind).  The Mini was the least expensive way to go.  I bought the bottom of the line; so low, it's impossible to upgrade the memory (come on Apple, show a little kindness!).  But, I can upgrade the HD.  I'm now booting from a 1T SSD.  It's almost fast!!!!

I'm slowly getting most of my files and programs over to the Mac.  I even have an external data drive that can be accessed from a PC or the Mac.  Hope that doesn't cause problems with backups.  I'm finding some nifty widgets for the Mac, and even some of the Windows software I use, have Mac versions.

This posting is my first using the Mac - doesn't it look elegant?  I just took a picture of the "new" desktop.  Waiting ........

Here is is -

The Mini Mac is a small, albeit pretty, hunk of aluminum that fits nicely in the shelf below the monitor.  Consequently, my "mac" utilizes my Windows 10 monitor, keyboard, mouse, and track pad.  What could go wrong?

Sometimes a Little Rain Helps a Sunset

Another Wonderful Sunset

We are shown many great sunsets here in The Valley of the Sun.  Probably due to the dust in the air.  But, they are wonderful to see.

Beware of Free Driver Update Programs

Good advice here - http://www.howtogeek.com/233115/the-only-way-to-safely-update-your-hardware-drivers-on-windows/

Windows 10 Defender

Windows 10 includes a good malware program called Defender (aka Security Essentials); however, some tests indicate it might not be as good as another solution - Malwarebytes.  http://goo.gl/xk93mS

I think in previous versions of Windows, Defender would run along side of Malwarebytes, but in Windows 10, Defender is shut off if another malware program is installed.  The previous link (http://goo.gl/xk93mS) provides information regarding this fact.  It also mentioned the suggested use of Malwarebyte's Anti-Exploit program (free) as a worthwhile compliment to Defender.

In my system, I'm running both Malwarebytes Anti-Malware AND Anti-Exploit.  Seems to work very well.  Time will tell.  I'm following "howtogeek's" recommendations.

GCRVCUG Meeting

Our first gathering of the GCRVCUG is this Thursday. See the bulletin board for details.

We'll take a look at Windows 10. http://goo.gl/L8QnRx

New Season Starting

We'll have the first meeting of the GCRVCUG next Thursday at 9:30 am in the Prickly Pear Room. Now that more of you might be interested in Windows 10; let's do some show and tell on that product. See you there. Oh, last time I checked, the WIFI signal in that room is very strong. Bring your laptops, etc.

Two Great Links

Here are a couple of Windows 10 links that you might find very useful.

http://www.howtogeek.com/228570/10-quick-ways-to-speed-up-a-slow-windows-pc/

And, the more technical -

http://lifehacker.com/top-10-incredibly-useful-windows-programs-to-have-on-ha-1584009886/1730134751

The first link suggests ways to speed up your computer.  Some of these may benefit your computer greatly.  Give them a try.