CompuClever Blog

4 Useful Tips for Improving Windows 10

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Microsoft is no longer offering Windows 10 as a free upgrade as of July 29th, 2016. If you have already upgraded to Windows 10 or have recently bought a computer device with the latest operating system from Microsoft, you need to know that the new operating system is missing some pretty important features. Here are four tips for improving the default Windows 10 installation.

Keep in mind that you can still upgrade to Windows 10 but you will have to pay the full cost.

Why upgrade?

Windows 10 is a dramatic improvement over Windows 8. The new OS not only looks nice, the desktop software is intended to seamlessly integrate with tablet apps.  CNN’s review of Windows 10 provides a quick snapshot of what’s new in Windows 10. As well, with the upcoming consumer release of the first service pack for the operating system it may be a good time to reconsider upgrading. On top of that, Microsoft will eventually stop issuing security patches for Windows 7 and 8, so you’re going to want to upgrade someday anyway.

If your PC is not powerful enough for Windows 10, don’t upgrade. However for everyone else now is the time to upgrade to Windows 10.

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My New PC Arrival

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What can compare to the feeling of getting a new PC? It’s like watching Tom Hanks in the movie “Big” when he spends a day in the toy department! While reasons for purchasing a new computer will differ from person to person, what remains constant is a level of excitement and anticipation that comes with getting it set up and putting it to use. With any level of excitement comes taking a few moments to take care of certain little necessities before rushing headlong into the fun. Ahhh adulthood!

Stages

We have come up with a list of items that we feel constitute the “necessities” of first running you brand new PC. In an attempt to make it easier for you we have broken these items into stages – that way it doesn’t seem overwhelming and tedious. We have also included an approximate time of completion. These may vary based on many factors but it is intended to give you an idea of what to expect. By having this information available you can determine how many items you can take on based on your schedule. If you want to bite the bullet and complete the tasks on the same day… go for it! Continue reading...

Windows 10 – How Many Stars Out of 10?

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We’re certain many PC users have been giving some thought to the tempting offer of upgrading to the new Windows 10 operating system while it is still free.  The question is: what are you getting with the latest – and possibly last – Windows operating system?  In our previous article on Windows 10 we covered an overview / introduction to the new system.  Here we are going to be as systematic as possible in assisting you to decide on whether it is right for you.  We want you to decide how good it is for you based on your present system.  And, we will be doing this using a Tech Support point of view.

Free for Now

So, for some PC users the Windows 10 upgrade is free at this time.  Microsoft is making…

…Windows 10 available as a free upgrade for compatible devices that are running genuine Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or Windows 8.1 Update.

The free upgrade is a full version of Windows (not a trial or introductory version) and is available until July 29, 2016. Once you upgrade, you’ll have Windows 10 for free on that device. [1]

If your computer is set to automatically download and install updates, there is likely a 3 GB file already stored on your computer to start the upgrade process. Continue reading...

Groovy Windows Shortcuts

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One of our top support technicians has passed on some very useful tips on Windows shortcuts that he wanted to share with our readership.  That spurred on some others of us here at CompuClever to chip in our favorites as well.  Here is what we have come up with. We hope these will help you to easily navigate the choppy waters of the Windows operating system.

The Windows operating system can be a maze of commands, and people new to Windows or to computers in general, can find it daunting.  As with anything though there are always some hidden tricks that make things easier so I thought we should shed some light on them to make using Windows less intimidating and let you wow your friends with your new nerdy skills.

The Windows Logo Key

PC computer keyboards come with a button that some of us at CompuClever were not 100% certain about in terms of functionality.  So we are all learning something new!  The Windows Logo button is between the Ctrl and Alt keys and has the Microsoft Windows “flag” on it.  We will refer to it as the Windows Windows logo key key or simply the Win key. Most of the Windows shortcuts introduced below involve this particular key. Continue reading...

Windows 10 and Antivirus

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During the launch event of our newly released security product –  CompuClever Antivirus PLUS 2016 back in August, many keen users have contacted us about Windows 10 support. I am very excited to announce, as of today, CompuClever Antivirus PLUS 2016 officially supports Windows 10.

>> Learn more about CompuClever Antivirus PLUS

Now, with Windows 10, Microsoft imposes stringent requirements for antivirus software to ensure they are fully compliant to the enhanced security Application Programming Interface (API) specification for Windows 10, AND that the antivirus program also contributes positively to the user experience especially in terms of impact to PC performance. CompuClever Antivirus PLUS 2016 fully meets these new and heightened standards. The antivirus software has been officially approved by Microsoft as being compatible with Windows 10.

>> CompuClever Antivirus PLUS 2016 Now Supports Windows 10

If you are upgrading to Windows 10, please be aware that Microsoft said: “If your anti-malware subscription is not current (expired), Windows will uninstall your application and enable Windows Defender”. We have expressed our concerns about Windows Defender stating that it is not the best antivirus protection you can get, free or paid, even according to PC Magazine.  We recommend anyone upgrading to Windows 10 should check what antivirus protection is running after making the switch. Continue reading...