Ask Leo! #374 – Going paperless, opening junk, sensitive trackpads, whether users are getting smarter, and more…

The Ask Leo! Newsletter

*** Featured

Should I really go paperless?

I recently heard from someone that they had essentially done the opposite of going paperless. They'd reverted from digital tools and gone back to paper for most of their tasks.

Needless to say, I had something to say on the topic. Smile

I think that there are some serious advantages to going digital if it's done properly. In fact, I'll give you three very specific reasons why digital is better than paper in many (if not most) situations. The first one is, to me, so compelling that it alone would be enough. (And if you're a regular reader, you'll recognize it immediately.)

I'll also discuss some situations where paper really is better.

But first, I have to include a disclaimer.

Continue reading: Should I really go paperless?
http://ask-leo.com/C5616

* * *

*** Answercast

Answercast #37 - Jumping mice, smarter users, malicious popups, deleting free space, Wi-Fi connections and more...

In this Answercast from Ask Leo!, we look at the difference between bits and bytes, why you shouldn't delete redistributables, jumping cursors, hooking up Wi-Fi, whether people are getting smarter, and much more.

Listen

Continue reading: Answercast #37 - Jumping mice, smarter users, malicious popups, deleting free space, Wi-F connections, and more...
http://ask-leo.com/C5608

Why is this download flagged as malware?
Sometimes, good software can be flagged as malicious... because it's been turned malicious! Pay attention to the source to make sure that you are getting the real thing..
Continue reading: Why is this download flagged as malware?
http://ask-leo.com/C5609

Can I get WiFi from my ISP's DSL connection?
To broadcast your DSL wirelessly, you will need to add the right equipment to your network.
Continue reading: Can I get WiFi from my ISP's DSL connection?
http://ask-leo.com/C5610

Can I delete extra copies of MSXML or C++ Redistributables?
Redistributable files may look like they are not being used. But if you delete them the results are often problematic.
Continue reading: Can I delete extra copies of MSXML or C++ Redistributables?
http://ask-leo.com/C5611

Would simply writing a large file overwrite deleted data?
Creating a large file and then deleting it overwrites anything on your computer's free space: but that's still not enough to protect yourself when giving away a computer.
Continue reading: Would simply writing a large file overwrite deleted data?
http://ask-leo.com/C5612

Why does my 14MB file not download in a second on my 14mbps connection?
There are a lot of factors involved in downloading a file to your computer. When adding it up, however, you need to know the difference between a bit and a byte.
Continue reading: Why does my 14MB file not download in a second on my 14mbps connection?
http://ask-leo.com/C5613

My email program won't receive after I dismissed a malicious pop-up. What do I do?
It's very likely that a pop-up got a toe-hold into your system and you'll need to take some steps against possible lingering malware.
Continue reading: My email program won't receive after I dismissed a malicious pop-up. What do I do?
http://ask-leo.com/C5614

Could my mouse trackpad be causing my cursor to jump around the screen?
A mouse jumping around, especially on a laptop, is often the touchpad somehow being touched. There are a few other things to look for as well.
Continue reading: Could my mouse trackpad be causing my cursor to jump around the screen?
http://ask-leo.com/C5615

Is it safe to open email that's in my junk mail folder?
There are two kinds of mail that can end up in your junk or spam folder. It's really best not to look at the bad stuff!
Continue reading: Is it safe to open email that's in my junk mail folder?
http://ask-leo.com/C5617

Are computer users getting smarter?
In general, people are becoming better informed, but what's happening is that more and more people are using more and more technology.
Continue reading: Are computer users getting smarter?
http://ask-leo.com/C5618

Why does my laptop run slower when it's not plugged in?
Power settings in a laptop will be in the Control Panel and also in the BIOS. Changing them requires checking both areas.
Continue reading: Why does my laptop run slower when it's not plugged in?
http://ask-leo.com/C5619

*** Our Sponsor

Keeping Your PC Fast & Secure

PC Matic is safe and simple to use software that automates the
regular maintenance necessary to keep your PC running like new.

Developed by PC Pitstop - relied on by millions of
computer users for award winning troubleshooting tools.

Start with a Free Diagnostic Scan Today!
https://cart.pcpitstop.com/go.asp?id=500140

Advertisement. Ask Leo about advertising here.

*** Last Issue's Articles

*** Word o' the Week

pots

POTS is an acronym for Plain Old Telephone System.

With all of the other forms of communications and connections that are in existence today, the plain old telephone voice line, or "POTS line", has in many ways remained unchanged for decades.

Word o' the Week features a computer term or acronym taken from the Ask Leo! Glossary. If there's a word you're not sure of and would like to see defined, click here to let me know.

*** Thoughts and Comments

Just a reminder - if Kindle's not your thing, or you'd just prefer a different format I've made Maintaining Windows 7 - Backing Up available in PDF and epub formats as well. If you buy the Kindle version you'll find those in the registered book owners website bonus page, but you can also purchase them directly.

Check out Maintaining Windows 7 - Backing Up for more information.

(Already purchased the book and wondering how to register? Check the table of contents at the front of the book. There's a chapter near the end that has the link to the registration page.)

'till next week...

Leo
Leo A. Notenboom
Facebook - YouTube
Twitter - Google+

*** Administration

Help Ask Leo! Just forward this message, in its entirety (but without your unsubscribe link below) to your friends. Or, just point them at http://newsletter.ask-leo.com for their own FREE subscription!

Need more help with or have questions about the newsletter? Check out the newsletter administration page.

Newsletter contents Copyright © 2012,
Leo A. Notenboom & Puget Sound Software, LLC.
Ask Leo! is a registered trademark ® of Puget Sound Software, LLC