So you want to buy a new computer with Windows 7? Good Luck

Actually, it is not that hard if you want to any research on the process.  Check out this insightful article from PCWorld on the process here.  Before you do make that jump, make sure you really want to go through the process.  Here's another article on things you need to consider if you decide to downgrade a computer with Windows 8 to Windows 7, in case you cannot find that new computer with Windows 7

God Mode returns to Windows 8

You wouldn't know it by looking at the Desktop or Start screen, but Windows 8 practically bristles with settings you can customize. The problem is that they're scattered throughout Windows 8, and it can be time-consuming to track them down individually.

However, there is one way to find them all in one place: You can use what some people call "God Mode." While the term "God Mode" has a powerful ring to it, the truth is it's not a separate mode that you put Windows into. It's really a hidden folder that gives you fast access to many settings spread out across Windows 8.  It was initially discovered with Windows 7, but it is back for Windows 8.  It's easy to put that folder right on the Desktop.

First, make sure that you can view hidden files in File Explorer, the system navigation app that in earlier versions of Windows was called Windows Explorer. Run File Explorer, click the View tab, and check the boxes next to "Hidden items" and "File name extensions" in the Ribbon at the top.

Then right-click the Desktop and select New --> Folder. That creates a folder on the Desktop named "New folder." Rename the folder:

GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

The GodMode folder on the Desktop.

The folder icon changes, and it has the name GodMode.

(Note that the "GodMode" text isn't what turns the folder into a special folder; instead, it's that long string of letters and numbers inside the curly brackets. You can use any text you want before the period just ahead of the opening bracket, and it still points to the same folder and everything works the same.)

Double-click the icon, and you'll launch a folder filled with dozens of actions, tools and tweaks, from "Change Automatic Maintenance settings" to "View update history." They're organized by category. Expand or shrink each category by clicking the small triangle next to it. Each category displays a number next to it, showing how many settings there are in it.

"God Mode" offers a plethora of settings and actions. Click to view larger image.

To start any action or tweak, double-click it in the list. In some cases you'll follow a wizard, in other cases you'll need to fill in dialog boxes, and in yet other cases you'll be sent to the Control Panel or another Windows location to do the work.

Tip to keep you from breaking your laptop AC plug

Quite simply, when you move your laptop around your house, unplug the charger.  It is very frequent that individuals will "bump" or "knock" the plug off the corner of a wall or the like.  Any kind of torque on that plug while it is still plugged into the laptop can easily result in a broken AC powr jack or Charger itself.  It's a simple thing to do to prevent heartaches in repair.    I've seen repeatedly people moving around with the plug hanging off the laptop.  This is why I am a big fan of Apple's Magsafe plugs.  They simply fall off, no way to break the darn thing.

Please Backup your data....If I have to do it, things aren't looking good.

Over the years, the biggest disappointments that I have to deal with, is the loss of data.  Virus, dead hard drive, you name the cause, it doesn't matter.  If you have critical information on your computer, please back it up.  How?  Well there are many solutions.  If you check with the links on the left side of the site, you will see a section dedicated to the art of backing up your computer.  Flash Drive, External Drive, the cloud or DVD's, it does not matter ultimately as long as you have a backup.  If your computer fails, you must realize that you are at the mercy of the computer gods.  There are no guarantees of recovery, so recover before you have to recover....if you follow, lol.

New Twist on FBI Ransomware Virus

Hopefully you have never encountered this nasty virus.  I say nasty because it really does lock down your system and causes hell of the highest order.  Initial strains of the virus were easy to defeat.  Boot into safe mode, download a recent copy of RogueKiller and it's gone.  Well, today, I had the unique pleasure of finding out new strains will not allow you to boot into Safe Mode.  Actually it does, but the moment the desktop starts, the virus initiates a shutdown.  For those who encounter this, yes, there is a solution.  Check out this link for various ways to strike back.  In the future, lay off the porn......yeah, I know you werent watching any.....

Auslogics Disk Defrag v. Defraggler....It's not even close

For those who have a passion for defragging their hard drive (Remember, no need to defrag an SSD Drive), I used to recommend two Defragmenters for the job.  Defraggler and Auslogics Disc Defrag.  Well, it's not a competition anymore.  Auslogics Disc Defrag is the one you should use.  Both do the job, but some unforgivable reason, Defraggler can take HOURS to complete, while Auslogics can finish the job in literally minutes.  I have no idea why the disparity in execution time exists, but it does and is almost unforgivable, at least to me.  This article came to mind as I sit her defragging a drive.