Software

The pages on the PC Buyer Beware! website devoted to software-related topics

Software information: Windows – Programs, applications, freeware, shareware, tools – How to make restorable backups, system images, etc.

CONTENTS

Page 1 – Introduction to software
Page 2  – The history of Windows and 32-bit and 64-bit computing
Page 3 – Windows Vista, 7 and 8/8.1 and free tools
Page 4 – Office suites/desktop publishing software – free and paid-for
Page 5 – Photo and video-editing software
Page 6 – Video-editing and parental control software
Page 7 – Personal finance and accounting software
Page 8 – Internet/web browsers

Backup Methods: How to Make Restorable Backups and System Images

CONTENTS

Page 1 – Introduction – The main ways of storing backups and system images used by the home user.
Page 2 – The five golden rules for creating backups or system images – Also: Using Restore Previous Versions – Backing up and system-imaging in Windows 7, 8.1 and Windows 10.
Page 3 – Online backup services – Also: Using pre-encryption to protect backup files uploaded to cloud-storage services – Can a Windows backup or system image be restored to a different computer from the one it was taken from (created on)? – Backing up a webmail email account – Detailed information on backups and system images.
Page 4 – Advisable steps to take when creating backups and system images
Page 5 – When creating a system image using Backup and Restore, Windows 7/8.1/10 overwrites the previous system image

The standard BIOS and UEFI/EFI BIOS Used in Desktop and Laptop PCs

CONTENTS

Page 1 – Introduction to the BIOS/UEFI BIOS
Page 2 – Using the standard BIOS ID number…
Page 3 – The BIOS beep codes…
Page 4 – Shutting Windows 8.1/10 down completely in order to enter the BIOS
Page 5 – The UEFI/EFI BIOS – including reflashing/updating information
Page 6 – The standard BIOS – including reflashing/updating information
Page 7 – BIOSes are also capable of monitoring motherboard activities
Page 8 – The BIOS and overclocking
Page 9 – Common BIOS problems

How Microsoft Product Activation (MPA) Works in Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 SP1 & 8.1 & 10, Including Problems and Solutions

CONTENTS

All of the information provided here on Windows Product Activation is on a single page. Click a link to go to that specific information or scroll down the page.

  1. – Windows 10 Product Activation
  2. – Windows 8/8.1 Product Activation
  3. – Windows 7 SP1 Product Activation
  4. – Product Activation failed when a user tried to use Anytime Upgrade incorrectly to upgrade from Windows 7 Home Premium to Windows 7 Professional
  5. – Installed a Windows 7 Upgrade version but its Product Key doesn’t work
  6. – Product Activation: Further information

Windows XP, Vista, 7 SP1, 8.1 & 10 Device Manager: Information and solved problems

CONTENTS

All of the information provided here on the Device Manager is on a single page. Click a link to go to that specific information or scroll down the page.

  1. –  Introduction to the Device Manager
  2. – The Device Manager in Windows 10
  3.  – The Device Manager in Windows 8/8.1
  4. – The Device Manager in Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7 SP1
  5. – Windows Device Manager Error Code Lists
  6. – Problem: No devices listed in the Device Manager in Windows 7 Home Premium
  7. – Problem: The Device Manager won’t open
  8. – How to fix Device Manager hardware errors – A red cross (X) or a yellow exclamation mark (!) beside the device’s entry
  9. – Windows: Unsigned drivers