Patti's Pathways

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A Tale of Two Mice

It takes a lot these days to agitate me enough to write a blog; there’s so many more dire things happening in the world right now that I hate to be petty.

But I have a tale to tell. A tale of two mice.

The Corsair M65 PRO RGB sold for $58.95 when purchased the end of December 2019.

The Logitech G502 sold for $53.93 when we purchased it in mid-September 2019.

  The person using these mice lives on…

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When Windows Updates Your Graphic Drivers

When Windows Updates Your Graphic Drivers

Years ago I found a fix for OpenGL issues in Windows 8, 8.1, and 10. This mostly affects people who enjoy games like Minecraft that utilize OpenGL.

Recently,  Windows 10 — it has a mind of its own, you know — covertly updated my tweaked graphics drivers to what Microsoft thinks I want. Not good because it rendered my OpenGL games unusable… again.

I know, right? So frustrating.

But I’m happy to…

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The True Value of Readers

The True Value of Readers

If you’ve been following my blog, you know one of my current challenges is getting Windows 8 to play nice with me so I can upgrade to Windows 8.1 then on to my ultimate goal: Windows 10.

Because of this, I’m not able to actually test drive a Windows 10 OpenGL fix so I asked my readers who had Windows 10, and had used my OpenGL fix successfully, to assist a fellow reader.

I’m not sure the trouble…

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Windows 10 Free Download

Windows 10 Free Download

On July 29 2015, Microsoft unveiled Windows 10. No, I don’t have my copy because I’m still struggling with the dreaded 0x.80070002 error. But just in case you aren’t, but don’t see the free update icon, here’s a helpful article from Microsoft.

Some Info on the New Windows 10:

Windows 10 download is free to “qualifying users of Windows 7, Windows 8 and 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Phone.

“What?” you ask,…

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Scammers are freezing iPad and iPhone browsers

Those pesky scammers are at it again. Breaking your stuff and then charging you to fix it.

Be one of the informed, and don’t fall for it.

If you see this, be warned

For the entire article, click here. Don’t fall prey.

Have a great summer.

.

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Securing Your Online Information

Securing Your Online Information

I had coffee recently with a super fun group of ladies. The topic came up about personal information available on the internet when one mentioned she’d received an email from Facebook asking for her phone number. She ID’d it as a scam and deleted it. I believe it was probably a legit email, but it never hurts to be careful.

That discussion, and a request from a dear friend, warranted a blog about…

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Battling Influenza

I’ve been out fighting a form of Influenza. Don’t know which numbers and letters—N3H2, N1H1…A, B—but it was a hard-fought battle and I remained victorious.

Thankfully it wasn’t a life or death struggle. I was blessed to not develop any bacterial infections. I’d like to think it’s because I’m a preventative kind of person, but it might just be dumb luck.

I know you’re asking why I didn’t get an…

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Tax Time 2015

I’m recycling a past blog as the timing is right for it.

Remember there are a lot of telephone scams that sound legit. Be safe everyone.

Click this link to read all about it.

Scammers Posing as the IRS

Have a fantastic rest of the week, and thanks again for following Patti’s Pathways.

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Facebook: More Cool Features

Facebook: More Cool Features

After reviewing items for a previous Facebook blog, I realized there are more Facebook features people might appreciate. Today our feature presentation will be the Save option. Grab a bag of popcorn, dim the lights, sit back, and enjoy.

Facebook’s Save Feature:

Did you know you can save posts on Facebook similar to bookmarking pages in an internet browser?

Here’s how.

First, a post has to have a…

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Setting Default Programs

Finally, we’re talking about setting default programs. Thanks for being so patient.

Every computer application has a designated program that opens it. Most of these are set to a default when you load or download the program.

What’s a computer application? A computer application is software that lets you perform a basic task (or sometimes not so basic).

Examples of computer applications are word…

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Finding and Setting Browser Downloads

Finding and Setting Browser Downloads

Today’s blog topic started as changing default programs. Then I realized saving images and files was intertwined with the topic, and that’s an entire lesson in itself.

So today’s blog has morphed into Finding and Setting Browser Downloads. In the next blog we’ll tackle changing our default programs in Windows.

Browser Downloads

Remember when  you saved a downloaded picture or file, and it…

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Faster Computing: Startup Programs

Faster Computing: Startup Programs

Since it’s still early in the year, we’re continuing our journey into making your computer run faster, smoother, and just happier in general.

Today we’re talking about the programs that load when you start your computer.

 Psst. Computer savvy people. This might bore you. Come back later, but… y’all come back now, ya’ hear?

There are a lot…a lot…of program downloads that stick a command to start…

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To Shred or Not to Shred

To Shred or Not to Shred

We’ve just started a new year. Now is a great time to sort and shred miscellaneous documents and bills you won’t need any longer.

The big question is what needs shredded versus what can be safely recycled?

Psst. Notice I said recycle and not pitch in the garbage bin. Learn from that. *wink* Recycling is easier than ever.

WHAT CAN SAFELY BE RECYCLE WITHOUT SHREDDING

There’s a lot of things that…

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Food Additives and Preservatives

Food Additives and Preservatives

I’m straying far from my computer how-to genre this week. Bear with me. It’s for your own good. Yes, I do sound like your mother. But, it’s a new year, and a great time to think about your health.

Fifty years ago, there was no need to worry about what was in our food. Much of the food came from nearby farms or cities, plus not many  preservatives or additives were used.

Go into any grocery store…

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Creating the Safest Passwords Revisited

Creating the Safest Passwords Revisited

Yep. It’s that time of year again. The time of year for New Year’s resolutions.

One of yours should include safe computing. In today’s blog, we’re revisiting the creation of safe passwords. I have some great tips to make your password names more secure, and how to make remembering all those pesky passwords easier. Click the link below to learn more.

Creating the Safest Passwords

Have a safe and…

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New Year's Computer Clean Up Resolution

New Year’s Computer Clean Up Resolution

Welcome 2015 with a Faster, Cleaner, More Cooperative Computer

I don’t mean with a new computer, but if you got one for Christmas… Booya! to you. I’m talking about cleaning the crapware and extra programs from your good old ancient PC or laptop hard drive. It’ll run faster and better. Trust me. You’ll like it.

Between computer geeks I know and online gurus, I’ve got a few great suggestions for…

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Cell Phones for Teens and Tweens

Cell Phones for Teens and Tweens

Since the holidays are gift giving at its best, I know a lot of teens and tweens will be receiving cellphones.

Parents, aunts, and uncles…listen up!

Here’s a few important things to consider before gifting a cellphone.

This post is going to make me quite unpopular with the younger crowd, but I’d rather that than have them in danger. As their parent, you should be in this mindset also. If you…

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