Newsletter Archives

• Salvaging a fatally hacked PC

  Posted on March 14, 2022 at 02:44 CDT by Fred Langa • Comment in the Forums

  LANGALIST

  

  By Fred Langa

  A subscriber’s PC was commandeered by malware; even the administrator’s account is now inaccessible! How can this PC be safely returned to service, especially now that Windows 11 is closing some of the old back-door admin-access workarounds?

  Plus: Is Google’s Remote Desktop just another way for Google to snoop on us? Does using Remote Desktop create new privacy vulnerabilities?

  And: A question about analog versus digital audio in portable devices, and their relative effects on battery life.

  Read the full story in the AskWoody Plus Newsletter 19.11.0 (2022-03-14).

  AskWoody Plus Newsletter, LangaList AskWoody Plus Newsletter, Audio, Google Remote Desktop, LangaList, Remote Desktop Connection, System Recovery

• ‘Shell’ Extensions; Quick Assist; and moving a spinning HDD

  Posted on February 28, 2022 at 02:44 CST by Fred Langa • Comment in the Forums

  LANGALIST

  

  By Fred Langa

  It was another busy week for the AskWoody email servers, as your fellow subscribers sent in tips, observations, and questions covering a huge range of issues. Here are some of the most interesting!

  First up: An excellent tip involving another way to check for the cause of File Explorer malfunctions.

  Second: Remote Desktop’s gussied-up cousin, “Quick Assist.”

  And last: When you absolutely must, here’s how to safely move an active, spinning hard drive!

  Read the full story in the AskWoody Plus Newsletter 19.09.0 (2022-02-28).

  AskWoody Plus Newsletter, LangaList AskWoody Plus Newsletter, File Explorer, hard drive, LangaList, Quick Assist, Remote Desktop Connection

• New to “remote desktops?” Start here!

  Posted on February 14, 2022 at 02:44 CST by Fred Langa • Comment in the Forums

  LANGALIST

  

  By Fred Langa

  Previous columns discussed several remote desktops — software that lets you access and use a distant PC just as if you were sitting at its keyboard.

  Google’s Chrome Remote Desktop was the main focus because it’s much easier to configure and use than Windows’ built-in Remote Desktop Connection.

  However, if you’ve never used any remote-access tool before, some of the concepts and set-up steps may seem confusing at first.

  So, here’s additional information and a step-by-step guide to get you up and running with Chrome Remote Desktop!

  Read the full story in the AskWoody Plus Newsletter 19.07.0 (2022-02-14).

  AskWoody Plus Newsletter, LangaList AskWoody Plus Newsletter, Chrome Remote Desktop, LangaList, Remote Desktop Connection

• Readers speak: Remote Desktop options

  Posted on February 7, 2022 at 02:44 CST by Fred Langa • Comment in the Forums

  LANGALIST

  

  By Fred Langa

  A remote desktop connection lets you access and use a distant PC just as if you were sitting at its keyboard. It’s a great way to access your files and apps from anywhere, or to provide long-distance assistance to others.

  Last week’s column focused on the limitations of Windows’ built-in Remote Desktop Connection and on the strengths of Google’s free Remote Desktop.

  This week, your fellow AskWoody subscribers respond. Here’s a selection of their Remote Desktop–related tips, advice, and suggested alternatives!

  Read the full story in the AskWoody Plus Newsletter 19.06.0 (2022-02-07).

  AskWoody Plus Newsletter, LangaList AskWoody Plus Newsletter, LangaList, Remote Desktop Connection

• A better remote desktop connection

  Posted on January 31, 2022 at 02:45 CST by Fred Langa • Comment in the Forums

  ISSUE 19.05 • 2022-01-31

  LANGALIST

  

  By Fred Langa

  Alas, it’s not the one built into Windows.

  A remote desktop connection (RDC) lets you access and use a distant PC just as if you were sitting at its keyboard, whether that second device is in the next room or halfway around the world.

  For yourself, RDC provides a way to access files and apps from anywhere. Need something from your PC back home, when you’re on the road? No problem: Use RDC to connect and send yourself the files you need.

  Read the full story in the AskWoody Plus Newsletter 19.05.0 (2022-01-31).
  This story also appears in the AskWoody Free Newsletter 19.05.F (2022-01-31).

  AskWoody FREE Newsletter, AskWoody Plus Newsletter, LangaList AskWoody Plus Newsletter, LangaList, Remote Desktop Connection

• Windows 10 Quick Assist: Fast, simple, and free

  Posted on November 22, 2020 at 21:00 CST by Will Fastie • Comment in the Forums

  REMOTE ACCESS

  By Will Fastie

  There are many options for remotely controlling another PC. For Windows 10 users, it’s quick and easy.

  Almost two decades before the Internet made connectivity commonplace, programs emerged that allowed two computers to be linked, primarily via a direct PC-to-PC connection. Long-time PC users will recall, for example, Traveling Software’s ground-breaking LapLink software and cable.

  Read the full story in AskWoody Plus Newsletter 17.46.0 (2020-11-23).

  AskWoody Plus Newsletter, Remote Access AskWoody Plus Newsletter, Quick Assist, Remote control, Remote Desktop Connection, Tech support