What the Windows 11 operating system brings

This is what the Windows 11 operating system brings

Actually, Windows 10 was supposed to be the last operating system Microsoft was going to launch. Instead of a real Windows 10 successor, there were only to be updates, according to the company. But now everything has turned out quite differently. With the new Windows 11, Microsoft wants to erase all the errors and unpopularities of some of the predecessor systems and at the same time combine all the advantages from Windows 7 to Windows 10 in a compact way. Has it succeeded? We put the strengths and weaknesses through their paces!

What's new about the Windows 10 successor?

Windows 7 was one of the most popular operating systems. Its successor Windows 8, on the other hand, left some users in sheer despair. Above all, the Start menu with its dominant, screen-filling tiles was considered annoying by most. With the Windows 10 upgrade, the tiles were still there. But firstly, they were not as big, and secondly, the „small tiles“ could be removed with a few clicks in the context menu commands. Windows 11, on the other hand, now comes with a completely new user interface – without any tiles at all. The start menu floats above the taskbar and can also be placed in the middle of the desktop. Frequently used programmes, recently used files and system controls are clearly arranged in the upper area of the Start menu. Windows 11 does without the pre-installed Skype altogether; Microsoft Teams is favoured instead. The icons for programmes or the Start button can be placed on the user interface either in the middle of the taskbar or left-aligned – just as you prefer. Dark and light modes are still available for the screen. The distinctive Windows logo in the middle is now missing. Instead, Windows 11 comes with a new standard wallpaper. The widgets from Windows Vista are also new or revived. Here you can choose to have news from all over the world, exotic food trends or the current weather displayed as information snippets or in full-screen view. And: The widgets are open to developers, so that any programme can be integrated relatively easily.

Strengths and weaknesses of Windows 11

The new operating system is clearly more than a simple Windows 10 upgrade. But like everything new, the Windows 10 successor has its strengths and weaknesses. Where exactly the strengths and weaknesses lie:

Windows 11 plus points

  • Up-to-dateness: The operating system runs stably and noticeably faster than its predecessor. Both the task manager and the virus protection are state-of-the-art. Quick start mode, Explorer copy dialogue and engine as well as Windows X menu are practical tools.
  • Design: The centrally placed icons with rounded corners in the taskbar look modern. Unnecessary apps have disappeared from the user interface, the standard wallpaper as background gives a refreshing new image.
  • Freedom of choice: Some users may not like some of the visual innovations. No problem – almost everything can be deactivated and/or displayed and arranged as usual, as with older operating systems.
  • Speed: As already mentioned, Windows 11 is considerably faster than its predecessor. And this applies to the overall performance. Both programmes and applications such as YouTube or extensive websites can be opened and consumed smoothly. A new function also contributes to the speed: A warning is issued against programmes that start unnoticed in the background. They can then be deactivated by clicking on an automatic pop-up window and in the settings.
  • Window arrangement: As with Windows 7 and Windows 10 Upgrade from 2009 and 2015, windows can be dragged to the edge of the screen using „Aero Snap“ and fixed there with 50 percent screen size. With „Snap Assist“, other open windows can also be displayed in a large preview for the other 50 per cent of the screen. In addition, the windows can be scaled to 25 percent of the screen and dragged into a corner. By mouse-over over one of the windows, the programme displays useful options for the arrangement.
  • Animation: Arrangements with the operating system are animated and can be called up by key combinations:
  • Windows + D minimises all windows.
  • Windows + E opens Edge.
  • Windows + R activates a futuristic fly-in effect to open the Run dialogue.
  • Windows + X makes the context menu of a button pop up.
  • Context menus: With keyboard shortcuts or a right mouse click, the context menu appears in a free space on the desktop. New are the large buttons and the icons that can be cut, copied, renamed, shared or deleted. The context menu command „Copy as path“ is practical and can be used to quickly click to preferred pages. The option „Show more options“ in all context menus can be used to call up the classic context menu.
  • Edge: Internet Explorer can still be found in the Program Files. However, Chromium Edge, the highest-quality browser to date, is activated.
  • Boot sound: Users of Windows 7 still know it: the melody that sounds when logging into a user account. With the new operating system, this boot sound is back – but a little more restrained and backgrounded.
  • Windows Terminal: This tool combines three important functions: the command line, PowerShell and the Azure Cloud Shell. Ideal for executing quick commands in alternation.
  • Costs: Windows 11 is free for Windows 10 users.

Windows 11 disadvantages

  • Positioning: Unfortunately, the taskbar cannot be positioned arbitrarily. Only the bottom edge of the screen is available.
  • Hardware requirements: If you want to work with Windows 11, you need a newer PC model. The hardware should in any case meet the following requirements:
  • CPU with dual-core model, at least 1 gigahertz
  • 4 gigabytes of RAM
  • 64 gigabytes of available (SSD) storage space
  • DirectX 12 supporting graphics card
  • WDDM 2.0 driver
  • UEFI mode for booting
  • Monitor with HD-ready 720p resolution
  • TPM-2 chip (Trusted Platform Module)
  • only the latest processors as command receivers
  • Online account: Those who want to install Windows 11 on their PC must first create an online user account.

Tip: In initial tests, certain keywords have so far made it possible to use the system without an online account by means of a trick. To log in, enter words such as „spammer“, „scammer“, „billgates“ or „elonmusk“. When prompted for a password, anything can then be entered. A problem message will appear that an incorrect password has been entered too often. Then an input field appears for the account name of a local account with which the existing account can be accessed.

  • Ribbons: The conspicuously wide control elements have disappeared from the file manager in Windows 11.
  • Data backup: Not much has changed here. The imager from Windows 7 is still built in for backing up the operating system. In the past – especially under Windows 10 – the backup often led to problems.
  • Animations: Some think it’s great – others are annoyed by menus that open animated with special effects. Being able to activate or deactivate them separately does not seem to be provided for.
  • Duplicate programmes: With Windows 11, you can use two pre-installed apps for listening at once: „Groove Music“ and Windows Media Player (WMP) 12. Both programmes provide roughly the same functions, but take up unnecessary memory.
  • DVD playback: Since Windows 8, the MPEG-2 codec has disappeared – and has still not reappeared in Windows 11. It’s a pity, because it doesn’t allow DVD playback.
  • Boot sound: OK, above the starter melody was still considered a plus point. At the same time, however, the sound can get on your nerves after a while. The good thing, however, is that it can be deactivated in the system control with the search word „sound“ and the command „Change system sounds“.
  • Explorer: As described above, Internet Explorer still exists in the system. However, if you want to use it, Edge opens automatically. The problem: If the Microsoft browser is damaged, Explorer cannot be opened as an alternative.
  • Desktop wallpapers: Fans of wallpapers as desktop backgrounds were still happy about the possibility to change the motif cyclically under Windows 7. Windows 11 hardly offers this option any more. As with Windows 10, only 6 swap cycles are possible.

Header image: © Rawf8, stock.adobe.com

by Blitzhandel24

PDF Password: How to remove it

PDF password: How to remove it

Some PDFs are already protected with a password by the sender. If you do not know this password, you cannot read the document. But every now and then you also want to protect sensitive documents that you send in PDF format with a password so that they are safe from unauthorised access. Good PDF converters make this step easy. But how can you remove the PDF password once it has been set? We show it step by step.

How to remove the PDF password in Windows

By its very nature, a file that is password protected can only be opened if the password is known. And only then can the protection be removed, for example to print the document or make changes to it.

Here's how it works:

  • Open PDF file
  • Enter password
  • Click on the "Print" option and select "Print to PDF"
  • Windows 10 offers the option directly with the command "Microsoft Print to PDF"
  • Confirm
  • Select the destination folder for the file
  • "Click "Save

This automatically creates a copy of the file, which you can save without password protection.

The steps for Mac users

Via the browser, removing the PDF password also works with the „Print to PDF“ command, just like on Windows computers:

  • Open PDF
  • Enter password
  • "Select "Print
  • Select "Save as PDF" from the drop-down menu in the bottom left-hand corner
  • Select destination
  • Confirm

An even easier alternative is to open the encrypted PDF with „Preview“. After entering the password, select „File“ in the menu bar, then click on „Export as PDF“ in the submenu. Search for a storage location, confirm – done!

Can the PDF password also be removed on the smartphone?

Sure, mobile phones also offer possibilities in this regard. However, a distinction must be made between Android and iOS (iPhone):

Android:

  • First, install an appropriate app such as Google PDF Viewer or PDF Utilities.
  • Enter the PDF and decrypt it with a password.
  • Then create an unencrypted copy with "Print to PDF" as described above.

iOS:

  • Open PDF
  • Select "Share" icon
  • Tap the "Print" function
  • In the print preview, tap the "Share" icon again
  • Select the target volume for the copy
  • Confirm

Use PDF software

In order to be able to create a PDF at all, you first need a PDF converter. With such a PDF software, you can not only add a PDF password to documents, but also easily remove it again. Adobe Acrobat 2020 is at the top of the class here, allowing MIP-protected files to be opened under Windows and Mac. After the security systems AIP (Azure Information Protection) and Information Protection for Office 365, MIP (Microsoft Information Protection) is considered absolutely secure protection for sensitive documents and data in PDF format. Adobe Acrobat 2020 (as well as Acrobat Reader 2020) automatically detects if a file is MIP-protected. Users are then automatically prompted to download and install a plug-in from the Adobe help page. This then allows corresponding files that are protected with a PDF password to be opened without any problems.

For Adobe Acrobat DC users

Many users also use the PDF software Adobe Acrobat DC. With this, it is possible to remove the PDF password in just three steps:

  1. Open PDF file
  2. In the security settings, select "Tools", then in the submenu select "Protect", "More options" and "Remove security settings".
  3. Depending on the type of protection, you can now remove the password with a simple click on "OK". Or a prompt appears to enter the password, which one must confirm twice with "OK".

Online tools for removing the PDF password

Those who do not want to or cannot carry out the steps described above also have the option of reading and editing password-protected documents online . Online PDF softwares such as PDF24 or PDFCreator allow you to copy the protected document to the website. Then all that needs to be done is to enter the password, and seconds later a copy of the document is created without password protection.

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by Blitzhandel24

Kaspersky Virus Protection: How to enter the activation code

Kaspersky antivirus: How to enter the activation code

The horror scenario for every computer user: You turn on your PC in the morning and nothing happens! Or – even worse – a message appears saying that the computer has been hacked and that you can only get your data back by paying a ransom. These are only two of the countless possibilities that Trojan viruses and other malware can trigger. Kaspersky virus protection, which surrounds the computer like the walls of a medieval castle, can help.

What is Kaspersky virus protection?

Basically, every computer has vulnerabilities through which hackers can introduce their viruses. Just being connected to the Internet can be a vulnerability without adequate protection. But even malware that is either loaded via the network or fed onto the hard disk via data carriers can destroy all data at once or render parts of the computer unusable. For this reason, it is imperative that every PC user has up-to-date software for Virus protection software installed. Kaspersky virus protection has proven to be the leading programme in this area. The software successfully fends off attacks by viruses, malware and Internet dangers such as dangerous websites and phishing attempts.

This is what the software contains:

  • Virus protection: In addition to a virus scanner, the programme also offers real-time protection that detects and removes viruses and Trojans before they can penetrate the computer's system.
  • Firewall: The firewall included in the version Kaspersky Total Security 2021 version analyses data traffic and protects IT systems securely against attacks or unauthorised access
  • VPN: Kaspersky Total Security 2021 also includes a VPN that allows you to surf the internet anonymously, for example for protection when using an unsecured network.
  • Special features: The virus protection programme from Kaspersky also scores with extras such as parental control, vulnerability scanner, spam filter, update assistant, game mode, filter for search results, protection for online banking, password manager and a filter for advertising.

Virus protection with Kaspersky requires an activation code

In order to use Kaspersky’s virus protection, you must first enter a 20-digit activation code. Two methods are available for this:

Enter activation code during installation

  • The first thing to do is to check that the PC has the correct date. Only then should you enter the code in the window that opens during the installation.
  • After entering the code in the corresponding fields, click on the button "Activate".
  • If a message appears stating that the software has been successfully activated, click the "Finish" button.
  • The Kaspersky Anti-Virus Licensing window appears. Details on the activation of the software are displayed here, which you can follow step by step.

Activation after installation

  • The first step is to launch the Kaspersky Anti-Virus application.
  • Then select the option "Enter activation code" in the lower right area.
  • The "Licence management" window appears, here you must select the "Activate programme" item.
  • The Kaspersky Anti-Virus activation window opens. To activate, proceed as described above.

Avast Premium Security 2020

The second antivirus software we would like to introduce today is Avast Premium Security 2020. The paid version includes all the features you might already be used to with the free version, plus those of Avast Internet Security. This includes:

  • Antispam filter: It detects unwanted emails and denies them access to the mail programme.
  • Firewall: With this software, protection can be controlled directly from the user interface.
  • Automatic programme updater: which always uses the latest version.
  • Real-time protection: With it, one can monitor all activities of the computer such as running programmes and files in real time.
  • FileRep and WebRep: These features check files and websites against databases. If something is not trustworthy, the software informs you immediately.
  • Virus Container: This is an isolated area on the hard disk where suspicious or dangerous files are safely stored.

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by Blitzhandel24

EaseUs Todo Backup: How to back up your files

EaseUs Todo Backup: How to secure your files

Suddenly the desktop goes dark, the PC won’t boot up. Or you overwrite an important document and don’t rename it. Or a virus eats through the most important data and destroys it. Or … the possibilities of losing important files are manifold. How are you supposed to restore them if no regular data backup was made beforehand? Often this does not work at all – and this can have fatal consequences. The good advice: regularly make a data backup with a backup on your PC or, even better, with top software such as EaseUs Todo Backup for example.

This is why data is lost

Starting with the Windows 7 operating system, the computer automatically creates a data backup on a regular basis, thus acting almost like a kind of automatic backup. Nevertheless, it can quickly happen that important files are lost. The most common reasons for this are:

  1. Technical problems: Older hard disk drives (HDD) in particular wear out over time. The danger is no longer so acute with modern SSD hard disks, but data loss can occur there too. For example, due to demagnetisation or sudden power interruption. According to the manufacturer, hard disks generally have a maximum lifespan of 10 years. Without regular data backups, it is difficult to restore sensitive files afterwards. Suitable data backup software such as EaseUs Todo Backup is therefore essential.
  2. Human error: Shocks, for example if the laptop or external hard drive is dropped, but also liquids that penetrate the inside of the computer - such as a spilled coffee - quickly lead to data loss. It is not uncommon for files to be accidentally deleted, overwritten and incorrectly formatted. Another source of error is the accidental download of malware such as viruses or ransomware.
  3. Force majeure: No one is protected from unforeseeable events such as water damage, fire or earthquakes. The risk of suffering a data loss as a result can be reduced by regular backups and a data backup using the cloud or EaseUs Todo Backup.
  4. Theft: In fact, it is not at all uncommon, especially in professional life, for hackers to steal data. A good firewall, careful handling of files and regular data backups help to prevent this.

Backing up files with Backup PC and EaseUs Todo Backup

Computers running the Windows 7 operating system or higher automatically create a backup as Backup PC . Another option is to regularly back up files by using a special Backup PC is used like a kind of external hard drive. All „work computers“ are then connected to this computer and the data backup takes place automatically.

EaseUs Todo Backup Instructions

Regular data backup is much easier and more convenient with EaseUs Todo Backup.

This is how it is done:

  • First, Todo Backup is downloaded as an installation file from the manufacturer's website.
  • Then you select the hard disk that you want to back up.
  • Next, you specify the storage location. You can choose the default function "hard disk" or select a storage location that is not directly on the PC, such as a USB stick or an external hard disk. Alternatively, a cloud storage can be specified as the storage location.
  • When the programme is started, EaseUs Todo Backup offers the following options:
    • Drive/Partition Backup
    • File backup
    • System backup
    • Smart-Backup
    • Clonesn
    • System clone
  • If you want to create a simple backup copy of the Windows operating system with all its files, just click on "System backup". The software then automatically selects the correct partition.
  • "Smart-Backup", on the other hand, regularly backs up the data that has been changed and newly added at predefined times. For example, always on Fridays after work at 6 pm.
  • A time when the PC is not in use is ideal for the backup, as the process can take some time. Depending on the selection made beforehand, the PC either shuts down after the backup or switches to energy-saving mode.
  • It is advisable to make another selection beforehand. Depending on what is required, the functions "full backup", "incremental" and "differential backup " are available.

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by Blitzhandel24

Word 2019: Inserting and removing a watermark

Word 2019: Inserting and removing a watermark

If we are working on Word 2019 talk about watermarks, we don’t mean the images that shine through like on banknotes, the copyright notice on pictures from the Internet, or certificates. Rather, we are talking about a text, graphic or other element that is visibly located behind the body text of a document. This is used, for example, to indicate statuses such as „urgent“, „copy“ or „draft“ in the document. In Word 2019, a watermark can also be a personal signature or simply an additional stylistic device. We explain how to insert such a watermark and, if necessary, how to remove it again here.

Insert watermark in Word 2019

Inserting a watermark in Word 2019 or even Word 2016 is quite easy. Once the relevant Word document that is to receive a signature or status indication is open, the first step is to click on the „Draft“ tab in the menu.

Word 2019

In the „Page background“ area on the far right, now select the „Watermark“ field.

Word 2016

Here you can click directly on the item „Watermark“ in the bar that appears on the left. Then proceed in the same way for both versions.

After clicking, both Word 2019 and Word 2016 already have several watermarks to choose from. If the right one is already there, simply click on it and it will appear in the background on every page of the document. If you want to create your own personal watermark in Word 2019 or Word 2016 click on the tab „User-defined watermark…“. The dialogue window „Printed watermark“ opens, in which the option „Text watermark“ must be selected. In the text input field „Example“ you can now enter your own text for the watermark. Below this are some layout options such as font, size, colour and layout (diagonal/horizontal) with which you can further individualise the watermark.

How to remove the watermark in Word 2019

However, it may also be that the watermark document has become unnecessary. For example, if the document is no longer a draft. Or you want to send a text without your own watermark in the background. Then it makes sense to be able to remove the watermark again.

To do this, proceed as follows:

  • First open the corresponding document again.
  • Select the "Draft" tab.
  • In the "Page background" area, click on "Watermark" again.
  • Select "Remove watermark" in the lower area.

Tip: Sometimes it can happen that the watermark is still partially or completely visible on the document. It may then be part of the header. In this case, simply double-click the top of the document to activate it and then follow the steps above.

Watermark still showing on Word 2019 document?

Then the element in question is probably a partially transparent background graphic. And it was obviously not inserted via the watermark function as described above. In this case, you can try to remove the graphic by right-clicking on the corresponding document. Now select „Format graphic“ in the window, then right-click „Delete“ again.

Does this also work with pictures?

Sure, pictures can also be installed as watermarks in the background of a text.

  1. To do this, first click the "Design" tab as usual and then the "Watermark" button. Then select the tab "User-defined watermark..." this time.
  2. The dialogue window "Printed watermark" opens. In this case, activate the option "Image watermark". The button "Select image..." appears directly below.
  3. Click on it and the window "Insert images" opens. Now select the button "Browse" under the option "From a file". Now a picture or graphic can be selected from the hard disk of the PC, which is simply clicked on and then activated with the command "Insert" and "OK".

Tip: In the dialogue window „Printed watermark“ under the option „Image watermark“, the image can be made larger or smaller as well as more or less contrasty using the functions „Scale“ and „Wash out“.

Header image: © Web Buttons Inc, stock.adobe.com

by Blitzhandel24

Instructions: Create a backup - now work safely at home!

Instructions: Create a backup - now work safely at home!

Especially in times of the home office, purely private data such as pictures, e-mails or music collections are joined by business data, which is indispensable for a smooth, optimised workflow. And what if there is a crash? Then everyone who does at least part of their job at home will be in trouble! So it’s high time for a professional backup – here’s how!

Definition: Data backup

The hard disk of a computer stores all data. But also the browser favourites and especially the access data to the computer are stored here. In the course of time, a veritable data library is created at the heart of the computer. Practical on the one hand – but risky on the other. Unfortunately, the hard disk also has a limited lifespan. Malfunctions and defects can occur, data can be lost or the computer can simply no longer be started.

Caution: Danger

Another danger to sensitive data is malware, such as a computer virus or ransomware, which will not release data until a ransomis paid. Due to so many possibilities of data loss, it is essential to make a regular backup on two independently operating storage media. How often this data backup should take place depends, among other things, on the frequency with which data is changed. In the home office, with its constant workflow, a daily data backup is recommended. With a backup, a copy of all data is made manually or by means of suitable software. This is done with the help of an external storage medium, such as an external hard drive. From there, a so-called data recovery is possible at any time.

Backup methods

Basically, there are several methods available for backing up data – and each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Manual backup:

This option is inexpensive but requires a bit of discipline. In any case, it should be done every time data is changed or new data is added. Tip: With a tightly timed, regular schedule, it is often easier to maintain this discipline . Procedure: First, a data carrier (external hard drive) with sufficient storage volume is connected to the computer. Then copy the data from the source data carrier (the computer’s hard disk) to this external hard disk. Disadvantage: As a rule, the computer’s system data cannot be backed up with the manual backup.

Semi-automatic backup:

Here, software is used that even backs up the entire system, depending on the version. Another option is to back up specific files or folder structures. Procedure: Again, an external data carrier (hard disk or DVD) is connected to the computer. Alternatively, the data can also be saved under a network address (cloud). For the backup of the data, a time must be specified at which the programme is to carry out the backup. Tip: Do not specify the time during normal working hours, as the data backup may require a high level of computer performance.

Fully automatic data backup:

For this, appropriate backup software is set up only once. The programme then creates backups independently in the specified period and according to the desired frequency. Procedure: Connect an external data carrier as usual, then install the software. Now enter when and how often the programme should make the backups. In most cases, you can also set up certain types of backups. Advantage: With the fully automatic data backup, the software does everything by itself, including the system backup.

Suitable backup programmes

AOMEI Backupper Professional

AOMEI Backupper Professional enables backups of hard disks, individual folders or files as well as the complete system. The programme is time or event controlled and can even delete outdated backup folders on its own.

Stellar Photo Recovery

With Stellar Photo Recovery you can recover damaged, deleted or lost photos as well as music and video files. The programme can recover data on internal as well as external drives, CDs, DVDs or memory cards.

Header image: © onephoto, stock.adobe.com

by Blitzhandel24