UP

Security

What is an antivirus or security suite? How do you use your computers and devices, safely? How do you protect your privacy?

tutorial How to Use Windows Update from Windows 8.1's PC Settings

How to Use Windows Update from Windows 8.1's PC Settings

In Windows 8.1 there are two Windows Update tools: one available from the Desktop (which hasn't changed since Windows 7) and one in PC Settings, that's optimized for users with touch devices. When using the PC Settings version, you can view information about available updates, check for new updates manually, install those that are available, view your update history, and choose how updates get
tutorial How to Upgrade a Local Account to a Microsoft Account in Windows 8.1

How to Upgrade a Local Account to a Microsoft Account in Windows 8.1

As even the newest users to Windows 8.1 will quickly discover, Microsoft's newest operating system offers a choice of account types that you can use to log in. A local account works like a typical user account from any older version of Windows, while a Microsoft account offers a bunch of new and useful features that help you get more from Windows 8.1. Many
tutorial Introducing Windows 8.1: Should You Use a Local or a Microsoft Account?

Introducing Windows 8.1: Should You Use a Local or a Microsoft Account?

Windows 8.1 offers you a choice that has not been available in older versions of Windows. Right from the start, before you even log in and see the operating system's interface, you'll have to choose whether you want to log in using a local account or a Microsoft account. Users who don't plan on taking advantage of the new Windows 8.1 apps and don't
tutorial Introducing Windows 8.1: How to Add, Create & Switch User Accounts

Introducing Windows 8.1: How to Add, Create & Switch User Accounts

When you install or use Windows 8.1 for the first time, the first procedure the operating system will walk you through is the one of creating your primary user account. In most cases, this will be the main account that you will use. There are, however, cases when you need to configure additional user accounts, for other family members or friends for instance. Creating
tutorial How to Use Windows Defender in Windows 8 & Windows 8.1

How to Use Windows Defender in Windows 8 & Windows 8.1

Guess what Windows 8 & Windows 8.1 users: when you're using Microsoft's newest operating system you don't need to install virus protection... Oh god, we sound like those Mac elitists, don't we? Well, we aren't saying this due to an over-confidence in virus coders lack of interest in a comparatively small market share. We're saying this because Windows 8 & Windows 8.1 have a
tutorial How to Add, Change or Remove VPN Connections in Windows 8.1

How to Add, Change or Remove VPN Connections in Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 provides a more complex PC Settings panel that, for some tasks and settings, it is better and more complete than the traditional Control Panel. One of the surprising things you can do with it is that you can create VPN connections, configure them in detail and remove them when you no longer need to use them. Here's how it all works:
tutorial Introducing Windows 8.1: How to Synchronize & Back Up Your Settings

Introducing Windows 8.1: How to Synchronize & Back Up Your Settings

A great feature, first introduced in Windows 8 and further improved in Windows 8.1, is the ability to synchronize your important Windows settings through the SkyDrive service. What's new in Windows 8.1 is that it can also back up your settings automatically, so that you can restore them manually, when needed. Here's how to use all the available sync and backup settings, in Windows
tutorial 10 Features that Make Windows 8 the Most Secure Windows Yet

10 Features that Make Windows 8 the Most Secure Windows Yet

It will be quite obvious to any first-time user that Windows 8 is very different from previous versions. While the obvious interface changes will be the most talked about, the addition of a number of great security features is really worth getting excited over. Combine new features like early launch anti-malware with oldies like the Windows Firewall and you have an operating system that
tutorial How to Remove a Trusted Windows 8 PC From Your Microsoft Account

How to Remove a Trusted Windows 8 PC From Your Microsoft Account

Having a trusted PC is a great asset to a Microsoft account holder. It allows you to synchronize passwords between trusted Windows 8 PCs and also makes managing your account easier. Rather than having to prove your identity by accessing an email or phone, Microsoft simply accepts that you are who you say your are because you're using your trusted system. While this is