POST
Welcome to POST by ResTech Solutions
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Every week we will bring you new content covering recent events and news related to technology, Microsoft, Apple, Google, tips & tricks, useful information, and more! To read the full articles in our newsletters you can either click on the image or article headline. We've had a great response each week to our newsletter and we've been hard at work to bring you even more great information this week. Please let us know what you've enjoyed thus far about our newsletter. To see past issues click on the archives link above.
Why the name POST? In the world of computers POST stands for Power On Self Test. This is the action computers take when they are first powered on to check their basic functionality prior to loading the operating system. We decided to take this same concept and to provide you with useful technology information at the beginning of your week to help get you started. POST is also a term associated with news as well and we felt this was an appropriate and fitting name.
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POST by ResTech Solutions
News
Microsoft will end Windows 10 support in October 2025
Image from Engadget
By now it is no secret that Microsoft will be announcing Windows 11 later this week. To further confirm that this is happening Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 support will end in October 2025. What does this mean for end users who will eventually need to transition to Windows 11? At this point we do not have any additional details. If you are due to get a new computer within the next 4 years then there is a good chance that your computer will either come with the next version of Windows or could potentially be eligible for an upgrade from Windows 10 based on past programs offered by Microsoft. We will likely have more information for you next week on what is next with Microsoft's Windows operating system.
engadget.com
Cyber Security
Should You Pay for a Password Manager?
Image from MUO
We've previously discussed password managers in many of our previous newsletters. Ultimately having one that works for you is better than not having one at all. The linked article does a good job of comparing going with a free vs. paid password manager and is worth a read if you are still on the fence about which direction to go.
makeuseof.com
Windows
The 6 Best Windows File Organization Apps and File Organizer Software
Image from MUO
If you struggle with managing all your digital files inside of Windows and the built in File Explorer app does not meet your needs then check out the linked article for 6 alternatives.
Personally I use Q-Dir and have really enjoyed it and is worth checking out as well.
makeuseof.com
The 7 Best Windows File Explorer Alternatives and Replacements
Image from MUO
This article contains a list of 7 alternative apps to Windows' File Explorer. You now have been given a total of 14 options today to help you better manage and organize all your files in Windows. Lets see those clean desktops now!
makeuseof.com
The 5 Best Tools to Repair Corrupted or Damaged Files in Windows
Image from MUO
Have you ever gotten and error message when opening a file stating that it was corrupt or damaged? All is not lost! Check out the linked article for information on 5 tools to help you recover the file.
makeuseof.com
Tips & Tricks
How to Find Your Local and External IP Address
Image from Lifehacker
What is an IP address and why do I need to know what one is? Why do I have two of them?
In simple terms, an external IP address allows devices around the internet to find you. It’s kind of like calling the company someone works for when you’re trying to reach them. The external IP address, in this case, would be the company’s phone number.
Your internal IP address is what your router dishes out to all the devices connected to it. It handles all the “routing,” hence the name, for data packets that travel in and out of your network. Think of this as the receptionist at said company who has to deal with all the incoming phone calls. They hear what you’re saying and forward you along to the specific person you’re trying to reach, and also keep that person protected—to stretch the metaphor—by not allowing random people to access their direct phone number.
If you ever need support you may be asked to provide your IP address so the tech can remotely access your computer. Today most providers and IT departments have software tools to be able to access your computer without needing to get the IP address from you.
lifehacker.com
Useful Information
7 Ways You Can Reduce E-Waste
Image from MUO
The word 'waste' is often used to describe something that has been discarded or something that is no longer wanted. In the electronics industry, however, waste means anything that cannot be reused. Electronic waste refers to items such as smartphones, computers, and televisions that are broken or have been abandoned and replaced with a newer device.
With the rate our technology improves and with new devices coming out every year we are throwing out or tossing aside good working devices. We are also in the middle of a climate crisis and need to do what we can to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Please check out the linked article on how you can help reduce e-waste.
makeuseof.com
How to Spot Fake Reviews on Amazon
Image from Lifehacker
When you are shopping online there is a good chance that you are looking at the reviews left for the item(s) you are looking at. There is also a problem online with fake reviews and none more so than on Amazon. Check out the linked article to learn how to spot a fake review and save yourself from potentially purchasing a bad product or overlooking a good product.
lifehacker.com
The 10 Best Tools for Ripping DVDs and Blu-rays to Your Computer
Image from MUO
In last week's newsletter we shared an article about Plex. Plex is great for use with your own media files but you may have been wondering how to get your existing movie collection (DVDs & Blu-rays) onto Plex. We have you covered this week with this linked article. It will cover 10 tools you can use to convert your DVDs & Blu-rays to digital media files on your computer.
makeuseof.com
FAQ of the Week
No Need to Pirate: 9 Popular Apps You Can Use for Free or Cheap
Image from MUO
Each week we will address a frequently asked question. This week we are looking at apps you can get for free or cheap.
Many people know where they can get pirated software. This can be dangerous for two reasons:
- You could potentially get an application that has been altered to include malware or a virus that compromises your system or worse.
- It is possible to detect or report those who use pirated software and you could be fined or get a criminal record since you technically stole from the company or individual who developed/owns the software.
Check out the linked article for some of the most popular apps that are pirated and some alternatives you can use in their place either at a reduced cost or for free.
makeuseof.com