So when I setup Windows 8.1 on my new laptop it wanted an email to use with Windows, and it had to be a Microsoft email. So out of curiosity I tried my Gmail addy and the system says it's a MS email. I know in the past I did something that made my Gmail addy a MS account, I linked something, but I can't remember. Is there a way to separate the two so that Gmail is NOT associated with Microsoft?

So about every other hour of computer use my hard drive is making chirping and beeping sounds. It happens especially when I am accessing large files or moving large files. Windows says the drive is fine, and a SMART check says the drive is fine. According to the program HD Tune the drive SAMRT status is OK, but it says the spin retry account is above the threhold. The program also reports the drive has a power on time of 27450. I have no clue if that is minutes, hours, or days. I know the drive ...

OK, so I have been playing with Windows 8 and 8.1 for the last few weeks. I got a bit feed up with the Metro UI so I installed Classic Shell. Got confused about all of the options so I installed Start 8. Easy to use, it does what I need. Looking to buy Start 8 here soon. So my question is what is Metro for when I use Start 8? Just a watse of hard drive space and coding? Oh, Starkers - Windows 8 is not faster under the hood than 7 in my experience so far. Painfully slow.

So Firefox is very, very slow to load pages. I was curious if anyone knew how to speed it up. The system I am working on: Intel Pentium dual-core E5400, 2.7 GHz 4 GB DDR2-800 RAM 120 GB Seagate hard drive Nvidia 7400 video crad, 256 MB video RAM Fresh install of Windows 7, service park 1 and all updates installed, all drivers are current. Firefox version 33 Add-ons installed: Adblock Plus version 2.6.5 Element Hiding Helper for Adblock Facebook Purity FasterFox Lite vers...

Yeah, I know we have a thread for Windows 10. I just wanted to start my own thread instead of hijacking the other thread. So historically everyone knows I badmouth a new version of Windows before it comes out, than later down the road I praise that version of Windows like the best thing since sliced bread. Not this time... Joined the Windows Insider program, downloaded and burned the Windows 10 Preview to a USB stick using Rufus, plugged in a spare hard drive, and installed Windows 10. ...

So I have a choice here. And I need some advice as I have found you all here to be the best when it comes to these things. Basically I am having a hard time choosing what Windows system to use. Let me start by saying I have a Pentium dual core CPU, 4 GB of RAM, and onboard video, and a 120 GB hard drive. Nothing fancy or powerful. My options are: * Windows Vista * Windows 7 * Windows 8 Now here are the reasons for the choice I am trying to make: * Windows Vista...

Yes, they made one finally... http://www.cnet.com/news/intel-takes-wraps-off-core-m-processor-that-can-enable-pcs-without-fans/

I have a sneaky suspicion that my hard drive is going south. The only other drive I have is a 200 GB IDE hard drive. I was curious if I would see much of a speed drop. Been looking it up, but figured you all would know.

It's simple. I have 4 short films I want to put on a DVD. When I put that DVD in my home DVD player it will satrt with a menu that lets me select what short film I wish to see. Is there a program for this? Yes, yes, I tried Google, no good results yet.

As some here may know, I help repair computers. I offer my services on Craigslist. I am no good at Photoshop, and so I was curious if anyone would help me design a graphic that is flashy and professional while at the same time explains what services I offer.

I really have an itch to run Windows 8. I mean it's like a sickness. Even after all of the bad things I have said, I want to switch from 7 to 8 really bad. Found out my system will run 8 just fine. Problem is getting a copy. Might take a very, very long time to afford Windows 8. No income right now.

Correct me if I am wrong, but if you sell a computer with Windows installed you must include the Windows CD/DVD and the PC must have a legit COA sticker right? Where is that in the EULA? Trying to prove a point to a guy selling several computers on Craigslist using the same DVD and key for all of them.

OK, so in another thread here someone said we should not use DVD-RW or DVD-R discs to backup data. The reason being was because the discs can lose data over time. I have a problem with that statement. I have movies in DVD that i have had for 10+ years and they still play fine. So what's going on? And for the record I use a external hard drive for backup, LOL.

looking for a free backup solution. One click would be nice. I've been using Syncback, but that's becoming annoying to set up. Any suggestions?

All because many users don't care for Metro... http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9246991/Mozilla_shelves_Metro_Firefox_cites_user_apathy_toward_Windows_8