Long gone, but now back… sort of. :)
Reader J from Pittsburgh asks: “Some time ago, I set up Outlook to not show images in incoming emails, as a security measure. But it’s a pain in the butt, since in so many emails most of the content is in the images — and so often the sender doesn’t include a link to see…
Reader David Palmer asks: “What is wrong with gentrification? Isn’t it good that old neighborhoods get rebuilt?” It’s a mixed bag. Yes, it’s good when truly decrepit, decaying buildings are replaced with newer stock. No one benefits from falling-down, boarded-up, housing stock. But when merely old — not decrepit — buildings are replaced, the rents…
Reader Henry Winokur asks: “Hi Fred: Is there any reason to subscribe to both Langa.com’s and Langa Comments’ RSS feeds? If I only need one which would you recommend? PS: I’m getting an error message above this box that says “please enter a URL in the Your Website (optional box). I did, (www.henrywinokur.com) and yet…
A reader asks: “Why do files on an external hard drive run slower than files on my internal hard drive (not SSD)?” They use two very different means of connection, and the speeds aren’t even close. Internal drives usually connect directly to the mainboard via purpose-built high-speed interfaces meant specifically for moving hard drive data….
A reader asks: “Why is my Android phone crying for memory just after a factory reset?” That’s not much to go on, but here are some ideas: 1. Resetting a phone will remove temporary files and random junk files that may have accumulated, but doesn’t otherwise free space or shrink your files. Unless you’ve done…
Reader Patti McIntyre asks: “What are some good hiking spots around Boston that I can access by public transportation?” Some of my favorites: Middlesex Fells Reservation, 2,200 acres (890 ha) of woods, hills, and lakes north of the city. Many access points; depending on where you want to go, you can use the T Orange…
Reader John used the Contact link to ask: “Hi Fred! My problem isn’t with Registry per se, but rather MS’s confused muddling (mangling?) of OS vs apps & user data. Please tell me why MS chooses to store my Internet Explorer bookmark order (i.e., my arranged bookmark order – in other words, the order I…
Reader Drew Foster was hoping I could resurrect some videos from a tornado chase I went on in 2008, and he asked me about it via the Contact link: “Fred: Please re-upload your videos of the Quinter tornado. Part 2 is available on YT but that’s it.” Sure, Drew! In a week’s chasing from Texas…
A reader asks: “If I safely store away a 2TB HDD and never plug it in again, how long will all my data be retained?” Retained? Or “retained in useful form?” The magnetic encoding will be detectable for a very long time — centuries, even — provided that the drive is physically undamaged and undisturbed….
Reader Al has lost his phone and is nervous about the data it still contains. He used the CONTACT link to ask for help: “My S9+ is powered off as well as being lost. Can a factory reset be made to happen the next time the device powers up?” The S9’s built-in software will indeed…