If you use iTunes and you have two or more PCs in your house, you will likely, at some point, encounter the 5 computer authorization limit imposed by iTunes. There are a number of times when I’ve either replaced my PC or reformatted my hard drive and I’ve forgotten to deauthorize iTunes before doing so. This really is not the end of the world; however, if you do reach the five computer limit, your only choice is to deauthorize all five computers on your iTunes account, which can be a pain because you need to add them back again. This guide serves as a reminder to deauthorise iTunes on your iTunes account before you reformat your hard drive or get a new PC.

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Windows XP comes with a variety of software pre-installed like WordPad. These Out-Of-The-Box Software cannot be removed using the Add/Remove Programs Function in the Control Panel because they are hidden.

The solution is easier than you’d think.

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Yesterday, I shared some steps I take to set up a Windows 7 machine the right way. Windows Guides reader, Gene, recently sent me this really useful guide on how to set up a computer and I’d like to share it with you.

Here’s an excerpt from the guide:

I have had many questions and times when I had to set up a new computer that someone had just bought either from a store or a website and it arrived on their doorstep. The following is the procedure that I use to make sure that the system is ready to put online and available for the internet to start trying to be used in a botnet or hit with all the virus’s that are out there looking for new systems that someone has not set up to stop them. I am not by anyway the expert as this is just the way I do it and there are probably other ways and systems to do it also but I don’t have access to them.

How to Set Up a New Computer (PDF 311 KB)

(Right click and Save as…)

Windows Guides’ Rating	Compatible with
3.5 out of 5

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How often do you like to install your Windows Operating System.

I like to reinstall twice a year (more so when I break it!).  To me, it keeps the system running nice and weeds out any imperfections.

Many people have never reinstalled and will undoubtedly run like molasses.  Others like to reinstall every few weeks.

What’s your preference?

Download this vbs script to show you when you last reinstalled Windows. (Works for XP, Vista & 7)

Head over to the forums and let us know how, why, and when you reinstall Windows.

Windows Forums

It’s in all the movies and TV-series where a Government Employee log on a Secure Computer. He or She insert or remove a KeyCard to log on and off. Without the KeyCard the computer is rendered useless. If you like the idea, well …

Predator, let you do exactly that !

Windows Guides’ Rating	Compatible with
4 out of 5

PROGRAM: PREDATORPROS: PREDATOR locks your PC when you are away, even if your Windows session is still opened. It is very easy to use and the security seems to be very good. CONS: Dark interface, makes it hard to read. Tho several users can have their own key it cannot be used to Log In to different User Accounts, which would have been a great asset. VERDICT: If you are looking for a simple way to protect your Computer while you step away from it. This what you need. PRICE: Freeware and Paid Version ($29) VERSION REVIEWED: 2.1.0.468 Download Link in the Article

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