Tips, Tricks, and Answers

The following articles are available for the 'Web and Online' topic. Click the article''s title (shown in bold) to see the associated article.

    Adjusting Print Margins in Microsoft Edge
Printing hard copies of web pages can be difficult when you want the printout to have margins suitable for storing the file in a three-ring binder or for other binding methods. Microsoft's Edge Chromium makes this easier by allowing you to specify the margins you desire.

    Blocking Automatic Installation of Microsoft Edge
Windows 10 will be receiving a forced upgrade to the new Microsoft Edge Chromium web browser. You can use the free Microsoft Blocker Toolkit to prevent Chromium from being installed on your computer, if you are so inclined.

    Changing Your DNS Server
Your DNS server is usually set by your Internet provider. You can change the default DNS to another server easily in Windows, however.

    Changing Your Internet Home Page
Regardless of the browser you use, there's a way to change its settings so that you can specify where it goes when you click the Home button. This tip tells you how to change your home page for the four most popular browsers.

    Checking for Compromised Passwords with Edge Chromium
Compromised passwords can put your information at risk. Check for compromised passwords with Edge Chromium.

    Closing an Open Port
On a routine security check, you may discover that a particular port is open that shouldn't be. This tip tells you how to close an open port.

    Creating a Desktop Shortcut for a Favorite Web Page
If you visit a certain Web page frequently, you may wish to create a desktop shortcut to take you there. This tip tells you how.

    Creating a QR Code for a Web Page
QR codes allow for data to be scanned quickly and actions to take place. Use Edge Chromium to create a QR code to open a website.

    Customize Edge's Kids Mode
Microsoft Edge Chromium's Kids Mode allows for restricted viewing for child safety. See how to customize Kids Mode to have it work the way you want.

    Defining Words Quickly
When reading a webpage, e-book, or PDF, Microsoft Edge can quickly show you the meaning of a word that you might need to have defined. This capability is built-in; here's how to use it.

    Disable Edge Chromium Background Processes after Closing
Edge Chromium allows for many new improvements, features, and enhancements. One feature, Background Processes, can use up valuable system resources. Because of this, you may find it helpful to turn off Background Processes when you close Edge Chromium.

    Disabling Printing in Edge Chromium
Do you need to disable printing within Edge Chromium? You can use the Registry Editor to disable or enable printing.

    Displaying the Home Button in Microsoft Edge
By default, Microsoft Edge does not display a Home button on its toolbar. If you like having the Home button visible, this tip shows you how to make that happen.

    Edge Chromium Keyboard Shortcuts
Navigate Edge Chromium quickly using keyboard shortcuts. This tip discloses the full list of available shortcuts within Edge.

    Edge Chromium Setting URLs
Edge Chromium allows access to settings using shortcut URLs. Use this list of Edge settings shortcut URLs to quickly navigate the settings.

    Edge Chromium: Clearing All Data on Close
On public computers, it is important to clear all website data between user sessions. Changing Edge Chromium settings will remove website data every time you close or exit the program.

    Enable Edge's Kids Mode
The internet is full of age-inappropriate content. You can use Edge's built-in Kids Mode to protect young ones from harmful content.

    Enabling a Warning before Closing Multiple Edge Tabs
Tabbed browsing can be a great feature. If you use Edge with multiple tabs open, then enabling an alert anytime you close multiple browser tabs at one time can be a great safeguard.

    Fast Undistracted Web Reading
When using Microsoft Edge, focus on the reading of a webpage with Reader View. Reader View turns off the distractions of a website to help you focus on the article.

    Figuring Out Your IP Address
If you computer communicates over a network or over the Internet, it uses an IP address. This tip explains what an IP address is and how you can find out which address your system is using.

    Going InPrivate in Edge Chromium
When web browsing there may be times that you need to keep information private. Microsoft Edge Chromium allows for easy private browsing referred to as InPrivate.

    Google Chrome Setting URLs
Shortcut URLs allow quick access to the settings within Google Chrome. Use these shortcut URLs to quickly access the settings to which you need access.

    Google Drive
If you have files that you need to access from more than one device, or give access to someone else, Google Drive is a viable option. Accessible from a wide variety of devices, Google Drive can help you get access to the files you need.

    Introduction to Microsoft Edge
Windows 10 comes with a nice replacement for Internet Explorer (which is still retained for those who need it). This new browser is built into the operating system and is called Microsoft Edge. This tip provides an introduction to this new browser.

    Microsoft Edge Extensions
Like all good browsers, Microsoft Edge supports extensions. Although getting and using them may be a little rough around the edges, this tip explains the ins and outs of extensions.

    Modifying Your Hosts File
Your Hosts file is an important file as far as network communications go, and you can easily edit it to suit your needs. This tip tells you how.

    Moving Your Downloads Folder
If you're on the Internet a lot, chances are you do a lot of downloading. By default, your Downloads folder is on your C: drive. If you need to free up some space, this tip tells you how you can move your Downloads folder to another drive.

    Opening Websites from the Taskbar
Launching websites typically require an open web browser. A hidden Windows 10 feature opens websites directly from the Taskbar.

    Overview of OneDrive
Using the cloud to store and transfer files is more common today than at any other time. With OneDrive and Windows 10 you can access your files on your PC, tablet, or other web-connected devices.

    Profiles in Edge Chromium
Microsoft's Edge Chromium allows for a powerful new feature called Profiles. These allow for one web browser to be used by multiple users while keeping information separate.

    Remove Saved Passwords in Edge Chromium
Having Edge store password information can be a time saver and helpful. See how to remove saved passwords within Edge.

    Resetting a Web Browser to Its Default Settings
We can make a lot of adjustments to our Web browser over time. If you ever want to restore your browser to its original default settings, this tip tells you how.

    Saving System Resources with Sleeping Tabs
When more system resources are used by your web browser, your computer will slow down. Turn on sleeping tabs to help free up some system resources.

    Scanning Your System for Open Ports
For security reasons, you may want to scan your system for open ports. This tip explains a bit about ports and how to see what ports are open.

    Setting the Default Browser
Some people are passionate about the browser they use to access the Web. If you have a favorite browser that you want to set as your system's default, this tip tells you how.

    Setting the Default Search Engine in Microsoft Edge
For some people, search engines are a religious issue. Fortunately, Microsoft Edge has left the door open for you to specify what search engine you want as your default. This tip explains how to set your default search engine to what you want.

    Setting Up Startup Boost in Edge
Edge Chromium's Startup Boost reduces the time it takes for Edge to load. Enable this feature with a simple setting change.

    Setting Up Your Wi-Fi Enabled Computer As a Hotspot
If your computer is Wi-Fi enabled, you can easily set it up to be a hotspot. This tip shows you how.

    Tracking Prevention
Websites have been tracking users' web traffic for a long time, keeping data on website visits and your surfing behaviors. Prevent unnecessary tracking with Tracking Prevention built into Microsoft Edge Chromium.

    Understanding and Controlling Third-Party Cookies
Cookies can be a good thing, but they can also be aggravating. Here's a high-level explanation about a specific type of cookie (third-party) and how you can stop them from being stored on your system.

    Understanding DHCP
DHCP allows computers to join IP-governed networks without the need for system administrators to set up configuration details. This tip provides a brief overview of the process.

    Understanding IP Addresses
IP addresses are at the heart of computer networking. They are typically handled automatically, but you may find it interesting to learn a bit about them in this tip.

    Understanding Remote Assistance
Sometimes you may need some computer help, or a friend may need help from you. By using Remote Assistance your computers can be connected so that one person can help another even though you're not physically close to one another.

    Understanding Your Hosts File
Your system's Hosts file is an important file that can be used to increase the speed of you network connections, let you specify names instead of IP addresses, and specify computers that should not be accessed.

    Using a Blank Page as your Browser's Home Page
The Google Chrome browser tries to be helpful by displaying thumbnails of frequently accessed web sites when it starts up. If you feel this is a privacy issue and can't work around it with extensions, this tip is for you.

    Using Edge Chromium to Screen Capture a Web Page
Have you ever needed to take a screen capture of a web page? Edge Chromium allows for easy screen capture.

    Using PowerShell to Find Your Wireless Signal Strength
Wi-Fi signal strength is important for faster, more consistent data transfers. You can use PowerShell to gain a more precise signal strength level.

    Using the Hosts File to Block Content
Although there are better methods, you can use the Hosts file to block access to specific websites. This tip tells you how.

    Where Is that File I Just Downloaded?
Downloading files from the Web is a pretty common occurrence. Keeping track of your downloads used to be a bit of a problem, but newer browsers have made life somewhat easier.