Technically Easy

Category: Software

  • Fix: Windows 10 Update is Stuck on Downloading

    Fix: Windows 10 Update is Stuck on Downloading

    There may be a time when the Windows 10 update is stuck on downloading an update and doesn’t progress beyond that point. I have recently experienced this issue on a laptop where Windows Update wouldn’t progress beyond the downloading part of the update.

    I did manage to fix the issue and update the laptop. Below are the steps that I used to correct the problem.

    Fixing the Windows 10 Update Issue

    In order to correct the issue you must first restart Windows into Safe Mode. This will ensure that any necessary files and directories that we need to change are not in use by the Windows update service or other services.

    Once Windows 10 has restarted into Safe Mode, the second part is to modify some directories used by the Windows Update that may contain corrupted data.

    These two steps are outlined below.

    Booting into Safe Mode

    To boot Windows 10 into Safe Mode, use the following steps:

    Note:

    Once you restart you computer into Safe Mode, log in using the administrator account in order to continue with the fix.

    1. Press the Windows Key+I to open Settings. You can also click the Start button and then select Setting.
    2. From the Settings window, click Update & security.
    3. From the options on the left, click Recovery.
    4. Under Advanced startup click Restart now.
    5. After the PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troublshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
    6. From the Startup Settings screen, press 6 for Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.

    Fixing the Windows Update Directories

    Now that the computer has restarted in Safe Mode and the command prompt window is displayed, do the following:

    1. Type: [code language=”shell”]ren %systemroot%\System32\Catroot2 Catroot2.old[/code]
    2. Type: [code language=”shell”]ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old[/code]
    3. Restart the computer.

    Check for Windows 10 Updates

    Once the computer has restarted you can check for any Windows 10 updates using the following steps:

    1. Press the Windows Key+I to open Settings. You can also click the Start button and then select Setting.
    2. From the Settings window, click Update & security.
    3. On the left click Windows Update and then click Check for updates.

    Windows Update will now check for any updates and should begin downloading any that are found. It could take some time for the checking to be completed, but once it is done, there should be no issue with downloading the updates.

  • Top Seven Government Mobile Apps

    Top Seven Government Mobile Apps

    The government of any country is responsible for laying down the policies and guidelines for its citizens in different industries.

    It’s the job of the government to protect the interests of its citizens and to provide them with better opportunities to progress, which is why they have introduced various mobile government apps.

    Over the past decade, mobile apps have become extremely popular. Today, mobile apps are available for virtually everything: there’s an app for renting a car, another app for hailing a taxi, and apps for getting in touch with a doctor or a serviceman.

    Even though most of these apps have been created by private developers, some were also released by the government. Government applications are obviously designed for specific purposes and not just to provide entertainment.

    Here are the top seven government mobile apps you should know about.

    1. CT Prepares

    The CT Prepares app was unveiled by the governor of Connecticut this past August. The app is designed to provide updates and alerts to the residents of Connecticut in case of an emergency situation. For instance, if there are major storms or a natural disaster, the CT Prepares app will provide residents with information on how to protect themselves and what to do. You can send messages to contacts about your safety, check real-time alerts, and also view current and extended weather coverage through the application.

    2. Ask Karen

    The Ask Karen app was designed by the government to provide better information about food safety to its users. You can ask questions such as how long your food will last if the power fails or how to check if the food is properly cooked. This is an excellent initiative to improve healthy and food standards.

    3. National Cancer Institute Mobile

    The NCI Mobile App is one of the best government apps out there. It gives users access to the latest cancer research, discussion topics, and lots of other information. In case of a cancer diagnosis, the app also gives advice to patients about which questions to ask and how to deal with the situation.

    4. Veterans Affairs Mobile

    The Veterans Affairs Mobile app was created by the Veterans Affairs Department and allows veterans to find out information about the facilities available to them and how they can apply for their benefits. It’s an excellent app that makes life easier for veterans.

    5. USA Jobs

    Designed to target the rising unemployment rates across the country, USA Jobs basically provides users with information about government job opportunities. It was created by the Office of Personnel Management.

    6. WISER

    Wireless Information for Emergency Responders, or WISER, is a simple app that can help save many lives. It provides information for emergency responders on how to handle particular issues and provide immediate support to the victims.

    7. FBI’s Most Wanted

    As the name suggests, the FBI’s Most Wanted allows you to view a list of the 10 criminals most wanted by the FBI. You can keep a check on your surroundings and provide information to the FBI in case you suspect that a suspicious criminal might live nearby.

  • 5 Productivity Tools You Must Use at Work

    5 Productivity Tools You Must Use at Work

    In recent times, life has become fast paced and it constantly demands us to be on our toes round the clock with full energy and focus. With increased workloads, we are putting more pressure on ourselves to manage more tasks, get more done and deliver results in less time. This pressure driven lifestyle is not just putting our productivity at stake, but also increasing more stress in life.

    If your goal is to be productive then you need to have the right tools to make it happen. There are various tools and workzone software available to you, but choosing the wrong ones could lead to more wastage of time.

    Your productivity tools must be those that will help you in your work, and you must know how they function and how you can make the most out of them.

    So whether you are an entrepreneur, a freelancer or an established business, here are some of my favorite tools that I recommend you give a try.

    1. Google Drive

    Google Drive is an excellent tool and is readily used at work. It lets you store data, share and upload content and also allows you to easily share a file with clients and colleagues at work who might be collaborating with you on a project without the need for several emails.

    Google Drive works perfectly for files that are too large to share via email. The first 5 GB can be enjoyed for free, and then there’s an option to upgrade to 25 GB. Once a spreadsheet or document is created or uploaded and shared, people who have access to the content can edit the documents simultaneously.

    2. Asana

    Asana allows you to effortlessly track all the tasks you have assigned to your team or the tasks that have been assigned to you, all of them in one place. Asana helps you assign deadlines to deliver results on time, attach files, create notes, share files, view tasks, arrange tasks by priority and send daily alerts for pending to-dos. This tool is very useful for tracking progress and ensuring that your clients get the best results.

    3. Minterapp

    Do you ever ponder about how much time you spend on writing and answering emails at work and how much time you take to create a report? Why most of the important tasks are not completed in the given time? Well, then Minterapp should be your pick because it can help you manage and organize your time more efficiently.

    This tool is best for tracking time spent on numerous tasks. It creates a list of tasks that are to be completed, and allows you to allocate a time slot to finish each of them.

    The moment you click the start button, the progress bar begins to run and it notifies you by sending an alert when your time is up. If you want to stop your work to take a short breather, the timer can be paused and then restarted again. The tool also helps you in billing your clients, and creating professional invoices.

    4. AirG

    A logo maker is a professional logo design tool designed by AirG that can help you create powerful branding for your business in a matter of minutes.

    With 6000+ shapes, icons and symbols arranged by category, this tool is used by professional designers and beginners alike to create beautiful logos, with its great collection of inbuilt functionality. Whatever branding you want to create, be it a logo, sticker or label, this easy-to-use app will help you create one in no time.

    5. Evernote

    Evernote provides you tools you need to keep your work smoothly organized. It offers you features that help you collect, write and capture ideas as notes, checklists, and to-dos.

    Take notes in multiple formats including texts, photos, audios, web clippings, videos, PDF and more. Use camera capture to easily scan and comment on a piece of paper, including printed documents and business cards, and keep receipts, bills and invoices organized. Use Evernote as a digital notepad for every thought that comes to you.

    Conclusion

    Being productive in the 21st century is about using tools and apps to get important things done in your life and work. These 5 productivity tools will help you make better use of your brief time. This list is by no means exhaustive, but will definitely help you get started.

  • 7 Apps that Must be a Part of an Elders Life

    7 Apps that Must be a Part of an Elders Life

    Today everyone uses smartphones; it is not limited only to the younger generation. You would be amazed to notice that even older adults have started to realise the usefulness of smartphones! Imagine seeing your grandfather beating you at a game of Fruit Ninja – wouldn’t that be just awesome?

    One out of four people of and above the age of 50 uses a smartphone, and with the advent of the latest apps, these mobile devices can prove to be of great help to an elder.

    Literally over a million apps are now available on App Store and Google Play combined, and that too on every conceivable idea to make our lives easier in many different ways.

    There are apps that help exercise the brain to keep it sharper and agile for longer. Some of these can be great for elders with mental ailments. Listed below, in no particular order, are 7 applications that must be a part of an elder’s life.

    1. MedWatcher

    The MedWatcher health app is equipped with a simple description of the various medicines prescribed to older adults, their usage, and their side effects.

    Elders are often given a number of medicines and now getting detailed information about all of these is easily possible thanks to MedWatcher.

    The app also offers you safety alerts on selected vaccines, medicines, and related news. It’s a project of Boston Children’s Hospital and is absolutely free.

    2. BrainTest

    BrainTest can aid in keeping the brain healthy. All over the world, Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients can be diagnosed using different testing methods. One of these is known as SAGE (The Self-Administered GeroCognitive Exam).

    There are four types of SAGE tests, and you can take any one of them to assess your brain health. People sitting at home can also use this app by downloading it and testing their cognitive functions.

    3. Pillboxie

    Pillboxie is for those older adults who frequently forget to take their medication on time.

    This app is the easiest and quickest way to remember your medicine time. here are other apps designed for the same purpose, but are either complicated to use, or just plain boring. Pillboxie is a convenient medication management system that is easy-to-use. All you have to do is drop a pill in a box! It comes for just $0.99.

    4. HeartWise Blood Pressure Tracker

    HeartWise Blood Pressure Tracker quickly records and tracks changes in your blood pressure, heart rate, and weight.

    You don’t really have to stand on a weighing scale and there is no need to buy an expensive Sphygmomanometer.

    5. Dragon Dictation

    This is one of the smartest apps for older adults as it can assist them with their day-to-day smartphone-related activities.

    With Dragon Dictation, your grandpa can send messages, log in to their digital journals and post a status on Facebook or Twitter – all by simple dictation.

    Dragon Dictator has a voice-recognition app that translates your spoken words into text and is 5 times faster than a standard keyboard.

    So why bother typing at a keyboard. Just speak your mind and let Dragon Dictation do the rest.

    6. EyeReader

    The EyeReader app allows older adults to read under dim light. It is available on App Store and works in two ways:

    1. Your iPhone’s LED light is utilised to provide the light source.
    2. The app magnifies every small part into larger images for better reading.

    It costs only $1.99 and is now optimised for iOS 9.

    7. Words with Friends

    Words with Friends is a game app that is very similar to the popular board game Scrabble. Players can challenge their friends and family members, and what’s more, other players could be sitting in the next room or another country. This allows users to play a mentally engaging game while staying social at the same time. You can enjoy a game with your grandparents in any language you wish.

    I’ve found this list to be very useful in many ways. If there are other apps that you’ve enjoyed using, please do share them with us in the comments section below.

    About the Author

    Erica Silva is a Freelance writer by day and sports fan by night. I write about tech education and health related issues (but not at the same time). Live simply, give generously, watch football and love technology. Find me on twitter @ericadsilva1.

  • Smartphones Brought a Massive Shift in Online Entertainment

    Smartphones Brought a Massive Shift in Online Entertainment

    The internet as we know is has been around for more than three decades. I say “as we know it” since its predecessors have been used for much longer (a similar network was used as early as 1696).

    But it was in the last two decades that the global network has become truly “global”, connecting people in ways never seen before. And in the last decade, the internet has become mainly a source of entertainment, thanks to the incredible success of the smartphone.

    Playing games on the go was never this easy

    Today you either have mobile broadband coverage or some type of WiFi you can connect to. Paired with the strong hardware of the smartphones, you can download any game and play instantly wherever you are. And the number of games available for smartphone play is massive – you can choose from hundreds of thousands today, with more being released each day.

    Bringing Vegas to you

    Smartphones gave real money online gaming perhaps the biggest boost ever, thanks especially to the broad support of HTML5 they brought with them. Today it’s easier than ever to play any casino game on the go, free or for real, by simply using a mobile browser.

    Players can simply navigate to http://www.allslotscasino.com/ using your desktop or mobile browser, register an account, and start playing at one. The All Slots has a massive library of games you can play on your computer, many of them running in a browser window.

    If you find yourself really committed to its games, you can even download the free All Slots Casino suite, install it, and play all of its 700+ games. On mobile, you’ll be able to play more than 100 All Slots games quickly, easily – and most importantly in a completely secure environment.

    Better than consoles?

    Until recently, mobile games were mostly simple – think casual games, puzzles, and their likes. But the latest developments in technology turned smartphones into veritable computing powerhouses that fit into our pockets. Fitted with fast multi-core CPUs and strong GPUs, mobile devices are now on par with some gaming consoles when it comes to performance. And they have the games to prove it.

    Apple has showcased its new Metal API at the release of the iPhone 6 with a game called Vainglory. The game, a free-to-play MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) is truly one-of-a-kind, especially since its visuals are clearly on par with anything Sony’s PlayStation and Microsoft’s Xbox can offer.

    Smartphones have become the gaming device of choice for many players. The growth of the mobile gaming industry has outpaced both that on PCs and consoles. Mobile games are expected to clearly dominate the gaming market by next year, thanks to the continuing popularity of smartphones, and their kind of online entertainment.

  • Why Are Flash Games And Mini Games So Popular?

    Why Are Flash Games And Mini Games So Popular?

    Today, computer games are highly popular among both children and adults and it is not that difficult to realize why. We have various options available for practically all tastes. It is basically impossible not to find some games that you are going to love.

    While it is not at all difficult to find those great games, a problem appears because of the fact that most modern games are long. Most people, especially adults, cannot actually invest that much time.

    Flash games Are fast

    This is the first advantage that we have to highlight. It is not at all difficult to enjoy what a mini game or a Flash game has to offer and have a lot of fun in a short period of time.

    People can play during a work break so this is one thing that is of high importance for grown-ups. Children will not care that much but even for them it is an option that has to be considered, with small study breaks being covered by a quick game.

    Flash games are much better than they were

    Most people do not play Flash games as they think about the old games that were available some years ago. They were definitely limited and not much fun was possible.

    Nowadays, we are faced with a huge growth and an evolution of Flash gaming that is impressive. You can read more at gamernode.com but in order to figure out why everything is impressive, all you have to do is take a look at the games that are available through Facebook.

    Things are much more complex than the really popular Candy Crush Saga, with options that actually rival larger MMORPGs to some extent.

    The social aspect of flash gaming

    Since we mentioned Facebook games, we should also talk about the social aspect of Flash gaming. As technology evolved it is now possible to play with friends and interact with those that play the game in a way that is not at all difficult.

    There are some extra perks that can be gained and the entire gaming experience becomes better as social networks are included in the mix. There are even specialized sites that take this to a new level for their members, making interaction much stronger than it used to be.

    Free games

    One of the most important advantages for many is that the Flash games and mini games y ou can play now are usually completely free. Even those that include some paid bonuses will be available to play for free.

    You no longer need to pay for your game or have to deal with a monthly membership as with the online games. Most of the Flash games are supported by ads at the moment so there is no real need for full game monetization.

    Conclusions

    On the whole, it is not at all difficult to understand why these games are so popular at the moment. You will find something you love and with some of the games you can even save your progress.

    It is a gaming option that people now have to consider.

  • Best Billing and Invoice Software for 2016

    Best Billing and Invoice Software for 2016

    Your business runs on software. Human Resource teams have a multitude of software options to manage the full employee life cycle including benefits, attendance, and payroll.

    Sales Teams also have quite a few different software programs available to make their process easier. Any search engine query will quickly provide a list of multiple options for either one of these services.

    When speaking to different colleagues in the Accounting field it was surprising to find out that many are still using MS Excel for their Accounting needs.

    We wondered why they are still relying on such a manual process for one of the most important parts of their business when there many old and new software systems to take the mystery and confusion out of the accounting process.

    We put together a list of some of the most popular systems as ranked by TopTenReviews that we personally like the most. You can make your billing and invoicing a thousand times easier (and more accurate) by switching your accounting department over to any of these software tools.

    FreshBooks

    FreshBooks has quickly and efficiently become the Web’s favorite invoicing tool thanks to its beautiful simplicity. In just a few steps, anyone can begin creating and sending professional invoices ? no accounting experience needed.

    The invoicing options are incredibly useful for a growing business, as adding new clients and services takes seconds, though its billing options are a bit rudimentary.

    FreshBooks operates entirely in the cloud. This fact is particularly amazing considering the program’s intuitive functionality and brilliant design.

    Xero

    Xero has the potential to be the only absolutely perfect invoice software for your business because it is infinitely customizable to address your accounting team’s needs and wants.

    Nearly every aspect of NetSuite can be altered to integrate better with your existing software, which means your invoicing and billing could work seamlessly with your other software systems used for sales, marketing or CRM.

    However, not every business has the IT staff necessary to customize appropriately, and modifications can wreak havoc on your existing software if they are not performed correctly.

    As mentioned before, Xero has a lot of potential, but you need a little more skill to get the full benefits of the software.

    Zoho

    More than just accounting services, Zoho is a complete online office suite offering tools for nearly all of your teams. Instead of attempting to incorporate new software into your existing business programs, you can replace everything with this neat, simple service.

    Zoho’s invoicing module is flexible yet robust, meaning you can add and subtract from individual invoices fairly easily. Perhaps the most exciting feature is using multiple currencies on a single account, which isn’t commonly available in similar invoicing tools.

    Zoho even offers an online payment portal so clients can complete their payments immediately online. Even if some clients fall delinquent or are slow to pay, having standardized invoices will make collecting much easier.

    Analyzing Data

    Kashoo

    Another Web-based accounting application, Kashoo is an international accountant’s dream. With immediate currency exchange for invoices going to more than 56 countries, the service is perfect for businesses not confined to a single region.

    Possibly best of all, Kashoo is exceedingly affordable. Lone entrepreneurs have access to simple tools ? including all of Kashoo’s invoicing capabilities ? for free, while startups and small businesses can unlock multiple accounts and more advanced features for less than $20 per month.

    This online service is an excellent place to start, but it lacks a number of features of more prominent accounting software.

    For example, Kashoo fails to provide customer records beyond basic contact information, and it fails to provide any inventory tracking options. Still, if all you need is invoicing and billing ? and you need it for international clients ? Kashoo might be your best option.

    QuickBooks

    QuickBooks is nearly ubiquitous in the accounting world, and it isn’t difficult to see why. As one of the first accounting programs created, QuickBooks has had many years to improve and build upon their software and processes.

    QuickBooks is so universal that most accountants should have at least a working knowledge of the software before they graduate. Chances are most if not all accounting personnel in your office already have familiarity with at least an older version of QuickBooks.

    One of the reasons QuickBooks is integrated into so many businesses and remains a leader for the Accounting industry is that the software offers a very robust line of products for just about any person or business.

    Tracking payments and sending invoices to clients is just the beginning of its many features.

    One of the many advantages of the installed software over other online versions is its ability to seamlessly integrate with other apps and services such as tax preparation providers, invoice factoring services, PayPal and even FreshBooks. Because it is such a comprehensive accounting tool, it makes nearly every business project run more smoothly.

    QuickBooks does offer an online service to supplement the installed software version but it does not include many of the features.

    All of these software programs became popular for different reasons such as practical features, intuitive function, attractive design, ability to integrate, etc.

    We know that there is rarely ever going to be just one software or service that will fit the needs for all businesses which is why most providers offer a trial service to allow accounting teams to test before committing to one of the billing and invoice providers above.

  • How to Create High Quality Video Guides with Screen Capture

    How to Create High Quality Video Guides with Screen Capture

    One of the most popular ways to create video guides is by using screen capture. Because screen capture will allow you to record whatever is taking place on your screen it is an excellent way to create guides involving software, apps, or really any sort of ‘how-to’ related to computers.

    That being said if you’ve watched some of the video guides created using screen capture you may have noticed that their quality is suspect. Assuming you’d like to avoid that problem when you’re creating your own guides there are a few essentials that you need to take care of:

    • Record at high resolution. Ideally the ‘go to’ resolution for high quality videos nowadays is Full HD at 1080p (i.e. 1920 x 1080). If possible you should record your video guide in that resolution, and then scale it back if necessary.
    • Maximize the frame rate.M To make sure that your video playback is smooth the frame rate to shoot for is 60. Once again recording it at 60 frames per second is ideal, and you still can alter it later on as required.
    • Remove unnecessary footage Many ‘amateur’ video guides are simply recorded and the raw footage is used as the final video, instead of being cut to streamline it so that it appears more professional. By removing unnecessary footage, your video guide will look much more polished.
    • Re-record scenes or record multiple takes. If something doesn’t turn out right the first time round – re-record it. The beauty of screen capture is it is really quite easy to shoot multiple takes, and then you can splice together the good footage later if need be.

    To create the high quality video guides that you’re after, you’ll need the right software – and Movavi Screen Capture Studio should be a great fit. It has the ability to HD capture in high resolutions and at the maximum frame rate, and also has video editing tools for you to polish your guide after the recording is done.

    With the help of the features in Movavi Screen Capture Studio you can cut and combine various segments of video, improve the quality of your videos, insert customizable text, add audio tracks, and even apply various special effects and stylish filters. Using these tools should help you to give your videos a professional and high quality sheen that distinguishes them from others out there.

    Considering Movavi Screen Capture Studio is so easy to use it won’t take you very long to be able to capture and produce high quality video guides. Just be sure to keep in mind the essential areas outlined above and you should definitely be able to create video guides that look great.