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WINDOWS MAIL APP – OUTLOOK MAIL PROGRAM

See various previous posts about problems with the Mail App that comes with Windows 10 / 11 :

https://whysun.com/computers-and-the-internet/windows-10-mail-app-problems-fixed/

https://whysun.com/computers-and-the-internet/windows-10-mail-app-problems/

https://whysun.com/computers-the-internet/windows-10-mail-app-problems-update/

https://whysun.com/computers-and-the-internet/windows-10-mail-app-problems-confirmation/

I am still having small but annoying issues with the Mail App.

The formatting problem, mentioned in previous posts, still randomly occurs. Emails are received with text one letter wide in a long descending column of single letters.

Also I have had a couple instances of other small problems so I decided to install the Outlook Mail program that is included with my Office 365 subscription.

Outlook is by far a better program. On the other hand, it is designed for business and is more than I need.

I wish that Outlook Express or Windows Live Mail were still available but they are not. Mozilla Thunderbird is an option, but it is more like Outlook than Windows Mail.

After using Windows Mail App for long time, it took a while to get used to Outlook.

I did discover something in setting up Outlook concerning the server addresses for emails attached to my domain. Before, I had to put in long specific server addresses. With both Outlook and the App this is no longer necessary and I was able to use the IMAP automatic set up.

After using Outlook for a couple of weeks, I find myself going back to the Mail App to quickly check my emails. This is mainly out of habit, but also because Outlook is a large all encompassing program and seems a bit slow compared to the Mail App.

On reflection, I think I will keep using the App but keep Outlook as a back up to check / use when the App has problems.

Windows 11 Update 10 – Local Backup to External Drive

Refer to previous posts about the absence in Win 11 Settings of an option to backup to a local external drive and the necessity to use Control Panel / File History:

https://whysun.com/computers-the-internet/windows-11-update-2-control-panel-back-up/

https://whysun.com/computers-and-the-internet/windows-11-update-8-synctoy-backup/

https://whysun.com/computers-and-the-internet/windows-11-update-9-synctoy-alternative-syncfolder/

When searching the internet on the subject, I have found articles like these two:

https://www.windowscentral.com/hidden-changes-you-may-have-missed-windows-11

First note the date of the article – 25th Aug 2021 – then scroll down to No 9 showing an entry under Settings / System / Storage / Advanced Storage Settings / Backup Options. This no longer exists, at least on the two up to date Windows 11 computers I own.

Similar information appears in this article dated March 2022 in Method 1 https://www.ubackup.com/articles/backup-files-to-external-hard-drive-windows-11.html

I had not noticed this, perhaps because it was under Storage – not Backup. In any case, it is no longer there, BUT still accessible under Control Panel / File History.

At first, I thought the articles might be referring to new builds but I can’t find any indication of this. I have searched through changes expected in Win 11 version 22H2, now due later this year, but can’t find any reference to it.

AS previously stated, it is being suggested that this function is being depreciated. Once again, I hope not.

CLIPCHAMP – Windows Live Movie Maker replacement?

On 26th June 2017 I posted about the loss of the excellent free video editor from Microsoft – Windows Live Movie Maker (WLMM) .

Recently, I heard that Microsoft had purchased the video editor Clipchamp.

Initially, when I looked at it, I discovered that the free tier was very restricted and, if you wanted more, a subscription was required.

However since then, Microsoft has improved the functionality of the free tier. Whether or not it is a complete replacement for WLMM is hard to say, but at least it is a move in the right direction. Also, don’t forget that the Win 10/11 Photo App has a video function.

I must admit that, after the loss of WLMM, I have used iMovie on my MacBook Pro.

WINDOWS 11–UPDATE 9 – SYNCTOY ALTERNATIVE – SYNCFOLDER

Please refer to previous post – Windows 11 Update 8 – SyncToy – Backup.

The program SyncFolder is proving to be a good alternative for the discontinued Microsoft program SyncToy.

I gave it 5 out of 5 stars on the Microsoft Store with this comment:

This is an excellent alternative for the discontinued Microsoft program SyncToy. I have been running it for a few weeks now without any issues.

Xbox Series X–Update

I have now had the opportunity to play with the Xbox Series X for a short period of time. These are my initial thoughts and experiences.

FIRST THINGS

The first things to do are: (Care you can do some of this on the Xbox App on your phone)

Connect to Internet – Settings / General / Network Settings

Update – Go to Settings / System and run the update for the console

Set up your TV – Go to Settings / General / TV and Display options

Attach controllers to your account – Settings / Accounts / Sign in Security and Passkey

Update all controllers (including the controller that came with the console) Settings / Devices and connections / Accessories

CONTROLLERS

You get one controller with the console. There are upgrades to this controller, but it is very similar to the previous controllers. The main differences are the addition of a ‘Share’ button and a USB C port. Xbox One controllers had a USB A Micro port and, unlike the Xbox One, there is no long USB charging cable included. The Series X is fully compatible with Xbox One controllers.

I have tried a controller that I was using with my old console. It works.

If you use any controller for the first time, go to Settings / Devices and connections / Accessories, and check for an update. Even the controller that came with the Series X had an update.

Also, if you want automatic sign in with a particular controller, go to Settings / Account / Sign in and security passkey to link the controller to your Xbox account so it signs you into your account automatically.

~~My existing recharge kit is the slot in type. The rechargeable battery pack fits the Series X controller and, therefore, this recharge kit can be used with the new controller~~. The recharge kit does not work. The re-chargeable battery fits but the battery cover does not and it won’t sit in the slot correctly. I will have to buy a charge and play kit. See the final section ‘More Info – USB Ports’ for comments about charge and play kits.

EXTERNAL / EXPANSION DRIVES

The Series X has a 1TB internal drive and about 800GB of that is available to the user.

I now have 6 games installed – 1,3,4 & 5 were installed from the disc. No 2 was downloaded from the store as a previously purchased game and 6 was transferred from the external drive formerly attached to my Xbox One X.

1. Forza 5

2. Far Cry New Dawn

3. Dying Light 2

4. Rise of the Tomb Raider

5. Shadow of the Tomb Raider

6. Far Cry 5 – Transferred from external drive used on One X. (See below)

The internal hard drive is 34% used with 528 GB free.

The console has a slot for an official expansion drive plus three USB 3 (type A) ports.

The official Seagate Expansion Drives are expensive. Prices on JB HiFi Web site as at the date of this post:

· 1 TB AUD$350

· 2 TB AUD$720

· 512 GB – Could not find any on an Australian site

Refer update on pricing – My post https://whysun.com/x-box/xbox-series-x-exapnsion-ssd/

I’d like to get the 2 TB drive but not at that price. Even the 1 TB is expensive. You can attach a USB 3 drive but just for storage. Any USB drive can be used to store and play media (video, photos, music) but for games storage (only), it has to be USB 3 and 128 GB or more. Games will not play from this type of drive, and you have to transfer the file to the main drive to play. The price of the Expansion drives far exceeds the small inconvenience of swapping games between drives. You can get a 4 TB USB 3 portable hard drive for about AUD$150. In fact, I already have a USB 3 – 2 TB drive that I was using for the Xbox One X as the default save drive.

I connected this external drive to one of the USB ports and it did not require any setting up. The saved games for my old console were all still there. However, as mentioned above, if I wanted to play from these saves, I would have to transfer the file to the main drive – which is easy to do via the Settings – See below.

SPEED

Apart from the higher FPS and 8K resolution, one of the other reasons to upgrade is the impressive improvement in the specifications for the Series X. There are numerous sites that have details. However, in practical terms, I have noticed this so far.

There is no doubt that the ‘Quick Resume’ feature is impressive.

But other things like install time for a new game and fast travel which involves moving from one section of a map to another, whilst better, are less impressive.

I played Shadow of the Tomb Raider until Fast Travel is possible (after Lara gets to Kuwaq Yaku). Fast Travel is quicker but not instantaneous.

To test this aspect again, I loaded Rise of the Tomb Raider. I have just finished playing this game on the Xbox One X, so I have a fair idea how much time Fast Travel takes on the previous console

Fast Travel with Rise of the Tomb Raider was a little bit quicker – about 25 seconds compared to about double on the older console.

I then tried fast travel on Far Cry 5 (see below). Fast travel was instantaneous. I went from John’s district to Faith’s and back again.

Installation times are faster but the initial updates that are always required cancel out any advantage.

When I installed Rise of the Tomb Raider, I deliberately delayed the update. It took about 10 minutes to install. (I can’t remember how long it took on the older console but, back then, I would have also downloaded the update at the same time.) However, it reached the ‘Ready to Play’ point in a very short time – about 25% mark – no more than a couple of minutes. Nevertheless, there was still a 29.68GB update before I could start.

Overall, the Series X is faster. Start up and Restart are very quick, and the ‘Quick Resume’ is excellent.

GRAPHICS

The latest Forza game built for the Series X has noticeably great graphics. On the other hand, the Xbox One X was also very good. Dying Light 2 (Built for both consoles) looks about the same to me as do both of the Tomb Raider games and both Far Cry games.

GAMES PLAYED ON MY OLD CONSOLE – INSTALLED ON NEW SERIES X – SAVES

With the 5 games I had recently played on the Xbox One X, (both Far Cry games, the 2 Tomb Raiders and Dying Light 2), the Series X showed previous saves and in fact with Far Cry 5, Far Cry New Dawn, Dying Light 2 and Rise of the Tomb Raider, I was able to pick up where I had left off on the old console. (I did not try with Shadow of the Tomb Raider, but I assume it would be the same- I wanted to test installation). These games sign into your account and that must have an on-line history.

GAMES SAVED ON EXTERNAL HARD DRIVE FROM THE ONE X

I had allocated the external drive on my One X as the main default drive. Apart from Far Cry 5, all of the other games were freshly installed on the Series X (from the disc apart from Far Cry New Dawn which I bought on line). I transferred the file for Far Cry 5 from the external drive to the internal Series X drive and inserted the disc. Settings / System / Storage Devices. Follow the prompts. It is easy and took about 7/8 minutes for a 46GB transfer. AND there was NO UPDATE!!

This is quick and easy. So, until they bring down the price of the official expansion drives, this is how I will be doing it.

CONCLUSION

During the setup, in the TV and Display options settings, the console confirmed that my 4K HDR TV had a maximum frame rate per second (FPS) of 60. The Xbox One X is 4K HDR with FPS of 60. Therefore, the higher FPS of 120 plus the 8K capability on the Series X is wasted on me. (I am not buying a new TV). However, it has much better CPU & GPU plus more and better RAM, so all is not lost.

Nevertheless, I will be in no hurry to upgrade my PS4 Pro to a PS5. I don’t have buyer’s remorse, but perhaps the honest conclusion is, if you have an Xbox One X and your TV is not 120 FPS, your existing console is probably sufficient.

On the other hand, if like me, you must have the latest and greatest, get one. Also, the Series X is future proofing.

MORE INFO – USB PORTS

The Series X does not have any USB C ports. As mentioned above, it has 3 USB 3 (Type A) ports. However, the new controllers have a USB C port for ‘Charge and Play’ or connecting by wire. Therefore you will have to buy a suitable cable (USB A to USB C), if your existing re-charge system or ‘Change and Play’ is for previous model controllers. These cables are advertised everywhere and EB Games has a kit with an adaptor so it can be used with an Xbox One as well as with the Series X.

A cable is not included with the Series X. It was with the Xbox One.

Xbox Series X

At long last, I was able to buy an Xbox Series X. E B Games had them for order on their website so I immediately ordered one. It came today.

I like this way of ordering. You can pay a deposit and put yourself in the queue to wait your turn.

NOTE ! I see that it is no longer up on the site – must have sold out.

When I enquired about a PS5, the EB Games employee said that they do get PS5 consoles from time to time but they are not sold via their web site. When their shops do get PS5 consoles in stock, they are sold out in minutes. I think I will just wait for when stock is available. Also, they might have a ‘slim’ model by then. My PS4 Pro is more than adequate.

It was quick and easy to set up. I placed it on its side and it fits easily in the space previously occupied by my Xbox One X. I ensured that the ventilation slots were unobstructed.

I also bought the latest Forza game (Forza Horizon 5 for the Series X) to test it out. While the console was quick to set up, the same can’t be said for the game.

There was a 94GB update before it could be played. My internet plan allows for 50Mbps down (the X Box showed actual download speed of around 52Mbps) but, even so, it took a few hours.

I played a little bit of the start and the graphics are spectacular.

I then installed the Xbox One game ‘Shadow of the Tomb Raider’ (4K HDR – XBox One X Enhanced), and it was much quicker – Only a 22GB update – AND you could start play at about the 9GB mark. I did not see this option on the Forza game and I had to wait for the full 94GB to finish downloading.

Dying Light 2 says that it is for Xbox One as well as for Xbox Series X. When I installed this game, it was the usual update of about 35GB with a “ready to start” point at about the 75% mark. (The same as for the Xbox One X when I recently installed it on that console).

I deliberately did not transfer games from my Xbox One X as I wanted to see if installation times had improved. The games load more quickly BUT you still have to install the huge initial updates and that depends on the speed of your internet – not the console.

All the reviews say that the Series X is much quicker loading etc, and to test this, I will play Shadow of the Tomb Raider until I get to a point where I can ‘Fast Travel’. (I will ignore the collectables to get there as fast as possible.) ‘Fast Travel’, takes a long time to load on both the Xbox One and the PS4 so it will be interesting to see the improvement. I will complete another post to report on this aspect.

WINDOWS 11 – UPDATE 8 – SYNCTOY – BACKUP

Please refer to my previous post about this topic. Nothing has changed since my last post and the Backup section in Win 11 ‘Settings’ continues to be for backup to OneDrive only.

As stated, I use the 3-2-1 Backup method. Three (3) copies of all data, stored on Two (2) different local storage media, with one (1) copy offsite, in a remote location. That is – the original on the computer with a local Backup copy on an external hard drive (using Windows Backup) and the third copy in another location. In my case the third off site copy is on OneDrive.

I use the 3-2-1 method in case something goes wrong with the internet and you need a local backup. In fact with my main older computer (still running Windows 10 – it can’t be updated to Win 11), I have a 4th (local) backup to an external drive that is neither connected permanently to the internet nor the computer in case I get infected with ransomware type malware.

For the 4th copy, I have been using the Microsoft program “SyncToy”. Unfortunately SyncToy is no longer available for download from The Microsoft Download Centre but it still continues to work where it is installed. As a result, I do not have it on my newer computers and, therefore, I don’t know if it works on Win 11.

A 4th backup is a bit superfluous on the other computers that do not have anything of importance on them. Nevertheless I will start looking around for an alternative to SyncToy in case it stops working and/or if the File History backup method is withdrawn – which I hope is never the case.

The thing I like most about SyncToy is that is makes a direct copy of everything so that it looks just like the copied drive. It is more of a synchronisation program rather than a back up program – as the name suggests. Therefore, I want a program that operates like SyncToy. I don’t mind paying but I don’t want to pay a subscription.

I also want it to be a local Backup to a hard drive that can be disconnected from the computer when not in use – just like SyncToy. With my current set up, I have an external USB Drive to which I have assigned a Drive Letter.

TO ASSIGN A DRIVE LETTER IN WINDOWS 11, – Settings / System / Storage / Advanced storage settings / Disks and volumes / Click on the drive and select Properties and use the Change Label and Change Drive Letter buttons to name and assign a permanent drive letter.

I found a program in the Microsoft Store called – SyncFolder. This is their Web Site http://syncfolder.cwwonline.be/

It has 3.8 stars (out of 5) in the store but only 9 reviews. It is free, but the privacy policy says that the app – “doesn’t collect and doesn’t use any personal information, except to cover use cases where the user must configure source or destination locations that require user credentials (account, password, key, ..) for access.” – I won’t back up OneDrive so I shouldn’t need to be concerned about “user credentials”.

I will trial it on my HTPC for a while and add a review to this post (and the Microsoft Store) after I have used it for a while.

SyncFolder operates like Sync Toy and I set it up for manual sync and ran it:

I have now completed the first backup plus a couple of tests with additional documents. Just like SyncToy, the first time took a while. However, subsequent backups are quick as it only copies the changes.

So far – So good. As with SyncToy, I excluded all the system/program files etc, so it is only syncing my files. You can even run all the tasks at once by clicking in the menu as follows

With both backups, D drive and C drive, I excluded all system and program files so that I only sync my own files. In the case of C drive, the backup is only for ‘Users’ and, even then, it only includes folders like Documents, Pictures etc that contain my files.

WINDOWS 11–UPDATE 7–SNAP LAYOUTS

Another handy feature of Windows 11 is the improvement to “Snap”. “Snap” is where you can have more than one application visible on the desktop at the same time.

The improvement is called Snap Layouts.

Snap Layouts gives you an easy way to arrange 2 to 4 applications open at the same in various layouts.

Simply click Win Key / Z or hover your mouse over the “Maximise/Restore” icon (Top right between the “-” Minimise and “X” Close icons).

This will bring up :

First open the applications that you want included in the layout.

Then maximise the application that you want as the first image in the layout. I did this a couple of times – so Test 3 starts out as the main pane – BUT Test 1 is the main pane in the final image (below). You can arrange any way you want.

Then open the Layout Options (Win Key / Z or hover over Maximise/Restore)

Then select the pane that you want for the first App — it will turn blue:

Clicking on the space will put the application on the screen/desktop in this position. Then a split screen will appear to choose the applications to place in the remaining spaces. Just click on them in order until you have filled all the chosen spaces in the layout.

THE FINAL with all three in the spaces as per the layout chosen:

Just like with any screen, you can slide/position the individual Apps by clicking on the one you want to move and using the sliders at bottom (For left / right) and the right (For Up and Down).

I find this handy and use it all the time.

Windows 11 – Update 6 – Settings – Your Microsoft account

I came across this on thurrott.com.

Settings has been upgraded to include a section for information on your Microsoft Account .

Go to Settings/ Accounts / Your Microsoft account :

This section has various handy details about your Microsoft Account (MS A/C).

I usually access my MS A/C via the Edge browser which I retain as the default browser.

SEE my post “Browsers and Search Engines – February 2021”.

I have checked and, as yet, there has been no update to Settings / Accounts / Windows backup

Email Scams

ANOTHER WARNING about Scams.

I recently received a Scam Email trying blackmail to extort money.

It starts like this:

Hi. How are you?

I know, it’s unpleasant to start the conversation with bad news, but I have no choice.

Few months ago, I have gained access to your devices that used by you for internet browsing.

Afterwards, I could track down all your internet activities.

Here is the history of how it could become possible:

At first, I purchased from hackers the access to multiple email accounts (nowadays, it is a really simple thing to do online).

As result, I could easily log in to your email account (one of my email addresses).

One week later, I installed Trojan virus in Operating Systems of all devices of yours, which you use to open email.

Frankly speaking, it was rather straightforward (since you were opening the links from your inbox emails).

Everything ingenious is quite simple. ……

AND SO ON …. It goes on to claim that it has evidence of access to porn sites:

As I was gathering information about you, I couldn’t help but notice that you are also a true fan of adult-content websites.

You actually love visiting porn sites and browsing through kinky videos, while pleasuring yourself.

And then demands money not to release this information.

WHATEVER YOU DO – DON’T FALL FOR IT. Note it as Spam/Junk and then delete it.

This is a link to the Australian Government site https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/view-all-content/alerts/sextortion-email-campaign-impacting-australians

Also this is a good YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9CYBP_yfXM

I note that the YouTube video is sponsored by a Password Manager (Last Pass). A password manager is essential these days – as is two factor authorisation / identification (2FA)

ALSO DO NOT RE-USE PASSWORDS.

The following is a list of some Password Managers (I am not recommending any – do your own research)

Last Pass https://www.lastpass.com/

1 Password https://1password.com/

Bitwarden https://bitwarden.com/

Dashlane https://www.dashlane.com/

RoboForm https://www.roboform.com/

AND IF ALL of your devices are MAC/APPLE, Keychain is a very good password manager and comes free with Apple devices. Browsers also have password managers BUT all the experts say to get a separate password manager that works everywhere.

CNET has a good article here https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-password-manager/

OR Tom’s Guide https://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-password-managers,review-3785.html