Ask Leo!

How can I sign a digital document without needing to print it?

2009-11-07T08:00:00-08:00

I am often asked to return a signed and dated copy of a pdf contract. The only way I know to do this is to print it on paper, sign and date it and then re-scan it. Is there some way do this (to create a replica of my signature, the current date, and sometimes a printed version of my name) that doesn't require a scanner and printer and avoids the use of paper?

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It's possible, though sometimes it's not as easy as we might like.

But aside from the technical aspects of what you're attempting, the more practical aspect is simply this: it might not be valid to do so.

And honestly, when it is valid, it kinda scares me.

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Tech Questions? Get Answers! - Ask Leo! ... by Leo Notenboom
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Is changing my password enough?

2009-11-06T08:00:00-08:00

I regularly hear from people who've had their email or other online account compromised, who somehow are able to recover access to it and change their password, only to have the account stolen almost immediately again.

The problem is actually quite simple, though the solution is a bit of work.

First, you have to realize that while someone else has access to your account they have access to everything related to that account.

Second, you have to realize that because of that, changing your password just isn't enough.

Continue reading Is changing my password enough?
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How many copies are made when I email a picture?

2009-11-05T08:00:00-08:00

When I insert pictures into an email from my hard drive and then send that email, are those pictures saved to my hard drive again? And when I receive a reply with the same pictures inserted, are the pictures now on my hard drive three times?

•

Quite possibly. Plus one, even.

It's going to depend on your email program, and what options you may have selected, and how the picture was inserted into the email.

Let's run down the variations.

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Why is Outlook Express sending multiple copies of my email?

2009-11-04T08:00:00-08:00

There is something strange going on with my Outlook Express version 6. When I send an Email with an attachment it's sent something like 40 times! Of course, while sending that mail I notice on my screen nothing at all about this curious fact. It seems to me - but I certainly do not know why or how - that probably my Outlook Express duplicates that mail and delivers it 40 times! I checked my configuration but I see nothing strange with that. Can you tell me what is the problem and how to solve this?

•

I did a little research, and I'm finding a couple of common causes.

The good news here is that either should be easy to fix.

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My Windows Live Hotmail account won't close, what do I do?

2009-11-01T10:07:56-08:00

I am trying to close this account that I have, but I can't, I don't know why? it says always that I have to close my Windows Live account before I can close Hotmail, and how do I do that? I never joined!

•

Actually, you did.

There's a common misconception around Hotmail and Windows Live that can lead to this scenario. I'll try to clear that up.

But I have to add: there's something about all of this that I really don't understand.

Continue reading My Windows Live Hotmail account won't close, what do I do?
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How do I tell if I have 32 bit or 64?

2009-10-30T13:31:48-08:00

How do you tell if an operating system is a 64-bit or 32-bit?

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I'm going to expand that to include both hardware and software.

In other words, how to tell if you have a 32 bit or 64 bit capable system, and then whether or not you have a 32 bit or 64 bit operating system running.

Continue reading How do I tell if I have 32 bit or 64?
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How do I get rid of boot choices in Windows 7?

2009-10-30T12:24:21-08:00

I have downloaded the retail version of Windows 7 on my "C" drive, but I am unable to remove the boot choice which previously allowed me to either open the RC Windows 7 on another internal HD, or open the Windows Vista OS on my "C" drive. I did format the other HD, which I now use for backups only. The "Startup and Recovery" pop-up window referred to in your last newsletter, which I looked up, does not provide an option to carry out the "edit". Apart from the other details as per your illustration the "edit" option is simply not shown. Please enlighten me how to otherwise remove this 2nd boot choice.

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Yep, things changed (back in Vista, I believe).

The good news is that it's still pretty easy to modify your boot choices.

You just need to drop to the Windows Command prompt - as administrator, of course.

Continue reading How do I get rid of boot choices in Windows 7?
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Where is Windows Mail, or Outlook Express, in Windows 7?

2009-10-29T11:32:02-08:00

I did not realize Windows Mail is not included in Windows 7 Professional. Is there a way to add Windows mail?

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It's true - Outlook Express was replaced by Windows Mail in Windows Vista, but with the release of Windows 7 even that has disappeared, along with Windows Messenger and a few other items.

To be honest, that's good news for those of us who never used these tools.

But for those who did, it means an extra step or three.

Continue reading Where is Windows Mail, or Outlook Express, in Windows 7?
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Does running Windows in a virtual machine protect me from viruses?

2009-10-28T13:51:32-08:00

I have gotten to like Ubuntu even though I realize the learning curve is going to be rather long. One of the things I do is help poor people acquire computers and Ubuntu is perfect if all they need is an office program, internet browsing and email .

I have started to learn wine but I think a VM might be a good idea as well. I am limited to 4 gigs but I don't game so speed is not that important.

My question is if I run XP PRO on a VM inside of my Linux box will I still retain the advantage of virus resistance? And will I be able to save data on the drive when using the VM. Also would using Win98 be just as well as some of the older people I help have games that they are convinced will only run on 98 even when I show them the compatibility mode.

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Yes and no.

Virtual machines, or VMs for short, are one of the coolest technologies I've seen come along for some time. They're still pretty geeky, but as you can tell - I'm impressed.

Before relying on VMs for security purposes, though, we need to understand exactly what they are, and of course, what they are not.

Continue reading Does running Windows in a virtual machine protect me from viruses?
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If I replace my hard drive will I lose my ability to restore to original settings?

2009-10-27T10:31:41-08:00

I have a Dell Dimension 8400 running Media Center 2005 (XP Pro.) There is a process that I can initiate during system boot that allows me to take the computer back to its original factory settings/state. If I remove the original hard drive and install a new larger drive on this machine then install Windows 7 on the new drive, will I still be able to use this factory settings option if I switch back to the old hard drive or will the BIOS be changed in a way that will make this impossible? I have a USB hard drive case I have used in the past for this drive and would like to use it for back up files but would also like to be able to switch back to XP with it if I don't like 7.

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If you replace the hard drive, you will lose that factory reset ability, yes.

But, in all honesty, from what you describe it's not that horrible a thing.

Let's review how the factory settings reset works, why it'll go away, and what you should be doing instead anyway so that you'd never to rely on it anyway.

Continue reading If I replace my hard drive will I lose my ability to restore to original settings?
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How should I protect myself when other people use my computer?

2009-10-25T14:01:07-08:00

I have a computer in my place of business where I allowed many people to access and use my computer to send and receive emails, allowing some of them to apply for their own emails with Yahoo.

One day about nine months ago, I was visited by the two FBI Agents. When they came in my business one of them asked me if I was the owner; I replied yes, I owned the business. Then he asked if I had a computer, I said yes at the back of the building.

I know that what I am about to tell you, I had been wrong for letting others use my computer, however being new to computers, I had no idea of the dangers of that.

...

•

There's much more to this question ... or rather this story.

I'm presenting it as a cautionary tale.

Continue reading How should I protect myself when other people use my computer?
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How do I transfer my data if I do a clean install of Windows 7?

2009-10-24T17:12:08-08:00

If I install Windows 7 on my old XP as a clean installation, is there a way to transfer my data without messing up the new installation?

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Yes, there is. In fact, it's the only officially supported way to install Windows 7 on a machine that's running Windows XP.

It simply requires some preparation.

Continue reading How do I transfer my data if I do a clean install of Windows 7?
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Spyware: How do I remove and avoid spyware?

2009-10-24T16:00:00-08:00

Spyware is a modern scourge. It's certainly on the top 5 list of topics I deal with on a regular basis. Some forms actually live up to the name - "spy" ware - software that actually spy's on you, monitoring and recording what you do. Others are worse: acting almost like viruses, hijacking your web browser, popping up ads, or just generally wreaking havoc.

It isn't going to go away any time soon, and the reality is that it requires vigilance on your part to avoid spyware.

Besides taking normal precautions, you must regularly scan for spyware.

Continue reading Spyware: How do I remove and avoid spyware?
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