Windows Updates Can Change Defaults

When Windows updates, often it will change an app's default to the Microsoft/Edge/Outlook version. The latest W11 update changed the default PDF to the Edge PDF app and the default email app. The point is this: If the default for a given app has changed, it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your computer. It's often the result of Microsoft being sneaky, pushy, intrusive, and disrespectful of proper boundaries. To restore your preferred default, go to Settings/Apps/Default apps. And if you don't see it listed (e.g., PDF viewer  and Email will not be listed), look by file type (.pdf and .msg).

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Finding Wi-Fi Passwords

To find the password to the Wi-Fi network you're currently connected to on Windows:

1. Click the Start button and then go to Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center (Windows 11) or Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Center (Windows 10).

2. Next to Connections, click your Wi-Fi network name highlighted in blue.

3. In the Wi-Fi Status page that opens, click Wireless Properties and then on the Security tab.

4. Finally, check the box next to Show characters to display your Wi-Fi network password above it.

To find all your Wi-Fi network passwords on Windows:

1. Right-click on the Windows icon in the taskbar on your desktop or press Win + X keys.

2. Click Windows Terminal (Admin).

3. Type in netsh wlan show profile and hit Enter on your keyboard to view every Wi-Fi network you've connected to.

4. Once you find the Wi-Fi network you want the password for, type in netsh wlan show profile "(Wi-Fi network name)" key=clear (for example, netsh wlan show profile "Netgear667" key=clear), and then hit the Enter key. Settings for profile, connectivity, security and more will appear. The Wi-Fi network password will appear under Security settings, and next to Key Content. 

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Trump's Approval Ratings Continue to Drop

Although the rate of the continued decline remains measured in baby steps, as The Hill reports, Trump hits his lowest approval rating so far.

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Well Deserved Knighthood

In recognition of his services to drama, particularly Slow Horses which is now airing, Gary Oldman is now Sir Gary Oldman.

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Android's Private DNS Mode

I don't use wi-fi on any public networks (I rely on the data connection instead). But, if you do use wi-fi on public networks, this ZDNet article will tell you how to turn on Android's Private DNS mode - and why you should.

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Windows 11 Updates

Your Windows 11 computer likely installed the optional September Update. This PC World article will take you through the many feature and short-cut changes that came with that update. Many are likely of no interest, but some of them look to be quite useful (e.g., adding an End Task option to the Task Bar; providing short-cuts for insertion of m-dash-es and n-dash-es, and more).

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Free PC Diagnostics

This MSU article walks you through the free diagnostic tools it says one should install, including: HWiNFo (for a comprehensive review of just about everything in the computer); Crystal Disk Info (storage drive health); Memtest86+ (scan for memory problems); and Tree Size (clean up large folders). I wish Memtest86+ were available to use on some dear friends.

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Consumer Confidence Drops Again

As the stock market parties on, U.S. consumer confidence declined again in September as Americans’ pessimism in view of inflation and the weakening job market continued to grow. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell by 3.6 points to 94.2 in September, down from August’s 97.8. That’s a bigger drop than analysts were expecting and the lowest reading since April, when Trump rolled out his sweeping tariff policy. A measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for their income, business conditions, and the job market fell to 73.4, remaining well below 80, the marker that can signal a recession ahead. 

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Sprout's

We have long touted Sprout's as the best grocery market. As this article reports, others are coming around to our view.

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PS re Shipping a 75" TV Across Country

Don't even think about it. It will give you a headache. And by all means, do not give out your email or phone number as a predicate to getting a cost estimate. There are cost estimators available (even from UPS) without giving any contact info.

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