Mr. Modem: What’s the deal with Windows 8?
Will Windows XP or 7 Return? I am thinking of buying a new laptop with Windows 8.1. From what I've read, some people do not like Windows 8. If that's true, do you think Microsoft will keep this format or will it go back to the Windows XP or 7 format? How do you feel about Windows 8, Mr. M?
I think Windows 8 or 8.1 is fine. I like the touch-screen interface, which is what it was designed for, though it certainly can be used with a traditional mouse and keyboard. Historically, whenever a new operating system makes its debut, some people like it and some people do not, and that is to be expected.
Some users simply resist anything new or different, but make that decision yourself, based on your personal experience as opposed to being influenced by others. As far as Microsoft returning to an older format such as XP or 7, I think it is highly unlikely.
I lost my volume icon in Windows 7. Is there any other way to adjust the volume?
It sounds like your volume icon was accidentally disabled — not unlike my Uncle Sven, the dairy farmer, when one of his cows sat on him. He was in bad shape for a while but fortunately made a “mooraculous” recovery.
To enable the volume control, go to your Control Panel and click Appearance and Personalization > Taskbar and Start Menu. From the Properties dialog box that appears, go to the Notification area and click the Customize button.
At the bottom of the next window, click the "Turn System Icons On or Off" text link. Locate the volume icon and use the drop-down list to enable it. Click OK several times to back your way out of your open windows and save your changes.
How do I delete all data from a flash drive so that I can put new information on it?
Formatting a flash drive will wipe all data off the drive. Start by inserting the flash drive into a USB port on your computer. Depending on the version of Windows you are using, click Computer, then right-click your flash drive icon and select Format.
You will see the capacity of the drive and various bits of technical information nobody ever pays attention to.
Remove the check mark beside the Quick Format box, then click Start to format your flash drive. The formatting process will probably take a few minutes and you may see a green progress bar. Once formatting is complete, your flash drive will be squeaky clean and devoid of all data.
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This story was originally published February 18, 2015 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Mr. Modem: What’s the deal with Windows 8?."