# Information Technology **URL:** https://forums.carlosthomas.net/c/information-technology/7.md [Latest](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/categories.md) · [Tags](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/tags.md) --- ## [About the Information Technology category](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/about-the-information-technology-category/19)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0
This section is for general IT discussions. Got questions or information about IT? Issues with FLOW? Yep still IT. Computer not working? Network issues? Anything related or any subcategory - right here. --- ## [Windows Home, Pro, Enterprise, N, Single Language — What Do You Actually Need?](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/windows-home-pro-enterprise-n-single-language-what-do-you-actually-need/113)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2026, 5:42am UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/windows-home-pro-enterprise-n-single-language-what-do-you-actually-need/113 "2026-10-13T05:42:44Z")
One thing I see far too often is a computer running a Windows edition that it never needed in the first place. A machine may have originally shipped with Windows Home, but someone installs Windows Pro because it sounds … --- ## [How to Switch Between the Old and New LuxPower Interfaces in LuxCloud](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/how-to-switch-between-the-old-and-new-luxpower-interfaces-in-luxcloud/112)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 9, 2026, 11:42pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/how-to-switch-between-the-old-and-new-luxpower-interfaces-in-luxcloud/112 "2026-10-09T23:42:33Z")
If you have been using LuxPower for a while, you may notice that the original LuxPower app is no longer the main app available in the Play Store. The newer app is LuxCloud, also published by Wang James. If you search f… --- ## [From SendSpace to Transfr: How Large File Sharing Has Changed](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/from-sendspace-to-transfr-how-large-file-sharing-has-changed/110)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2026, 4:25pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/from-sendspace-to-transfr-how-large-file-sharing-has-changed/110 "2026-10-04T16:25:05Z")
Some of us remember when sending a large file online was a much bigger deal than it is today. For me, one of the earliest services that comes to mind is SendSpace. The basic model was simple: Upload the file, get a l… --- ## [When Old Knowledge Still Matters: COM Ports, Resource Allocation and Troubleshooting](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/when-old-knowledge-still-matters-com-ports-resource-allocation-and-troubleshooting/108)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2026, 2:49am UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/when-old-knowledge-still-matters-com-ports-resource-allocation-and-troubleshooting/108 "2026-09-06T02:49:35Z")
When Old Knowledge Still Matters: COM Ports, Resource Allocation and Troubleshooting One of the things I continue to advocate for in IT is the importance of core competencies. Technology changes constantly. Some of the … --- ## [2014 Honda Vezel - P0171 - Old Habits & New Tech](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/2014-honda-vezel-p0171-old-habits-new-tech/106)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2026, 7:06pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/2014-honda-vezel-p0171-old-habits-new-tech/106 "2026-09-03T19:06:15Z")
Good Habits Can Become Bad Habits When the Technology Changes That is the main lesson I took from a recent issue with my 2014 Honda Vezel Hybrid. This is not written as a mechanic’s guide, because I am not a mechanic. I … --- ## [Troubleshooting 101: Sometimes It Really Is Your Device](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/troubleshooting-101-sometimes-it-really-is-your-device/105)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2026, 4:32pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/troubleshooting-101-sometimes-it-really-is-your-device/105 "2026-08-09T16:32:16Z")
I’ve been doing some of my studies online using Udemy. In a few groups, I had previously suggested that persons interested in getting into AI could start with something simple and guided, such as Coursiv, then move on t… --- ## [Where Are Your Passwords? Password Storage, Managers & 2FA](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/where-are-your-passwords-password-storage-managers-2fa/104)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2026, 3:34am UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/where-are-your-passwords-password-storage-managers-2fa/104 "2026-08-05T03:34:46Z")
Password Security – Storage, Password Managers & TOTP Living topic: This information may be updated as applications, features, prices and security practices change. The individual recommendations may evolve, but the cor… --- ## [Troubleshooting Example: Microphone Not Working](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/troubleshooting-example-microphone-not-working/103)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2026, 11:22am UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/troubleshooting-example-microphone-not-working/103 "2026-07-29T11:22:15Z")
This is a recent troubleshooting example that I want to reference. There are some interns at a store that I’m closely affiliated with, and some examples here may be more easily remembered by them. The identifying details… --- ## [Troubleshooting 101](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/troubleshooting-101/101)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2026, 4:28pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/troubleshooting-101/101 "2026-07-25T16:28:34Z")
Troubleshooting 101 Troubleshooting is more than applying fixes until something starts working. A good technician must be able to: understand the reported problem; identify the actual fault; determine the urgen… --- ## [Billing Clients & The IT Scene](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/billing-clients-the-it-scene/40)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2026, 3:23pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/billing-clients-the-it-scene/40 "2026-07-25T15:23:08Z")
This is a topic that’s kinda sore now, but it keeps coming up. I’m gonna use some images once I get PC or laptop access to illustrate the points, but I do want to get feedback on this. Something that was noticed - well,… --- ## [Education to Employment: Building a Practical IT Career Path](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/education-to-employment-building-a-practical-it-career-path/102)
**Author:** [@khat17](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/khat17)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2026, 2:40pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/education-to-employment-building-a-practical-it-career-path/102 "2026-07-25T14:40:51Z")
Education to Employment: Building a Practical IT Career Path Please note that this is related to the following post: You should review the added details there about schools and certifications. Getting into IT should … --- ## [Questions & Answers 101 + Rules](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/questions-answers-101-rules/100)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2026, 2:04am UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/questions-answers-101-rules/100 "2026-07-23T02:04:21Z")
Questions & Answers This area is for any and all questions, especially from interns and persons who are still learning. The forum is public, so you may ask questions for yourself or on behalf of a friend. There are no “… --- ## [Windows Installed, But Is It Really Finished? Understanding Drivers](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/windows-installed-but-is-it-really-finished-understanding-drivers/95)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2026, 12:31pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/windows-installed-but-is-it-really-finished-understanding-drivers/95 "2026-06-10T12:31:29Z")
I recently had a request for assistance from a technician who could not get a device working properly after installing Windows 11. The system was installed, Windows loaded, and the desktop appeared. But some devices ha… --- ## [SSD, HDD and Thumb Drives](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/ssd-hdd-and-thumb-drives/94)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2026, 2:16am UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/ssd-hdd-and-thumb-drives/94 "2026-03-03T02:16:11Z")
:floppy\_disk: Flash Memory, SSD Endurance & Why Thumb Drives Are Not Long-Term Storage Modern storage has come a long way. We’ve moved from purely mechanical hard drives to NAND flash storage in: SSDs NVMe drives … --- ## [NetBook Reality Check – When Drive C Fills Up, Your Data Is at Risk](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/netbook-reality-check-when-drive-c-fills-up-your-data-is-at-risk/93)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2026, 12:13am UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/netbook-reality-check-when-drive-c-fills-up-your-data-is-at-risk/93 "2026-02-26T00:13:22Z")
:warning: NetBook Reality Check – When Drive C Fills Up, Your Data Is at Risk In my earlier post in the “IT Learning Discussion” thread (October 14, 2023), I explained what a NetBook is — and more importantly, what it is… --- ## [2026-02 - Latest Adobe Acrobat Update Breaks on Windows 7](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/2026-02-latest-adobe-acrobat-update-breaks-on-windows-7/92)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2026, 5:47pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/2026-02-latest-adobe-acrobat-update-breaks-on-windows-7/92 "2026-02-24T17:47:52Z")
:warning: Latest Adobe Acrobat Update Breaks on Windows 7 – Missing api-ms-win-core-winrt-l1-1-0.dll Some users running Windows 7 have recently reported that Adobe Acrobat or Reader no longer launches after a recent upda… --- ## [Video & Audio Playback Questions](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/video-audio-playback-questions/91)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 21, 2026, 7:30pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/video-audio-playback-questions/91 "2026-02-21T19:30:47Z")
:clapper\_board: Ever Had a Video That Just Wouldn’t Play Properly? Ever double-clicked a video file and: It wouldn’t open? It had sound but no video? It had video but no sound? It played… but jittery? Or i… --- ## [SEO Extortion / Fake DMCA Backlink Scam](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/seo-extortion-fake-dmca-backlink-scam/90)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2026, 3:14am UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/seo-extortion-fake-dmca-backlink-scam/90 "2026-02-17T03:14:31Z")
:warning: Scam Alert: Fake DMCA Email Demanding Backlink Placement We recently received the following email: “We are emailing you to insist our client is correctly credited. A visible link to https://tshirtsuperstar.co… --- ## [WhatsApp Hacked? DO NOT Delete the App — Read This First!](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/whatsapp-hacked-do-not-delete-the-app-read-this-first/89)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2026, 3:03am UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/whatsapp-hacked-do-not-delete-the-app-read-this-first/89 "2026-02-17T03:03:21Z")
:warning: WhatsApp Hacked? DO NOT Delete the App — Read This First Recently someone was hacked on WhatsApp and was told to delete the app immediately. That advice sounds logical — but in most cases, it actually makes re… --- ## [Storage Types Overview](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/storage-types-overview/88)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2026, 2:55am UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/storage-types-overview/88 "2026-02-16T02:55:46Z")
:floppy\_disk: SSD vs HDD vs NVMe: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Upgrade To? If you’re upgrading or replacing a hard drive, you’ve probably seen terms like: HDD SSD NVMe SATA M.2 Hybrid (SSH… --- ## [Windows Update Problems - KB5063878](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/windows-update-problems-kb5063878/86)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2025, 2:53pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/windows-update-problems-kb5063878/86 "2025-09-03T14:53:35Z")
INTRODUCTION This is a hot topic around 2025-08 and is surprisingly still ongoing. Apparently this update causes SSD drives to fail due to excessive background writing. This topic on SSDs and failures was loosely touched… --- ## [Business IT Guidelines (BASIC)](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/business-it-guidelines-basic/85)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2025, 4:26pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/business-it-guidelines-basic/85 "2025-08-29T16:26:53Z")
INTRODUCTION This thread is intended to give businesses a general set of guides to be used for their IT processes. The details here are taken from things I’ve seen in the IT space over the years. DISCLAIMER The details … --- ## [Dealing With FLOW](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/dealing-with-flow/17)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2025, 7:16pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/dealing-with-flow/17 "2025-04-20T19:16:05Z")
Original Post - October 2023. So you have FLOW as your ISP. Somehow you find that you’ve got a problem - whether through general usage or things are just moving very slowly. You need to call FLOW now to get things resol… --- ## [Computer 101 Crash Course](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/computer-101-crash-course/73)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2025, 1:55pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/computer-101-crash-course/73 "2025-02-13T13:55:34Z")
INTRODUCTION This is done due to something noted over the years… Regardless of the field, many persons are not computer savvy. Many persons in various fields - accounting - medicine - aggriculture - etc - who interface … --- ## [FLOW Mobile Internet Problems Since July 2024 (Beryl)](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/flow-mobile-internet-problems-since-july-2024-beryl/66)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 16, 2024, 2:02pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/flow-mobile-internet-problems-since-july-2024-beryl/66 "2024-12-16T14:02:18Z")
Introduction Recently it seems as though the services by FLOW have gotten worse - if that’s even possible. After getting absolutely nowhere with them, I took some time to talk to persons I know in the industry. After has… --- ## [Remote Support - RustDesk](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/remote-support-rustdesk/53)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2024, 5:44pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/remote-support-rustdesk/53 "2024-06-14T17:44:56Z")
INTRODUCTION So a lot has been going on in the remote support world these days. We’ve moved a lot between DameWare, Remote Desktop, VNC and others to TeamViewer, AnyDesk and lots of other options that are currently avail… --- ## [Laptop Keyboard Replacements](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/laptop-keyboard-replacements/64)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2024, 2:25pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/laptop-keyboard-replacements/64 "2024-11-28T14:25:36Z")
Introduction This one I got asked recently - what’s the cost of a replacement keyboard? That question was missing a lot of information, so let’s get into what’s needed to provide a costing. Labour Price Range Something … --- ## [Security - Encrypted Drives](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/security-encrypted-drives/63)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 28, 2024, 1:57pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/security-encrypted-drives/63 "2024-11-28T13:57:35Z")
Introduction This topic came up recently when a client asked about an issue with their laptop. Apparently they are locked out of their system due to BitLocker. Let’s get into how, why and what to do if this happens to yo… --- ## [Solar Setups](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/solar-setups/62)
**Author:** [@carlos](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/u/carlos)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2024, 2:35pm UTC](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/t/solar-setups/62 "2024-11-19T14:35:19Z")
Introduction Persons have asked a few times about solar, and with the ever-evolving technical landscape it’s hard to always keep up. Here’s some quick information to get you on the right track. Solar installers - please… [Next page](https://forums.carlosthomas.net/c/information-technology/7.md?page=1)