Posey's Tips & Tricks


Reusing Content Within Microsoft Word

A new Microsoft Word feature lets you insert a block of text (or other content) from a different file without leaving the document you're currently working on.

How To Create Custom Shapes in Microsoft Visio

Visio is a handy tool for creating network diagrams, but it doesn't include every conceivable type of shape. Here's how to create your own custom shapes in Visio.

How To Rebuild a Problematic Windows 10 Installation

Sometimes the easiest fix for chronic Windows 10 problems is reinstalling Windows 10. Here's how to do it without erasing all of your files and apps.

The Case for On-Prem Home Labs in a Cloud-First World

The public cloud is mature and reliable. So why does Brien still run a bunch of physical servers out of his home? For a lot of good reasons that the cloud can't match, it turns out.

How To Safely Use a Hyper-V VM for Ransomware Testing

Ransomware is a lot more sophisticated now, attacking data on network drives and in the cloud. Before physically interacting with ransomware, take these precautions to stop anything outside the VM from getting infected.

A Chatbot Patent Is Microsoft's Most Disturbing Creation

Using standard AI training practices, Microsoft has developed a technology that would -- theoretically -- allow people to "chat" with deceased relatives.

Managing Microsoft Teams Breakout Rooms

Remote work has forced organizations to get used to holding virtual meetings. That's easy enough for meetings of 10 to 15 people. But bigger gatherings require a bit more wrangling.

Don't Rule Out Microsoft Replacing Outlook with Teams

Outlook used to be the centerpiece of Microsoft's collaboration efforts, but with Teams becoming more feature-rich by the day, it's obvious which app Microsoft now considers its golden child.

The Case for In-Application Backups

Application-integrated backup tools should never replace conventional backups, but they have their place.

How To Configure Windows 10 for Intel Optane Memory

Intel's Optane memory technology can significantly improve the performance of your Windows 10 system -- provided you enable it correctly. A single mistake can render the system unbootable. Here's how to do it the right way.

Dealing with a Hyper-V VM That's Stuck on Screen

A three-keystroke solution to a problem that has no discernible cause.

How To Fix the Hyper-V Read Only Disk Problem

DOS might seem like a relic now, but sometimes it's the only way to fix a problem that Windows seems ill-equipped to deal with -- like this one.

How To Improve Windows 10's Sound and Video Quality

Windows 10 comes with built-in tools that can help users get the most out of their sound and video hardware.

Tips for Running Hyper-V on Windows 10

Planning to run Hyper-V VMs on your Windows desktop? Here's how to ensure that you don't deplete Windows of the resources it needs to run smoothly.

Using Windows 10's Reliability Monitor To Track Down Potential Problems

Windows includes a built-in tool that can help you spot correlations between recent changes and current system problems. Here's how to use it.

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