Windows 8.1/10 .NET 3.5 Installation Error 0x800F0906

Posted on by John D

According to https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2734782, there are 4 resolutions for getting a 0x800F0906 error when trying to turn on .NET 3.5 in Programs and Features. Unfortunately, the first two involve blaming someone else, and the last one is for Windows Server 2012 and 2012 R2. Fortunately, the 3rd alternative works for fixing your Windows 8.1/10 .NET 3.5 installation error 0x800F0906: Continue reading “Windows 8.1/10 .NET 3.5 Installation Error 0x800F0906” →

How and Why I Am Kicking Skype to the Curb

Posted on by John D

Perhaps on a day where Skype is out globally, it is time to rethink your telephony strategy.

Reports about Skype being unavailable started at about 09:00 BST on Monday morning in the UK.

But just after midnight on Tuesday, it said Skype services have been fully restored.

~ BBC, “Skype service ‘restored’ after network problems“

Ironically, I have been planning this article for some time. In general, I wanted to give myself time to prove that I can come up with a better alternative than Skype. Skype going down this morning was just the gravy that proved I was doing the right thing by dumping Skype. Continue reading “How and Why I Am Kicking Skype to the Curb” →

Windows 10 Downloads Whether You Want It or Not

Posted on by John D

After all, you’ll change your mind, won’t you?

Have you ever gotten the feeling that Microsoft believes it knows what you want more than you do? I’ve read that about Windows in particular, and I’ve even said words to that effect at times, but it was usually in an exaggerated jest. However, it appears that there is more truth behind that sentiment than I had previously believed. You now even get Windows 10 downloads whether you want it or not.
Continue reading “Windows 10 Downloads Whether You Want It or Not” →

Review: Mount ISOs In Windows Using WinCDEmu

Posted on by John D

It’s surprising that Windows 7 still does not have a way to automatically mount ISOs in Windows. Fortunately, it is built into Windows 8+, but other operating systems have had this capability for some time now. For Windows 7 and below, however, you need a third party utility. Continue reading “Review: Mount ISOs In Windows Using WinCDEmu” →

Removing Windows.Old Folder

Posted on by John D
Deleting old Windows files is easier than removing old windows
Deleting old Windows files is easier than removing old windows

After upgrading to Windows 10, I found a Windows.old directory on my hard drive. This was surprising since I upgraded from Windows 7, which was supposedly a “clean” install. I checked my ex-Windows 8.1 computer, and it also had one, although I would have expected it there.
Continue reading “Removing Windows.Old Folder” →

Initial Thoughts on Windows 10

Posted on by John D

Well, I’ve had a chance to play around with Windows 10 on a few machine configurations, and I can honestly say it sucks less than Windows 8. No, that is not a ringing endorsement, but it isn’t a resounding condemnation either, at least as user interfaces go. Having said that, I still have some nagging privacy concerns.
Continue reading “Initial Thoughts on Windows 10” →

Review: Easy2Boot Multiplatform USB Boot Creator

Posted on by John D

Easy2Boot_logoI’ve used MultibootUSB for a year or more now, and it is a handy way to create a bootable USB stick that can boot into a number of Linux or Linux-like (e.g., Ultimate Boot CD) distros. However, it does not do Windows install boots, and it requires ripping apart the ISO file to do its job. Wouldn’t it be neat if you could more or less just put the ISO on the stick and know it will boot? Well, you can almost do that now with Easy2Boot. Continue reading “Review: Easy2Boot Multiplatform USB Boot Creator” →