Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Computing/2023 February 7

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February 7

Setting Network Password

I think that the problem that I have been asking about, above, is that I am trying to share folders and a printer on my machine, but they have a password. If I am on the machine that I want to make sharable over my home network, how do I set or change its password? Oh yes, this is Windows 11 with a Dell machine. Robert McClenon (talk) 00:20, 7 February 2023 (UTC)

@Robert McClenon: With most versions of Windows, it often helps if you log on to every machine/device with the same user and password. I'm not familiar with Win 11, but this page seems to be quite helpful.

In theory, you should have a 'Public' folder - drag and drop local files and folders into this folder, and they should be accessible on the home network. Best of luck, MinorProphet (talk) 23:46, 11 February 2023 (UTC)

Any way to get a shift lock on computer keyboard?

Computer keyboards come with a shift key to access #@? type characters plus capitals and also a caps lock key for ALL CAPS but not the shifted characters. Is there any way to get a shift lock to get the shifted characters in addition to all caps? Typewriters have a shift lock, and I'd like that on my computer also. RudolfRed (talk) 02:34, 7 February 2023 (UTC)

You need to say what operating system and graphical interface you have. On my KDE/AlmaLinux system it is simply settings>input devices>keyboard>advanced and then tick the box. Other distros may differ as will other GIs. Macs are a law unto themselves. If you're still using Windows then there should be a way from the control panel but I'm afraid I don't have either a physical or virtual WinBox at the moment. Martin of Sheffield (talk) 09:20, 7 February 2023 (UTC)

I am not aware of anyway to do this on Windows 10/11. Ruslik_Zero 11:05, 7 February 2023 (UTC)

On Windows you can do it with the Sticky Keys accessibility feature. You can set it so that you can toggle the shift key: two taps will turn shift lock on, one tap will turn it off again. - X201 (talk) 12:00, 7 February 2023 (UTC)

I am using Windows 10 and Windows 11. I will look into the Sticky Keys feature. Thanks, everyone, for the replies. RudolfRed (talk) 18:38, 7 February 2023 (UTC)

It will act as CapsLock. Ruslik_Zero 20:25, 9 February 2023 (UTC)

That's not correct. Sticky Keys with the Shift modifier will make it as if the Shift key is held down and so will affect symbol and number keys instead of just letters. Nil Einne (talk) 15:55, 10 February 2023 (UTC)

Ok, you are right for purely Sticky Keys. But they are active only until a symbol or number key is pressed. The question was if it is possible to make Shift Key stick permanently. Ruslik_Zero 20:06, 10 February 2023 (UTC)

Apparently there a various settings within Sticky Keys, one is pressing Alt, Shift or Ctrl keys twice in succession to lock them. MinorProphet (talk) 00:10, 12 February 2023 (UTC)

Yes. On Windows 10 if you turn on the "Lock the modifier key when pressed twice in a row" and sticky keys is on, the modifier key e.g. Shift should stay pressed once you push it twice until you either push it again, or push two keys at the same time assuming you have that option on too. The former at least is how it worked when I tested it. Nil Einne (talk) 04:01, 12 February 2023 (UTC)

Radio static

Hello,

I own a small mp3 player, although I primarily use it for it's FM radio function.

When the device is charging, and I'm listening to it at the same time, there will be occasional small bursts of static that occur. They will last about one or two seconds, before the radio "refocuses" on the radio station. They don't seem to happen according to any pattern, and they're a small enough issue (minutes will usually pass between them, but occasionally they happen closer together) that I wouldn't consider replacing it.

Any idea why this could be? Any insight is appreciated. User:Heyoostorm^_talk! 19:51, 7 February 2023 (UTC)

This is likely caused by interference coming in over the power line and charging lead. These players use the cords attached as an antenna. You may be able to reduce it's effect by threading a couple of turns of your usb charging cable through a ferrite ring, or using on of those clip on ones. The switch modes power supply can add interference as well so probably useless to filter between electric outlet and charger. But there could also be interference through the air from the charger to your unit. Graeme Bartlett (talk) 22:35, 7 February 2023 (UTC)

Possibly a nearby mobile phone (UK)/cellphone (US)? When contacting their basestation these tend to interfere with nearby devices (e.g mine is making a noise on my desktop right now) and this could be being picked up by the charging cable.--Phil Holmes (talk) 10:11, 8 February 2023 (UTC)

The term "static" may be loosely applied to various form of Radio noise but there are distinctions between natural electromagnetic Atmospheric noise caused primarily by lightning in thunderstorms worldwide, thermal noise that is present in all electrical circuits and man-made radio-frequency interference. Commercial and amateur radio operators use the abbreviations QRN for natural and QRM for man-made interference. In the QRM category, handover and identification signalling in mobile phone networks as Phil Holmes suggests fit the OP's description. They are typically recognizable as randomly-arriving bursts of signalling pulses. For a small mp3 player without an antenna socket there may be no practical cure while an FM receiver fed from a rooftop Yagi antenna receives a stronger signal that is immunized from most interference by the Capture effect. If the OP's desired radio program is available from multiple transmitters e.g. regional BBC stations in the UK, then it may be worth retuning to find a stronger signal. Philvoids (talk) 18:16, 11 February 2023 (UTC)

Network Access Locked Out in Windows 11 Local Network

I have two computers in my apartment, both running Windows 11, and they are both on a network router. I am trying to access files on Computer A from Computer B. I am getting the message: Computer A is not accessible. You might not have permission to use this network resource. Contact the administrator of this server to find out if you have access permissions. The referenced account is currently locked out and may not be logged on to.

What should I do on Computer A to unlock Computer B from looking at it? Robert McClenon (talk) 21:56, 7 February 2023 (UTC)