Question from Hanna C: I used to have my Facebook settings configured to block people who aren’t my friends from sending me messages, but somehow that has got changed and I’m getting tons of messages from people I don’t know.
I can’t figure out how to find that setting anymore. Can you tell me where it is?
Rick’s answer: [Continue Reading]
Question from Landra G: Hi Rick. I bought an ebook on using Windows 7 and there was a passing reference to something called a System File Checker.
The ebook didn’t give any details except to say that you can use it to fix problems with your computer. Can you tell me what it is and how to use it. Thanks.
Rick’s answer: Landra, the System File Checker is a very useful Windows utility that will scan your critical Windows files and attempt to repair any damaged files that it finds. It often comes in handy for those times when Windows is acting quirky, something isn’t working as it should or you receive an error message saying that there is a damaged Windows system file.
Using the System File Checker is very easy in Windows 7. Here’s how: [Continue Reading]
It’s no secret that some of the best shopping deals around can be found on Amazon. After all, there’s a reason they’re the world’s largest online retailer.
But few people are aware that they also have an online Outlet store that offers even greater savings than the regular site! [Continue Reading]
Question from Shelby A.: The salesman that sold me my computer said I won’t need to plug it into a surge suppressor because the power supply automatically protects it from over-voltage. Is he right?
Rick’s answer: Shelby, I could give you a short answer to your question (it would be NO!!!), but I’ll explain why you still need to plug your computer into some sort of surge blocking device. [Continue Reading]
If you’re as forgetful as I am, a gentle reminder of an important event a day or two before it is scheduled to take place goes a long way towards avoiding embarrassment – and possibly a lost opportunity.
Sure, you can plaster a note to your computer screen or your car’s rear view mirror, but there is a better way. [Continue Reading]
If you’ve ever wanted to have your own self-hosted WordPress blog, right now is a perfect time to get started. Why? Because you can take advantage of a couple of specials from Godaddy and Hostgator that will allow you to register your own domain name AND get your first month of web hosting from the best hosting company on the planet for a grand total of $1.00!
There are several options for creating a blog for free, but regardless of which free blogging platform you choose you’ll be very limited in regards to what you can and cannot do with your blog (such as customize your blog and/or make money from it). By purchasing your own domain name and inexpensive web hosting plan, you can rest assured that you can do anything you want with your blog!
It’s easy to create your own self-hosted WordPress blog for only $1.00. Here’s how: [Continue Reading]
If you’re like me, you typically have several windows open on your computer screen at once. If so, you might find it difficult to focus all of your attention just on the window that is currently active.
A nifty free download called Le Dimmer helps keep the active window in focus by dimming all the other open windows while leaving the active window and the taskbar in clear view.
Le Dimmer is a small, portable utility that doesn’t require installation and won’t slow down your PC. It works with all versions of Windows from XP to Windows 8. I’ve been using it for a while now, and I really like it.
Here is a screenshot of Le Dimmer in action. Notice how your attention is immediately drawn to the active window. [Continue Reading]
Question from Margaret L.: I have a serious problem Rick. I bought an HP laptop from Best Buy on February 6, 2012 and I also took the three year extended warranty. The laptop died and now I can’t find my receipt or extended warranty paperwork.
Best Buy said there’s nothing they can do without the paperwork except send it off to HP for repair at my expense. Is there anything I can do to get them to honor the warranty I paid for? I’m just so frustrated right now.
Rick‘s answer: [Continue Reading]
 
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