Tech Questions & Answers Archives

Q&A: Should I let someone build me a PC or just go buy one?

Posted on July 23, 2026

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Question from Margaret: Hi, Rick. I have a question for you about my options for getting a new computer.

What are your thoughts on having someone build a custom computer for me vs. buying a name brand computer at a computer store?

My teenage cousin Kevin is a computer geek and he says he can build me a Windows PC that’s better than one I can buy at a computer store for the same amount of money. He is really sharp and knows a lot about this computer stuff. Do you think I should let him build me one or should I just buy one of the name brands? [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I take a screenshot on my iPad?

Posted on July 22, 2026

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Question from Brenda: Hi, Rick. I have a question for you, and I know the answer is probably pretty simple.

I just got an iPad and I’m really struggling trying to figure it out. What I need to know is how to take a screenshot on it?

I’ve seen people post screenshots before so I know it can be done, but I can’t figure out how to do it. I’m probably older than most of your readers and understanding these modern gadgets doesn’t come easy for me. [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I create a Restore Point for a time that’s already passed?

Posted on July 21, 2026

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Question from Barry: Rick, I desperately need to create a System Restore Point for last Monday.

What happened was I downloaded a couple of torrent files last Tuesday and now my Windows 11 PC is all messed up.

I tried doing a System Restore back to the previous Monday, but the oldest Restore Point I see is from over 2 weeks ago and I have some really important files that were created since then. Is there a way to create one for last Monday? [Read more…]

Q&A: Did I just completely fry my PC?

Posted on July 17, 2026

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Question from Theresa: Hi, Rick. I’m really upset this morning because my desktop computer was damaged due to a bad electrical outlet.

What happened was I hired an electrician to install an electrical outlet in my new sunroom so I could move my computer out there.

As soon as I plugged the computer in and turned it on I heard a loud POP and now I can’t get either the computer or monitor to come on.

My brother stopped by and checked the outlet and found that it has 238 volts on it instead of 120.

I have two questions: [Read more…]

Q&A: Windows is showing my WiFi network as Public. Isn’t that dangerous?

Posted on July 12, 2026

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Question from Kellie: I was messing around with the network settings on my Windows 11 laptop last night.

While I was in there I noticed that my WiFi network is set to “Public” instead of “Private”.

I’ve always heard that public networks are dangerous.

Is that true? And if it is, how can I change it to private? [Read more…]