Tech Questions & Answers Archives

Q&A: Can I save money by building my own laptop?

Posted on November 4, 2026

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Question from Adam: I read an article the other day that explained the advantages and disadvantages of building your own computer from scratch as opposed to just buying one.

It really caught my attention because I’d really like to build my own PC and save some money, but the article only discussed building a desktop computer. What I really need is a laptop. [Read more…]

Q&A: Does Windows still leave traces of deleted programs behind?

Posted on November 3, 2026

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Question from Vince: Hi, Rick. I need a little info and advice about Windows 11 if you don’t mind.

I’ve been using Geek Uninstaller to delete programs ever since I read your post explaining how Windows leaves bits and pieces of a program behind when it deletes it.

I updated my Windows 10 computer to Windows 11 and I was wondering if Windows 11 leaves traces of deleted programs behind too. I’m hoping Microsoft has finally fixed this?

[Read more…]

Q&A: Can a broken light pole fry a computer?

Posted on November 2, 2026

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Question from Elaine: I came home from work yesterday evening and the power company was replacing a light pole in the neighbor’s yard that had been broken off by a wrecked car.

It took several hours for them to get the power back on, and when they did my Dell desktop computer wouldn’t come on.

When I press the power button nothing happens. No noise of any kind, and no lights – nothing.

I know the outlet is working because I plugged a lamp into the same power strip and it’s working fine.

Do you think the broken light pole fried my computer somehow? And if it did, can it be fixed? [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I back up my paid Android apps?

Posted on October 28, 2026

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Question from Tabitha: I’ve had my current Android phone for three years and I love it, but I finally decided it was time to upgrade to take advantage of newer technology.

I haven’t decided on a new phone yet, but I know it’ll definitely be an Android.

The problem is I have several paid apps that I don’t want to lose when I switch phones.

How do I back up the apps from the old phone so that I can reinstall them on the new one?

[Read more…]

Q&A: When you delete a file, where does it go?

Posted on October 23, 2026

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Question from Judy: I have a question that’s probably going to sound dumb, but I’m curious.

I’ve been using computers for a long time and I’ve deleted a lot of files. Where do they go after Windows deletes them? [Read more…]