Tech Questions & Answers Archives

Q&A: Why is the screen in my MacBook Pro staying black after I turn it on?

Posted on March 22, 2019

Question from Angela S.: I hope you can help me with a computer problem, Rick.

I have a 2016 model 15″ MacBook Pro that has always worked perfectly till last night.

When I turned it on this morning the screen stayed black. Everything else seems to be working.

I tried closing and opening the lid a few times and turning the machine off and on but it always stays black.

Do you think the screen is bad? If it is how much will it cost to get it fixed?

I really can’t afford to spend too much due to my current financial situation.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why is my laptop’s hard drive making a clicking sound?

Posted on March 21, 2019

Question from Nancy D: Rick, my laptop has started making a faint, but noticeable clicking sound when I first turn it on.

It only clicks for about 8-10 seconds, then it boots up normally and runs fine until I shut it down.

It’s hard to tell for sure, but the clicking sound seems to be coming from the hard drive.

I haven’t downloaded anything recently or made any changes to the system that I’m aware of.

This machine came with Windows 8 but I’ve updated it to Windows 10.

Do you have any idea what I can do to stop the clicking? If it’s complicated I’ll have to take it to someone who can do it for me because I have zero confidence in my ability to fix a computer.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I switch the functions of the left and right mouse buttons in Windows?

Posted on March 21, 2019

Question from Ethan K.: Hi Rick. I recently bought a used Lenovo desktop running Windows after using nothing but Macs for years. I’m left-handed and find using the left and right mouse buttons to be very awkward.

Someone told me that you can switch the functions of the mouse buttons in Windows so left-handed people can click the primary button with their index fingers.

Can you tell me how to do that? A Mac mouse only has one button so this was never an issue before.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Do you think I should have a 7 year old TV repaired?

Posted on March 19, 2019

Question from Marie P.: I have a 7 year old Sony 55-Inch Sony LCD TV that I like better than any TV I’ve ever owned.

The 55 inch size is just perfect for my living room, but now I can’t use it because it’s torn up.

My kids were horsing around and knocked it to the floor and now there’s a long crack across the screen.

The TV will turn on but there’s no picture. The screen just stays black. I can hear the sound though.

My question is do you think it would be cost effective to have this TV repaired or should I just grit my teeth and buy a new one?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I force Google to show American search results no matter which country I’m in?

Posted on March 19, 2019

Question from Brett L.: Hi Rick. I need your help with something if you don’t mind.

I travel frequently on business, often to other countries (mostly to western Europe but occasionally to South and Central America as well).

The problem I’m having is every time I click on my bookmark to load Google it takes me to the Google site for whichever country I’m in at the time.

I really need for my browser to load the Google search results for the United States at all times because only those results are relevant to the research I do for my job.

Do you know of a way to force Google to always show the American search results no matter where I am?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]