Tech Questions & Answers Archives

Q&A: Can you still get Malwarebytes for free?

Posted on June 24, 2021

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Question from Phyllis: Hi Rick. I’ve been following your blog for a while now and I love the info you provide. Thank you!

In one of your posts you recommend running periodic malware scans with the free version of Malwarebytes.

I clicked the link you provided and downloaded it, but after the program was installed it said I have 14 days left in my free trial?

I know for a fact that I clicked the link to download the free version. Why did it install the trial version?

I even uninstalled it and downloaded it again to make sure, but it just installed the trial version again.

What ‘s going on? Do they no longer offer a free version of Malwarebytes?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it safe to delete the files that came on a new external hard drive?

Posted on June 24, 2021

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Question from Maurine: I bought a 2TB external hard drive to store my large collection of old family pictures on.

When I plugged the new drive into my computer I noticed that it has several files on it already.

One is a file with info about the warranty. Another is a user guide.

I’m not sure what the other two files are.

My question is can I delete all these files or do you know of any reason why I should keep them?

[Read more…]

Q&A: Is it really dangerous to optimize the Windows Registry?

Posted on June 23, 2021

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Question from Ellen: A couple of years ago I started using a Windows PC for the first time because my iMac died and I couldn’t afford a new one.

When I bought my new laptop the salesman told me that Windows 10 does a horrible job at keeping the system optimized and running smoothly.

He said I needed to buy a program called System Mechanic and use it to clean Windows up every few months.

He told me the most important feature of System Mechanic is how it optimizes the Registry to make sure it runs right without causing any problems.

Long story short, I’ve been using System Mechanic for a long time and I haven’t noticed any problems with it.

But someone told me the other day that it’s dangerous to optimize the Windows Registry. Is that really true?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why are DSLR camera lenses so expensive?

Posted on June 23, 2021

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Question from Carol: My daughter has enrolled in a professional photography class that’s scheduled to begin in August.

One of the requirements for taking the class is to purchase a new DSLR camera and lens.

The instructor has provided a list of three cameras and seven lenses from which the students can choose, and he won’t allow substitutions of any kind.

She has decided to go with the cheapest Canon camera on the list because it fits within our budget.

The problem we’re having is choosing a lens. This is the cheapest lens on the list and it literally costs twice as much as the most expensive camera!

I think that’s ridiculous. Why on earth are camera lenses so much more expensive than the cameras themselves?

[Read more…]