Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 193 of 258

Q&A: Why does Microsoft release some Windows Updates to users in batches?

Posted on June 30, 2017

Question from Paula H.: I’ve noticed that Microsoft releases most Windows Updates to everyone at once but every now and then they’ll release one to people in batches, over several days.

Why don’t they just release all updates to everyone at the same time? Seems like it would be simpler that way.

Rick’s answer: That’s a great question, Paula. And if memory serves you’re the only person who has ever asked it.

There are actually two reasons why Microsoft “rolls out” some updates instead of making them available to everyone at the same time: [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it true that Google is reading my emails?

Posted on June 27, 2017

Question from Frances K.: I’ve been using Gmail for several years and I really like it. But I heard yesterday that Google reads every email that’s sent or received.

Is that true? If it is I’m going to stop using Gmail and start using something else for my email.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why won’t my TV work with my laptop?

Posted on June 18, 2017

Question from Ari G.: Hi Rick. I hope you can help me solve a problem I’m having with getting a new TV to work with my laptop.

I read Chad W’s question about whether he could connect a TV to his laptop to use when he’s watching Netflix. You said he could do it and I’d love to do the same thing.

I bought a brand new Sceptre U508CV-UMK 49″ 4K Ultra HD LED TV and plugged it into my Dell laptop’s HDMI port.

The problem is the laptop won’t boot up when the TV is connected to it. It just hangs on the POST screen and then shuts down after a few seconds.

I’ve tried using three different HDMI cables and it does the same thing with all of them. The other two laptops in our house boot up just fine with the TV attached and everything works perfectly.

Is there a setting on either the laptop or the TV that could be causing this problem? Or maybe this TV is simply incompatible with this laptop?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it normal for a laptop’s screen to dim when you unplug the charger?

Posted on June 15, 2017

Question from Charlene: My friend bought a new Dell laptop a couple of months ago but she hates it because she can’t get used to Windows 10.

She went and found another laptop with Windows 8.1 on it and she offered to sell me the one with Windows 10 for half what she paid for it.

The problem is the screen dims every time you unplug the charger and I’m afraid something might be wrong with it. She says it’s normal for a laptop to dim the screen when the charger is unplugged, but my old laptop never did that.

I have two questions for you. First, do you think something’s wrong with this laptop, or is this normal?

And second, if there’s something wrong with it, will Dell fix it for me under the warranty even though I’m not the person that bought it?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I transfer an old CD-based game to a USB Flash Drive?

Posted on June 12, 2017

Question from Ashley: Hey there! I just got a new Acer Aspire Touchscreen Laptop and I have an old game that I want to put on it. However, the new laptop doesn’t have an optical disk drive.

Is there any possible way to transfer a CD’s contents onto a USB drive so I can play the game on my laptop? Thanks so much!!!

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]