Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 199 of 258

Q&A: What’s the best way to connect 13 computers to create a classroom network?

Posted on November 5, 2016

Question from Carl B.: As the youth minister for my church, I’m in charge of our computer-based Bible training program. I need your help with a networking question.

We have a classroom that’s set up to allow 5 students at a time to use a popular Bible study software package and collaborate with the class in virtual discussions. The kids also take computer-based quizzes and tests.

We currently have 6 desktop computers connected to the network via two wired routers. All the computers can access the Internet, but we only connect the router to the DSL modem when we need to download Windows updates. The students are never allowed to use the Internet so that needn’t factor into your recommendation.

We want to add an additional 7 computers so that 12 students plus the teacher can be connected to the network at the same time. In order to do this, can we add extra routers to the network to connect the extra computers? Or perhaps you have a better setup that you can recommend?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Is there a router that can be set up without using a computer?

Posted on November 3, 2016

Question from Donna R.: I know this is probably an unusual question Rick, but is there a router that can be set up using just a smart phone?

I remember setting up all the routers I’ve had before by connecting them to a computer. But my family no longer uses computers, only smart phones and a couple of iPads.

If you don’t know of a router that can be set up without a computer I can always borrow my sister’s laptop, but she lives over 2 hours away!

I’ll be grateful for any advice you can give me. Thanks for your help!

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I stop Windows 10 from resetting my default apps?

Posted on November 2, 2016

Question from Carl: I’m a photographer and I often edit hundreds of images in a single day. To make thing simple, I have always kept Photoshop set as the default image viewer on my PC.

The problem is, something changed when I upgraded my computer to Windows 10.

Now every time I set Photoshop as the default image viewer, Windows changes it back to the Windows 10 Photo app every time it installs new Windows Updates.

This is very annoying to say the least. How can I stop it from happening?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I find out if my computer has a 64 bit CPU?

Posted on October 24, 2016

Question from Bobby E.: I bought a computer at an estate sale a few days ago. The lady told me her dad had built the computer himself a couple of years ago but she didn’t know anything about it. I think I got a good deal because it only cost me $30.

Apparently there’s no operating system on the hard drive, and I’d like to install Windows 10 on it and use this PC as a backup Internet-only computer.

What I’d like to find out is if the CPU is a 32 bit or 64 bit chip. If it has a 64 bit CPU I’d like to install the 64 bit version of Windows 10. How can I find out?

I really appreciate your help. Thanks in advance.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why do some websites think my brother’s PC and my Mac have the same IP address?

Posted on October 22, 2016

Question from Merrill D.: I’m a member of two different gaming forums that I post on almost every day.

My little brother wants to sign up for them too but when he tries they always tell him his IP address already has an account associated with it (I assume that it’s my account).

Why do those websites think our computers both have the same IP address? We have Charter Internet and a modem/router combo box if that makes a difference.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]