Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 2 of 259

Q&A: Will my PC need a new power supply if I replace the hard drive with an SSD?

Posted on May 25, 2026

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Question from Oliver: I just read your article about replacing a hard drive with an SSD and I have a question about it.

I remember hearing that upgrading the graphics card in a computer can sometimes require a power supply upgrade as well because the newer graphics card will draw more power than the old one.

My question is do I need to be concerned about the power supply if I replace the hard drive in my computer with an SSD?

[Read more…]

Q&A: Can you damage a new laptop’s battery by using it too soon?

Posted on May 24, 2026

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Question from Freida: Hi, Rick. I hope you can answer a question for me.

I recently ordered a new laptop from Amazon. When it arrived I took it out of the box and immediately started using it like I normally do.

This morning I read an article that said you’re supposed to charge the battery in a new laptop for at least 8 hours before you start using the laptop. [Read more…]

Q&A: Can you attach an external screen to an all-in-one PC?

Posted on May 22, 2026

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Question from Marie: I have a two year old all-in-one Windows PC and its screen has just gone out.

This computer runs well and it has all my files on it so I’d like to keep using it if I can.

I’d really prefer a larger screen if that’s a viable option.

Is it possible to connect an external monitor to an all-in-one computer or will I need to just have the bad screen replaced? [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I turn off the sound my PC makes when it starts up?

Posted on May 20, 2026

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Question from Arnold: I’m an early riser and my wife always sleeps later than I do.

When I turn my HP Windows PC on in the mornings the sound it makes while it’s starting up sometimes wakes her up.

I’m getting tired of her being grumpy all day when that happens.

Is there a way to turn that sound off and make the computer boot up silently? [Read more…]

Q&A: Is System Restore adequate for backing up Windows?

Posted on May 17, 2026

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Question from Mike: I install lots of free software and I always create a new System Restore Point before installing a program just in case something goes wrong.

I think Windows is great, but as you know, things do go wrong sometimes.

My boss told me that relying on System Restore for my backups isn’t good enough. He said I need to create regular backups too, but I think that’s overkill.

What’s your opinion on this? [Read more…]