Rick's Daily Tips

Tech Tips, Tricks and Tutorials

Tips and information on...
Computers - Smart Phones - Tablets
MS Windows - Linux - iOS - Android

Q&A: What is Two-Factor Authentication (and do I need to use it)?

Posted on

Question from Mary L.:  I’ve been reading your blog for a while and several of your posts recommend using something called Two-Factor Authentication.

What exactly does that mean? I’m confused. And is it really something I need to use?

Rick’s answer:  That’s a great question, Mary. I’m glad you asked it because I’m sure there are plenty of other folks who are interested in the answer as well.

Two-Factor Authentication (sometimes referred to as Two-Step Authentication) simply adds a very secure second authentication step to the login process for any online account that supports it.  [Read more…]

Q&A: Will a ‘Modified Sine Wave’ battery backup device damage my computer?

Posted on

Question from Celina Y.:  I have a question about battery backup devices, Rick.

I went to Office Depot to buy one for my iMac and the man I talked to said I needed to pay extra for one that provides “Pure Sine Wave” AC current.

He said the cheaper “Modified Sine Wave” models can damage my iMac because it was designed to only accept only a pure sine wave signal.

I’m a very frugal person and I’d hate to waste money by buying a battery backup that’s more expensive than it really needs to be, but I don’t want to damage my computer either.

What’s your opinion on this?

Rick’s answer:  [Read more…]

Q&A: Do I really need to scan my Smart TV for viruses?

Posted on

Question from Deidre M.: I have a Samsung Smart TV and my mom told me she heard on the news that viruses are hitting smart TVs and we need to scan them for viruses.

I didn’t even know a TV could catch a virus! Is that true? And how do I run the scan if it is?

Rick’s answer:  [Read more…]

Q&A: Why do people’s faces pop up on my phone when they send me a message on Facebook?

Posted on

Question from Cindy:  I got a new phone yesterday. It’s a Straight Talk and I love it. I’m having a small problem with it though.

After I got it home I installed the Facebook Messenger app on it and now my friend’s faces pop up on the home screen every time they send me a message.

I don’t like that because I don’t want just anyone who happens to glance at my phone to see who I’m talking to on Facebook.

How can I turn those picture notifications off?

Rick’s answer:  [Read more…]

Q&A: Why aren’t my deleted files going into the Recycle Bin?

Posted on

Windows-10-logoQuestion from Matthew T.:  I have a Dell laptop that I upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10.

Before the upgrade, whenever I would delete a file it went into the “Recycle Bin” where I could recover it later if I wanted to.

But now under Windows 10, all the files that I delete are gone forever and nothing ever gets placed into the Recycle Bin.

How can I fix this? Thanks.

Rick’s answer:  Matthew, this is easily fixed with a simple settings change. Just follow these steps:  [Read more…]

Click here to check out the Newsletter archives.