Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 2 of 209

Q&A: Who makes better laptops, Dell or HP?

Posted on December 3, 2019

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Anita Q.: I’m planning to buy a new laptop to replace my OLD Gateway T-6815 after it finally bit the dust.

I was hoping to buy another Gateway since I had such good luck out of the old one, but I heard that Gateway is now out of business.

I’ve been asking around about recommendations for a different brand, and most people seem to like either Dell or HP. The problem is there doesn’t seem to be a consensus.

I’ve been following your blog for a while now and I really trust your judgment. Which is better in your opinion, Dell or HP?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How do you fix a flash drive that constantly needs to be ‘scanned and fixed’?

Posted on December 3, 2019

Question from Julie: I have a 64GB USB flash drive that I use to transfer files back and forth between my work computer and my home computer.

Both of these computers have Windows 10 on them.

I’ve been using this flash drive every day for about two years with no problems at all.

Starting last week every time I insert the drive into either computer I get a message saying the drive has a problem and needs to be scanned and fixed.

I’ve clicked the button to scan drive and fix the drive several times but I always get the same message the next time I plug it into a computer.

Is there any way to fix this problem or do I need to just replace the drive? I really like this one because it’s small and it attaches to my key ring.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I quickly see what time it is in a foreign country?

Posted on November 30, 2019

Question from Glenda A.: My son accepted a job in Brisbane, Australia and he moved there a couple of months ago.

My problem is I seem to wake him up every time I call him. I guess I’m horrible with time zones lol.

Is there an easy way to quickly see what time it is over there so I can avoid disturbing him when he’s sleeping? Maybe an app I an install on my computer?

If it matters, I use a Dell laptop with Windows 10.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Are free antivirus programs just as good as the ones you have to pay for?

Posted on November 29, 2019

Question from Hailley G: Hi Rick. I’ve been reading your blog for a good while now and I’ve noticed that you always recommend using free antivirus software instead of one of the expensive paid programs.

I really like the idea of using free software whenever possible, but I want to make sure my laptop is protected from all the nasty viruses that are out there these days.

My question: Are the free antivirus programs really just as good as the ones you pay for?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]