Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 2 of 211

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

Posted on March 25, 2020

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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? And if you don’t mind, can you recommend one that would be a great fit for my iMac?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

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

Posted on March 24, 2020

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: Does my iPhone need an antivirus app?

Posted on March 24, 2020

Question from Lilly N.: Hello Rick. I just have a very quick question.

Do I need to install an antivirus app on my iPhone?

One friend says I do and another friend (who I tend to trust more lol) says I don’t.

I’d really like to know for sure so I can make sure my phone is protected. I just don’t want to install another app if I don’t need it.

But if I do need to install one, which one would you recommend?

Thanks for your help.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Where can I get an old roll of 110 film developed?

Posted on March 22, 2020

Question from Toniah W.: My mom recently passed away and we had to clean out her house so it could be listed for sale.

While going through one of her closets I found an old Kodak 110 camera with a half-used roll of film in it.

Are there any places that still process 110 film? I’d love to have that film developed and see what the photos are like.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Will the battery in my phone charge faster if it’s turned off?

Posted on March 21, 2020

Question from Dorenda J.: Hi Rick! I have a question about charging my phone.

I lead walking tours through the streets of my historic home town and I only have a few minutes here and there when I can plug my iPhone in for a quick charge.

Someone told me my phone will charge faster if I turn it off before I plug it in. Is that true?

Rick’s answer: Yes it is true, Dorenda. The innards of your iPhone consist of some pretty sophisticated electronic devices, including a CPU, some memory chips and multiple send/receive radios. [Read more…]