Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 210 of 258

Q&A: How can I block strangers from messaging me on Facebook?

Posted on July 29, 2015

Update: Facebook has removed the setting to prevent strangers from contacting you, making both this question and my answer moot.

I recommend that you read this post that explains why privacy simply doesn’t exist on Facebook.

Original post continues below…

Question from Hanna C: I used to have my Facebook settings configured to block people who aren’t my friends from sending me messages, but somehow that has got changed and I’ve started getting messages from people I don’t know.

I can’t figure out how to find that setting anymore. Can you tell me where it is?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Should I install Windows 8.1 in 32 bit or 64 bit mode?

Posted on July 20, 2015

Question from Carolyn S.: Hi Rick. I have a 4 year old HP Desktop computer running Windows 7 – 32 bit.

I bought the Windows 8.1 DVD but I don’t know whether I should install it in 32 bit or 64 bit mode.

This computer has a 64 bit CPU but just 4GB of RAM that I plan to upgrade at some point. I’ve heard that the extra RAM won’t do any good unless I install 64 bit Windows.

If that’s true, do you think it’s worth installing the 64 bit version? What do you suggest?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: If I upgrade my PC to Windows 10 for free, will it stay free forever?

Posted on July 20, 2015

Question from Earnest H.: Hi Rick. I’ve heard that I’ll be able to upgrade my Dell computer from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 for free at the end of the month. I have also heard conflicting stories whether or not it will remain free forever.

Some of the things I’ve read say if you qualify for the free upgrade, Windows 10 will only be free for the first year. After that you’ll have to pay a monthly subscription fee to Microsoft in order to keep on using it. But then I’ve heard other people say that the free Windows 10 upgrades will stay free forever.

Can you clear this up for me once and for all? I’d love to replace Windows 8.1 with Windows 10, but not if I’ll end up having to pay for it after the first year is up.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Is there any way to do a System Restore when Windows won’t boot at all?

Posted on July 19, 2015

Question from Brenda Y.: I have a BIG problem Rick, and I really need your help. My computer (Lenovo desktop w/ Windows 7) was installing updates last night when it just shut off. It does that sometimes when my heat pump turns on.

Anyway, when I turned it back on it refused to boot up all the way into Windows. It’ll start, then hang up after the Windows logo is displayed. I even tried booting it into Safe Mode but it gets stuck there too.

I’d like to try to do a System Restore, but I can’t because the computer won’t boot up at all. Is there any way to do a System Restore manually without having to actually have Windows loaded?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Which is better, a PC with a faster CPU or one with more memory?

Posted on July 17, 2015

intel-core-i7-cpu Question from Eric B.: Rick, I’m getting ready to buy a new laptop for my son to use for his schoolwork, and I need some advice on a matter that is puzzling me.

I’ve narrowed down my choices to two models: One has a 2.2 Ghz CPU and 8GB of RAM. The other has a 2.4 Ghz CPU but 4 GB of RAM. Which of these laptops do you think will offer more bang for the buck given that the cost is virtually the same?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]