Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 253 of 258

Q&A: How can I exit a frozen program using just the keyboard?

Posted on May 4, 2013

Question from Anthony H: Rick, I have a favorite program that I’ve been using for many years, but they haven’t updated it since 2006 and it sometimes freezes up on me in Windows 7.

When the program freezes my mouse does too, and the only way to proceed is to unplug the power cable. I really don’t like doing that cause I’m afraid it’ll damage my PC. Is there any way to exit that program gracefully when it freezes using just the keyboard?

Rick’s answer: Hi Anthony. My first suggestion would be to ditch that old, no longer supported program and try to find a modern equivalent that won’t crash your computer when you use it. That being said, I understand completely why you’d rather not do that. In fact, I have a couple of programs on my Windows 7 PC that were released long before yours was and I won’t part with them until I absolutely have to!

To answer your question, there is indeed a way to “kill” a frozen program using just the keyboard. Follow these steps: [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I stop receiving duplicate notification emails on new blog comments?

Posted on May 3, 2013

Question from Connie D: Hi Rick. I recently set up a WordPress blog using your excellent instructions. You made it so easy! Thank you very, very much!

I’m having one issue that’s driving me batty though. Every time someone leaves a comment on one of my posts I receive two identical emails letting me know about the comment. How can I make WordPress send me just one email?

Rick’s answer: Connie, when I first started blogging with WordPress I had the same problem, and it drove me batty too until I finally figured out what the problem was. The duplicate notification emails result from using two different email addresses when you post under a different user name than the one assigned to the primary Administrator account. Here’s how to fix it: [Read more…]

Q&A: Why can’t I watch Youtube videos full screen?

Posted on April 30, 2013

Question from Anita P.: Hi Rick. I hope you can help me. I’m semi-addicted to Youtube and I watch it every day.

I like watching the videos full screen but about a week ago the full screen feature stopped working. Is there any way I can get it to work again? I use Google Chrome as my web browser.

Rick‘s answer: Hi Anita. I haven’t encountered this problem before, but after doing a quick Google search I found out that lots of other people have. Here is the solution that seems to work for most people: [Read more…]

Canonical releases Ubuntu Linux 13.04

Posted on April 25, 2013

Over time Ubuntu has gradually become the most popular flavor of Linux among users who have decided to make the switch from Microsoft Windows, and for good reason.

In addition to its fast and easy installation, Ubuntu also offers a more “Windows-like” user interface than many of the other Linux distros out there. [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I use a USB 3.0 Flash Drive in a USB 2.0 socket?

Posted on April 21, 2013

Question from Daneen: Hi Rick. I bought a couple of USB Flash Drives last night to put baby pictures on and give to my mom and mother-in-law, but I noticed after I got home that they’re USB 3.0 drives.

Will these drives work in USB 2.0 sockets or should I return them and buy USB 2.0 drives? I don’t want to damage my computer, and I REALLY don’t want to damage theirs! Thanks a lot for your help.

Rick‘s answer: [Read more…]