Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 71 of 258

Q&A: What does the term ‘bottleneck’ mean?

Posted on July 9, 2023

Question from Alvin: I recently retired after working for the same construction company for 43 years.

Now I’d like to take up something new to occupy all this free time that I suddenly have to fill.

I’ve always wanted to learn about computers so I’ve started reading a few tech blogs, and RicksDailyTips is one of them (thanks to my brother Keith for recommending it).

I’m not tech savvy by any stretch (I hope to change that eventually) but I do believe I’m progressing ok for an older dude who still uses a flip phone.

There’s a term that keeps popping up in the articles I read that I just can’t seem to get my head around. Can you tell me what the word “bottleneck” means in regards to computers? [Read more…]

Q&A: Can you use the same USB thumb drive with both Windows PCs and Macs?

Posted on July 8, 2023

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Kerrie: I have a MacBook Pro and don’t own a Windows computer.

If I copy files from my MacBook Pro onto a thumb drive will my sisters be able to copy those files from that same thumb drive onto their Windows PCs?

[Read more…]

Q&A: Which type of cable is better, DVI or HDMI?

Posted on July 7, 2023

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Stephanie: I need some advice Rick. I’ve done quite a bit of research on video cables and I’m still confused.

I’m getting ready to order a new computer and monitor from Amazon. I’ve already selected the computer and monitor, but now I have to decide on a video cable.

I have the option of using either DVI or HDMI, but I don’t know which I should choose. [Read more…]

Q&A: Should I install an SSD in my PC as a second drive?

Posted on July 6, 2023

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Eric S.: I’m seriously considering taking your advice about installing an SSD in my Lenovo desktop PC just to install my programs on.

I mostly just use Photoshop and Lightroom along with a couple of web browsers.

I’m not really interested in making the SSD the boot drive by installing Windows on it because I don’t feel confident in my ability to get it done correctly.

My question: Is it worth adding an SSD as a second drive just to make my programs load faster? [Read more…]

Q&A: Can you still get Malwarebytes for free?

Posted on July 5, 2023

Question from Phyllis: Hi, Rick. I’ve been following your blog for a while now and I love the info you provide. Thank you!

In several of your posts you recommend running periodic malware scans with the free version of Malwarebytes.

I clicked the link you provided and downloaded it, but after the program was installed it said I have 14 days left in my free trial?

I know for a fact that I clicked the link to download the free version. Why did it install a trial version? [Read more…]