Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Why is the screen in my MacBook Pro not working?

Posted on March 10, 2024

Question from Angela: I hope you can help me with a computer problem, Rick.

I have a 15″ MacBook Pro that has always worked perfectly till last night.

When I turned it on this morning the screen stayed black. Everything else seems to be working.

I tried closing and opening the lid a few times and turning the machine off and on but it always stays black.

Do you think the screen is bad? If it is how much will it cost to get it fixed?

I really can’t afford to spend too much due to my current financial situation.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Are Chromebooks really ‘laptops’ or not?

Posted on March 10, 2024

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Della: I’m in the process of shopping for a new laptop because my old one got stolen.

Every time I type the word “laptop” into Amazon’s search box there are usually a few Chromebooks included in the search results.

I remember seeing commercials on TV where they said Chromebooks aren’t laptops. If that’s true why do they come up in a search for the word laptop?

[Read more…]

Q&A: Does Windows really have its own built-in antivirus?

Posted on March 9, 2024

Question from Cilla: I had a conversation with a computer salesman a couple of years ago.

He told me that if I was using Windows, there is virus protection built into the software and there is no need to install another antivirus program.

And as I recall, he said if you did install another one, it will turn off the Windows antivirus.

I decided to believe him and haven’t had any problems but I’ve always had a little doubt about it. Does Windows really have a built-in antivirus? [Read more…]

How to make your Windows PC run like new again

Posted on March 9, 2024

I frequently receive questions about speeding up computers that have become sluggish over time or fixing problems that prevent Windows from working as it should.

There are a number of different responses that I usually have for those questions, and the one I give depends on the actual issues they are experiencing with their machines.

[Read more…]