Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Is it best to use the antivirus that comes installed on a new PC?

Posted on December 31, 2023

Question from Marilyn: Rick, I’ve bought several new computers over the years and they all came with an antivirus program pre-installed.

I’ve always just kept using what was already on there because I figured it was probably the best antivirus program for that particular machine, but I now have doubts about that after reading some of your stuff on your blog.

Hence, this question: Is it best to stick with the security software that comes pre-installed on a new computer or replace it with something else?

[Read more…]

Monthly Tech Giveaway – January 2024

Posted on December 31, 2023

Note: The links on this page are affiliate links.

January’s winner will receive a ViewSonic VX3276-4K-MHD 32 Inch 4K UHD Monitor.

If you’ve been wanting to upgrade to a really nice 32 inch monitor, here’s your chance to qualify to win one for free.

All subscribers to the Standard edition of my Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter have an equal chance to win.

Premium subscribers have two chances to win (their email addresses are added to the “pot” twice).

Not a subscriber? Just enter your email address in the form on this page. Once subscribed you’ll be eligible to win each month’s drawing – starting with this month!

The drawing for this month’s prize will be held on the evening of January 31 and the winner will be notified by email. The winner will be selected at random.

Good luck!

How to make your Google account virtually hack-proof

Posted on December 30, 2023

Did you know Google accounts are among the most frequently hacked accounts on the Internet?

The reason hackers love to target Google accounts is simple…

If someone manages to break into your Google account they’ll have immediate access to – and complete control over – every Google service you use. [Read more…]

Where to find help for using any Microsoft product

Posted on December 30, 2023

It’s no secret that Microsoft products dominate the landscape in the world of personal and business computers.

After all, Windows is far and away the most popular operating system on the planet for laptop and desktop computers.

What’s more, virtually every major company (and countless small ones as well) uses MS Office in their workplace.

[Read more…]

Scam alert: Beware fake package delivery notices

Posted on December 29, 2023

If you do much shopping online you’re probably used to receiving emails letting you know when your orders have been shipped.

Many Internet retailers send out these emails as a courtesy to their customers. And they are indeed handy, especially when they contain the tracking number for an order you’ve placed.

Unfortunately, hackers and scammers are now sending out fake package delivery notices that could result in your login credentials for a retailer’s website being stolen and/or malware being downloaded onto your computer.

The scam typically works something like this: [Read more…]