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…]

Q&A: How can I mark my place so I can come back later to read more of your articles?

Posted on December 28, 2023

Question from Diane: Hi, Rick. Maybe it’s just me, but as a fairly new subscriber, I have been going through all your tip pages, one by one.

Of course, there’s no way to read all 700+ plus pages in one sitting since there are 6 posts on each page, so I’ve been going through a few a day.

The thing is, it’s really hard to pick up where I left off on a certain page after constantly clicking “Next Page”.

If there’s a fairly simple way for you to add a feature to go to a specific page…. for other OCD’s / newbies like me, it would really be appreciated. Or, then again, maybe I am missing an easier way to do it? [Read more…]

Q&A: Do I need new cables and network adapters for my new router?

Posted on December 27, 2023

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Nina: I have what’s probably a really basic question about networking.

I just bought a new router that has 1 Gb wired Ethernet ports on it. My kids and I have three desktop PCs that were all wired to an older (and much slower) router.

Do I need to buy new Ethernet cables and network adapters for the PCs in order to take advantage of the much faster speed supported by the new router? [Read more…]