Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Can I replace an old PS/2 keyboard with a USB keyboard?

Posted on January 15, 2022

Question from Angie: I have an older Dell desktop computer that came with Windows but was long ago converted into an Unbuntu Linux machine.

I love this computer dearly and I don’t want to replace it with a new one until I absolutely have to.

The problem is I think that time might have come because the keyboard has a couple of essential keys (Backspace and Space Bar) that have stopped working.

I’ve checked at Walmart, Best Buy and Office Depot, but the only keyboards they sell connect to a USB port instead of the old-style PS/2 connector used by my existing keyboard. Will a USB keyboard work with this computer or am I simply out of luck? [Read more…]

Q&A: Should I let someone build me a PC or just go buy one?

Posted on January 15, 2022

Question from Margaret: Hi, Rick. I have a question for you about my options for getting a new computer.

What are your thoughts on having someone build a custom computer for me vs. buying a name brand computer at a computer store?

My young cousin Kevin is a computer geek and he says he can build me a PC that’s better than one I can buy at a computer store for the same amount of money. Do you think I should let him? [Read more…]

How to disable the ads on your Windows 10 Lock Screen

Posted on January 14, 2022

If your PC is running Windows 10 you might have noticed ads for apps and various other things on the Lock Screen.

Microsoft has started running these ads as a way of making a few extra bucks to help replace the millions of dollars they are forfeiting by making Windows 10 basically free.

I’ve spoken to lots of folks who don’t mind the ads or begrudge Microsoft trying to recoup some of their lost revenue, but I’ve also heard from plenty of others who find the ads annoying.

If you happen to dislike the Windows 10 Lock Screen ads, you can easily disable them. Here’s how: [Read more…]

Q&A: Do we still need to ‘eject’ USB flash drives before removing them?

Posted on January 13, 2022

Question from Keith: I always ‘eject’ my USB flash drives before removing them from the computer because I heard that not doing that could cause the drive to get corrupted.

Someone saw me eject a drive the other day and said we don’t have to do that anymore.

My question is, can we now just pull the drive out of its socket or do we still need to eject it first? [Read more…]

How to prepare your digital life for your (eventual) passing

Posted on January 12, 2022

Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter

If you’re like most folks you probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about what will happen after you pass away.

After all, that isn’t the most pleasant of topics.

But taking a few minutes to prepare now can make things a lot easier on your loved ones when that sad day finally arrives.

And arrive it will since no one lives forever.

Chances are you’ve already made a few preparations such a writing a will and purchasing life insurance, but it’s also important to prepare your “digital life” for that fateful day. [Read more…]