Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Which version of Linux should I replace Windows XP with?

Posted on March 1, 2021

Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter

Question from Carlos: I have an older laptop that’s still running Windows XP and I have question about it.

I read your post about replacing Windows with Linux, and since XP has been orphaned by Microsoft I’d like to do that so I can keep using this machine.

My laptop is a Dell Latitude D620 that has been upgraded to 4GB of RAM and 320GB hard drive. I’m not sure about the video card if that matters.

Can you recommend the best version of Linux to install on this computer? There are so many Linux versions to choose from and I have no idea which one to pick.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: What’s the best SSD to replace a 1TB hard drive with?

Posted on February 27, 2021

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Brad: The 1TB hard drive in my desktop computer has started making odd noises and I’m afraid it’s about to break.

I have already copied all my files onto an external hard drive so I’m prepared if it does go belly up on me.

I’m wanting to replace the failing hard drive with an SSD that has at least the same amount of storage space. I’d like to keep the cost as close to $100 as possible.

Can you could recommend the best SSD for me to get in that price range?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Did you know you can play thousands of vintage DOS-era computer games, for free?

Posted on February 25, 2021

Are you old enough to remember all the classic computer games from the days of MS-DOS?

If so, you might be interested to know that you can play literally thousands of those nostalgic games for free, right in your web browser!

[Read more…]

Q&A: How do I change the language for one account in Windows 10?

Posted on February 25, 2021

Question from Randi F.: I’m taking French this year and I have a question about using that language with my laptop.

I’d really like to have a second Windows user account with French set as the language.

I’ve heard this can be done but I don’t know how to set it up. Can you tell me how to do it?

[Read more…]

Warning: You might be in danger of losing your Microsoft account.

Posted on February 24, 2021

Are you aware that unused online accounts are at risk of being hijacked by hackers who can then use them to do malicious things in your name?

That’s one of the reasons why I wrote this post.

Unused accounts also unnecessarily consume a portion of the service provider’s resources that could be used by other accounts.

[Read more…]