Your daily dose of practical, easy to follow tech tips!
Question from Aldrena K.: I have an Acer desktop computer running Windows 10.
I have always just used the Administrator account for everything I do on the computer, but I read on your site why that’s a bad idea.
I created a Standard user account for myself, but it only gives me access to the same programs that my son uses on his account.
How can I create a Standard user account for myself that lets me use all of my installed programs?
Rick’s answer: [Read more…]
Question from Brenda T.: I have a very serious problem, Rick.
Someone keeps logging into my Facebook account and posting really nasty stuff on my Timeline and pretending that it’s me.
I have no proof, but I think it’s my ex. We parted on nasty terms.
I’ve changed my password several times but they always manage to get back in somehow and post more nasty things on my Timeline.
I know it’s not a virus because I ran all the scans listed in your virus removal post and no infections were found.
I’ve already lost several friends because of this. How can I stop it once and for all?
Rick’s answer: [Read more…]
Just a few years ago Adobe Flash was a major player in the Internet world.
In fact, according to some estimates it was used on almost a third of all the websites on the Internet at the time.
But over time it became clear that Adobe simply couldn’t keep Flash secure, and after several years of almost continuous security updates they decided to simply cut their losses and abandon Flash altogether at some point in the future.
Well, that time has just about arrived… [Read more…]
Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.
Question from Kendra D.: Hi Rick. We had a pretty bad thunderstorm last night that caused a lot of damage in my area.
Once I noticed the lightning I turned everything off like I always do when it’s storming and then went on to bed.
This morning when I turned everything back on I couldn’t get the cable box or the modem to light up at all. They’re completely dead.
I called the cable company and they’re sending a technician out to replace the cable box and modem.
What I need to know is do you think I need to buy a new router too? It lights up like it always did and it appears to be working.
I’ll take whatever advice you give me because I trust you. Thanks for helping me.
Rick’s answer: [Read more…]
One of Apple’s most successful marketing claims has always been that simply owning a Mac instead of a PC can help keep your computer safe from malware.
For many years that claim was valid, but unfortunately that’s no longer the case.
Recent studies indicate that the number of successful malware attacks on Macs has skyrocketed in recent years, and the problem is getting worse by the day.
And truth be told, Macs aren’t really as resistant to malware as previously thought.
Of course there’s still a LOT more malware out there targeting Windows PCs than Macs, but that’s little consolation considering it only takes one malware infection to ruin your entire day, especially if you get it by ransomware. [Read more…]