Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Can I run old DOS games on my Windows 7 PC?

Posted on May 16, 2019

Question from Darren S.: I have several old DOS-based games that I bought at a yard sale and I’d love to be able to play some of them on my Windows 7 laptop. Will they run on that computer? If not, is it possible to install DOS in a dual-boot configuration and run them that way?

Rick’s Answer: Darren, it is possible to run some DOS games under Windows 7 (as well as XP, Vista and Windows 8), but due to major differences in the way DOS and Windows handle memory and I/O you’ll need to run them within a DOS emulator.

There are several DOS emulators for Windows available, but I would recommend trying one called DOSBox first. DOSBox has been around for a long time and they seem to have a lot of the kinks in the emulation process worked out. [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I get the Klondike game in Microsoft Solitaire Collection off of Random?

Posted on May 16, 2019

Question from Vivian: My Internet went off last night and just to have something to do I opened the Klondike game in the Microsoft Solitaire Collection app.

The game loaded fine but a message popped up saying I could only play the game in Random mode since there was no Internet connection.

The Internet was back on when I woke up this morning so I tried to take the game off of Random so I could play it the way I usually do. But I can’t find a setting to change it.

Can you tell me how to get my Klondike game back off of Random mode?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Scam alert: WhatsApp security flaw allow hackers to install malware on your phone just by calling it!

Posted on May 15, 2019

Do you use the ultra-popular WhatsApp instant messaging app on your mobile phone?

If so, a newly-discovered security flaw enables hackers to install a very dangerous piece of malware known as “Pegasus” onto your phone simply by dialing your phone number!

[Read more…]

Q&A: Is it ok to hold my laptop on my lap while I’m using it?

Posted on May 9, 2019

Question from Keenan D.: Hi Rick. I hope you can answer a question I have about using my computer.

I have a 15.6″ Acer Aspire laptop and I usually rest it on my lap when I’m using it because it’s more convenient that way.

My roommate is constantly harping on me to stop holding the laptop on my lap because (according to him) it can cause serious health problems. Is he right?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]