Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Why does Microsoft release some Windows Updates to users in batches?

Posted on June 30, 2017

Question from Paula H.: I’ve noticed that Microsoft releases most Windows Updates to everyone at once but every now and then they’ll release one to people in batches, over several days.

Why don’t they just release all updates to everyone at the same time? Seems like it would be simpler that way.

Rick’s answer: That’s a great question, Paula. And if memory serves you’re the only person who has ever asked it.

There are actually two reasons why Microsoft “rolls out” some updates instead of making them available to everyone at the same time: [Read more…]

Happy birthday, iPhone!

Posted on June 29, 2017

The very first Apple iPhones went on sale 10 years ago today, and that event forever changed the way we use technology.

Contrary to popular belief, the iPhone wasn’t the first smartphone. In fact, several other smartphones had already been in use for years before Steve Jobs took to the stage to unveil his newest innovation.

But those early smartphones were expensive and rarely found outside of government and corporate environments. The iPhone revealed to the masses that technology on such an incredible scale could actually be affordable.

Here’s a list of some of the things that smart phones have at least partially replaced since the first iPhone was sold: [Read more…]

Scam alert: A new and very dangerous ransomware strain is spreading across the globe right now. Protect yourself!

Posted on June 27, 2017

If you’ve been keeping up with the news today you know that a new strain of ransomware is spreading across the globe as we speak.

Individuals and companies in virtually every country have already been crippled by the attack, and even some utilities have been shut down.

So far several countries in Europe have suffered the brunt of the attack, but the wave is spreading fast and headed for other parts of the world, including the United States. [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it true that Google is reading my emails?

Posted on June 27, 2017

Question from Frances K.: I’ve been using Gmail for several years and I really like it. But I heard yesterday that Google reads every email that’s sent or received.

Is that true? If it is I’m going to stop using Gmail and start using something else for my email.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Review: CyberPowerPC Liquid Cooled SLC8600A Desktop Gaming PC

Posted on June 24, 2017

If you’re shopping for a gaming PC you’re probably looking for the fastest CPU, the most capable video card and the most RAM and hard drive storage you can get for your money.

Unfortunately, unless you have some pretty deep pockets you’re probably not going to find a machine in your price range that comes with the very best in each of those categories.

The good news is there are a few gaming desktops to choose right now that come pretty close to perfection in terms of performance, yet are still well within a serious gamer’s budget.

I recently had the opportunity to check out a CyberPowerPC Liquid Cooled SLC8600A Desktop Gaming PC, and I believe it definitely falls into that category.

The specs on this machine are impressive, to say the least: [Read more…]