Rick's Daily Tips

If your computer is under warranty, keep your old RAM sticks after a memory upgrade

Posted on March 3, 2017

A while back I wrote a post explaining how adding RAM to your computer can give it a major speed boost, but I inadvertently left out a very important detail…

If your computer is still under warranty when you upgrade its RAM, make sure you keep any old memory sticks that you remove from the machine as part of the upgrade process.

That way if something happens and you have to send the computer in for a warranty repair, you can temporarily remove the new RAM sticks and re-install the original ones. [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I stop my PC from rebooting at random times?

Posted on March 2, 2017

Question from Ben K.: I need your help with a problem with my Acer desktop computer.

I upgraded it from Windows 7 to Windows 10 a while back and ever since then the machine has been rebooting at random times.

I’ve tried doing several System Restores and even Refreshed my current Windows installation, but neither of those tasks have fixed the problem.

Can you please tell me what I need to do stop my PC from randomly rebooting? I need to get this fixed ASAP or else I’ll have no choice but to take it into a shop for repairs. Thanks so much for your assistance!

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I disable Facebook notifications in Opera Mini?

Posted on February 28, 2017

Question from Beth J.: I’ve been using the Opera Mini browser on my Android phone for a long time and I only started having this problem a few days ago.

Now every time one of my friends comments on a Facebook post of mine or sends me a message a notification from Facebook pops up on my phone. It even does it when I don’t have Facebook loaded!

I prefer to keep my Facebook activities discreet and I don’t want these notifications popping up. Can you tell me how to turn them off?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I remove PC Medic from my computer?

Posted on February 14, 2017

Question from Deb V.: Hi Rick. Could you tell me how to get rid of PC Medic?

I do not have the full version but some free version that sweeps and reports every day and tries to sell their full version.

I have tried uninstalling it but am unable to as it says it cannot uninstall while it is running. Thank you for your help.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Why you probably should skip your carrier’s insurance on your smart phone

Posted on February 7, 2017

Are you paying a monthly fee to your cell carrier to cover repairs to your phone should something happen to it? If you are, you’re probably paying way too much for what could amount to very little coverage.

Depending on the carrier and phone, you could be paying upwards of $15 per month for a plan that has a whopping $200 deductible!

In my opinion, carrier insurance (AKA an extended warranty) is rarely a good deal, even when it does actually “pay off”. Which brings me to my next point… [Read more…]