Rick's Daily Tips

Microsoft finally gives us the option to decline the free Windows 10 update

Posted on June 30, 2016

It’s no secret that Microsoft has been increasingly aggressive of late with their campaign to get as many people as possible to install the free Windows 10 upgrade on their machines.

As you are probably aware, their most recent tactics have been borderline sinister, even acting like malware in at least one instance.

Well, the folks up in Redmond have apparently seen the light, at least in part because they just lost a landmark lawsuit over their “forced upgrade” process.

First thing this morning I noticed that the latest “Get Windows 10” app now has a “Decline free offer” link…

Click that link and Microsoft will (supposedly) stop pestering you to install the Windows 10 update. What’s more, they’ll (supposedly) stop trying to trick you into installing it or having your PC install it without your knowledge or approval.

Here’s a screenshot of the latest “Get Windows 10” app: [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it ok to take advantage of mistakes sellers make on ebay?

Posted on June 28, 2016

Question from Angie S.: I love buying stuff on ebay, especially when I can get something I want really cheap.

I recently found a pair of designer boots that had no bids because the seller had misspelled the name of the designer. I ended up getting them for $6 plus shipping.

The problem is I felt guilty afterwards because the boots cost over $300 in the stores, and they were new.

My questions is do you think it’s ok to take advantage of mistakes like that? My husband says it’s fine but I do feel a little uneasy about it.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I limit what an Admin on my Facebook page can do?

Posted on June 26, 2016

Note: I have updated this post to reflect changes that Facebook recently made that now allow page owners to limit the rights of admins.

This page in the Facebook Help Center has all the info:

https://www.facebook.com/help/289207354498410

In a nutshell, the changes mentioned above make pretty much everything I said in my original answer to Trudy obsolete.

Question from Trudy V.: Rick, I own a hair salon and have 3 other stylists working for me. I regularly post specials that we’re running as well as photos of new hairstyles on my salon’s Facebook page.

I’m getting ready to leave for an extended vacation (5 weeks) and I’d like to make one of my stylists an Admin on the page so she can post on the salon’s behalf while I’m gone.

What I’d like to know is whether I can limit her Admin account to where she will have the ability to post specials and photos without being able to perform any other Admin related tasks. Thanks in advance for sharing your expertise.

Rick‘s answer: [Read more…]

Review: Seagate Wireless Plus 2 TB Mobile Device Storage with Built-In Wi-Fi Streaming

Posted on June 20, 2016

Tablets and smart phones are amazing devices that put the power of modern computers literally in the palm of your hand. But as awesome as these gadgets are, they do have a few very frustrating limitations.

Personally, I find the most annoying limitation of the typical mobile device to be the paltry amount of storage space available.

If you think about it, even the most capacious tablets are limited to far less storage than a typical laptop. Many of these devices can connect via USB to an external hard drive, but that can be rather impractical when you’re out and about.

Well, now there’s a better solution that gives you the storage capacity of a 2 TB hard drive without having to connect a USB cable or AC power adapter. [Read more…]