Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Windows Update isn’t finding new updates. How can I fix it?

Posted on October 19, 2015

Question from Larry Y.: Hi Rick. I read your post explaining how to avoid the automatic update to Windows 10, but I have a different problem.

I upgraded my Dell Desktop computer from Windows 7 to Windows 10 a couple of months ago and ever since then I can’t get Windows Update to work correctly. When I click “Check for updates” it goes through the motions but it never finds any updates.

I’ve read every forum post I can find relating to Windows Update but nothing I’ve tried has worked. Any suggestions on what I should try next?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

If you don’t want Windows 10 you need to do this NOW!

Posted on October 18, 2015

microsoft-windows If you’re still running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, you’ve surely noticed the little “Get Windows 10” icon that’s been sitting in your PC’s notifications area for a while now.

It’s no secret that Microsoft has been trying to get as many people to upgrade to Windows 10 as possible, but up until now you had to actually make a conscious decision to install the update and initiate the process on your own. Well, that has now changed! [Read more…]

Review: ASUS 15.6″ Intel Dual Core Celeron 2.16 Ghz Laptop

Posted on October 16, 2015

asus-15-6-inch-dual-core-celeron-2-16-ghz-laptop — (#ad)

The low-cost Windows laptops just keep on coming, and in my opinion that’s a great thing for all the consumers who want to buy a full-blown Windows laptop without spending a ton of cash.

I believe the ASUS 15.6″ Intel Dual Core Celeron 2.16 Ghz Laptop (#ad) is a good choice for anyone who doesn’t plan to edit video or do any hardcore Photoshop work.

This machine won’t win any awards for blazing speed and it doesn’t come with a ton of storage options, but it does an outstanding job at most any web-based task such as checking email, watching Youtube videos, surfing the Internet, and using Facebook, Twitter and other social media websites.

Here is a quick run-down of the specs: [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I rename my Chromecast devices?

Posted on October 15, 2015

Question from Autumn J.: I have two Chromecast devices. One of them is attached to a TV in the living room and the other is in my den.

Both of the Chromecasts have names that look very much alike when viewed on the Chromecast app, and that confuses my mom every time she comes over to spend the night with me (which she does frequently). She’s always choosing the wrong device and wondering why the TV isn’t working like it should.

I set up a cheap Android tablet for her to use to control the Chromecast devices. My question is how can I give both devices a distinctive name to make it easier for mom to choose the right Chromecast from the app?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Finally!! Windows 10 lets you paste into a Command Prompt window with CTRL-V.

Posted on October 10, 2015

Many of the tips I post on this blog require pasting content into a “Command Prompt” window.

That’s really no big deal because we could always right-click and then click Paste, but many of us prefer pasting with the much faster CTRL-V key combination.

The problem with Windows has always been that CTRL-V simply didn’t work at the Command Prompt. Instead, we had to paste using the mouse. [Read more…]