Rick's Daily Tips

Review: Canon EOS Rebel T5i Digital SLR with 18-135mm STM Lens

Posted on October 24, 2015

Canon EOS Rebel T5i with 18-135mm STM Lens

Canon is known for making top-quality cameras for everyone from the rank beginner to the seasoned pro, and their DSLRs are among the best in the business.

I’ve used several Canons over the years, and I can’t recall a single one of them that I didn’t like.

I recently had the opportunity to check out the Canon EOS Rebel T5i Digital SLR with 18-135mm STM Lens combo, and it’s a fantastic setup for taking most any kind of photo under a wide range of conditions. And now that the T6i is out, this is the perfect time to pick up its predecessor at a great price. [Read more…]

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…]