Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Where can I find the Windows Product Key on my HP laptop?

Posted on July 30, 2015

Question from Devona T.: Hi Rick. I have what is probably the silliest question you have ever heard. Where in the world can I find the Windows Product Key on my HP laptop?

I have owned four other laptops prior to this one and they have always had the Windows Product Key printed on a label on the bottom of the case. But this one doesn’t have it printed anywhere as far as I can tell, and I’ve looked everywhere!

I want to do a clean install of Windows 8.1 so I need the Product Key. Can you please, please, please tell me where to find it? I have already created my Recovery Media.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I block strangers from messaging me on Facebook?

Posted on July 29, 2015

Update: Facebook has removed the setting to prevent strangers from contacting you, making both this question and my answer moot.

I recommend that you read this post that explains why privacy simply doesn’t exist on Facebook.

Original post continues below…

Question from Hanna C: I used to have my Facebook settings configured to block people who aren’t my friends from sending me messages, but somehow that has got changed and I’ve started getting messages from people I don’t know.

I can’t figure out how to find that setting anymore. Can you tell me where it is?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Caution: 95% of Android phones can be hacked simply by sending them a text message!

Posted on July 28, 2015

android-malware Mobile security firm Zimperium zLabs has discovered a flaw in Android that potentially leaves up to 1 billion Android phones susceptible to being hacked simply by receiving a malicious text message.

And guess what? You don’t even have to open the message in order for a hacker to gain access to your phone!

Dubbed “Stagefright”, this super-bug is being referred to in the security industry as the largest potential security threat in history. [Read more…]

Fiat Chrysler has just recalled 1.4 million vehicles because they are vulnerable to being hacked

Posted on July 26, 2015

Do you own a vehicle that was made by the Fiat Chrysler Corporation and falls within the model years 2013-2015? If so, guess what? Your car or truck just might be vulnerable to a hacking attack!

According to the company, approximately 1.4 million recent model vehicles are capable of being remotely accessed and controlled by cyber crooks.

And if that alone isn’t scary enough, get this: The hack and take-over of your vehicle could take place as you are literally driving down the highway. Pretty scary stuff if you ask me.

All of the 1.4 million vehicles that are vulnerable to hackers have been recalled so that a security update (aka patch) can be applied to the vehicles’ digital Uconnect systems. Here is a list of the affected models: [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I upgrade my PC from Windows 8.1/32 bit to Windows 10/64 bit?

Posted on July 24, 2015

Question from Kelly T.: Rick, I have a question that I need for you to clarify for me if you don’t mind.

I bought a used computer from a guy off of Craigslist. It’s running Windows 8.1/32 bit. I checked, and this PC has a 64 bit CPU.

I know that this computer is eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 10, but I’d like to know if I’ll be able to upgrade to the 64 bit version of Windows 10 or if I’ll be stuck with the 32 bit version because the Windows 8.1 that’s on it now is 32 bit?

I have asked several people about this and they gave me conflicting answers.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]