Rick's Daily Tips

Review: Microsoft Surface Book

Posted on October 27, 2015

When I heard that Microsoft was planning to release a high end laptop to compete with the MacBook pro, I was a bit skeptical. But after actually taking the Microsoft Surface Book for a spin I came away quite impressed.

The Surface Book that I tested has a Intel Core i5 2.1 GHz CPU, 8GB of RAM and a super-fast 256GB SSD. It also has an amazing 13.5-inch PixelSense 3000×2000 touchscreen display that’s simply stunning.

First of all, this is so much more than a typical convertible notebook. This is a full-blown high performance laptop that can also be used as a tablet. And it works extremely well in both configurations. [Read more…]

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…]