Rick's Daily Tips

How to view hidden files and folders in Windows 8.1

Posted on January 23, 2015

windows-8-1 By default, Microsoft Windows hides certain system files and folders from the user’s view in order to keep us from accidentally altering, moving or deleting a file and end up crippling our PCs.

But there are times when it’s necessary to be able to see the hidden files and folders (such as while we’re troubleshooting Windows problems and removing malware).

It has always been possible to temporarily turn off the “Hidden Files an Folders” setting, but the way we do so has changed in Windows 8.1 (and in Windows 8 which preceded it). Follow these steps to display hidden files and folders in Windows 8 and 8.1: [Read more…]

Important: Update Java (or remove it) now to keep your computer safe from hackers

Posted on January 22, 2015

It’s no secret that Java is one of the most insecure pieces of software that you can have on your computer. That’s why the Department of Homeland Security recommended that everyone simply remove Java from their computers a couple of years ago.

If you need to keep Java installed on your computer because you still visit websites that use it (thankfully, those sites are quite rare these days), you need to update the Java software on your computer immediately because Oracle has just released an update that patches no less than 19 new security holes!

For what it’s worth, I don’t have Java installed on ANY of my computers since I don’t visit any websites that use it. That being said, perhaps you do. If so, I recommend that you click here to update Java from the official Java website.

Q&A: Can I install Windows 7 for a Dell laptop on a home-built desktop computer?

Posted on January 21, 2015

Question from Todd H.: The hard drive went out on my HP Pavilion dm1-4010us Notebook computer.

I replaced the bad drive with one that I had taken out of an older laptop but I had to order a Windows Restore DVD from HP so I could put Windows back on it.

When the Restore DVD arrived I went to install it and found out the screen is bad too. After considering all my options, I decided that I’d like to just trash the laptop and build a desktop computer from scratch. If I do that will I be able to install the Windows 7 from the HP Restore DVD onto the new computer?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Windows 10 to be released as a free upgrade for users of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1

Posted on January 21, 2015

windows-10 Microsoft has just announced that when Windows 10 is released, customers running Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will be able to upgrade to Windows 10 for free.

The free upgrade offer will be limited to the first year however. Anyone who waits longer than that to install Windows 10 will have to purchase the upgrade.

This is great news folks. I’ve been testing the Technical Preview version of Windows 10 for some time now, and I absolutely love it! (Click here if you’d like to install the Windows 10 Technical Preview yourself. It’s free!) [Read more…]

Review: Windows 8.1 For Dummies

Posted on January 21, 2015

In my opinion, Windows 8.1 is a vast improvement over Windows 8 because of the tweaks Microsoft has made in order to make it work more like previous versions of Windows.

But even after all the tweaks, the look and feel of the Windows 8.1 Start Screen as well as the new menu structures ensures that Win 8.1 still comes with a fairly steep learning curve.

I have read several great books on configuring and using Windows 8.1 in recent weeks, and as expected, Windows 8.1 For Dummies is one of my favorites.

I have always liked the way the “Dummies” series of computer books cuts through the fog of all the tech jargon that’s out there and explains things in ways that are easy to understand and follow. I can tell you that this excellent volume on Windows 8.1 follows that same tried and true recipe. [Read more…]