Rick's Daily Tips

How to force Windows 8.1 to show all file extensions

Posted on February 20, 2015

windows-8-1 As they have with previous versions of Windows, Microsoft decided to hide “known” file extensions by default in Windows 8.1.

Why they would ever think it’s a good idea to hide them is beyond me, but of course the guys and gals in Redmond have had me scratching my head in wonder for years.

In addition to making it difficult to determine a file’s “type” while viewing it in a list, hiding file extensions also makes it easier for hackers to trick us into opening malicious files. Not a good thing!

As luck would have it, it’s very easy to prevent Windows 8.1 from hiding file extensions. Just follow these steps: [Read more…]

Review: MPOW 36 Watt 5-port Smart USB Wall Charger

Posted on February 19, 2015

mpow-5-port-usb-wall-charger In today’s digital world, many of us have multiple gadgets such as smart phones, tablets and other portable devices that are powered via USB-style battery chargers. And that, of course, means we have lots of chargers on hand.

A good wall-powered multi-port charger can simply life considerably by replacing several chargers with just one.

Today I’m going to tell you about an incredible and inexpensive charger that I believe you’ll really love. [Read more…]

How to prevent your USB thumb drives from catching and spreading viruses

Posted on February 18, 2015

USB flash drives have made the process of transferring files between one PC and another the easiest that it has ever been. Simply plug the drive into one PC, copy the desired files to it, then plug it into the 2nd PC and copy the files to the hard drive. It’s a fast and easy process.

But this convenience comes at a high potential cost. Plug a thumb drive into a computer that’s infected with a virus and that virus can hitch a free ride right onto your own PC’s hard drive. [Read more…]

Keep your mobile devices charged during extended power outages with a solar powered USB charger

Posted on February 17, 2015

If you live in an area plagued by frequent power outages, keeping your cell phone and other mobile devices charged can be a real challenge.

I wrote a post a while back explaining how a spare battery backup unit is a great tool for keeping your devices charged up.

But if you’d rather not have to deal with keeping another battery backup charged and at the ready, there is a great alternative available: a solar powered USB charger. (#ad)

One major advantage of solar chargers is the obvious: As long as the sun shines you can keep a charge on your devices’ batteries. Of course that’s also the main disadvantage – no sun, no charging. But most models have a built-in backup battery for charging your devices during times of darkness or heavy cloud cover. [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I get my PC to boot up after Windows Update failed?

Posted on February 17, 2015

Question from Sierra F.: Rick, I’m in trouble and I need your help!

My computer was installing Windows Updates when the power flickered off and back on. It happened so quickly that the computer didn’t even shut down, but it somehow aborted the update process and an error on the screen said the update wasn’t successful.

I tried to install the updates again, but it said no updates were available. I then tried to restart the PC, but it hangs up about half way through the boot process. Please, please, please tell me how to fix this without reinstalling Windows 7? Thanks in advance for any help you can provide!

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]