Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Why can’t I connect my Wi-Fi devices to my new Xfinity Modem/Router?

Posted on May 9, 2014

Question from Bethany Y.: Comcast just replaced my old cable modem with a new Xfinity Modem/Router (Model # SMCD3GNV). The wired connections work perfectly, but I can’t get any of my wireless devices to connect via Wi-Fi.

The Wi-Fi signal is very strong and I’ve checked the Wi-Fi settings several times and everything seems to be correct. But I just can’t get any of my devices to connect.

Any idea how to fix this? I called Comcast tech support 3 times and the foreigners on the other end of the line can’t help me.

They finally scheduled a service call from a technician but they won’t be here for almost a week! I need my Wi-Fi working ASAP!! I really hope you can help me.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Google takes aim at Windows by adding more offline capabilities to Chrome OS

Posted on May 8, 2014

Google’s Chrome Operating System is a huge hit among users who simply want to use their computers to access the Internet and Internet-based services. In fact, the number one selling laptop on Amazon right now is a Chromebook.

But as popular as Chromebooks already are, Google plans to widen their appeal even more by adding features that will allow them to do many of the things that Windows machines can do when they are offline. For example, the latest version of Chrome OS allows you to watch entire movies offline. And by the way, you can even edit video on a Chromebook now. [Read more…]

7 tips for keeping Windows XP secure without Microsoft’s support

Posted on May 7, 2014

Microsoft’s abandonment of Windows XP means you’re now on your own when it comes to protecting your XP-based machines against security threats.

Although they have already broken their promise not to release any more security updates for Windows XP, Microsoft likely won’t release more of them unless they feel pressured to do so.

In my opinion, the best move for XP users is to simply move to another operating system, but I realize that doing that is simply impractical for a lot of folks, especially small business owners.

If you feel that you really need to keep using Windows XP, there are several things you can do to keep your PC(s) as safe from security threats as possible: [Read more…]

Q&A: Will Sprint upgrade my phone if I break it while it’s insured?

Posted on May 7, 2014

Question from Marnie H.: I have a Samsung Galaxy S3 from Sprint and I really like it. It’s currently insured, and if something were to happen to it I would want to get it fixed or replaced with another S3 instead of upgraded to a newer model.

My question is this: If I was to break my phone and they couldn’t fix it, would Sprint replace it with another Galaxy S3 or would they give me something newer?

Rick’s answer: Marnie, if something happened to your phone and it couldn’t be repaired, Sprint would replace it with another Galaxy S3 if one was available. My guess is they would probably have a stock of new and refurbished models on hand, but there are no guarantees.

If they didn’t have another S3 to give you, they would simply replace your phone with the next closest model (one that’s as good or better than the S3).
[Read more…]