Rick's Daily Tips

How to convert the trial version of AVG Internet Security to AVG Free

Posted on November 25, 2013

AVG Antivirus is one of the most popular antivirus programs on the market. When you go to download the software from the AVG website, you have a choice between a free version and a paid version which comes with some extra bells and whistles.

Many users opt to download the trial version of AVG Internet Security, then decide to switch to the free version when the trial period ends. This is fine (it is actually what I recommend), but that means uninstalling the trial version and then installing the free version from scratch.

But now there’s a better way to “downgrade” from AVG Internet Security to AVG Free. Simply download the AVG Downgrader utility from the AVG website and run it. The fast and simple process explained below will make the conversion for you without having to jump through a bunch od complicated hoops. Just follow these directions: [Read more…]

How to create a System Image Backup in Windows 8.1

Posted on November 23, 2013

windows-8-1 Having a recent System Image Backup on hand is a great way to get your PC back up and running quickly if you have to replace your hard drive or a virus trashes your Windows installation.

But if you recently upgraded to Windows 8.1 or bought a new PC with it pre-installed, you won’t find it in the same place it was in when using a previous Windows version.

Here’s how to create a System Image Backup in Windows 8.1: [Read more…]

How to disable Bing Integrated Search in Windows 8.1

Posted on November 21, 2013

By default, any time you perform any kind of search from the Windows 8.1 Start Screen you will also be presented with a list of search results from the Internet – courtesy of the Bing search engine. Some people love it, others hate it.

If you’re like me and prefer having your local searches confined just to the drives on your local computer, you can easily turn Bing Search Integration off. Here’s how: [Read more…]

How to enable Battery Saving GPS mode in Android 4.4 ‘KitKat’

Posted on November 20, 2013

android-kitkat By now you probably know all too well that the GPS radio on your smart phone sucks battery juice almost as fast as ice melts in the middle of the Sahara. But if your phone is running Android 4.4 “Kitkat” there’s a simple way to keep using the GPS feature without draining your battery quite so fast.

Android 4.4 has a new “Battery Saving GPS” mode that can help extend your battery life considerably over what you’d get by enabling GPS in normal mode. In my opinion, this is one of the most useful enhancements to Android in some time.

Battery Saving GPS mode works by limiting the number of reference points the phone uses to pinpoint your location on the earth’s surface. Checking fewer reference points means the GPS radio works less, which in turn means less current is drawn from the battery. [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I get my phone to display the full name on Lock Screen messages after updating to iOS 7?

Posted on November 19, 2013

Question from Sara T.: My iPhone used to display the sender’s full name on the Lock Screen when I receive a message, but after updating to iOS 7 it only displays the first name. How can I change it back?

Rick’s answer: I’ve had several other people ask me about this Sara, so this change must really be annoying to a lot of people. That’s why I figured I might as well turn the answer to your question into a tip.

Here’s how to get the full name back on your Lock Screen message notifications: [Read more…]