Rick's Daily Tips

Google takes the Chrome O.S. offline with the new Chrome App Launcher

Posted on July 22, 2013

One of the biggest criticisms of Google’s Chrome operating system has always been the fact that any device it runs on is pretty much useless without an Internet connection.

Well, that criticism has apparently been taken to heart by Google because they have released a great new app that lets you do a number of constructive things with your Chrome-based device even when you’re offline.

The new Chrome App Launcher adds something akin to a “Start Button” to the Chrome O.S. taskbar. Just click or tap it and up pops Chrome’s version of a “Start Menu” from which you can launch any of your installed web-based apps – without ever leaving the Desktop! [Read more…]

How to re-install Windows 7 or Windows 8 when you don’t have a Recovery Disc

Posted on July 22, 2013

create-windows-installation-media It’s a fact of life: Sooner or later there will come a time when you’ll need to re-install Windows on your PC.

Whether it’ll be due to a hard drive failure, a virus attack or just the desire to re-install the operating system from scratch and start over fresh, you most likely will have to refresh your Windows installation at some point.

If you have a set of recovery discs, re-installing Windows from scratch is easy. If you don’t, it’s virtually impossible. But what if you can’t find your recovery discs (or never had a set in the first place)? Well, you have three options:

1 – Order a replacement set of recovery discs for your specific PC model directly from the support section of the manufacturer’s website. This option can be (and in most cases is) fairly expensive.

2 – Purchase a full retail version of Windows, either on discs or via direct download. This option is even more expensive than the first one.

3 – Create your own Windows 7 or Windows 8 installation media. This option is virtually free (you’ll need either a blank, writable DVD or a blank USB thumb drive).

If you choose to go with option 3, here are the steps you’ll need to take in order to create your own Windows 7 or 8 installation media: [Read more…]

SourceForge expands into the ‘Sneakware’ business

Posted on July 18, 2013

If you check out the tips I post on this blog on a regular basis, you surely know by now that I love telling my readers about all the great free software that’s out there to make our computing lives safer and more enjoyable. I love trying out new programs and apps and then sharing them with all of you if I find them to be beneficial in some way.

Whenever I recommend a piece of software, I always try my best to find a download site that offers an easily identifiable direct download link. Unfortunately, that task is becoming harder by the day as more and more sites begin sneaking other programs, apps and toolbars into the installer routine.

I call this unwanted software “sneakware” because they literally sneak these programs past unwary users and onto their computers while the software that you intentionally downloaded is being installed. [Read more…]

How to change the ‘Registered Owner’ in Microsoft Windows

Posted on July 11, 2013

microsoft-windows If your PC was either purchased used or “inherited” as a hand-me-down system, you probably keep seeing the previous owner’s name pop up from time to time as the “Registered Owner”. And I’m guessing that you probably find that a bit irritating.

It’s actually pretty easy to change the Registered Owner setting in the Windows Registry. But before I show you how to do that, it is incumbent upon me to tell you the following… [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I replace the power switch on my Compaq Presario SR2163WM myself?

Posted on July 9, 2013

Question from Devon A.: Hi Rick. I have a Compaq Presario SR2163WM that still works great, but I went to turn it on yesterday morning and the power switch broke. The button is still more or less in place but it doesn’t activate the switch when you push it.

I actually have two questions for you:

1 – Can the switch be replaced?

2 – If so, can I do it myself or should I take it to a shop?

Rick’s answer: Devon, you can indeed replace the power switch on your PC yourself, but finding one might be a problem since that’s such an old model. But I have a hunch that you won’t need to replace it at all. [Read more…]