Rick's Daily Tips

Add the Control Panel to the Desktop Right-Click menu in Windows 7

Posted on March 26, 2013

windows-7 There are several ways to open the Control Panel in Windows 7, but if you use it a lot like I do you can add it to the menu that pops up whenever you right-click on the Desktop.

Important: This tip requires editing the Windows Registry, a procedure that if done incorrectly can render your system unstable, or even unbootable.

By following this tip you understand and agree that it isn’t my fault if lightning strikes your favorite tree, your flowers all shrivel up and die or your computer refuses to start up properly after editing the Registry.

If you agree with everything I just said, then feel free to create a Restore Point and then proceed as follows: [Read more…]

T-Mobile does away with all wireless contract plans

Posted on March 25, 2013

T-Mobile has effectively put an end to wireless contracts, opting instead to allow all customers to sign up for “pay-as-you-go” service similar to the plans offered by Straight Talk, TracFone, Virgin Mobile and others. Could this be a trend sweeping the industry? I happen to think it is.

Pay-as-you-go cell phone service has been offered for years by TracFone and their no-contract brethren, but the concept really hit its stride when Wal-Mart jumped into the game with their Strait Talk service. The thought of being able to switch carriers at a moment’s notice without having to pay a penalty is causing customers to jump ship in large numbers when their contracts expire, switching instead to companies that don’t require a contract. [Read more…]

Q&A: What’s the best way to add RAM to my laptop?

Posted on March 25, 2013

Question from Ron A.: Rick, I have a laptop (HP Pavilion dv4170us) with 1GB of RAM that is currently running Windows Vista. I looked it up online and found out that it will hold up to 2GB.

I’d like to max out the RAM at 2GB but I have a question. Do you recommend replacing the RAM modules that are already in there with all new RAM or just adding an additional 1GB to boost the total to 2GB?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

HeyWire – Free texting on your iPhone, Android phone, tablet or computer!

Posted on March 22, 2013

heywire Do you use your mobile device primarily for texting? If so, a free app called HeyWire will let you text until the proverbial cows come home for free!

With HeyWire you can purchase a cellular plan that comes with a very low number of included minutes and texts and save a ton of money each month.

HeyWire uses your device’s data connection to send and receive SMS messages. The user interface is very attractive and easy to use (it works pretty much like the one you’re using now) and you can learn to use it in 2 minutes flat!

It doesn’t matter whether you use an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Windows Phone or an Android device, there is a free HeyWire app ready and waiting for you to download, install and begin using it in minutes. You can even use HeyWire to text from your laptop or desktop computer’s web browser! [Read more…]

RonPaul.com controversy illustrates why you should register your own domain name

Posted on March 20, 2013

ron-paul Former Republican Congressman and Presidential candidate Ron Paul has learned the hard way why it is so important to register your own domain name.

The domain name RonPaul.com has pointed to a website promoting Congressman Paul’s political causes and career for years, but the domain is not owned by Mr. Paul himself. Instead, it is owned by a friend of one of his political supporters, and that man is refusing to hand over control of the domain to Mr. Paul now that his political career has apparently come to an end.

The RonPaul.com debacle is only the latest in a long line of high profile domain disputes, and it illustrates with crystal clarity why it’s so important for website owners to control their own domain names. [Read more…]