Search Results for: linux

Q&A: How do I get started repairing computers?

Posted on January 18, 2014

Question from Eric: Hi Rick. I want to ask you where can I start on getting my old Dell Dimension E521 Desktop Tower working again? I don’t have a hard drive for it because the one that was in it went in my family’s fairly new HP Desktop computer and my mom doesn’t want me to take the hard drive out.

I don’t have an RGB cable and a monitor for it to work but I do have a wired keyboard, wired mouse, a power cable, and speakers, that’s it.

My older brother put a wanted ad on Craigslist for me for free computers so I could work on some older desktop/laptops so I could get used to repairing/rebuilding computers.

I was thinking about when I get some older computers I could work on them then maybe try to sell them in the summer this year. I just want to make some money to help my family as best as I can because we’re going through a rough time with our financial status. I’ll appreciate any advice you can give me.

Your friend, Eric.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: What should I do with my Dell Inspiron Mini 12 after Microsoft abandons Windows XP?

Posted on December 12, 2013

Question from Derick G.: I read a news report that indicated that Windows XP will become unusable when Microsoft abandons it this spring. I have a Dell Inspiron Mini 12 that’s running Windows XP Home Edition that still works like a champ.

What would you recommend that I do with this computer? Sell it? Scavenge it for spare parts? Just recycle it? I really have no idea how much it’s worth, either in whole or in parts.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I keep my computer’s virtual memory from slowing my programs down?

Posted on December 3, 2013

Question from Dana G.: I read an article the other day that said if your computer uses too much virtual memory it will really slow down your programs and stuff.

My laptop (a Dell w/Windows XP) is running really slow lately, and I was wondering if that could be the problem. And if it is, how can I stop it?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Would it be cheaper to buy a new PC or build one from scratch?

Posted on November 26, 2013

Question from Cameron G.: Rick, I have a 7 year old HP desktop PC that’s served me very well over the years, but I decided to replace it after reading your post about Microsoft ending support for Windows XP early next year.

A good friend of mine says I can save a lot of money by buying the parts and building my new computer from scratch, and he even offered to help me. But I’m skeptical about about actually saving any money that way because I looked into it a few years ago and the numbers didn’t seem to add up.

What do you think about it? Can I really save money by building a PC from scratch instead of buying one outright? And if so, do you have any tips that might help me save a few extra bucks?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I upgrade a bootleg version of Windows 7 by buying the Windows 8 Pro upgrade?

Posted on August 25, 2013

Question from Aaron: The hard drive crashed on my Dell Inspiron 14z laptop so I took it to a guy I know who works on computers. He replaced the bad drive and installed a bootleg copy of Windows 7 since I didn’t have a set of recovery disks.

My question is if I buy a Windows 8 Pro upgrade will it make my Windows installation “legitimate”? I’m not out to rip off Microsoft, just get my laptop back “legal” with a fully working version of Windows.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]