Computer Tips Archives - Page 86 of 231

System Explorer: The ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of Windows tools

Posted on October 21, 2023

I love writing about great free software that makes using computers, tablets and smart phones easier to use, more secure and more user friendly.

And I must admit, my favorite software programs of all tend to be free Windows utilities.

In previous posts I wrote about two outstanding Windows utilities (Process Explorer and Autoruns) that every PC user should have at the ready at all times.

Today I’m going to tell you about System Explorer, a wonderful program that bundles these two utilities together with a host of other useful tools into a single tabbed package. [Read more…]

How to use an unused Android tablet as a digital picture frame

Posted on October 20, 2023

Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter

These days most everyone has an old unused Android tablet sitting on a shelf somewhere. And chances are a good number of them still work just fine.

If you happen to be one of those folks that have an old, but working tablet sitting around, why not do something productive with it instead of letting it gather dust? [Read more…]

How to change the default search engine in Microsoft Edge

Posted on October 18, 2023

Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter

When it was first released, Microsoft’s Edge web browser used Bing as its default search engine, and there was no way to change it.

Well, Edge still comes with Bing set as the default search engine, but you can now switch it to Google or one of several other popular search engines.

If you like using Edge but would prefer to search with something other than Bing, you can follow the steps below to change the default search engine to the one you like best. Just follow the steps that match the device you are using. [Read more…]

My favorite tool for completely ‘wiping’ a hard drive

Posted on October 17, 2023

Due to security concerns about data theft and identity theft, it’s important to completely erase a hard disk before giving it away, selling it, or even tossing it in the trash.

The thing is, simply erasing a bunch of files doesn’t actually remove those files from the hard drive.

It merely deletes the pointers that Windows uses to identify and locate the deleted files. [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I put a shortcut to a website on my iPhone’s Home screen?

Posted on October 17, 2023

Question from Elise: Hi, Rick. First of all I want to tell you how much I love your site. I’ve learned so much from you over the years.

Now I need your help if you don’t mind.

I’ve always used Android phones but I decided to try an iPhone this time around. I really like it so far but I have a question. [Read more…]