Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 150 of 258

Q&A: Does my computer have a bad RAM stick?

Posted on November 21, 2020

Question from Aaron G.: My computer (Dell desktop with Windows 10) has started crashing at random times and displaying a blue screen with an error message.

The error message always says the PC ran into a problem and it needs to restart.

This line is always at the bottom of the error screen:

Stop Code MEMORY MANAGEMENT

Does that mean my computer has a bad RAM stick?

I took a picture of the error message with my phone and attached it to this email. Can you take a look at it and tell me what I need to do? Thanks.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I run my Android apps on a Windows PC?

Posted on November 20, 2020

Question from Kelly: I’ve heard it’s possible to run Android apps on a Windows computer.

I have a couple of questions:

1 – Is that true?

2 – If it is, how do I do it?

I have a couple of apps on my phone that I use a LOT and I’d love to be able to use them on my Acer laptop with Windows 10.

Rick’s answer: That’s a great question, Kelly. And as it turns out you can indeed run Android apps on a Windows PC! [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it legal to install third-party firmware on a router?

Posted on November 16, 2020

Question from Scott: I have a relatively old Linksys router that my son recently installed DD-WRT on, and it works really well.

Last night I heard a guy say that it’s illegal to replace a router’s firmware with third-party firmware. I love DD-WRT but I don’t want either myself or my son to get into trouble over it.

Can you tell me if it’s really against the law to replace a router’s factory firmware with open-source firmware like DD-WRT? It seems to me that if it was you wouldn’t be able to download it.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Is there a way to boost the weak cellular signal in my home?

Posted on November 14, 2020

Question from Deneen L.: My husband and I recently moved into a new home that’s located in a very hilly area.

We both have iPhones but the Sprint/TMobile signal inside the house is very weak.

We sprung for Xfinity Internet when we moved in, but we’d rather not have to install a landline phone if we can help it.

Is there any way we can boost the weak cellular signal to a usable level?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I move my PC’s Taskbar back to the bottom of the screen?

Posted on November 13, 2020

Question from Ervin S.: Last night my son was using my computer (Acer All-in-One Desktop with Windows 10) to play a game on his school’s website.

At some point something must have went wrong because when I turned the computer on this morning I noticed that the taskbar had somehow been moved to the left side of the screen.

I tried to move the task bar back to the bottom of the screen but it won’t move. It’s like it’s stuck on the left-hand side. Can you tell me how to get it back on the bottom where it belongs?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]