Tech Questions & Answers Archives - Page 207 of 258

Q&A: Why do some Windows Updates require a system restart but others don’t?

Posted on November 6, 2015

Question from Leonard G.: Rick, I have a question about one of my biggest pet peeves. After all these years, why does a computer still have to be restarted after many Windows updates are installed, but other updates install just fine without requiring a restart?

You’d think by now that Microsoft would have figured out a safe and dependable way to install ALL Windows updates in the background with us never even having to know they were installed. I hate having to stop what I’m doing on my computer just so Windows can shut down and “finish” installing an update!

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it true that Avast Antivirus snoops on our browsing habits?

Posted on November 6, 2015

Question from Mandy G.: I’ve been using Avast Antivirus for several months after reading how you recommend it, and so far I really like it. Something has me worried though.

A friend of mine told me that Avast uses their software to snoop on our browsing habits. Is that true? And if it is, why do you recommend it?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Windows Update isn’t finding new updates. How can I fix it?

Posted on October 19, 2015

Question from Larry Y.: Hi Rick. I read your post explaining how to avoid the automatic update to Windows 10, but I have a different problem.

I upgraded my Dell Desktop computer from Windows 7 to Windows 10 a couple of months ago and ever since then I can’t get Windows Update to work correctly. When I click “Check for updates” it goes through the motions but it never finds any updates.

I’ve read every forum post I can find relating to Windows Update but nothing I’ve tried has worked. Any suggestions on what I should try next?

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Q&A: How do I rename my Chromecast devices?

Posted on October 15, 2015

Question from Autumn J.: I have two Chromecast devices. One of them is attached to a TV in the living room and the other is in my den.

Both of the Chromecasts have names that look very much alike when viewed on the Chromecast app, and that confuses my mom every time she comes over to spend the night with me (which she does frequently). She’s always choosing the wrong device and wondering why the TV isn’t working like it should.

I set up a cheap Android tablet for her to use to control the Chromecast devices. My question is how can I give both devices a distinctive name to make it easier for mom to choose the right Chromecast from the app?

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Q&A: What’s the best external hard drive to use with a Dell docking station?

Posted on September 25, 2015

Question from Linda S.: I have a Dell 6430u Ultrabook and a Superspeed USB 3 Dell Docking Station. I am trying to decide on an external drive to back-up all my data and photos continuously.

Could you suggest an external USB hard drive that would be good to use?

I’m also worried about power overload for the docking station because when I plugged in a LaCie external drive I received a warning that it overloaded the USB port. Can you advise about that as well?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]