Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: What’s the best way to connect 13 computers to create a classroom network?

Posted on November 5, 2016

Question from Carl B.: As the youth minister for my church, I’m in charge of our computer-based Bible training program. I need your help with a networking question.

We have a classroom that’s set up to allow 5 students at a time to use a popular Bible study software package and collaborate with the class in virtual discussions. The kids also take computer-based quizzes and tests.

We currently have 6 desktop computers connected to the network via two wired routers. All the computers can access the Internet, but we only connect the router to the DSL modem when we need to download Windows updates. The students are never allowed to use the Internet so that needn’t factor into your recommendation.

We want to add an additional 7 computers so that 12 students plus the teacher can be connected to the network at the same time. In order to do this, can we add extra routers to the network to connect the extra computers? Or perhaps you have a better setup that you can recommend?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

HackerThings.com – Products for the “Geek” in all of us

Posted on November 4, 2016

Back in the days before the term “hacker” took on the dark, illicit meaning that it has today, being called a hacker was actually a compliment.

In the golden age of computing, being a hacker simply meant that you enjoyed modifying and enhancing computer hardware and software in order to make it do new, interesting and exciting things.

Then along came the Internet and in no time flat the word hacker had become synonymous with the words crook, thief and criminal. And it’s truly a shame.
[Read more…]

Q&A: Is there a router that can be set up without using a computer?

Posted on November 3, 2016

Question from Donna R.: I know this is probably an unusual question Rick, but is there a router that can be set up using just a smart phone?

I remember setting up all the routers I’ve had before by connecting them to a computer. But my family no longer uses computers, only smart phones and a couple of iPads.

If you don’t know of a router that can be set up without a computer I can always borrow my sister’s laptop, but she lives over 2 hours away!

I’ll be grateful for any advice you can give me. Thanks for your help!

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I stop Windows 10 from resetting my default apps?

Posted on November 2, 2016

Question from Carl: I’m a photographer and I often edit hundreds of images in a single day. To make thing simple, I have always kept Photoshop set as the default image viewer on my PC.

The problem is, something changed when I upgraded my computer to Windows 10.

Now every time I set Photoshop as the default image viewer, Windows changes it back to the Windows 10 Photo app every time it installs new Windows Updates.

This is very annoying to say the least. How can I stop it from happening?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Google to end support for Google Drive on older Windows platforms

Posted on November 1, 2016

If you use the Google Drive desktop app on a PC running either Windows Vista or Windows XP, I have some important news for you.

Google is planning to stop supporting Google Drive on those older, no longer supported versions of Windows on January 1, 2017.

According to this post on Google’s blog, the app will continue to work after that date, but there will be no further security updates or support available to users who choose to keep using Google Drive on those abandoned Windows versions. [Read more…]