Rick's Daily Tips

Microsoft temporarily suspends new sign-ups for the Windows Insider Program

Posted on July 23, 2015

A while back Microsoft announced that participants in the Windows Insider Program will be eligible to receive a free copy of Windows 10 after its July 29 release. Well, it now appears they are having second thoughts.

After Microsoft made the announcement detailing that very generous Windows Insider bonus, thousands of users took Microsoft at their Word. They quickly began signing up for the Windows Insider Program just so they could qualify for a free copy of Windows 10 to install on machines that otherwise wouldn’t qualify for the free upgrade. [Read more…]

Google plans to shut down its ‘Google+ Photos’ service starting on August 1

Posted on July 22, 2015

Google has just announced that they will begin shutting down their Google+ Photos service on August 1. Android users will be the first to lose access to the service, with iOS and web users not far behind.

Google+ Photos has long been the glue that has held many users within the larger Google+ community, and now that Google is getting ready to ditch it I am left wondering what Google has in mind for the future of Google+ itself. [Read more…]

Review: Lenovo Flex 2 15.6-Inch Touchscreen Convertible Laptop

Posted on July 21, 2015

Not all that long ago you basically had a simple choice to make when it came time to buy a new computer: Desktop PC or Laptop?

Well, these days things are a bit more complicated because we now have tablet PCs thrown into the mix.

Of course if you’re shopping for a desktop PC your choice is easy. Simply choose the brand and model that has all the features you need, then buy it.

But if you prefer something that you can take along with you, you’ll need to decide whether you want to stay with a traditional laptop or try your luck with a tablet. But what if you could have both, in one device? [Read more…]

Q&A: Should I install Windows 8.1 in 32 bit or 64 bit mode?

Posted on July 20, 2015

Question from Carolyn S.: Hi Rick. I have a 4 year old HP Desktop computer running Windows 7 – 32 bit.

I bought the Windows 8.1 DVD but I don’t know whether I should install it in 32 bit or 64 bit mode.

This computer has a 64 bit CPU but just 4GB of RAM that I plan to upgrade at some point. I’ve heard that the extra RAM won’t do any good unless I install 64 bit Windows.

If that’s true, do you think it’s worth installing the 64 bit version? What do you suggest?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: If I upgrade my PC to Windows 10 for free, will it stay free forever?

Posted on July 20, 2015

Question from Earnest H.: Hi Rick. I’ve heard that I’ll be able to upgrade my Dell computer from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10 for free at the end of the month. I have also heard conflicting stories whether or not it will remain free forever.

Some of the things I’ve read say if you qualify for the free upgrade, Windows 10 will only be free for the first year. After that you’ll have to pay a monthly subscription fee to Microsoft in order to keep on using it. But then I’ve heard other people say that the free Windows 10 upgrades will stay free forever.

Can you clear this up for me once and for all? I’d love to replace Windows 8.1 with Windows 10, but not if I’ll end up having to pay for it after the first year is up.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]