Rick's Daily Tips

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…]

Download hundreds of great free ebooks directly from Microsoft

Posted on July 20, 2015

For all their faults (and they have many IMO), you have to give Microsoft credit where credit is due. They are quite generous their outstanding collection of ebooks.

You can download hundreds of step-by-step how-to guides and other valuable resource ebooks from Microsoft’s MSDN website for free. The topics covered run the gamut from Windows 7 to Windows 10. You can even download books on Microsoft Office and Computer Programming.
[Read more…]

Q&A: Is there any way to do a System Restore when Windows won’t boot at all?

Posted on July 19, 2015

Question from Brenda Y.: I have a BIG problem Rick, and I really need your help. My computer (Lenovo desktop w/ Windows 7) was installing updates last night when it just shut off. It does that sometimes when my heat pump turns on.

Anyway, when I turned it back on it refused to boot up all the way into Windows. It’ll start, then hang up after the Windows logo is displayed. I even tried booting it into Safe Mode but it gets stuck there too.

I’d like to try to do a System Restore, but I can’t because the computer won’t boot up at all. Is there any way to do a System Restore manually without having to actually have Windows loaded?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]