Rick's Daily Tips

Review: My Windows 8.1 Computer for Seniors

Posted on May 29, 2015

Making the transition from an older version of Windows to Windows 8.1 is no easy task.

While today’s youngsters have the advantage of growing up in the age of modern digital technology, gadgets galore and the Internet, the task of learning a new operating system can be a bit daunting if you’re a little older.

It’s certainly true that today’s seniors are more tech savvy than ever, but it sometimes helps to get a little boost when it comes to learning something new in the computer world. And a little boost is likely all that most folks will really need.

With that in mind, a great book titled My Windows 8.1 Computer for Seniors (#ad) is just what the doctor ordered for learning how to use Windows 8.1! [Read more…]

Want to learn how to use Linux? Take the $99 ‘Introduction to Linux’ course for free!

Posted on May 28, 2015

If you’ve been thinking about dipping your toes into the Linux world, now is the perfect time to get started. For a limited time, the Linux Foundation is offering their outstanding $99 “Introduction to Linux” course for free!

“Introduction to Linux” covers the basics of the Linux operating system. You’ll learn how to use the GUI (Graphical User Interface) as well as the command line to perform many common Linux tasks. You’ll also get hands-on training in several of the most useful Linux-based applications.

The only prerequisite to taking this course is basic familiarity with computers in general. Experienced Windows and Mac users will do just fine. [Read more…]

Q&A: Will Windows 7 still work after Windows 10 is released?

Posted on May 27, 2015

Question from Millie H.: I heard that Windows 10 is supposed to be released pretty soon. Will the Windows 7 that’s on my computer still work after that or will I need to buy Windows 10?

Rick’s answer: Millie, you have nothing whatsoever to worry about. Your computer’s Windows 7 installation will work just fine for the foreseeable future. In fact, Microsoft has committed to supporting Windows 7 with regular security updates until the year 2020.

But that being said, you might want to consider upgrading your computer to Windows 10 when it is released anyway. Here’s why… [Read more…]

Scam Alert: Beware the nasty new PolloCrypt Ransomeware Virus

Posted on May 22, 2015

scam A new virus called PolloCrypt is making the rounds, and it’s a bad one.

PolloCrypt silently encrypts all the data on your hard drive, then demands that you pay a “ransom” of several hundred dollars to a group of hackers before they will decrypt your files so you can regain access to them.

“Ransomware” of this type certainly isn’t new, but this one is the latest strain of it to hit the streets so you need to be especially wary of it.

It has been reported that the hackers often fail to decrypt a victim’s files even after the ransom has been paid, so it’s wise to avoid getting the virus in the first place if at all possible.

Here are a few things you can do to protect yourself against the nasty PolloCrypt Ransomware Virus: [Read more…]

How to make completely anonymous phone calls in the age of Big Brother

Posted on May 21, 2015

pre-paid-phone Unless you live one hut down from Gilligan on that infamous remote tropical island, chances are you have heard that Verizon and some other carriers have been handing over the phone records of every one of their customers to the federal government for some time now.

That’s right, your private calls, texts and Internet communications aren’t private, and they haven’t been for a while.

Does this scare you? It should, even if you live life on the straight and narrow. This policy throws the entire concept of probable cause right out the window.

So how can you ensure your privacy when using your cell phone? [Read more…]