Rick's Daily Tips

How to make Chrome the default browser on the Windows 8.1 Start Screen

Posted on June 3, 2015

If you’re running Windows 8.1, you’ve probably noticed that Internet Explorer is the default web browser on the Start Screen even if you have set Google Chrome as the default on the Desktop.

Or perhaps you haven’t even gotten around to installing Chrome at all. If you haven’t, I strongly recommend that you go ahead install it now and set is as your default browser.

The instructions below will walk you through the process of installing Chrome (if necessary) and setting it as your default web browser in Windows 8.1 – even for the Start Screen. [Read more…]

Why you should install the free Windows 10 Upgrade ASAP instead of waiting

Posted on June 2, 2015

As I explained yesterday, Microsoft has just announced that they will be releasing Windows 10 to the general public on July 29 and that users of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 will be able to upgrade their machines for free during the first year.

For some time there has been confusion about what would happen to all the devices running the free Windows 10 upgrade at the end of that first year.

Would Windows simply stop working at the end of the year, requiring users to purchase retail Windows licenses at that point? Or would those Windows installations continue to work and receive regular Windows Updates without having to pay Microsoft any money whatsoever?

Well, now we have the answer to those questions… [Read more…]

Microsoft: Windows 10 will be released on July 29

Posted on June 1, 2015

The folks at Microsoft have just announced in a blog post that Windows 10 will be released to the general public on July 29. And as I mentioned in an earlier post, it will be free during the first year!

Like virtually everyone else on our planet, I was very underwhelmed with Windows 8 when it was released. To be blunt, it was just plain awful. [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I change the pixel size of a picture I wish to use as my Facebook cover photo?

Posted on May 31, 2015

Question from Terrie A: I’ve been trying to change my cover photo on Facebook, but I’m having trouble.

When I try to choose a picture I’ve saved, it says it’s too big and that it has to be so many pixels high by so many pixels wide. How can I change the pixel size of the pic?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Scam Alert: If you’re using the popular ‘Hola Free VPN’ service, STOP NOW!

Posted on May 30, 2015

scam Virtual Private Networks (aka VPNs) are wonderful services that can provide a powerful layer of security and privacy to your Internet activities.

One of the most popular VPN services out there is Hola Free VPN. Hola is currently being used by millions of people, possibly even you.

Well, if you are using Hola Free VPN, I strongly recommend that you STOP using it immediately. Here’s why… [Read more…]