Your daily dose of practical, easy to follow tech tips!
By now you’re probably familiar with all the security holes that keep popping up in Flash, Java and other popular software, providing easy ways for hackers to install malicious software onto your computer.
In fact, Java alone is so insecure that I completely uninstalled it from my PCs a long time ago, and I recommend that you do the same. [Read more…]
Question from Sharon A.: Hi Rick. I bought a brand new Acer notebook with Windows 8 on it last month and something went wrong while I was downloading some free software. Now it won’t boot into Windows. It stops at an error screen and instructs me to insert a System Repair Disc.
I’m pretty sure the computer didn’t come with any discs, but if it did I must have lost them. Is there any way to fix this problem without a System Repair Disc (and without having to send the notebook back to Acer)? [Read more…]
Question from Jules P: Hi Rick. I stopped using Internet Explorer and switched to Firefox a couple of years ago because IE was crashing all the time. I like Firefox, but after trying Google Chrome I noticed that it loads the pages I visit a lot faster than Firefox.
My question is now that I’ve started using Chrome, how can I transfer my bookmarks and stored passwords from Firefox into Chrome?
Rick’s answer: Chrome is a great browser for sure Jules, and I’ve used it as my primary browser for some time now. It’s easy to import your bookmarks, stored passwords and other settings from Firefox into Chrome. Here’s how: [Read more…]
Question from Denise P.: Rick, I moved a while back and ended up losing the CD for my Epson Stylus Photo 1280 printer. This is one of the many reasons why I hate moving so much!!
Anyway, now I need the disc to install the printer driver on my new laptop. I can probably order a replacement CD but I need the printer ASAP.
Is there a driver site where I can just download the driver? I don’t mind paying. I just need the driver right away. Thanks!
Rick’s answer: [Read more…]
Most folks are now aware of the nasty CryptoLocker ransomeware virus and have learned how to avoid it, but now its equally nasty successor has arrived on the scene.
Like CryptoLocker before it, CryptoWall takes over your PC and encrypts all the files on the hard drive, then demands that the user pay a hefty ransom in order to have the files un-encrypted. Only this time the ransom is even higher.
The CryptoWall ransom starts out at a whopping $500, then doubles every three days until the user finally gives in and pays the ransom.
To prove that they can indeed un-encrypt your files, the hackers behind CryptoWall will offer to un-encrypt just one of your files for free.
The best way to deal with the CryptoWall threat is to avoid getting it in the first place and be prepared just in case you fall victim to it anyway. Here’s how: [Read more…]