Your daily dose of practical, easy to follow tech tips!
Question from Heidi C.: My ex-boyfriend replaced the Windows XP on my computer with Windows 7 Ultimate after Microsoft abandoned XP, and I’m having problems with it.
He must have done something wrong because every time I turn the computer on it tells me that Windows 7 Ultimate isn’t genuine.
What do I need to do to get rid of this error message? I really need this computer fixed before I start back to college in August. Thanks.
Rick’s answer: [Read more…]
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…]