- I uploaded a YouTube video Continue reading: What Rick said, read and thought about this week 2010-02-07
07
Feb 10
What Rick said, read and thought about this week 2010-02-07
04
Feb 10
Linux + Gmail = Computing Bliss
Last summer, I wrote an article about a senior citizen client of mine who constantly struggled with her older Windows XP machine. Updates would cause problems, the printer would stop working, security woes plagued her. She turned out to be my poster child for using Linux (in her case Ubuntu 8.10). Check out the article (by the way, she is still doing fantastic with her computer and Ubuntu).
Today, I visited another of my Linux clients. This couple came to me about six months ago (they are both seniors as well and self-described computer newbies). They explained that computers frighten and intimidate them, but they felt compelled to have one so they could stay in touch with their kids and grandkids. They strongly desired to have a machine that was simple to use, maintain, and was safe. After much discussion, they decided to take my advice and dump their nearly 12 year old computer and Continue reading: Linux + Gmail = Computing Bliss
03
Feb 10
Email of the Week – 024
photo credit: Smithsonian Institution
QUESTION
Name: TERRY JAMESON
From: LARKSPUR CO.
OS: Windows XP
———————-
RICK,
I WOULD LOVE TO USE FIREFOX, BUT IT SHUTS DOWN CONSTANTLY. THE INFAMOUS BOX COMES UP AND STATES THAT IT HAS “ECOUNTERED A PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO SHUT DOWN.” I HAVE TRIED TO UPDATE IT SEVERAL TIMES, BUT IT CONTINUES TO BE A PROBLEM.
ANSWER
Normally, I don’t read or answer questions written to me in all caps. Not because I think the person is Continue reading: Email of the Week – 024
02
Feb 10
Slow computer or slow Internet?
photo credit: Heliøs
A common problem I hear throughout my week is “My computer is slow.” I finally learned to ask, “Is your computer slow, or is your Internet slow?” The computer user usually pauses, thinks and often responds that it is his or her Internet that is slow; not the computer.
When I sit down at a client’s computer, I can quickly determine the health of a computer based on how quickly I can perform simple tasks like checking background processes, determining how current and what security products are being used, free hard drive space, and how much RAM is installed on the machine. Generally speaking, if a computer was bought any time after Continue reading: Slow computer or slow Internet?
01
Feb 10
Firefox 3.0 Bookmark & History Search – Video Tip
This is a re-release of an almost 2 year old tip that you probably missed…it will save you boat loads of time!!!
Firefox 3.0 was released last week after a long development period. The Mozilla folks put together an extremely good package and made genuine improvements in speed and features…a rare accomplishment in today’s software arena where programs get larger and less usable.
The feature I use the most, so far, is the incredibly fast Continue reading: Firefox 3.0 Bookmark & History Search – Video Tip
31
Jan 10
My business benefits from folks not reading my articles & tips
photo credit: Bennett 4 Senate
Since 1996, I made it my mission to share every bit of pertinent digital knowledge that I acquired with anyone willing to visit the site. It astounds me to this day how many computer users refuse to read and refuse to learn. Truly, 40-50% of the house and business calls I make every week would evaporate if the computer user had read my articles and tips on a regular basis and followed their advice. This is especially true regarding security problems computer users encounter.
One comment I receive constantly goes something like this, “I have looked at your site (or listened to you on the radio) and don’t understand any of it.”
One of my other missions was to not only make my information available, but also Continue reading: My business benefits from folks not reading my articles & tips
31
Jan 10
Rick Answers His Email – Episode 074
Last week, I was in Park City, Utah at the Sundance Film Festival with my son, but I’m back at it again this week answering your questions.
Cindy paid $5 this week to be the very first question answered, but she never submitted a question. So the first question this week was from Kelly who paid $1 to have priority treatment as well. Questions then were answered from Jean, Cypora, Luiza, Keith, Alberta, Elvin, Hasim, and Donna.
Topics today included watching TNT shows online, removing a user from blocked senders, Gmail stalker, runtime errors, McAfee problems, email encoding, new electronic Continue reading: Rick Answers His Email – Episode 074
31
Jan 10
What Rick said, read and thought about this week 2010-01-31
- I like the service and folks at Stelera high speed Internet. They are offering 1 yr @ Continue reading: What Rick said, read and thought about this week 2010-01-31
24
Jan 10
What Rick said, read and thought about this week 2010-01-24
- I uploaded a YouTube video — Rick Answers His Email Continue reading: What Rick said, read and thought about this week 2010-01-24
22
Jan 10
Cellular coverage at big events
Sundance Film Festival 2010
This weekend, I had the opportunity to take my son to the Sundance Film Festival. We are doing it on a shoestring by standing in line for stand-by and wait-list tickets and camping in our VW van at an RV park. So far, it has been great fun…except for cell coverage.
No matter what carrier folks use, they are complaining about slow network speeds, dropped calls, and inability to send texts. This isn’t unique to Sundance or Park City, Utah. Almost any time a large Continue reading: Cellular coverage at big events
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HelpMeRick.com started as a monthly tip site for beginners in 1996, and now supports our popular call-in computer show, and hosts thousands of useful computer tips and links.