General Computer Tips

Longest hiatus is over

: Image via Wikipedia

Due to many circumstances, busy scheduling, and a couple of short trips, I have been noticeably absent from posting new articles here at HelpMeRick.com the last few months. Thanks for continuing to search for and use the information found within these virtual walls to help make your computer life just a little easier.

During these past few weeks, I have helped many, many people with their computers to fix and tweak various aspects of their computers. To save you some time and a little money, you can avoid calling a tech guy like myself by referring to some of these classic articles here at HelpMeRick.com

Now I need YOUR help…please. Leave a comment below with your favorite HelpMeRick.com tip links and more importantly, let me know what types of tips you would like to see in the future. Thanks!

How to backup your important stuff – Video Tips

: Image via Wikipedia

Photos

I’m betting that your photos top the list as your most precious data. If that is true, then you want to back that data up. First, you need to store all your photos in one easy to find (and backup) spot. My suggestion is to use the default My Pictures folder found in all versions of Windows. If you have not purposefully moved your photos to another location, then they should all reside there now.

However, since we all receive many photos via email, it is important to NOT save those photos in email, but rather pull them out of the email and save them to Continue reading →

General Computer Tips — 2 Comments
12
Jul 10

Save Money on Computer Repair Bills

: Image via Wikipedia

It’s no secret that I am a computer consultant/trainer/troubleshooter. So, why would I potentially take food out of my own hand by writing this tip?

Three reasons:

I like to help people and share knowledge
I dislike troubleshooting messes that could have prevented and
I enjoy teaching people how to get the most out of their computers instead of being frustrated and constantly battling or worrying about the computer.

In a nutshell, I whole heartedly believe that IF a computer user follows these simple rules, their computer will become a useful tool versus an expensive Continue reading →

Digital Photography / General Computer Tips — No Comments
7
Jun 10

How to transfer photos from computer to a SD Card – Video Tip

One of my client’s today did not know how to transfer photos from her computer to a SD Card so she could utilize her digital picture frame she received at Christmas. She was amazed and relieved at how simple the steps were once I walked her through the process.

This method works for transferring any type of file from your computer to an external drive like a USB flash drive, external hard drive, or a memory card like shown here.

Insert your memory card into the computer (or card reader…note too that newer digital cameras can act as a card reader as well)
Click Start –> My Computer
Double-click your Continue reading →

General Computer Tips — No Comments
17
Apr 10

Handouts for Grand Junction Family History Fair

Since many handouts collected at trade shows or seminars end up in the garbage or forever relegated to the plastic bag they were stuffed in, I’m providing today’s handout online for your downloading and viewing or printing convenience.

Thanks for attending the class today!

High Tech Does Not have to be High Stress – Family History Fair Handout

Computer Maintenance Handout

Application Tips / General Computer Tips / Windows Tips — 15 Comments
9
Jan 10

How to transfer your iTunes library & playlists to a new computer

photo credit: mac steve

If you use an iPod, iTouch, or iPhone and plan on getting a new computer, you will want to read this article! OR, if you use any of these devices and want to make sure your library stays safe, you will want to read this article!

Yesterday, I helped a customer setup a new Windows 7 computer and transfer email, favorites, and other data from his old Windows XP computer. Turns out that he also needed to move his iTunes library of more than 8,000 songs and almost 150 playlists!

There isn’t too much I panic about when I arrive at a customer’s home or office, but moving large, customized iTunes libraries is something that does get me a little nervous. In the past, I have had to open an iTunes XML file in a word processor and then use find and replace to enter the path to the storage location on the new computer. It was extremely difficult and tedious.

I am happy to report that I successfully transferred the entire 36 gigabyte library and playlists using Continue reading →

General Computer Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 3 Comments
5
Jan 10

Track changes you make when troubleshooting

Already this week I arrived at homes and a business where the computer users described being on tech support phone calls for 12, 15, and one a whopping 22 hours!! All three users had zero resolution of their original problems and as you might imagine their problems grew by the end of the call.

Then they called me.

Not all phone tech support calls go Continue reading →

General Computer Tips / Internet Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 5 Comments
2
Dec 09

Your friends CAN & DO send you malware

photo credit: Adam Tinworth

Probably the biggest single misconception I hear from computer users almost daily goes like this: “I never open anything from someone I don’t know, so I’m safe.”

I promptly offer a retort to this highly uninformed comment by saying that many security breeches occur because of an email or message (think Facebook, Twitter, etc) that appears to be from a friend or family member. The bad guys in the tech world know precisely how to manipulate the minds of unsuspecting computer users…it’s called social engineering.

And because they know that many computer users put a lot of credence into this false thought process, they work harder to make their messages appear to be from trusted people or companies.

Messages that appear to be from your friend can be used if their address was Continue reading →

General Computer Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 2 Comments
14
Nov 09

Holiday Computer Madness

: photo credit: Hometown Invasion Tour

Every year for the last 7-8 years, I bring up a version of this tip to help save you time and money during the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years visiting season. Please follow the advice. I can guarantee that it will save you and your computer lots of grief.

With all the traveling done during the holidays, your computer is bound to be taken hostage by friends and family wanting to check their email or play a game or two. Unlike the TV, a computer can be victimized, unintentionally, by all this attention. When everyone returns home, you may not recognize your computer or have problems with the way it runs.

If you like the way your computer is running currently, set a few ground rules for the use of your computer (and please follow the same rules if you are the one doing the borrowing of a loved ones precious PC). In no particular order, here they are: Continue reading →

General Computer Tips / Internet Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 16 Comments
11
Nov 09

5 Simple Rules to avoid SCD (Slow Computer Disease)

photo credit: jennconspiracy

I’ve written about this before, but it bares repeating on occasion for new visitors to the site and long time visitors who haven’t learned yet. The advice is simple:

Do not download free screensavers, wallpaper, email programs (Incredimail, etc), or games from the Internet.

Unless you are WELL versed in the origin of these items, they can easily destroy your computer’s ability to compute.

“Slow computer” is the most common computer ailment Windows users search for on the web. Sadly, slow computer disease (SCD*), does not have to be the pandemic it is because it is 100% preventable.

Here are my 5 simple rules to prevent SCD for Windows users: Continue reading →