Riding Shotgun with Rick

Castellini on Computers Podcast with Rick & Adam

Today, Adam and I embarked on another chapter in our long and illustrious audio career that spans more than a decade now of radio. podcasting, and video casting. As always, our quest is to share information about technology while having fun doing so and providing some helpful and useful information along the way.

In today’s episode, we talked about the latest Apple press conference, the Android operating systems for phones, the Amazon Kindle and e-books versus books, answered some listener email from Pakistan, Florida, and Grand Junction, CO, and much more.

Give it a listen and let us know what you think…and spread the word!!

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Printer Installations Continue to Grow

: Image by gigile via Flickr

It really shouldn’t take 15 minutes and more to install a new printer…especially on a new computer! This kind of time commitment is becoming all too frequent lately from all manufacturers, but HP seems to be the worst. If you want to save time on your printer install and prevent your computer from becoming lethargic afterwards, try these small tips the next time you install a new printer.

Uninstall all previous printers and printer software by using the Add/Remove Programs utility in the Control Panel (Uninstall programs in Windows Vista and 7).
Restart your computer after uninstalling the above software even if it doesn’t require you to do so.
Always look at the setup instructions BEFORE plugging the printer into your computer. Some printers require that you plug the printer in before installing the software, and some want you to wait. And it varies even within the same manufacturer. If you don’t follow this simple tip, the rest of your install will be extremely difficult and may not work at all without multiple calls to tech people, uninstalling, cursing, stomping your feet…well, you get the picture.
Don’t be afraid to push the custom or expert install button. Getting into the custom or expert install will allow you to uncheck all the needless software that accompanies any installation these days. You can uncheck and opt out of any and all toolbars, auto updates, customer participation come-ons, and manufacturer supply shopping utilities. In fact, I even encourage most computer users to go for the minimal install button if there is such an option.

If you have one of the new wireless printers, be aware that you must Continue reading →

General Computer Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 8 Comments
29
Aug 10

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!

Internet Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 2 Comments
23
Aug 10

You DO NOT have to download CA from Bresnan

Many of my customers received the email pictured below, and didn’t fully read the email. Although, poorly worded and written in an alarmist way, it does say “Your current free version…“. Insinuating that if you are currently using their free and extremely slow security product, then you do need to update.

However, I do not recommend that Bresnan customers use this security software as I’ve found it Continue reading →

Riding Shotgun with Rick — 4 Comments
17
Aug 10

Why are Facebook games easier than general computer use?

Twice in the past week I came across clients who consider themselves computer illiterate (I abhor this phrase, but that’s a whole different issue.yet could operate Facebook games like a professional gamer. The two folks (one woman, one man and both well over 70) have difficulty understanding how email operates in terms of servers, providers, etc, have not learned how to copy and paste, think that Google is THE Internet, and would rather not learn more about their security software other than asking me if it is working.

However, through the course of my visit with each of them (again, separate households), they both had browser issues with Facebook. They logged in to Facebook after typing Continue reading →

Riding Shotgun with Rick — 4 Comments
4
Aug 10

Downsizing my tech

My new MobileEdge laptop bag

I repurposed my EeePC Netbook for my nephew with a copy of Qimo Linux for kids and it works great. Not only does my nephew now have a computer that is secure & virtually trouble-free, but it also comes packed with great learning resources & games. It also allowed me to reduce my computers by one. I now carry my Toshiba 13″ laptop that dual boots Ubuntu & Windows 7.

The change required me to get a new laptop bag (see photo). I researched the bag purchase for nearly a month & settled on this one because I like messenger bags & vertical storage of my laptop. Just seems easier to carry for me. However, I’m really interested in what you use to carry your laptop IF you really like it. If you do, leave a comment as to what you carry and why you like it. I would appreciate it, and I think others would enjoy the input as well.

Application Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 14 Comments
28
Jul 10

Correcting Many Microsoft Word Problems

Image via Wikipedia

One of the most common problems Microsoft Word users encounter is not being able to start Word or it starts extremely slow. When you double-click the Microsoft Word icon and either nothing happens at all or it attempts to start and then presents an error screen. Or, Word may open, but very slowly and then have trouble opening or saving documents.

All of these symptoms have a common cause. And although frustrating, the solution is Continue reading →

Podcast / Riding Shotgun with Rick — No Comments
24
Jul 10

Computer Help Show Podcast – 07-21-10

I forgot that I had this in my pocket! We have to have the worst openings to any show on earth, but in a way, it is the way we start all of our shows and then have not were to go but UP from there! And it was a fun show with lots of information about the iPhone antenna non-issue, smartphones in general, computer recommendations made simple, Internet problems and solutions and much more!! Hit the play or download button NOW…you won’t regret it (except for Adam’s selection of bumper music this month).

Next month, we will be live from Noon-1pm Mountain time locally at 88.1 FM on the radio and world wide on the web at kafmradio.org. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, August 18!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Riding Shotgun with Rick — 3 Comments
13
Jul 10

iPhone 4 Hysteria

: Image by tnkgrl via Flickr

In August of 2008, I traded in my trusty Palm powered device (the Treo 755p) for the iPhone 3G. Having used the Palm operating system for almost 10 years, it was quite an adjustment at the time, but a welcome one. The iPhone 3G has served me extremely well since then.

The past year or so, however, Google has made some pretty substantial in-roads into the smartphone market with the Android operating system. While powerful and flexible, I ultimately decided that my investment in the iPhone (learning, comfort level and paid apps) would keep me there for the next little while. After studying the various Android phones, comparing cell phone coverage plans, and Continue reading →