9 Tweaks I perform for a new client’s comput...

When I meet a client’s computer for the first time, I go through a little routine to check for problems, improve performance, and speed up boot times. You can do it to your own computer too. Use Task Manager to see how many processes are running and determine how much tweaking I have to do to startup. Use msconfig to streamline the startup process Install CCleaner to cleanup temporary files Check on the amount of RAM...

World Backup Day!! Today! Do it! Now!

I just heard about this a few hours ago, and very few people push backup as hard as I do, so I thought I would participate. Today is officially dubbed World Backup Day. It is billed as an independent initiative by a small team. Read about it, and then come back here and read all about backup and all the tips I have compiled for you over the years here. Ok, now go get backuping! ...

Cut, Copy and Paste! – Video Tip

These techniques should be standard tools for any computer user. However, many computer users find these techniques elusive. The ability to move (cut) or copy information from one computer program to another sets you free to do so much more with your computer. Cut, Copy and Paste function by temporarily storing the information, cut or copied, into a temporary holding spot of memory known as the clipboard (Click here for the...

Selecting Text and Files – Video Tip

Here are some techniques for making the selection of files and text easier and more efficient for you as you work with your computer. This tip also includes a narrated video to further demonstrate these important skills. Double click on a word to select it Click and drag in the margin of your word processor to select entire line(s) of text Push the Ctrl+A key on your keyboard to select all text in a ...

Yes, I’m still out here

It’s interesting to me that many of my calls for onsite computer help start with:  ”Are you sill making home/office visits for computer help?” My answer is always, yes, making onsite computer help and training calls is and has been my only source of income since 1998. For today’s post, I decided to give a little more information about me, my web site, and my computer business here in Grand Junction,...

How to use Malwarebytes – Video Tip

I am installing Malwarebytes more and more often these days to take care of spyware and adware problems. It isn’t 100% effective and you really should practice preventative measures (see article links at the end of this tip), but it is certainly worthwhile to add it to your security tool belt if you use any version of Microsoft Windows. Click here to download Malwarebytes Click the green button to start download Wait...

Practice smarter browsing to avoid malware –...

It seems that spyware, adware and other malware that doesn’t quite fall in the category of a virus grows by the day. Unfortunately, even the best protected computers and computer users can get hit by these sneaky destruction machines by tricking us (social engineering) to thinking we are either using, viewing or downloading something other than it is. In order to fight back, we need to be smarter Internet citizens in...

Stay safe when using public WiFi – Video Ti...

When traveling during the holidays or any time, it is extremely important to stay safe when using public wifi (Internet) at airports, coffee shops, hotels, etc. I recently came across a tool called Hotspot Shield that allows you to create a secure and private connection for all your browsing and email. It’s the same type of security that companies use for their employees when out of the office. It’s called VPN...

How good are your passwords?

And you have more than one password right? If you don’t, you should…seriously…good security starts with good passwords that you change regularly. Today, I came across a site that will demonstrate how weak or strong your password based on the average time it would take to crack your password. It will either scare the heck out of you or it will make you feel good about your choice of passwords. The site is:...

Rick Answers His Email – Episode 078 – Videocast...

This week Anita, Jane and Bill paid to have their questions answered and here they are! Questions about Thunderbird, System Restore, backup and more…take a look!

Fix for AOL email not displaying subjects, dates

I have seen a few AOL customers this week who use the AOL software and had problems displaying their email. The email window only showed blank spots where subjects, dates, and senders appear. When opened, replying or forwarding email was also impossible. Fortunately, I have an easy fix for you AOL holdouts with this email problem: Start your AOL program, but DO NOT sign in! Click Mail from the menus Click Mail Settings...

Do not open attachments from people YOU KNOW

Image via Wikipedia Yes, you read that correctly. Those of you who have followed this site and my show since its early days in the 90s know that I have always warned against opening attachments from people you know. Probably the most egregious security problem among emailers is the myth that opening email and attachments is safe as long it is from someone they know. I hear this statement at least five times per week...

How to fix and control AutoPlay in Windows 7 ̵...

AutoPlay is the function of any operating system that controls what happens when you plug something into the computer. Whether it be a CD, DVD, digital camera, camera memory card, USB drive, MP3 player or other item, your computer reacts to it based on a preset of instructions. For reasons that number in the dozens, these instructions can change, be ignored, or simply don’t do what you want them to do. This short tip...

150″ Flat Screen TV for Under $700!

Rick and Adam each use a multimedia projector for watching movies, sports and playing video games. You can get a great projector online or at your local big box stores for well under $1000. Often you can find a sale or closeout model for under $700! Projectors aren’t designed to be used as your primary television set, buy they are perfect for evening films, sports, computer presentations and especially video games....

Castellini on Computers Podcast with Rick & A...

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...