01
Sep 09

Google Strikes Deal with Sony

The Financial Times reported that Google and Sony agreed on a deal that will result in Google’s Chrome browser (barely a year old) being installed on new Sony computers sold in the United States. Google hopes to add more similar deals with other manufacturers.

FT.com / Technology – Sony to distribute Google browser.


30
Aug 09

Rick Answers his Email Videocast – 056

This week I answered questions from Amy, Ralph, Jorge, Elizabeth, Diana, Bob, Ernie, Anne, John, Walt, Tracy, Amy, Steve and Tim. They asked qustions about Skype, Windows 7 networking, spyware toolbars, upgrading an old PD, a local wireless Internet provider, email security, Internet Explorer 8, sharing PowerPoint, uploading Flip Video to a blog, burning DVDs with iDVD on a Mac without the menus, and what to do with a cheap Walmart laptop. Enjoy!

Continue reading: Rick Answers his Email Videocast – 056


30
Aug 09

What Rick said, read and thought about this week 2009-08-30


27
Aug 09

Gmail Address Picker – Video Tip

Google very quietly added a new funcion to Gmail yesterday. Many emailers who convert to Gmail wondered why this function wasn’t there from the beginning, but now it is…an address picker.

I can’t remember an email program not having an address picker before, but I quickly adapted to the way Gmail did addresses when I switched three or so years ago. Currently, if you type in just 2-3 characters of a recipients first or last name, Gmail instantly displays folks in your address book that you can then click to add to your message.

Starting yesterday, Gmailers can now click the word To, CC, or BCC (depending on where you want the address to end up) to bring up a traditional address book picker where you can click and choose your recipients from the list.

This short video demonstrates how it works. Enjoy and pass on the news!

YouTube Preview Image

26
Aug 09

How to set Puppy Linux to double-click instead of single click

I use Puppy Linux to troubleshoot computers and backup data from dead hard drives. However, by default, the system automatically opens a file or folder when it is clicked just one time. For me, it seriously slows down my work. I finally learned how to set Puppy Linux to double-click instead of single click for opening folders and files.

  1. RIGHT Click on any desktop icon
  2. Click ROX-filer —> Options
  3. Click Filer windows from options on left of screen
  4. Uncheck the box that says Single-click navigation
  5. Click OK

This short video demonstrates how this tip works.

YouTube Preview Image

26
Aug 09

How to change time of AVG scan schedule

If you install AVG and use all the default settings, you will find that the AVG wants to scan your computer every day at either 8:00am or 12:00pm (noon). Because the complete system scan can take up to an hour or more to complete (depending on the number of files on your computer), it can be extremely inconvenient to have the scan slow your computer down when you are trying to work on it.

You can stop the scan if you need full power from your computer by RIGHT clicking the AVG scan icon by your clock, then click Stop All Scans or you can change the schedule to a more convenient time. Here’s how to change the schedule of the AVG daily scan Continue reading: How to change time of AVG scan schedule


25
Aug 09

Wikipedia to start reviewing article changes

600px-Wikipedia-logo.svgWikipedia started in 2001 as an online encyclopedia that anyone can edit. It drew a lot of attention then for its ambitious goal of gathering all information in the world and making it searchable and accessible. Today, it continues to draw millions of visitors per month and boasts more than 3 million articles, 75,000 contributors and has articles in 260 languages.

This week, Wikipedia made the news by making some changes to their article editing process. It used to be all one had to do was to create an account on the site and you could then make edits to any article that you had information to contribute. There has always been oversite and editing, but starting soon, many Continue reading: Wikipedia to start reviewing article changes


24
Aug 09

Do not open attachments from people you know

photo credit: shannnnnonlowe.

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 and dispel it every single time I hear it. Now, I need your help in spreading the word about this growing problem and misinformation.

Recently, there has been a wave of hackers sending email with your friends and family names listed as the sender. Despite not hearing from Aunt Martha in 5 years via email, despite the fact that your mother’s best friend has never sent you a party picture, and despite the cryptic and brief subject and body, folks continue to click on these emails and the links and attachments contained within them. And time and time again, they are greeted with Continue reading: Do not open attachments from people you know


23
Aug 09

What Rick said, read and thought about this week 2009-08-23


23
Aug 09

How to use CCleaner – Advanced Video Tip

I produced a video last week demonstrating how to use the basic functions of CCleaner. This week, I wanted to show some of the lesser known features of the CCleaner program. Like any add-on utility program, you must be very careful when using some of its advanced or custom functions. The same is true in this case.

WARNING: Use some of the advanced functions of this program at your own risk. Without proper caution and use of some of these features, you can render your computer useless. Again, proceed at your own risk.

With my disclaimer clearly spelled out, here is Continue reading: How to use CCleaner – Advanced Video Tip