Computer User Group / Internet Tips — 3 comments
13
Jan 10
photo credit: alvi2047
If you don’t mind sitting at your desk to watch a television program you missed or just want to see it on your own time, you can do so using the web. Everyday, the number of TV watchers watching live television drops. The phenomenon is so big, it now has its own name: time shifting. Time shifting means watching a program on your own time instead of the time listed in the TV listings.
The most common way to time shift your TV watching is the Digital Video Recorder (DVR) made popular by the TiVo service and now included in almost any satellite or cable package. However, watching TV shows on the web is becoming more and more popular with the majority of Internet users finally using high speed connections and the improved watching experience available on the web.
In today’s meeting, I discussed Continue reading: Watch almost any TV show on the web…for free!
Riding Shotgun with Rick — 9 comments
12
Jan 10
On Sunday (1-10-10), my YouTube channel hit one million views! Sure, I wish it was my first million dollars, but it is my first million of anything.
In one of our sporadically held morning, brainstorming sessions, Adam (co-host) mentioned that it might be a good idea to try and put some of the video tips I make on YouTube as a way to cross promote HelpMeRick.com and take the video load off of our hosting service. That morning was December 1, 2006. That evening, I created the Castellini on Computers YouTube channel (CastTV) and uploaded the first few tutorials.
Today, just over three years later, the channel now has Continue reading: Thanks for my first million!
Riding Shotgun with Rick / Videocasts — No comments
10
Jan 10
Back from a short hiatus, I answer questions today from Doris (who paid a dollar to guarantee that I answer her question and be first), Liz, Patsy, Papan, Len, Emily, and Nick.
Topics, in order, were saving pictures from email, enabling javascipt, transferring data to a new laptop, computer freeze, MsMpEng.exe problem, troublesome USB flash drive, configuring AVG to scan Gmail. Continue reading: Rick Answers His Email – Episode 072
Application Tips / General Computer Tips / Windows Tips — 15 comments
09
Jan 10
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: How to transfer your iTunes library & playlists to a new computer
Email of the week — No comments
06
Jan 10
photo credit: Mzelle Biscotte
QUESTION
Name: Diana
From: Colorado
OS: Windows 7
———————-
I recently purchased a laptop and have a message saying there are 27 Windows update to download. Is it essential to download all these?
ANSWER
As unbelievable as it sounds, yes, even on a new computer with a new operating system, Microsoft has already released Continue reading: Email of the Week – 023
General Computer Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 3 comments
05
Jan 10
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: Track changes you make when troubleshooting
Riding Shotgun with Rick — 5 comments
04
Jan 10
photo credit: Faelourn
As 2010 swings into high gear, I pledge to add at least 40 new how-to videos to the HelpMeRick.com library of information. In addition to those 40 new tutorial videos, I will be answering your questions via my weekly Videocast and email of the week articles as well. I also post interesting or relevant tech news from time-to-time and will continue that practice as well.
In the past, I have solicited your suggestions for tutorial ideas, tips you want to know more about, and topics you would like me to expand upon. This year, I ask you for the same feedback. Leave a comment below this article with tips and tricks you want to hear more about and tech topics that you would find interesting to read.
After all, I built this site almost Continue reading: A new year, and YOUR chance to contribute
Riding Shotgun with Rick — 2 comments
02
Jan 10
Taken by Rick in Austin, TX
In addition to charge exorbitant prices for checked baggage these days, many aiports have also yanked free terminal wifi. However, this holiday season, Google teamed up with Boingo and offered free wifi for selected airports around the country starting around Thanksgiving and ending in mid-January. Today, I’m flying home from one of the free hotspots in the Austin airport.
Unless, I am in the middle of a major web project (which is rare), I don’t pay for wifi. I wait for a coffee shop or hotel hotspot. Usually paid wifi costs up to $10 for a 24 hour period…a price I’m not willing to pay. Thanks to Google, I don’t have to worry about paying today or just using my phone for email access.
I look forward to returning home and starting a busy year of answering your questions and providing many more useful computer tips and video tips. Happy New Year.
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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.