Why we recommend the stuff we do

Our listeners and subsribers have probably heard me say, "Don't let your kids fix your computer, no matter how old they are or who they work for." I say this because many of my appointments come as a result of a full grown son or daughter who "works for Microsoft" or  "Is a computer tech for ___________ University" coming home and "fixing" the computer. I have no doubts that said...

Read the bubbles

Computer software makers have tried to make software easier to interact with over the past ten years. The problem is us…not the software. I equate the problems with computers with the problems we have faced for ever in real life. Doctors tell us not to smoke…it’ll kill you. What do we do? Smoking, although relegated to streets and alleys, remains insanely popular and kills millions every year. Don’t...

Nothing is by the book

There are two things that make the businesses Rick and I run different from running a computer shop or working as the IT guy in a big company. 1. We see dozens of computers each week and no two of them are the same in any way. 2. Rarely is anything done by the book. Every person has their own preference for desktop wallpaper, word processing program, Windows version, printer, antivirus, digital camera, web browser, etc. It is...

How to get into safe mode

We have told a number of callers today to run their utilities like scandisk, antivirus and antispyware in safe mode. Here is a quick reminder on how to do it. You can find more information on safe mode by searching for "safe mode" in our search box. 1. Turn on your computer 2. As your computer turns on press your F8 key over and over in about half second intervals until a menu of options comes up. 3. Choose Safe...

Update your virus protection

One of the best ways to protect your system and keep it running smoothly is to update your virus protection program regularly. My current favorite anti-virus program is the free addition of AVG (see our link for it on the home page). I like not only its thoroughness, but the update utility is extremely easy (in fact automatic if you spend at least an hour a day online). After all, an anti-virus program can only help if it is...