This does not have to happen to you

One of my main goals here at HelpMeRick.com is to help make computers and technology a usable, productive tool for ALL computer/tech users. The information contained within these digital walls does just that…providing you read and practice the tips. I often stand on my backup soap box here on the web site as well as with my clients and on my radio show. The backup soap box makes a frequent appearance with me because so...

The Castellini Approach to Internet Security ̵...

EDITORS NOTE:   I originally posted this article in 2007. A lot has changed in 6 years, so I’ve updated the article with new information and links. Please heed the information here to save you time, money and frustration and pass along to your friends and family! This past week I saw way too many people who are not taking advantage of the free information we give out on the show and the web site. Their computers were...

WARNING! Spyware/Virus Infections Getting Nastier!

This article applies primarily to Windows users (any version) since virii and spyware infections are pretty much limited to Windows users at this time. However, Apple and Linux users should heed the advice that I will lay out here and help their Windows using friends and family as well. First and foremost, EVERY Internet user should read, study, and understand the who, what, why, and how of spyware and virus infections by...

Changing views and backing up Family Tree Maker 20...

Family Tree Maker 2012 makes a pretty big departure from earlier versions, so I made these notes for a client who was upgrading from a version that was at least 5-7 versions previous. The first part is how to change the view to a more workable tree view, and the second part of the notes is learning how to export (backup) the data to share with friends and family using a method that will allow them to view or import the data...

5 Reasons why YOU should be moving to the cloud

I have written many articles about Web 2.0 or cloud computing. Cloud computing means that you work with programs and/or data that are not installed or saved on your computer. Instead, the programs and/or data live on an Internet connected computer (server) somewhere else in the world. Among other things, these computers/services provide: Security via the password and user name that you choose. Access to the service from any...

How to backup your important stuff – Video T...

Photos I’m betting that your photos top the list as your most precious data. If that is true, then you want to back that data up. First, you need to store all your photos in one easy to find (and backup) spot. My suggestion is to use the default My Pictures folder found in all versions of Windows. If you have not purposefully moved your photos to another location, then they should all reside there now. However, since we...

Save Money on Computer Repair Bills

It’s no secret that I am a computer consultant/trainer/troubleshooter. So, why would I potentially take food out of my own hand by writing this tip? Three reasons: I like to help people and share knowledge I dislike troubleshooting messes that could have prevented and I enjoy teaching people how to get the most out of their computers instead of being frustrated and constantly battling or worrying about the...

Extricating Spyware

Article updated: July 2010 In 2004, spyware/adware became the #1 threat to personal computers. For a definition of spyware, visit Webopedia. Getting rid of spyware has reached a point that it takes an expert, or a lot of persistence, to really get rid of it totally. Following is a list of steps that we frequently take to completely restore a compromised computer. Depending on the level of problems, we may omit some steps,...

How to use Picasa to backup ALL your photos to an ...

One of my long time customers called me the other day with a question about not being able to backup his photos using Picasa without errors. Upon some research, I discovered that he was simply hitting the burn button to quick. To avoid repeating his problem, wait for Picasa to finish calculating the backup job before hitting the burn button. While doing this research, I also discovered how to use Picasa to backup all your...

How to backup photos using Picasa – Video Ti...

Lately, I have showed many people how easy, not to mention vital, it is to backup your digital photos. When a computer crashes, the first thing the computer user does is panic…unless they have a good backup routine. With photos, there is no easier, safer way to backup than using Picasa. Picasa is a free photo management utility from Google that can be used on any platform; Windows, Mac, or Ubuntu/Linux. You can read...

Should I backup?

Should you carry health insurance? Should you carry car insurance? Should you save for retirement? Should you eat every day? Does a bear….  Well, hopefully you get the picture. The answer is a resounding YES!! You should backup, and depending on your computer needs and usage your backups should occur frequently (sometimes daily). Many computer users equate backing up their computers with their mother’s...

Backup Outlook Express Email – Video Tip

This week’s tip also applies to Windows Vista users who use Windows Mail…which is basically Outlook Express with a new name. I still recommend that emailers save their important pictures and documents sent to them via email to a folder on their computer for easier backup (see my video tip on how to do this by clicking here), but many people also save a great deal of email and don’t want to lose it. Outlook...

Why you should always backup

Search my site for the word backup and you will find many, many tips on how to backup your valuable data. I stumbled on this video today that shows how recovery services can recover lost data, but at a price of up to $2500. The video also has a few good shots of what the innards of a hard drive look like when running which is educational to watch as well. Take a...

Save as you edit and create

I regularly talk about backup on this site and on the radio show.  One part of backup that you might have overlooked is the process of saving the work that is currently on your screen. Whether it be an email, a word processing document, a movie, a photo or any other file you are editing, saving as you work always pays off. The process is simple, the habit takes perseverance. Save and name your project as soon as you begin...

Keep track of your original computer documentation...

Lately too many customers have had to wait for repairs on their computers because I needed to order recovery CD sets from the manufacturer. This time and expense can be avoided if you do two simple things when you buy your new computer: 1.  Save all disks and/or documentation that comes in the box 2.  Since most manufacturers no longer send along recovery CDs and operating system CDs, it is up to you make them. Look for a...