FBI warning of possible Internet problem in July

Update: I posted this in April, but the story is resurfacing again and alarming folks again. So here is my take once again: This weekend, my local newspaper ran a story similar to this one at PC Magazine. It outlined (in usual newspaper sensationalism fashion) that “thousands of computer users could lose Internet in July”. I call it sensational because the headline alone (which I’m suspecting is all many...

How to forward a specific email from a Gmail conve...

This question has come up rather frequently lately so decided to construct a tip from it. The problem arises when a Gmail user wants to forward a message from earlier in a Gmail conversation (group of emails about the same subject…see illustration and video). When you click a conversation, Google only displays the most recent message. If you click forward, then all the messages in the conversation go along for the ride...

KAFM Computer Help Show Podcast – 06-20-12

Here is tonight’s recording of our radio show. Matt was out this week, but we were lucky to have the snarky (yet quiet) Stephanie Summer to help us out with our new format of trio-hosts. We only had a couple of calls, but still had a lot of fun lampooning Microsoft’s announcement of their Surface tablet, talked about Apple’s new announcements and of course the obligatory MUCH MORE! Click and download or...

KAFM Computer Help Show Podcast – 05-30-12

You get it all in tonight’s episode of our radio show! Stock advice (take it VERY lightly) in the wake of the Facebook IPO, discussion about Google’s new Chromebooks and Chromebox (what can it do, who is it for, what other device does it compete with), Space X’s successful docking with the International Space Station, and so much more. Oh yeah, we also had a call that we answered a question for late in the...

Google rolling out new Gmail look and functions &#...

UPDATE: I posted this tip in November of 2011, but many Gmail users didn’t have the new Gmail interface yet, so I’m bringing this back out of the archives since all new accounts and most exiting ones are now in the new format. Starting today, Google is rolling out the option for you to try out there new interface (look and function). You will see an option to try out the system in the lower right hand side of your...

KAFM Computer Help Show Podcast – 04-18-12

Matt and I had a fun and lively show today answering questions from listeners about iPhone navigation programs, moving away from dial-up, the absurdity of the AOL browser, Windows 8, the billion dollar purchase of Instagram by Facebook, Google+ new interface, and much, much, much more! Have a listen. Podcast: Play in new window | Download

KAFM Computer Help Show Podcast – 03-21-12

Back on the air again today with Matt for what turned out to be a quick hour with a few phone calls and some great information disseminated about Linux, saving money on tech among other timely topics. Have a listen! Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Listen to music online customized for your tastes&...

This past week I learned about an incredibly convenient and useful web site that allows you to listen to unlimited online music for free. The site is Pandora Radio. Sure there are other web sites and radio stations that let you do the same thing, but this one also customizes your station based on your musical tastes…for free (requires listening to a commercial occasionally). Or you could do like I did, and pay the...

KAFM Computer Help Show Podcast – 02-08-12

Adam (@talkingdigital), Matt (@kettlewell), and myself (@helpmerick) broke ground on our first show with all three of us! It was a lot of fun and I think adding a third dimension definitely added a fun factor to the show. We talked about the upcoming Windows 8, iPad 3 rumors, dual booting Linux, and answered some listener calls as well. What do you think? Podcast: Play in new window |...

5 Steps to Using Online Financial Sites Safely

Every year computer users who use the Internet to check account balances, transactions, and even paying bills grows by nearly 30%. According to one Pew study, more than 50 million Americans use online banking services. 50 million sounds like a large number, but that still reflects less than 50% of online American adults. Bank web sites continue to evolve by becoming easier to use, more secure, and more helpful than ever...

KAFM Computer Help Show Podcast – 01-18-12

Mr. Matt Kettlewell guest hosted with me again this week, and we answered quite a few calls/questions at the end of the show. We started the show talking about SOPA and PIPA and the Internet Blackout today as well as steps to protect your online safety and we even touched on the Zappos.com security breach. Great listen today…watch the short SOPA/PIPA video below, then listen to the show! Thanks. Podcast: Play in new...

KAFM Computer Help Show Podcast – 01-11-12

Matt and I had a great time as usual kicking off the 2012 season of Castellini on Computers. We only had a small handful of calls, but they were good one. We talked about CES in Las Vegas, OLED, Ultrabooks, smart phones, Linux/Ubuntu, and many other topics. Listen now! Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Setting up a new computer

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to avoiding illness in ourselves. Prevention in the computer world is no different. And like a newborn baby, a newly purchased computer is subject to many terrible diseases and problems if not properly cared from the moment it is taken from its cardboard box. I follow these steps when setting up a new computer system for my clients, and recommend this methodology for all new...

Web surfing 101…again

Catching up on my reading, I ran across yet another article outlining how easily unsuspecting web users can be duped into infecting their machines and voluntarily giving up their own hard earned money. You MUST read this article, IF you want to keep yourself, your wallet, and your computer safe. Wired published the article I was reading today in their Ocotober issue. You can read it by clicking here. Executive summary:  Bad...

How to print stuff from the web the way YOU want i...

I created these notes for a client today who visits many sites with text that prints small. She knows how to make the screen text larger, and I referred to the tips  (below) about printing from the web, but sometimes good ol’ copy and paste is necessary to truly get the look you want on paper. Learn how to use the Printer Friendly Option – Video Tip How to Save Time & Money when printing Email – Video...