Stick with HelpMeRick’s trusted security sof...

Some days I seem to face recurring themes. Today's was extortionware. Extortion is when someone forces you into paying money to solve a problem that the person or institution requiring payment caused. If that doesn't make a lot of sense, ask Rick to explain how his "If you want to keep your kneecaps – go get nachos for us," program works during the show on Saturday. We have spelled out our proven...

“NEW” Google Feature – Pass it o...

Reader, Chuck, wrote in and asked our opinion about this "new" feature from Google, which isn't new and isn't limited to Google. In fact, the feature has been around since the phone book was invented. Here's how the too frequently forwarded email starts: "Google has implemented a new feature which enables you to type a telephone number into the search bar and hit enter, and you will be given the...

McAffee Uninstaller Removal Tool

Use this tool to completely remove McAffee Security 2005, 2006, or 2007. Here is another McAfee Uninstaller that you can try from Tucows.

Searchable List of Startup Items found in MSCONFIG

I just found one of the easier, searchable lists of items that can be found in the Startup tab of MSCONFIG. The site also lists whether or not it can be or should be removed from your startup. Click here to visit the site.

IPCONFIG and NETSTAT Options

Ipconfig Switches Switch Effect /all Produces a detailed configuration report for all interfaces. /flushdns Removes all entries from the DNS name cache. /registerdns Refreshes all DHCP leases and reregisters DNS names /displaydns Displays the contents of the DNS resolver cache. /release < adapter > Releases the IP address for a specified interface. /renew < adapter...

Getting the Mail Button back in IE7 – Revise...

When you upgrade to IE7 you will notice a total change in the interface. One of the big changes is a lack of menu bar and many of the old buttons. If you are in the habit of clicking on the little envelope in Internet Explorer to get into your email, you will quickly see that the little envelope is gone. Here's how to get it back: 1. Right-click on the bar where the buttons should be 2. Choose Customize Command Bar 3....

Remove or uninstall U3 Software from a flash drive

Many USB flash drives come pre-installed with software called U3. U3 is a small operating system that allows U3 enabled flash drives to run applications (like web browsers, email programs, password managers, and more) straight from the USB flash drive. The advantage is that you can use these applications on any computer with a USB port.  However, if you don't have a need to have these "portable" applications...

Microsoft Uninstaller Cleanup Utility

When you have a program that won't unstall, read through this page , install the program it links to and follow the directions. This program removes all of the install information from the Windows registry. From this point you should reinstall the program and then unstall it the normal way. ...

So long Art Buchwald – Video obituary

My wife told me when I got home today that Art Buchwald had died. My interest in politics began in elementary school. One of my first heroes on TV was Michael J. Fox's, Alex P. Keaton character on the show Family Ties. From as early as I can remember being aware of politics, I can remember caring about it. Whether people agree with me or not, I have more respect for people who are willing to talk about politics than I am...

Windows Defender Startup Error

I have already received multiple emails and calls about a Windows Defender (Microsoft's anti-spyware program) error. The error looks something like this: "Application failed to materialize: 0x800106ba. A problem caused Windows Defender Service to stop.To start the service, restart computer or search Help & Support on how to tart service Manually." This is a result of the beta (still experimental) versions...

Removal tool for PerfectNav and FlowGo spyware

Remove FlowGo and PerfectNav with this tool from Symantec.

HP printer jam recovery

Overall, HP printers are my favorite. They are dependable, they do a great job and they are fairly economical on a price per page basis. I have seen some good things from Canon printers lately, but HPs have a much longer track record. Every brand of printer has its problems and HPs are no exception. One of the biggest problems with HP printers is that they get caught in a loop. If you turn the printer off in the middle of...

Proper care and feeding of batteries

I bought a new digital camera the day after Thanksgiving. Following Adam's First Law: Gadgets Yield More Gadgets, I have ordered a new vertical shooting grip and several batteries. When the batteries arrived, I followed Adams 379th Law: Always Read the Instructions. I am thinking seriously about moving the 379th law up to at least 134 because I discovered some interesting information about rechargeable Lithium-Ion...

A word for our Dial-up readers (and our high speed...

Lately, I have helped many dial-up computer users get their email unclogged. It became clogged because their friends and family who have high speed Internet sent them messages that were way too big for email. Usually these messages contained either large digital photos or video jokes or messages that bring dial-up users email to screeching halt.  DIAL-UP USERS: You absolutely need to know how to check your email using your...

Things we say for our health

Today I visited a client who listens to the show regularly, or so she said. I was there because the computer was running very slow and locked up often. On her computer were three programs (or groups of programs). 1. AOL 2. AOL Security Center (AOL's antivirus, antispyware and popup blocker) 3. Norton System Works "I know you guys say not to use these programs but my son said I need them, he works for a big computer...