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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 look:Read More »Why you should always backup

Password Problem at Twitter

Once again, the main stream media sensationalizes a story by inserting scary prose. Yes, Twitter had an attack of their computers this week. Yes, sensitive documents were stolen.  But NO, this was not a major breach of Twitter user accounts. And No, this does not mean online accounts are inherently unsafe.

I think Twitter founder, Biz Stone, summed up the situation best in this statement:Read More »Password Problem at Twitter

Computer Help Show Podcast – 07-15-09

Great show today as we discussed Google Chrome OS, what computer users really do with their computers, and answered a lot of questions from callers. Have a listen. Computer Help Show Podcast -07-15-09

Computer designed for seniors

seniorgopcAt last week’s computer users group meeting, I was handed an advertisement with the following headline:

Finally…A Computer That’s Designed for YOU, Not Your Grandchildren!

Since I work with many retired aged computer users, I know the frustrations that some of them have regarding technology. When I hear about technologies that make computing easier for anyone, I research and learn about the technology to see how I think it would function for people that I help with their computers.

On the surface, this computer, dubbed the Go Computer,  sounds pretty good:

  • Large type, easy to read screen
  • Simplified menus
  • Large, high contrast keyboard lettering
  • Trackball instead of a mouse
  • No need for computer classes or instructional DVDs
  • No maintenance needed by the user

No where in full page ad is a price mentioned. When I looked at the web site, the price is Read More »Computer designed for seniors

Rick Answers his Email Videocast – 051

Nolan, Anwar, Peter, Pat, Jonathan, Gena, Walt, Kathleen, Eve, Steve and Elizabeth asked questions about a lost Windows 2000 password, router connection issues, AVG install, Internet Explorer 8 upgrade problems, lost CD/DVD drives, high capacity memory cards, backing up email and more. Check it out!

3 Classes of Information Technology (IT) Users

swissarmyusbI left this note as a comment on a web site just now, but decided that it was good enough to be a post here at HelpMeRick.com.  IT is the fancy word for computer technology.

The more I read about and talk with people about computers, I see there are three distinct “classes” of computer users.

  1. Hard core IT – those that need every ounce of PC power for their jobs and/or personal life. They program, game, virtualize, and push the computer and OS to the limit and have no problem spending hours working out problems and tweaking the PC for their needs.
  2. Business IT – usually self-taught computer users who just want to get things done…use the computer as a tool. Sometimes tied to proprietary software, but mostly use word processing, spreadsheets (basic), email, Internet, and some digital photography.
  3. Home IT – Like the business class, use the essential functions of a computer, social networking and little else.

In my business (computer consultant/trainer), reading and travels, I find that Read More »3 Classes of Information Technology (IT) Users

Email of the Week – 011

Manatee Mailbox
Creative Commons License photo credit: Joe Shlabotnik

QUESTION

Name:  Joanne

From:   Portland, OR

OS:      Windows XP

———————-
On May 27 you talked talked about the # of processes that open at Start-up. Following your instructions I found I have 60 processes opening. I went in and unchecked several I didn’t need, however when I go back to normal start-up at closing,restarting my computer and then again to into msconfig/Start-up, the problems are again checked. How do I keep them unchecked?

Thanks
I’m learning a lot from you, really appreciate it.

ANSWER

Thanks Joanne. (She’s referring to my tip about MSCONFIG found here.) You are doing everything right exceptRead More »Email of the Week – 011

Great Demand for Apple’s 13″ MacBook Pro

As sales of Windows based computers slow down, Apple continues to gain market share. Their revamped laptop line appears to be the leader in Apple computer sales. With increased memory, video power and a new SD slot, there is a lot to like. Read the full article below. AppleInsider | Demand for Apple’s 13″ MacBook Pro may be outpacing supply.

Beware of this type of spam

Below is an example of an email spam (unwanted email) that is increasing in frequency. Overall, the email looks to be legit and normal. However, there are two parts of the email that you need to pay particular attention to:

  1. Who is it from? In the example below, I have no idea who Allison is. Red flag number 1. If you don’t recognize the name or the email address, be suspicious.
  2. Link in the email uses an URL (web address) shortener service. If I don’t know who it is from, I’m darn sure not going to click the unidentified link. Red flag number 2.

I started using TinyURL.com years ago in my email and on the radio to be able to quickly and clearly send someone to a long web site address with little hassle. However, with the rising popularity of Twitter and other quick messaging and blog services, more and more URL shortener services have emerged. Most of which have no problems. The problem is Read More »Beware of this type of spam