Skip to content

General Computer Tips

Your one stop troubleshooting spot

In the almost 14 years that I have devoted to helping computer users, I have discovered a few computing standards:

          • Many computer problems can be solved by simply restarting the computer.
          • In the event of a mouse, keyboard, monitor, sound, printer or Internet problem, always triple check your cables to make sure everything is plugged in securely.
          • Much to the dismay of computer users, almost all problems were caused in some way by something we did or didn’t do…usually unknowingly or inadvertently.
          • Your neighbor/co-worker/family member/ cannot fix your computer.
          • Very few computer users backup their important data.

With these five basic rules established, use my basic troubleshooting tips for printers, sound, Internet (click here) and other problems BEFORE panicking and before calling tech support. You will be pleasantly surprised how either performing rule #1 above or using these guides can dig you out of a problem rather quickly.

Good bye Windows XP

Today, I am writing this blog post from a favorite coffee shop of mine in-between customer visits…using my iPad and no peripherals. Thirteen years ago when XP just came out, the computer world was elated with the new system and its capabilities. However, there was very little wifi at the time, high speed internet was still not mainstream, and laptops… Read More »Good bye Windows XP

World Backup Day 2014

The last few years since this day came into existence, I found out about it AFTER the day passed. This year, however, I found out the date BEFORE so I can celebrate it with you. Any long time visitor to HelpMeRick.com knows that I frequently get on my backup soap box and answer many questions about backup on my radio… Read More »World Backup Day 2014

How to download and transfer e-books from library to Barnes & Noble Nook

I created these notes for a Barnes & Noble Nook user who was borrowing e-books from the local library and wanted to learn how to transfer them to her Nook on her Apple iMac. I’m hoping others out there might find this helpful as well! Click here for the downloadable and printable version.

Cloud computing – Ubiquitous, Powerful, and mostly free!

Cloud computing definition: Using a web site (app) to perform computing functions like word processing, spreadsheets, video and image editing, financial management and more. Ten years ago we used the web as a resource to find information. For productivity work, we installed programs that lived on our computers as did the data. If we had extra computers or needed to… Read More »Cloud computing – Ubiquitous, Powerful, and mostly free!

Control + F

One of my daily visits brought me to a growing business today. As I waited to work on one of the employee's computers, I noticed that she spent a good 10-15 seconds scrolling through a medium size spreadsheet looking for a particular entry. I then asked if I could give her a quick tip on how to search through her spreadsheet faster using Ctrl+F on her keyboard. She said, "sure".

When you push Ctrl+F in a spreadsheet, a "Find" window appears. Type part or all of a word that you are looking for (or numeral) and press Enter and BAM the entry appears instantly. The tip is quick, accurate, and extremely helpful.

How to scan documents to computer using Nuance’s PaperPort – Notes

This week, I had a client who really wanted to control the onslaught of paper he was accumulating and was thinking of buying a $200-300 document scanner to help him with the project. I saved him the money by teaching him how to use his Brother all-in-one printer to do the same thing with the included Nuance PaperPort software. Click… Read More »How to scan documents to computer using Nuance’s PaperPort – Notes

How to text on Android phone – Notes

A retired client of mine started using an Android based smartphone and wanted to be able to text his son and grandson. I instructed him how to use the dictation feature of Android and produced this set of instructions for him. If you use an Android, you will also benefit from these notes.

Great interview with MalwareBytes developer

Chris Pirillo, web tech meme, interviewed the Vice President of MalwareBytes and hit on some great questions and answers about how computers become infected, why, and how you can stay safe. In addition to all the information I provide for you here at HelpMeRick.com, please, please, please watch this video: