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Computer Tips

Another plea for you to use Mozilla Firefox

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photo credit: khoogheem

Over the past six months, the spyware problems infiltrating both Windows XP and Vista has become almost mythical. Spyware is the junk that gets into your computer and slows it down, prevents antivirus software from doing its job, halts Windows updates, can disable your CDROM and/or USB drives, and much more. The vast majority of it turns out to be self-induced. By self-induced, I mean that the user willingly downloaded ring tones, free music, free wallpaper, screensavers, registry cleaners, or other junk software. Even with the best security software on the planet installed on your computer system, agreeing to install junk software circumvents your security and the problems begin.

How can you prevent it? First start by protecting your system properly with the tools I have listed on every page here at HelpMeRick.com. You will find them in Read More »Another plea for you to use Mozilla Firefox

Inserting images into body of Gmail

chemical reaction
photo credit: neys

For new (or veteran) Gmail users out there who missed having the ability to insert images directly into their messages, the wait is over. Today, Google announced that if you enable the Inserting Images option under Labs.

This new feature gives me the opportunity to introduce a second Gmail feature to you that enhances the way you work with Gmail. In order to enable the Insert Image feature, you first have to know about Labs. Google introduced Labs as a part of Gmail about two years ago. This feature contains many add-ons and enhancements that Google engineers have developed that can be optionally added to Gmail. To get to Labs, all you do is click Settings at the top of your Gmail screen, then click the Labs tab.

In addition to enabling the Inserting Images option (it’s towards the bottom of the Labs list), you might also want to try:Read More »Inserting images into body of Gmail

Gmail guide for beginners – 3 Videos – Video Tip

This week’s video tip is a HelpMeRick.com first…it involves 3 videos to cover the topic of Gmail. Directly above each video below, I give a short synopsis of the videos contents. The more I use it, the more impressed I am with Gmail. If you currently use Gmail, don’t be afraid to watch these videos as you might pick up a tip or two yourself.

Google offers a good Help section covering their email system, and you can find it by clicking here. My short video series here are meant to just get you started quickly and give you the highlights of this email system.

How to use Google Maps & Street View – Video Tip

You asked for it, and I deliver. Watch the short video below to see how to use Google Maps and the Google Maps Street View feature. Be sure to pass the article and the video on to your friends and family!

Email of the Week – 001

Abandoned Mailbox
photo credit: cindy47452

Starting today, I will be posting a minimum of one email from your submissions here on the web site in addition to my regular weekly feature Rick Answers His Email Videocast. I will title them all the same way and they will have their own category you can access from the Category list on the right of every page here at HelpMeRick.com. I will also include the original email (via submissions from the Ask a question form listed at the top of every page here at HelpMeRick.com).

QUESTION:

Name:  Raymond Lafontaine

From:   Woonsocket RI

OS:      Windows XP

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I have been trying to find the right download for free foxit for my other computer but it keep bringing to other foxit purchase, can you help

ANSWER:

Read More »Email of the Week – 001

Modems and Routers need air too

I talk and write a lot about making sure that your computer has plenty of ventilation around it so it won’t over heat. Computers suffer greatly when exposed to too much heat. That same principle, however, also applies to high speed cable and DSL modems and routers we use to share those high speed connections. If you examine one of… Read More »Modems and Routers need air too