Free Windows 7 Repair and Recovery Tools
A hard drive glitch, virus, or other data catastrophe can delete or damage critical system files in any operating system. Windows 7 offers free repair and recovery tools that can fix damaged Windows 7 installations without having to reformat and reinstall everything from scratch...
Posted by Bob Rankin on May 22, 2012 | Category: Windows-7
Should You Pay Microsoft $99 To Remove Unwanted Software?
Microsoft wants you to experience the true power, speed, and elegance of Windows – and the company will only charge you $99 to do so. That's the price of Microsoft's new Signature service, which removes third-party crapware from your PC, and promises to boost performance. Read on to find out if it's worth the money...
Posted by Bob Rankin on May 21, 2012 | Category: Software
Windows 8: Will You Be Pleasantly Surprised?
The run-up to Windows 8's release (tentatively in October) has made everyone nervous -- or excited -- depending on how one feels about radical changes to the world's most popular operating system. As pundits probe the beta versions of Windows 8, surprise features and Microsoft policies are greeted with delight or dismay. Here are some of the current rumors surrounding Windows 8...
Posted by Bob Rankin on May 18, 2012 | Category: Windows-8
Geekly Update - 17 May 2012
Are religious and political websites more dangerous than 'adult' sites? Is your local high school principal spying on your Facebook postings? And is teleportation finally a reality? Get answers to these burning questions, and the scoop on the latest tech news, in this edition of the Geekly Update. It's guaranteed to make you 146% smarter, read on...
Posted by Bob Rankin on May 17, 2012 | Category: Tech-News
Save Money on Printing Costs
Everyone complains about the high cost of home and small office printing. Paper prices are rising, and the cost of brand-name printer ink cartridges has always been outrageous. Here are some tips for slimming down your printing budget...
Posted by Bob Rankin on May 16, 2012 | Category: Printing
Do I Need an OUTbound Firewall?
I think I understand why I need a firewall to protect my computer from inbound threats. But a friend is telling me that I need another type of firewall software, which blocks outbound traffic as well. If I have anti-virus software, do I really need this outbound firewall?
Posted by Bob Rankin on May 15, 2012 | Category: Security
Do Those 'Speed Up Your PC' Programs Really Work?
I see commercials everywhere for products that promise to speed up my computer. Are they legit? If so, can you recommend any specific product?
Posted by Bob Rankin on May 14, 2012 | Category: Software
Hard Drive Partition Managers
Partitioning your hard drive is like putting up a digital fence, splitting your hard drive into distinct sections, each for a specific purpose. It allows you to install multiple operating systems, or just keep different types of data in their own little containers. Here's the scoop on partition managers...
Posted by Bob Rankin on May 11, 2012 | Category: Hard-Drives
Are Prepaid Wireless Phones a Good Deal?
Verizon, AT&T and other mobile phone providers are offering pre-paid cell phone service with pay-as-you-go billing. If you like the idea of not having a long-term contract, and you don't use a cell phone all that much, a pre-paid cell phone could be a good option. But first you'll have to sort through all the intentionally confusing plans and offers...
Posted by Bob Rankin on May 10, 2012 | Category: Wireless
How to Test and Fix Your Computer Hardware
If your computer is acting strangely, and you've already ruled out a virus, it might be gremlins. But more likely, a software error is being caused by a hardware component that's flaky, damaged, or overheated. Here are some tips and tools to help you diagnose and fix those annoying or intermittent computer problems that just seem to pop up for no apparent reason...
Posted by Bob Rankin on May 09, 2012 | Category: Hardware
Geekly Update - 08 May 2012
As if knowing every detail of your personal life wasn't enough, is Facebook now setting its sights on the INSIDE of your body? What happens when you mix sugar, caffeine, taco sauce and computers? And will you be curling up with a Wook any time soon? Get answers to these burning questions, and the scoop on the latest tech news, in this edition of the Geekly Update. It's guaranteed to make you 146% smarter, read on...
Posted by Bob Rankin on May 08, 2012 | Category: Tech-News
Is MBAM Enough Security?
On the advice of a friend, I've installed MalwareBytes Anti-Malware. It claims to detect and remove viruses, spyware, rootkits and other nasties. Do I still need a separate anti-virus program, or will MBAM provide all the protection I need?
Posted by Bob Rankin on May 04, 2012 | Category: Anti-Virus
Will Microsoft Security Essentials Take Over the World?
Microsoft recently released Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) 4.0, their free antivirus software. And according to a recent market analysis, MSE is on the verge of becoming the number one antivirus product. Find out what's new in the most recent MSE 4.0 release, and if it's the right internet security solution for you...
Posted by Bob Rankin | Category: Security
Geekly Update - 03 May 2012
Are serial killers practicing their "craft" by playing video games? Can you get a better wifi connection by standing in the middle of a busy street? And will you need a home equity loan to afford the latest innovation in light bulbs? Get answers to these burning questions, and the scoop on the latest tech news, in this edition of the Geekly Update. It's guaranteed to make you 146% smarter, read on...
Posted by Bob Rankin on May 03, 2012 | Category: Tech-News
Is This the Future of Laptops?
The folks at Asus seem to be onto something with their Transformer Prime tablet. When attached to its docking keyboard, the Android-based Transformer Prime looks remarkably like a slimmed-down laptop. That resemblance has some wondering if the Transformer Prime can replace their bulky laptops. Let's take a look...
Posted by Bob Rankin on May 01, 2012 | Category: Laptops
