Free Alternatives to GoToMyPC
If you need to access your own computer or someone else's from a remote location, you probably already know about GoToMyPC, which is often advertised on radio and TV. GotoMyPC's remote access service costs $20/month. But did you know that you can do the same thing for free? Here's how...
Posted by Bob Rankin on November 20, 2009 | Category: Networking
Completely Erase a Hard Drive
When you replace a hard drive, what do you do with the old one? Most people give their surplus drives away to friends or charities. Some just throw them in the trash. But what about all the data on that old drive? Even if you deleted files or formatted the drive, your data might still be readable. Here's how to securely and completely erase every last bit of data from your hard drive…
Posted by Bob Rankin on November 19, 2009 | Category: Hard Drives
External Hard Drive For Backups
"I'm planning to buy an external hard drive to use for backups. What hardware and software do you recommend for reliable and simple backups?"
Posted by Bob Rankin | Category: Backup
Free Teleconferencing
Voice teleconferencing remains a staple of business despite the proliferation of alternatives such as email, instant messaging, and webinars. When you want a meeting but can’t get everyone together in the same room, it’s natural to call for a teleconference. The problem is that teleconferencing can get expensive...
Posted by Bob Rankin on November 18, 2009 | Category: General
Windows 7 Libraries
When you open Explorer in Windows 7 you will see a tree of "Libraries" in the left sidebar. Libraries are a new feature of Windows 7 and may cause confusion among users of earlier versions. But Libraries are quite handy, easy to understand, and fun to work with. Here's how they work…
Posted by Bob Rankin on November 17, 2009 | Category: Windows 7
Geekly Update November 17
Here's your Geekly Update for this week, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, computer security, online happenings, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on...
Posted by Bob Rankin | Category: Tech News
Fake Antivirus Software
"Recently I got a popup warning me that a virus had infected my computer, and I needed to download some antivirus program to get rid of it. I did so, and later discovered it was a very slick FAKE security tool that really messed things up. How can I avoid fake antivirus programs in the future?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on November 13, 2009 | Category: Anti-Virus
Consolidate Email Accounts
"I have three email accounts, and it's a nuisance to check each one. I also have trouble keeping my address books in sync, and when I'm looking for a certain message, I have to check in three places. Is there an easy way to consolidate all my email accounts in one place?"
Posted by Bob Rankin | Category: Email
Fax Broadcasting
"I need to send a weekly fax update to a large group of people. It's tedious to stand at the fax machine and enter each number. Is there software that can do this for me?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on November 12, 2009 | Category: Fax
Windows Password Reset
"I changed my Windows login password yesterday, and now I can't remember it! Is there any way to reset the windows password, so I can regain access to my computer?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on November 11, 2009 | Category: Security
Computer Overheating
"My computer sometimes shuts down at random times. A friend said it's probably overheating. How can I find out for sure, and what can be done about overheating?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on November 10, 2009 | Category: Hardware
Inexpensive Computer Upgrades
"My computer is showing signs of age, but I can't afford a new one. What hardware upgrades do you recommend to improve speed and usability for those with older computers?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on November 09, 2009 | Category: Hardware
Geekly Update November 9
Here's your Geekly Update for the week of November 9th, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, computer security, online happenings, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on...
Posted by Bob Rankin | Category: Tech News
AVG 9 Review
AVG Technologies has been protecting computer users against viruses, spyware, and other malware since 1991. Its eponymous software, simply called "AVG" comes in a free version for personal "basic protection" use and a commercial version for "enhanced protection" use. The latest release is version 9. Let's take a look at AVG9 and see how it measures up to the security challenges looming online...
Posted by Bob Rankin on November 03, 2009 | Category: Anti-Virus
Geekly Update November 2
Here's your Geekly Update for the week of November 2nd, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, computer security, online happenings, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on..
Posted by Bob Rankin on November 02, 2009 | Category: Tech News
The Droid Phone
There's a certain segment of the population that is addicted to gizmos and gadgets. They're always waiting for the Next Big Thing. Those people are anxiously awaiting November 6, 2009, when the Motorola/Verizon Droid smartphone will be released to the masses. If you can't wait to get one in your hands, here is a sneak preview of the latest in a succession of "iPhone killer" devices…
Posted by Bob Rankin | Category: Gadgets
Replace Your Power Supply
"The fan inside my computer's power supply has started making an awful noise, and I'm afraid it's ready to bite the dust. Is it difficult to replace a power supply?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on October 28, 2009 | Category: Hardware
Geekly Update October 27
Here's your Geekly Update for the week of October 27th, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, computer security, online happenings, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on...
Posted by Bob Rankin | Category: Tech News
Internet Explorer 8 Versus Firefox
Should you use Internet Explorer version 8, or the new Firefox version 3.5? Which is better, faster, easier to use? Read on for my comparison of the latest versions of the two most popular browsers...
Posted by Bob Rankin on October 27, 2009 | Category: Browsers
Microsoft Security Essentials
"I just read something about a new security tool from Microsoft, that's supposed to be better than Windows Defender, which I use now. What is your recommendation?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on October 23, 2009 | Category: Security
Backup Your Mobile Phone
"Recently I lost my phone, and along with it, all my contacts, music, text messages and apps. It's been expensive and time consuming to reconstruct everything, so I'm looking for a way to back up all the data on my cell phone. What do you recommend?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on October 22, 2009 | Category: Backup
Windows Registry Errors
"When I start my computer, I always get some sort of 'error in registry' message. Things seem to work okay after that, but it makes me wonder if there is a problem that should be corrected. Will a registry cleaner fix this?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on October 21, 2009 | Category: Windows
Geekly Update October 20
Here's your Geekly Update for the week of October 20th, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, computer security, online happenings, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on...
Posted by Bob Rankin on October 20, 2009 | Category: Tech News
Is Your Hard Drive Dying?
How long will your hard drive last? Is it giving you subtle signs that a data disaster is looming? How will you know when it's time to buy a new hard drive? Here are some things you can look for...
Posted by Bob Rankin on October 19, 2009 | Category: Hard Drives
Transfer Programs from XP or Vista to Windows 7
"I'm moving to Windows 7, but I'm worried about transferring all my existing programs to the new system. I would be a major hassle to re-install all my programs… what do you recommend?"
Posted by Bob Rankin | Category: Windows 7
Print to File
"Often I compose a letter in Word, then paste the text into an email. But all the formatting (and sometimes images) are lost when my friends view it. Can I somehow capture in a file, exactly what WOULD appear on the printed page, then send that instead?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on October 15, 2009 | Category: Printing
Windows 7 Upgrade Cost
"I've heard so many different stories about the cost of upgrading to Windows 7, that I don't know what to think. Can you clarify the Win7 upgrade price for me?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on October 14, 2009 | Category: Windows 7
Geekly Update October 13
Here's your Geekly Update for the week of October 13th, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, computer security, online happenings, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on...
Posted by Bob Rankin on October 13, 2009 | Category: Tech News
What Is a Fax Server?
"I work in a busy office, and often the fax machine is a major source of frustation and lost productivity. I'm no geek, but it sounds like a central fax server would save time and money. Can you get me started?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on October 11, 2009 | Category: Fax
Surge Protectors
"I'm looking for a surge protector for my computer equipment and I'm wondering if those power strip models with built-in surge protection are any good. What should I look for when trying to protect my computer from lightning strikes?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on October 09, 2009 | Category: Hardware
Microsoft Office Web Apps
Office Web Apps is Microsoft's answer to Google Docs and other online office apps. Even if you don't have MS Office installed on your computer, you will be able to create, edit, save, and share Office documents with other people - all in your web browser...
Posted by Bob Rankin on October 06, 2009 | Category: Software
Piggyback Downloads
"Suddenly my web browser is cluttered with toolbars that I never asked for. I delete them, but sometimes they come back. Why is this happening, and how do I get rid of all those unwanted toolbars?"
Posted by Bob Rankin | Category: Software
Which Linux Version Is Right For Me?
"I understand there are many variations on the Linux theme. I want to try Linux as a free alternative to Windows, but I feel like I'm in a diner with too many options on the menu. Can you give me a quick guide to selecting a Linux that meets my needs?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on October 05, 2009 | Category: Linux
Geekly Update October 5
Here's your Geekly Update for the week of October 5th, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, computer security, online happenings, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on...
Posted by Bob Rankin | Category: Tech News
Data Recovery
So you were working on that big presentation for the boss, when suddenly the power went out and your computer shut down. And when you restarted the computer and ran your software it said "Cannot open file; file corrupt" or some equally sickening thing. Now what?
Posted by Bob Rankin on October 02, 2009 | Category: Hard Drives
Startup Programs
If you feel your computer is sluggish, what's going on? One reason could be your Windows startup programs. let's take a look at how to manage your startup programs, and pump some speed back into your system...
Posted by Bob Rankin | Category: Windows
Fax Over VOIP?
"I'm thinking of switching to VOIP phone service with Vonage or my cable provider. But I'm not sure if I can send a fax over a VOIP connection. Does faxing with VOIP work well?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on September 30, 2009 | Category: Fax
Internet Explorer 8 Crashes
Many users report that Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 locks up or even crashes their entire PC, under a variety of circumstances. They want to know why. Here's the scoop...
Posted by Bob Rankin on September 29, 2009 | Category: Browsers
System Restore Not Working
"I tried to run System Restore and got this error message: 'System Restore did not complete successfully. Your computer's files and settings were not changed.' Uggh. Why does this happen, and what can I do about it?"
Posted by Bob Rankin | Category: Windows
Geekly Update September 29
Here's your Geekly Update for the week of September 29th, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, security patches, browser news, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on...
Posted by Bob Rankin | Category: Tech News
Palm Pre Versus iPhone
"I'm a Sprint customer, and thinking about buying a new smartphone. I like the iPhone, but it's only on AT&T. Sprint's Palm Pre also looks good, but how does it stack up to the iPhone?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on September 28, 2009 | Category: Gadgets
Gems and Minerals
"I'm interested in learning about precious gems. But most of the sites I see are just online jewelry stores. Can you recommend any sites where I can get high quality information on gems and minerals?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on September 25, 2009 | Category: Education
What is Data Execution Prevention?
"I keep getting an error that says 'Data Execution Prevention - To help protect your computer, Windows has closed this program.' What is Data Execution Prevention, and why is it suddenly blocking programs that I've been using for years?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on September 24, 2009 | Category: Windows
What Does System Restore Do?
System Restore is a great feature in Windows that lets you roll back the clock on system changes. Have you ever wondered how System Restore affects your computer's resources, performance and what's really going on behind the scenes? Read on...
Posted by Bob Rankin on September 23, 2009 | Category: Windows
Is Stamps.com a Scam?
"I hear radio ads for Stamps.com, promising the ability to print postage stamps at home, and $100 in bonuses. Is Stamps.com internet postage legit, or a scam?"
Posted by Bob Rankin | Category: General
What Is Silverlight And Do I Need It?
"Whenever I go to Microsoft's website, it nags me to install a thing called Silverlight. What is Silverlight, and do I really need it on my computer?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on September 22, 2009 | Category: Software
Finding Lyrics
I've heard that when a song gets stuck in your head, it's because your brain is trying to remember the words. So where do you go when you just have to have the lyrics to that song that's driving you crazy? Let's explore the options for finding lyrics on the web...
Posted by Bob Rankin | Category: Music
Can My Boss See What I Do Online?
"Like most people, I do a little personal web browsing at work. But I'm wondering... Can my boss see what websites I visit?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on September 21, 2009 | Category: Privacy
Geekly Update September 21
Here's your Geekly Update for the week of September 21st, presented in small bytes. Get the scoop on gadgets & hardware, security patches, browser news, social networking, web tech and search engines. Read on...
Posted by Bob Rankin | Category: Tech News
Alternatives To Lifelock
"I'm considering LifeLock identity theft insurance, but are there other companies I should consider? And I've heard about do-it-yourself identity theft protection... is that a realistic alternative?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on September 17, 2009 | Category: Privacy
Google Results By Date And Time
"I'm doing some Google searches for news stories that happened several years ago. But all the top results are for the most current or most 'popular' pages on my keywords. Can I tell Google limit my search results to specific dates?"
Posted by Bob Rankin on September 16, 2009 | Category: Search Engines





