Podcast / Riding Shotgun with Rick — No comments
02
Sep 10
Today, Adam and I embarked on another chapter in our long and illustrious audio career that spans more than a decade now of radio. podcasting, and video casting. As always, our quest is to share information about technology while having fun doing so and providing some helpful and useful information along the way.
In today’s episode, we talked about the latest Apple press conference, the Android operating systems for phones, the Amazon Kindle and e-books versus books, answered some listener email from Pakistan, Florida, and Grand Junction, CO, and much more.
Give it a listen and let us know what you think…and spread the word!!
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Hardware Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — No comments
30
Aug 10
It really shouldn’t take 15 minutes and more to install a new printer…especially on a new computer! This kind of time commitment is becoming all too frequent lately from all manufacturers, but HP seems to be the worst. If you want to save time on your printer install and prevent your computer from becoming lethargic afterwards, try these small tips the next time you install a new printer.
- Uninstall all previous printers and printer software by using the Add/Remove Programs utility in the Control Panel (Uninstall programs in Windows Vista and 7).
- Restart your computer after uninstalling the above software even if it doesn’t require you to do so.
- Always look at the setup instructions BEFORE plugging the printer into your computer. Some printers require that you plug the printer in before installing the software, and some want you to wait. And it varies even within the same manufacturer. If you don’t follow this simple tip, the rest of your install will be extremely difficult and may not work at all without multiple calls to tech people, uninstalling, cursing, stomping your feet…well, you get the picture.
- Don’t be afraid to push the custom or expert install button. Getting into the custom or expert install will allow you to uncheck all the needless software that accompanies any installation these days. You can uncheck and opt out of any and all toolbars, auto updates, customer participation come-ons, and manufacturer supply shopping utilities. In fact, I even encourage most computer users to go for the minimal install button if there is such an option.
If you have one of the new wireless printers, be aware that you must Continue reading: Printer Installations Continue to Grow
General Computer Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 8 comments
29
Aug 10
Due to many circumstances, busy scheduling, and a couple of short trips, I have been noticeably absent from posting new articles here at HelpMeRick.com the last few months. Thanks for continuing to search for and use the information found within these virtual walls to help make your computer life just a little easier.
During these past few weeks, I have helped many, many people with their computers to fix and tweak various aspects of their computers. To save you some time and a little money, you can avoid calling a tech guy like myself by referring to some of these classic articles here at HelpMeRick.com
Now I need YOUR help…please. Leave a comment below with your favorite HelpMeRick.com tip links and more importantly, let me know what types of tips you would like to see in the future. Thanks!
Internet Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 2 comments
23
Aug 10
Many of my customers received the email pictured below, and didn’t fully read the email. Although, poorly worded and written in an alarmist way, it does say “Your current free version…“. Insinuating that if you are currently using their free and extremely slow security product, then you do need to update.
However, I do not recommend that Bresnan customers use this security software as I’ve found it Continue reading: You DO NOT have to download CA from Bresnan
Podcast — No comments
22
Aug 10
We had exactly zero phone calls this month, yet I think this is one of the best shows we’ve done in quite awhile. We discussed back-to-school, saving money on school text books using some web savvy, digital books and e-readers, computer security (yes, again), mobile technology and much more. Have a listen!!
Next month (Wednesday, September 15), we will be live from Noon-1pm Mountain time locally at 88.1 FM or you can listen from anywhere in the world at kafmradio.org. Mark your calendars now!
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Riding Shotgun with Rick — 4 comments
17
Aug 10
Twice in the past week I came across clients who consider themselves computer illiterate (I abhor this phrase, but that’s a whole different issue.yet could operate Facebook games like a professional gamer. The two folks (one woman, one man and both well over 70) have difficulty understanding how email operates in terms of servers, providers, etc, have not learned how to copy and paste, think that Google is THE Internet, and would rather not learn more about their security software other than asking me if it is working.
However, through the course of my visit with each of them (again, separate households), they both had browser issues with Facebook. They logged in to Facebook after typing Continue reading: Why are Facebook games easier than general computer use?
Riding Shotgun with Rick — 4 comments
04
Aug 10
My new MobileEdge laptop bag
I repurposed my EeePC Netbook for my nephew with a copy of Qimo Linux for kids and it works great. Not only does my nephew now have a computer that is secure & virtually trouble-free, but it also comes packed with great learning resources & games. It also allowed me to reduce my computers by one. I now carry my Toshiba 13″ laptop that dual boots Ubuntu & Windows 7.
The change required me to get a new laptop bag (see photo). I researched the bag purchase for nearly a month & settled on this one because I like messenger bags & vertical storage of my laptop. Just seems easier to carry for me. However, I’m really interested in what you use to carry your laptop IF you really like it. If you do, leave a comment as to what you carry and why you like it. I would appreciate it, and I think others would enjoy the input as well.
Application Tips / OnAir Solutions — 2 comments
01
Aug 10
photo credit: blakespot
How many times do you curse at your printer when you print a joke from email or some web page information and get two or more extra sheets of paper with useless information?
Follow this tip and experience printing bliss from email or Internet and your word processor too!
On the web,
- Select the text (by clicking and dragging with your mouse) that you would like to print
- Click File and Print from the menus (don’t click the Printer icon),
- You will see the option to print all pages, certain pages or only your selected text. Choose this last option and only the text you selected will print!
Outlook, Outlook Express, and Thunderbird users will see similar options if you first select the part of email that you would like to print, then click Continue reading: Print only what you want – Multi-tip
Application Tips / Riding Shotgun with Rick — 14 comments
28
Jul 10
Image via Wikipedia
One of the most common problems Microsoft Word users encounter is not being able to start Word or it starts extremely slow. When you double-click the Microsoft Word icon and either nothing happens at all or it attempts to start and then presents an error screen. Or, Word may open, but very slowly and then have trouble opening or saving documents.
All of these symptoms have a common cause. And although frustrating, the solution is Continue reading: Correcting Many Microsoft Word Problems
Podcast / Riding Shotgun with Rick — No comments
24
Jul 10
I forgot that I had this in my pocket! We have to have the worst openings to any show on earth, but in a way, it is the way we start all of our shows and then have not were to go but UP from there! And it was a fun show with lots of information about the iPhone antenna non-issue, smartphones in general, computer recommendations made simple, Internet problems and solutions and much more!! Hit the play or download button NOW…you won’t regret it (except for Adam’s selection of bumper music this month).
Next month, we will be live from Noon-1pm Mountain time locally at 88.1 FM on the radio and world wide on the web at kafmradio.org. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, August 18!
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HelpMeRick.com started as a monthly tip site for beginners in 1996, and now supports our popular call-in computer show, and hosts thousands of useful computer tips and links.