Firefox 5 was released on June 21, 2011, just a few months after the debut of its predecessor, Firefox 4. Eventually, Firefox 5 will be pushed out to all users. But if you’re tempted to upgrade right away, you may want to read what’s new in Firefox 5 and what you may lose by upgrading…
Bob Rankin: Should You Install Firefox 5? Read More »
Unlike diamonds, hard drives are not forever. It’s very likely that someday you’ll start your computer, and instead of the familiar startup screen, you’ll see one of these ominous messages: DISK BOOT FAILURE… NO FIXED DISK PRESENT… ERROR READING FIXED DISK… or HARD DRIVE FAILURE. Don’t panic just yet, there may be hope for recovery of that damaged hard drive…
Bob Rankin: Hard Drive Data Recovery Read More »
“I’ve heard about download accelerator programs that claim to increase download speed by 300 percent or more. Are these scams, or for real? And if they can do that, how does it work? I’d like to know your advice on whether to use one or not.”
Bob Rankin: Do Download Accelerators Really Work? Read More »
“Somehow I got a virus called XP Total Security, and I can’t get rid of it. It blocks my security software, and it won’t let me download any new anti-virus tools. It’s even asking me for money… how do I get rid of this thing?”
Bob Rankin: How to Remove XP Total Security 2011 Virus Read More »
By Bob Rankin
The Microsoft Windows operating system is an incredibly complex beast. Inevitably, things go wrong and it can be difficult to track down the source of the glitch. But you can put away the sledgehammer, because there are plenty of free troubleshooters you can use to fix most problems. Here’s my recommended list of free Windows problem solvers…
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By Bob Rankin
Have you ever Googled your name or phone number? In an age of powerful search engines, social media, and changing attitudes about privacy, you might be shocked to see what a casual searcher can learn about you. If you’re okay with that level of transparency, then fine. If not, read on for some tips on what you can do about it…
Bob Rankin: I Just Googled Myself, & I Feel Fine! Read More »
By Bob Rankin
Spear phishing is a cybercrime technique that lures victims into revealing passwords, credit card data, and other sensitive information by masquerading as a communication from a trusted entity. The spear phishing communication – usually an email – looks very much like a familiar email format sent by your bank, Facebook, or anyone from which you’re accustomed to getting email. It may even include your name and other details which reassure you that “this is someone I know”. But beware, it’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing…
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By Bob Rankin
“I love watching movies and TV on my PC, but it would be really cool to beam them over to my 50-inch HDTV. I’m just confused by all the different hardware and software options for making it happen. What do you suggest for streaming online video content to my TV set?”
Bob Rankin: Streaming Internet Movies to Your TV Read More »
By Bob Rankin
Windows 7 is the most stable version of the operating system to date. Still, it’s not unheard of to see the dreaded “Blue Screen of Death” suddenly pop up. It’s a serious warning of a major problem in your system and should not be ignored. Here’s what to do if you encounter the Blue Screen of Death on Windows 7…
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By Bob Rankin
Discount toner cartridges for your laser printer, photocopier, or fax machine offer tempting savings over the manufacturer’s cartridges. But are discount toner cartridges just as good? Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of those inexpensive toner cartridge deals…
Bob Rankin: Discount Toner Cartridges – A Real Bargain? Read More »