http://askbobrankin.com/ - 11/24/09 10:43:13 - 04/19/07 08:31:07
HDTVs Under $500
HDTVs are fast becoming the rule when it comes to home entertainment purchases. However, while the number of different models to choose from has increased, prices on these high definition televisions is still significantly higher than a traditional television set. Fortunately, there are a few great HDTVs that are priced under $500...
Posted by Bob Rankin on November 23, 2009 | Category: Television
Should I Buy an HD Monitor?
The fashionable thing in computer monitors these days is "HD" or High-Definition. If you don't have an HD monitor the geeks will look at you with puzzlement and pity. Naturally, HD monitors are the most expensive sort now, too. Do you really need a HD monitor?
Posted by Bob Rankin on November 23, 2009 | Category: Television
Does PCTools Threatfire Boost Security?
"I've seen magazine ads for a security tool called PCTools ThreatFire, but I don't quite understand what it's supposed to do. Will it replace my anti-virus software, or do I need both?"
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 on November 19, 2009 | Category:
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 on November 17, 2009 | Category:
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 on November 13, 2009 | 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
...is a technology writer and computer programmer who enjoys exploring the Internet and sharing the fruit of his experience with others. His work has appeared in ComputerWorld, NY Newsday, and other publications. Bob is publisher of
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 on November 09, 2009 | Category: Tech News