Ask Bob Rankin

Send Money With Gmail

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:20:10 +0000

Google has announced a new feature that will make it possible to send money from using Gmail. If you already know how to send a photo or document in an email attachment, you'll have no problem sending money with Gmail. So how does it work, and how does it compare to similar features offered by Paypal? Read on to learn more...

Continue reading Send Money With Gmail // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Why Does Malware Exist?

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:24:15 +0000

Computer viruses are everywhere. Spam is abounding. Computer intrusions, identity theft, denial of service attacks and other cybercrimes are commonplace. Who does this stuff, and what’s wrong with them? Let's take a look at what motivates the miscreants who menace millions on the Internet...

Continue reading Why Does Malware Exist? // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Best Browser for Malware Protection?

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:11:08 +0000

Web browsers are used to interact with the Internet more than any other type of software. So it’s no surprise that the latest malware tries to infiltrate computers via Web browsers. But which browser does the best job of protecting you? Read on for some surprising test results...

Continue reading Best Browser for Malware Protection? // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Geekly Update - 15 May 2013

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:03:57 +0000

Oh no... is Youtube going to start charging to watch videos? How are some parents connecting their baby's diaper to the Internet? And can an iPad literally stop your heart from beating? 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...

Continue reading Geekly Update - 15 May 2013 // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Download Free Clip Art and Stock Photos

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:17:40 +0000

If you're a student working on a school project, a volunteer creating a brochure, or a webmaster for a personal or non-profit website, you need clip art images, icons and stock photos to make it look professional. But your budget is limited, or zero. Fortunately, the Internet is a treasure trove of free artwork and photography. Some can even be used for commercial uses as well. Here's where to look for free clipart and stock photos...

Continue reading Download Free Clip Art and Stock Photos // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

The Truth About Discount Ink Cartridges

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:25:00 +0000

A reader asks: 'Are discount inkjet cartridges a good deal? I've heard they can ruin your printer, void your warranty, and that the quality is lacking. Others have told me they're great and can save you lots of money. What's the scoop on cheap ink cartridges?' Read on for my advice about inkjet cartridges...

Continue reading The Truth About Discount Ink Cartridges // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

HOWTO: Clean Up Your Hard Drive

Fri, 10 May 2013 15:08:34 +0000

Are you running out of space on your hard drive? Does it take forever to do backups? Maybe you're getting that annoying LOW DISK SPACE message. Don't ignore it, or your computer could soon begin to malfunction. Here are some free tools to clean up your hard drive and make sure your computer is running smoothly...

Continue reading HOWTO: Clean Up Your Hard Drive // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Secure Backup: Solves TWO Problems

Thu, 09 May 2013 16:03:02 +0000

A backup copy of your data is not insurance against viruses and other malware infections, if the backup copy is also infected. The obvious solution is to scan and clean your files before they get backed up. Now, a popular Internet security developer makes that easy, and throws in cloud storage as well. Here's what you need to know...

Continue reading Secure Backup: Solves TWO Problems // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Geekly Update - 8 May 2013

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:16:55 +0000

When is it okay to spy on people through their webcams? Is now a good time to buy real estate on the Moon or other planets? And what's the most reliable Windows laptop? (Hint: Cupertino) 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...

Continue reading Geekly Update - 8 May 2013 // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Awesome 3D Printers for Everyone

Tue, 07 May 2013 16:14:43 +0000

There's a new manufacturing revolution happening. 3D printers are empowering the masses to make their own stuff. With some entry-level printers selling for less than $500, there's never been a better time to try your hand at 3D printing. Read on to learn more about these little wonders...

Continue reading Awesome 3D Printers for Everyone // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

HOWTO: Convert VHS Tapes to DVD

Mon, 06 May 2013 16:40:08 +0000

Let's face it... your old VHS tapes with treasured family memories won't last forever. Even if the VCR doesn't eventually jam and eat the tape, a VHS recording uses fragile magnetic tape that degrades over time, whether you watch it or not. Don't count on those VHS tapes (or your VCR player) lasting forever -- convert your VHS tapes to DVD format today, and save those memories for posterity...

Continue reading HOWTO: Convert VHS Tapes to DVD // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Can Roku Replace Cable TV Service?

Thu, 02 May 2013 21:47:36 +0000

If you're thinking about dropping your cable TV in favor of online TV and movie streaming, you should know about the Roku 3 box, which makes it simple to bring online video to your big screen TV. Here's a review of the latest Roku model, and my take on whether it can replace your cable TV subscription...

Continue reading Can Roku Replace Cable TV Service? // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Can the Feds Read Your Email?

Thu, 02 May 2013 17:52:44 +0000

You might be shocked to learn that there's very little to prevent government snoops from peeking into your email. But a U.S. Senate committee has just approved greater protection against surreptitious and warrantless searches of people’s electronic communications. Here's what you need to know about email privacy...

Continue reading Can the Feds Read Your Email? // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

How Reliable Is Carfax?

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:42:20 +0000

If you've shopped for a used car in the past 20 years, you've probably heard of Carfax, Autocheck, and similar vehicle history reporting services. They purport to give you a reliable, independent look at a car’s major service records, title history, and other factors to help you gauge a car’s value. But where does this data come from, and how complete is it? Here's the scoop...

Continue reading How Reliable Is Carfax? // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Geekly Update - 30 April 2013

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:01:45 +0000

What happened twenty years ago today that resulted in the eventual takeover of the Internet by cats? Should you be looking out for helicopter drones in your neighborhood? And can you really bring down the Internet with an awesome cyber-van? 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...

Continue reading Geekly Update - 30 April 2013 // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Backing Up Your Online Accounts

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:09:24 +0000

Do you have a backup for your webmail or social media accounts? What would you do if your Gmail or Facebook account was frozen or hacked? And if you accidentally delete an important email, photo or posting from an online account, is there any way to get it back? Here's the scoop on backing up your online email, documents and social media accounts...

Continue reading Backing Up Your Online Accounts // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Reverse Mobile Phone Number Search

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:06:13 +0000

A reader asks: 'Sometimes a phone number pops up on my phone's caller-ID that I don't recognize. I let it go to voicemail, but usually there is no message. When I call, there's no answer. An online search tells me only that it's a cell phone. How can I find out who owns this number?'

Continue reading Reverse Mobile Phone Number Search // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Geekly Update - 25 April 2013

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:57:58 +0000

Did Alexander Graham Bell predict the future of fiber optic telecommunications 130 years ago? Can you recharge your mobile phone using water and a campfire? And what smartphone is the world's largest? 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...

Continue reading Geekly Update - 25 April 2013 // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Internet Sales Tax Is Coming

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:30:28 +0000

Tax-free Internet shopping is in jeopardy. The U.S. Senate voted 74-20 on April 22 to take up a bill that would permit State and local governments to collect sales and use taxes from online sellers located outside of their borders. If this becomes law, how will it affect you? Here's my analysis...

Continue reading Internet Sales Tax Is Coming // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Can I Have Multiple Antivirus Programs?

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:59:33 +0000

A reader asks: 'I have Norton Security on my PC, but I still got a virus. Is it a good idea to run more than one anti-virus program? If not, which anti-virus has the best protection against viruses, spyware, and other online threats?'

Continue reading Can I Have Multiple Antivirus Programs? // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

HOWTO: Securing Your Smartphone

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:16:45 +0000

Your smartphone offers many conveniences, but it carries some risks as well. You may love having access to your email and other apps while you're on the go, but have you ever considered the potential damage that might result if your phone was lost or stolen? Here are some tips on securing your phone, and all the data that it carries...

Continue reading HOWTO: Securing Your Smartphone // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Geekly Update - 18 April 2013

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 07:01:58 +0000

Which popular search engine is five times more likely to deliver malware links? Should you join the Zero TV movement? And what happens to your online accounts if you go offline, permanently? 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...

Continue reading Geekly Update - 18 April 2013 // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Extra Security: Windows Defender Offline

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:10:35 +0000

If you’re smart, you have a real-time internet security suite installed on your hard drive. It provides constant protection against viruses and other malware that may sneak into your computer. But no anti-malware program is foolproof; something may slip through its defenses and infect your hard drive. So what can you do if a really nasty virus disables your anti-malware protection, or fouls up your hard drive so Windows won't even start? Here's the answer...

Continue reading Extra Security: Windows Defender Offline // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Switching to Windows 8 Made Easier

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 04:08:28 +0000

A reader asks: 'I really need a new laptop computer, but all of them come with Windows 8 now. I've heard many negative things about Windows 8, but my friend says it's not so bad once you get used to it. Are there any tips or tricks you can share to ease the transition to Windows 8?' Actually yes! Read on for my tips on restoring sanity to Windows 8, and some surprising things you'll actually LIKE in Windows 8...

Continue reading Switching to Windows 8 Made Easier // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

GOING FREE: Replacing Your Paid Software

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:59:23 +0000

In a recent article on migrating away from Windows XP, I mentioned that my strategy was to move away from commercial software to free alternatives, either open source or web-based. I'll share my reasons for doing this, and some free software that you can explore. Read on!

Continue reading GOING FREE: Replacing Your Paid Software // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Chrome 27 and the BLAM! Factor

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:46:06 +0000

The latest version of Chrome (version 27 beta) has been released. Google is promising that their popular browser will display web pages 5 percent faster, a significant leap. Read on to find out what else is new in this release, and whether or not 5 percent makes any difference in real-world web surfing...

Continue reading Chrome 27 and the BLAM! Factor // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Should You Invest in Bitcoins?

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:37:04 +0000

The banking crisis in Cyprus has some people pulling their cash out of banks and investing them in Bitcoins. Media coverage of this phenomenon leads a number of people to ask, 'What is a Bitcoin, and should I invest in some, too?' Here is my primer on the first subject, a link to in-depth info, and some opinion on the second. Read on to learn more about Bitcoins...

Continue reading Should You Invest in Bitcoins? // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Geekly Update - 10 April 2013

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:46:37 +0000

Can your employer legally demand the password to your email and Facebook accounts? Is it possible to play Pong while clinging to the 19th-floor window of a skyscraper? And is there a silver lining in Facebook's latest move to completely take over your smartphone? 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...

Continue reading Geekly Update - 10 April 2013 // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Facebook Phones Home

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:05:15 +0000

The long-rumored Facebook phone is finally here. Except it's not really a phone. It's YOUR phone, with a new face. But is it a friendly face, or another 'in your face' intrusive reach by Facebook into your privacy? Here's the scoop on Facebook Home, and your phone...

Continue reading Facebook Phones Home // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.

Windows XP: The End is Near

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 13:32:55 +0000

If you are still clinging to Windows XP, it’s time to get serious about upgrading to another operating system. Microsoft will end all support for XP on April 8, 2014 -- one year from today. That may seem far off, and to some users it may seem trivial. But neither assumption is true. If you're still using XP, here's what you need to know now...

Continue reading Windows XP: The End is Near // Got Computer Questions? Ask Bob Rankin for Free Tech Support.