Computer Talk With Tab

Erik and Bob take your computer questions.  Study says that customers who buy their own router are happier.  Smart appliances like refrigerators may become obsolete after manufacturers withdraw software report, says UK consumer publication "Which?"  IBM suffers recent prolonged cloud data outage.  A caller who switched from Android to iPhone has questions about a "free" additional Android phone being offered by a major cellular carrier.  A caller with many "smart home"Internet connected devices asks if there is a way to restart his router if he is not home and his wireless connection drops.  In addition, he has a problem with "Microsoft Office click to run" using too much of his computer's resources.  A caller who received a 4 to 5 year old laptop seeks a way to reset his computer to factory settings and also a way to back up his data before he resets the computer.  A user of our Facebook page asks for a way to install the ".NET Framework" in Windows 10.  A caller

A Windows 7 user has concerns about the security of his computer while using tax software if Microsoft is no longer providing updates to Windows 7, and if his antivirus program would protect him.  We discuss options to upgrade the computer to a later version.  An Acer laptop user has problems with a wireless driver update.  We provide solutions on how to update the driver or purchase a USB wireless adapter to potentially remedy the problem.  A caller who is trying to update a ten-year-old computer from Windows 7 to Windows 10 asks for advice, plus help with streaming video problems.  A new Windows 10 user has problems connecting his HP Laserjet P1102w printer to his laptop.  Also he asks if his Microsoft Office and McAfee antivirus software can be used on both of his computers.  A listener discusses the first successful docking of a commercial space craft with the International Space Station, plus help clear out "cache" files on his tablet.  A Community Center volunteer

Erik and Bob take your computer questions.  Sony fined $2.4 million over PlayStation refund refusals.  Amazon initially censors a book questioning COVID-19 lockdowns prompting scathing Twitter comments from Elon Musk.  Study says that self-driving cars will not prevent every car crash.  Microsoft is urging some Windows 10 users not to apply a problematic May 2020 update in some situations.  A listener asks if it is secure  to save sign in information  on-line for websites, and if there is a way to stop information from automatically completing when you log in to a website.  A caller with a ten-year old MacBook pro has problems with the computer freezing up, plus very slowly opening Word documents with his computer.   Plus we answer questions about an expired certificate when visiting an Internet search engine.  A user looking to replace her old computer and needs Microsoft wants to know if she can use an existing Chromebook or buy an HP all-in-one in order to

The coronavirus pandemic may be the most visualized ever. A caller asks for help connecting mini-boxes to his TV to HDMI cable.  A Mac user has questions about using the Zoom app for meetings.  A cord-cutting caller asks buying his modem instead of renting it from the cable company.  A caller in has problems with pop-up ads while listening to Radio.com. We discuss using ad blockers and different browsers.  A Malwarebytes user cannot use his computer after he updated Malwarebytes.  An educator draws attention to the lack of training for teachers in online education.  A laptop user has questions on how to activate Bluetooth on his computer.  Also, he asks about the privacy benefits of the Opera web browser.  A caller who wants to upgrade to to Windows 10 has trouble getting it loaded on his computer.  We discuss options for upgrading his 10-year old computer as well.  A listener asks for an alternative to Norton anti-virus, plus she asks about buying her own mod

Dyson designs and builds a new type of ventilator for coronavirus patients.  Broadband speed plummets by 40% after coronavirus outbreak. YouTube to limit video quality around the world for a month.  GM will build ventilators and masks to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic.  Taiwan collars quarantine scoffers with smartphone geo-fences. A 77-year old man in Spain was fined for playing Pokemon Go during the coronavirus epidemic.  A listener asks for what do do with hard drives before recycling a computer.  A caller with a three year old laptop has video display issues where a white screen intermittently appears.   We suggest checking RAM and trying to connect an external monitor for troubleshooting.  A caller has questions about the safety of people using their computers to donate processing time like Folding@home in order to solve complex problems.  A caller wonders why a particular ".gyjoru" file tries to open when the computer starts up.  Also, he wonders if two ant

Should I save passwords in my browser? We answer your questions on this and much more on Computer Talk!

How hackers are taking advantage during the coronavirus pandemic. Hear more on Computer Talk.