Ask-A-Techie, Where you can have all of your questions answered.

Edward Drummond

Recent Posts

Downgrading to Older Versions of Software using oldversion.com

Posted by Edward Drummond on Sun, Jan 20, 2013

Dear Techie?

I recently revived my old laptop to use as a "kick-around" machine around the house for web-surfing.  I installed Firefox from their website and as soon as  did, my computer came to a screeching halt speed-wise.  I used to run Firefox on this machine with no problem, but it looks like this new version is causing problems.  Can I go back to my old version that I used and liked?

Sincerely,

Jane

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Tags: Downgrading to older versions of software, using oldversion.com to downgrade software

Is Mobile Malware a real risk?

Posted by Edward Drummond on Thu, Nov 08, 2012

Hi Techie,
I've been hearing about viruses that attack smartphones. Is this just scary digital campfire stories, or do I have something to actually worry about with all the things I do on my phone?

Sincerely,
Digital Worrier

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Tags: iOS, mobile security, mobile malware, Macs, online safety, Protection, Ask-a-techie, android, Security, virus alert, Tech Industry News

Can printers store personal information?

Posted by Edward Drummond on Fri, Nov 02, 2012

Hi Techie

I have an old HP scanner/fax/printer. I recently heard that my printer can store your personal info inside somewhere and you should remove it before getting rid of it? I called HP and they said they don’t think that it could store anything. I want to believe them, but I also want to be sure.  Help! – Jane

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Tags: Dirty little tech secrets, external hard drives, Protection, privacy, Ask-a-techie, Security

What is Carbonite and do I need it?

Posted by Edward Drummond on Wed, Sep 26, 2012

Dear Techie,
Being bored and an insomniac, I happened to come across a late-night commercial for a service called Carbonite. It claims to automatically back up all my data so if something happens (or as they say "Before disaster strikes") my data is all protected. I just can't really get my mind around what the service is. I have a few gigabytes of photos and documents stored on my PC and I am worried that it will die on me one day and I will be left without copies. Should I use this service?  Will disaster strike me?  Did I leave the oven on?  Why is the number 42 important?  The suspense is killing me!
— Freaked out non-geek

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Tags: Keeping your PC working, online safety, PC Tips & Tricks, Hard drives, Ask-a-techie, PC tips, PC Tips'n'tricks, Windows Tips, Security, Data Backup

How do I transfer my purchased iTunes downloads?

Posted by Edward Drummond on Sat, Jul 28, 2012

Hi Techie,

I just bought a new PC to replace my old machine, unfortunately, iTunes has none of my music on it.  I've downloaded hundreds of dollars worth of music through the program, but I can't get it to open.  What do I do?

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Tags: itunes, Ask-a-techie, PC tips, PC Tips'n'tricks

Where have all the cheat codes gone?

Posted by Edward Drummond on Fri, Jul 20, 2012

UUDDLRLRBA

     IDSPISPOPD

         Thereisnospoon

Do you recognize any of the above?  If so, you may be part of a dying breed.  Video games of yore used to be loaded with various hidden functions, known as cheat codes, which allowed the player power and flexibility which is near-unheard of in modern games.  Enter the right combinations of buttons at the right time, and you could find your character loaded with all the items the game has to offer, able to walk through walls or invincible.  Enter the wrong one and you could find yourself vulnerable to all sorts of digitized nastiness, or in some cases, turned into a chicken. Game designers started programming in cheat codes to allow them to better check over the features of the game during development (like the first code listed, the famous Konami code).  As time went on, developers and programmers added codes which didn’t change the game itself, but changed textures, and the visual effects of the game, or just codes which insulted the player. This provided methods for the unsung heroes of the games, the coders, to reach out and interact directly with the people playing their games through hidden features and codes.  There were websites and even print magazines devoted to revealing the latest codes for the newest games.  Over the past decade however, the cheat code has faded into history.

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Tags: Dirty little tech secrets, Video Games, gaming, PC Tips & Tricks, fun and games

What does "Delayed Write Failed" mean?

Posted by Edward Drummond on Mon, Jun 18, 2012

Hi Techie,
A message popped up on my screen that said "Delayed Write Failed" to my USB drive. What does that mean and what should I do?

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Tags: flash drives, Ask-a-techie, PC tips, PC Tips'n'tricks, Windows Tips