Stories by Rick Broida

A quick fix for slow Internet access

This morning a neighbour asked me if my Internet access was really, really slow the last couple days. (We subscribe to the same ISP.) I said no, it's been just fine. Then I offered him the same suggestion I offer most folks who complain about connect...

Three quick ways to improve laptop battery life

Like chocolate and episodes of Mad Men, there's no such thing as too much battery life.

A parent's guide to safe, simple kid-friendly e-mail

When it comes to children and the Internet, most parents focus on safe Web browsing. That's understandable, given that the Web can sometimes seem like one big Red Light District. But the Web isn't the only source of objectionable material online. E-m...

Find old versions of favorite programs at OldVersion.com

The tagline at OldVersion.com reads as follows: Newer is not always better. That's true of Coke, Star Wars movies, and software. If you recently installed a new version of a beloved program, only to recoil in horror at its "improved" interface, "bett...

Help distant friends and family members fix their PC problems

The curse of being tech-savvy is that you're often called upon to help friends and family members resolve their computer problems.

MP3Gain

In their digital audio collection, most people have songs ripped from CDs, songs downloaded from countless online stores, and songs collected from, oh, let's say points unknown. Consequently, the volume levels are inconsistent across the library: som...

Use Lifextender to remove commercials from recorded TV shows

My TiVo of choice is actually a media-center PC, one running Windows Vista and its aptly named Media Center software (a staple in the Home Premium and Ultimate versions). Part of what I love about it is the extensive library of third-party tools and ...

Share photos easily with anyone, anywhere

Powerful photo networking services let you share shots to anyone, from anywhere, even while you're still on vacation.

Equalize MP3 volume levels with MP3Gain

My MP3 collection is about as eclectic as they come. I've got songs ripped from CDs, songs downloaded from countless online stores, and songs collected from, oh, let's say points unknown. Consequently, the volume levels are inconsistent across the li...

Turn your Vista notebook into a Wi-Fi hotspot

One thing you should know about me: I'm no fan of Windows Vista. Some things about it just annoy me to death, like the unnecessary overhaul of certain interface elements. That said, Vista has a few features I positively love, starting with connection...

How to combine multiple Word documents

Have you ever needed to combine more than one Word document into a single file?

How to simplify folder sharing on your home network

I just spent a considerable amount of time troubleshooting a network glitch between two PCs on my network.

Three keyboard shortcuts you need to learn right now

You know that Windows key on your keyboard? Most people overlook it, but that's a mistake. One press is the same as clicking the Start button with your mouse. And pressing it in concert with other keys can save you from having to reach for the mouse ...

11 things we hate about iTunes

We all use iTunes. It's our gateway to millions of song downloads, thousands of TV shows and movies, that killer new App Store, and a terrific selection of podcasts. Without it, our iPods and iPhones would be empty, lonely, and sad.

Turn any PC into a media center

Your PC already plays music, and your hard drive holds every digital photo you've ever taken. And you probably watch hours of video on Hulu, Veoh, or YouTube.