Ask The Computer Lady

Chrome Error

Dear Computer Lady,

I have to update Chrome. I don’t know the version, but Chrome says there is an error.

Thanks, and keep up the fantastic work you do
tinindian (more…)

Thunderbird VS Gmail

Dear Computer Lady,

You have often recommended Thunderbird as an email client–I agree that it’s an excellent program and used to use it myself.

However, few years ago I switched to using Gmail as a client. It can be set up to retrieve mail from multiple providers, has close to unlimited storage space, is very unlikely to disappear, and best of all, it allows you to get mail from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. It also has excellent spam filtering, and has all the features you would expect from any modern email client. Of course, you also get a free gmail account in addition to any other existing accounts you may have.

Fred (more…)

Can You Upgrade an SSD?

Dear Computer Lady,

I have an HP split 13×2 (13-m110dx) computer with a 128gb SSD.

Can i put a bigger SSD in it?

I think I read somewhere that it would not recognize anything bigger than 128gb.

Alan (more…)

Prompt to Install Windows 11?

Dear Computer Lady,

For the last 10 days or so when I boot up my Windows 10 Dell laptop I get a prompt to install Windows 11. I haven’t seen you address this new edition. What do you think?

Thanks, Nancy (more…)

Fake Virus Warning

Dear Computer Lady,

I need help as fast as possible.

I know that this is 99.99% likely to be a scam, but it literally locked up my computer, and lagged out my mouse. I was looking up something on a wiki for a game and this warning popped up for a Zeus virus. It says “windowsupdate44500error.com says: RDN/YahLover.worm! Infection. Windows Defender Alert: Zeus Virus Detectes on your Computer! Please do not Shut down or reset your computer. The following data will be compromised if you do so:
Passwords, Browser History, Credit Card Information, Local Hard Disk Files.
This virus is well known and mostly distributed through Adult sites. Commonly used to steal personal and financial information from the infected device. Your device might also be used for performing DDOS attacks by cyber criminals and cause serious harm to other networks and websites. Windows defender has sandboxed your browser and locked your PC in order to prevent any further harm.

Please call Microsoft to rectify the issue and get your PC unlocked. Toll free helpline at 1-(855) 261-9984”

I can’t click anything, and every time I get close, it stops the selected glow when you hover and freezes my mouse for a few minutes. I don’t know if I should attempt to shut off or unplug my computer, keep waiting, or do something different. Keyboard shortcuts do not work.

Afraid in AZ (more…)