Any device that connects to the computer, such as a printer, scanner, monitor, keyboard or mouse.
Peripherals
How can I be Notified that I Have Mail in my Mailbox?
Episode 1577
Jeff fromJeff is looking for a notification system for when he gets mail. ScooterX in the chatroom found the Mail Chime. He can put a transmitter in the mailbox and it will notify him by text that he has mail.
Why doesn't my network printer work?
Episode 1507
Geri fromGeri bought an Epson EcoTank printer, but after only 3 months, it has stopped printing. It keeps dropping offline. So she called into a tech support company called Driver Support and now it all works, after he installed all her new drivers and cleaned out her computer. Leo says that normally, that would be a bad thing to do because they will charge her and then install malware on the computer.
(Disclaimer: Epson is a sponsor)
Why does my printer keep dropping off my network?
Episode 1507
Dave fromDave has an HP 6700 printer which keeps disconnecting from his network. Clearly, since Dave has replaced the router and modem, the culprit is the printer. He even tried it on a wired connection, but it still dropped off the network. So that eliminates Wi-Fi congestion as being the problem.
Why doesn't my wireless mouse work with Windows 10?
Episoide 1473
Jerry fromJerry has a new laptop with Windows 10 and his mouse doesn't work. He tried it with a different computer and it works. Leo says the problem with wireless mice is that they fail without notice. The dongle may be the culprit, but it may also be the batteries. Since it works fine with another computer, that tends to point to a driver or the specialized software that came with the mouse. Jerry should just reinstall the software. He can also try a different USB port. One of his ports may be broken. That's why Leo prefers the good old-fashioned wired mouse. It's reliable.
Why doesn't my scanner/printer work?
Episode 1471
Rex fromRex is having issues with his printer and was told to delete the printer driver to fix it. Will that work? Leo says that if he deletes a bad driver, Windows will look for a new one and reinstall it. But it will be the latest driver that Microsoft certifies, and that could fix the problem. Rex could also be dealing with a bad spooler. Leo recommends using Hamrick VueScan as his scanner driver. It has better settings, and could work better for him.
Dick DeBartolo, The Giz Wiz
Episode 1450
Instead of a tripod or a selfie stick, you can carry your smart phone on your head with Clip-A-Phone. With places like Disneyland banning selfie sticks, this is a good alternative. Just place the clip on your favorite cap, insert your phone into the clip and secure it with the strap. Then use the included Bluetooth shutter to record photos or video.
Post Millenials Safer, But Depressed
Episode 1410
Studies show that post millennials, dubbed the iGeneration, are safer because they tend to spend more time at home and online. But they're not working, not going out, and frankly, they're more depressed and isolated. They're not hanging out with friends. They're dating at a later age. They're driving at a later age. And they're more likely to feel lonely. They also get less sleep as they stay up late at night. You can see more about the study in Atlantic Magazine.
What's a good large format printer?
Episode 1403
Doctor Mom fromDoctor Mom says her husband is a stamp collector and he has to put up pictures of his stamps. His old laser printer is dying and she needs a new one that can run heavy card stock at 11x14. Leo says an inkjet printer is a better option with photo paper. Leo says that Epson makes a good printer that can handle card stock. The WorkForce 7620 printers can handle 11x17 as well.
What large format printer do I need for large prints?
Episode 1339
Billy fromBilly wants a really huge printer to make a 50" print. Would a plotter do? Leo says no. Those are for architectural drawings. Billy will want a large format printer and those are very expensive. It would be better to go to a service to have this done. If he wants to buy one, Epson is the place to go. Leo suggests the Epson Sure Color F6200, and it costs $6500.
(Disclaimer: Epson is a sponsor)
Why can't I print in Word?
Episode 1330
Stan fromStan can't print from Word, but he can print from everything else. Leo says that it sounds a bad install with Word. The only real solution to that is to uninstall and reinstall Word. There is a repair utility that comes with Word, so he could try that. If that doesn't work, then reinstalling is his best bet.
From the chatroom, there is a link to troubleshoot printing problems in word at support.microsoft.com.