Tech Questions & Answers Archives

Q&A: Can I connect a full-size computer keyboard to my tablet?

Posted on August 13, 2026

Want to get my easy to follow Tech Tips in your email?

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Danica: Rick, I recently purchased a 10″ Android tablet and I really like it.

It came with a keyboard cover but the keys on it are way too small for me to type without making lots of mistakes.

Is it possible to use a regular full-sized computer keyboard with a tablet? Is there one I can just plug into it?

Thanks in advance for your help. [Read more…]

Q&A: Does ‘Tax Free Weekend’ apply to Amazon purchases?

Posted on August 8, 2026

Want to get my easy to follow Tech Tips in your email?

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Stella: Our state’s annual back-to-school “Tax Free Weekend” is going on right now.

I know that certain items can be purchased tax-free at local stores during Tax-Free Weekend, but what about things we buy online at Amazon?

I usually buy most of my kids’ back-to-school stuff from Walmart to take advantage of the tax savings, but there are a few relatively expensive items I’d prefer to buy from Amazon if I can still get the tax savings. [Read more…]

Q&A: Will a USB 3.0 external hard drive work with a USB 2.0 hub?

Posted on August 7, 2026

Want to get my easy to follow Tech Tips in your email?

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Melissa: Hi, Rick. I just bought this 4TB external hard drive to back up the hard drive in my new laptop.

I really like this drive because it will store a LOT of photos (I’m a photographer).

Due to a dearth of USB ports, the external hard drive will have to connect to the computer through a USB hub.

My question is can I use the hub I already have or will I need to buy a new one? [Read more…]

Q&A: Is there a way to boost the weak cellular signal in my home?

Posted on August 6, 2026

Want to get my easy to follow Tech Tips in your email?

Question from Deneen: My husband and I recently moved into a new home that’s located in a very hilly area.

We both have iPhones but the T-Mobile signal inside the house is very weak. We have no problem sending and receiving texts but we have lots of really irritating dropped calls.

We sprung for Xfinity Internet when we moved in, but we’d rather not have to install a landline phone if we can help it.

Is there any way we can boost the weak cellular signal enough to prevent the dropped calls? [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it illegal to install third-party firmware on a router?

Posted on August 5, 2026

Want to get my easy to follow Tech Tips in your email?

Question from Scott: I have a relatively old Linksys router that my son recently installed DD-WRT on, and it works really well.

Last night I heard a guy say that it’s illegal to replace a router’s firmware with third-party firmware. I love DD-WRT but I don’t want either myself or my son to get into trouble over it.

Can you tell me if it’s really against the law to replace a router’s factory firmware with open-source firmware like DD-WRT? It seems to me that if it was you wouldn’t be able to download it. [Read more…]