Rick's Daily Tips

Rick’s Daily Pick: 120/240V HVAC Surge Protector

Posted on July 12, 2026

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

My “Pick” for today is this awesome 120/240V HVAC Surge Protector.

Do you ever think about how much it would cost to replace your HVAC system / heat pump if it were to get destroyed by lightning? Let me tell you, it won’t be cheap.

This will help protect your expensive HVAC equipment from strong power surges and lightning strikes. I like to think of it as very cheap insurance for the most expensive appliance you own.

Click here to check out the 120/240V HVAC Surge Protector at Amazon.

Did you miss (or want to revisit) one of my earlier picks? You might find it right here.

Picture of the Day: “Autumn Light”

Posted on July 12, 2026

Today’s POTD features a very colorful autumn evening in the woodlands of rural Wythe County, VA. I hope you like it.

Have lots of treasured photos of your own that you’d love to display in your home but you have limited wall space? A digital picture frame (#ad) is an excellent solution. Check them out!

Enjoy these Pictures of the Day? Sign up for my free Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter and you’ll never miss one (or any of my tech tips either)!

Monthly Tech Giveaway – July 2026

Posted on June 30, 2026

Note: The links on this page are affiliate links.

July’s winner will receive a fantastic Euhomy 59QT 12 Volt Refrigerator/Cooler/Freezer.

This portable refrigerator/cooler/freezer will run off your vehicle’s cigarette lighter port. No more buying ice that’s just going to melt overnight!

All subscribers to the Standard edition of my Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter have an equal chance to win.

Premium subscribers have two chances to win (their email addresses are added to the “pot” twice).

Not a subscriber? Just enter your email address in the sign-up form on this page.

Once subscribed you’ll be eligible to win each month’s drawing – starting with this month. Better yet, opt for a Premium subscription for double the chance to win!

The drawing for this month’s prize will be held on July 31 and the winner will be notified by email. The winner will be selected at random.

Good luck!

Q&A: Windows is showing my WiFi network as Public. Isn’t that dangerous?

Posted on July 12, 2026

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Question from Kellie: I was messing around with the network settings on my Windows 11 laptop last night.

While I was in there I noticed that my WiFi network is set to “Public” instead of “Private”.

I’ve always heard that public networks are dangerous.

Is that true? And if it is, how can I change it to private? [Read more…]

Review: Azio Large Print Tri-Color Backlit Wired Keyboard

Posted on July 11, 2026

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Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

If you’re like me and your eyesight isn’t as good as it used to be, you might be interested in hearing about a large print backlit keyboard that I’ve been using for a long time now.

[Read more…]

Q&A: What’s the difference between System Updates and Software Updates?

Posted on July 10, 2026

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Question from Mike: Can you explain the difference between ‘System Updates’ and ‘Software Updates’?

Rick’s answer: I’ll be happy to do my best, Mike. Thanks for asking.

In a macro sense, both of those types of updates are ‘software updates’ since it’s code to some body of software that’s being updated.

However, there are indeed differences between the two from a general usage perspective. [Read more…]