Rick's Daily Tips

Rick’s Daily Pick: HTZsafe 1/2 Mile Long Range Driveway Alarm / Motion Sensor

Posted on August 8, 2026

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

My “Pick” for today is this fantastic HTZsafe 1/2 Mile Long Range Driveway Alarm / Motion Sensor.

This 3 piece kit will alert you when a vehicle, person or animal comes into your driveway or any other location of your choosing. You can place the two sensors anywhere you want as long as they are within 1/2 mile of the receiver unit.

With this you’ll never again be caught by surprise when someone comes onto your property.

Bonus tip: Place one of the sensors inside your (plastic) mailbox and you’ll be alerted when the mail carrier delivers your mail.

Click here to check out the HTZsafe 1/2 Mile Long Range Driveway Alarm / Motion Sensor at Amazon.

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

Picture of the Day: “Lavender Field”

Posted on August 8, 2026

Today’s POTD features the colorful beauty and symmetry of a Colorado lavender field. 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 – August 2026

Posted on July 31, 2026

Note: The links on this page are affiliate links.

August’s winner will receive a fantastic Ambient Weather WS-2000 Smart Weather Station with Wi-Fi Remote Monitoring and Alerts.

If you’re a weather buff like I am you’ll love this personal weather station. It’ll keep you up-to-date on what’s happening outside your own home in real time.

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 August 31 and the winner will be notified by email. The winner will be selected at random.

Good luck!

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

Posted on August 8, 2026

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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: Which phone do you use to take your photos and videos?

Posted on August 7, 2026

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Question from Angela: The photos and videos you post on social media are so crisp and clear, and the colors are amazing.

If you don’t mind saying, what type of phone do you use to take them? I’d love to have one like it if it isn’t too expensive. [Read more…]

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

Posted on August 7, 2026

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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…]