Rick's Daily Tips

Rick’s Daily Pick: Gskyer 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope

Posted on February 20, 2026

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

My “Pick” for today is this inexpensive, but fantastic Gskyer 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope.

Are you fascinated by the night sky? This super-functional entry-level telescope will let you see the moon, the constellations and several planets with your very own eyes.

This is a great way for kids and beginner adults to get started in astronomy with a decent telescope without having to spend a fortune.

Click here to check out the Gskyer 400mm AZ Mount Astronomical Refracting Telescope at Amazon.

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

Picture of the Day: “Serenity in the Smokies”

Posted on February 20, 2026

Today’s POTD features yet another of the small, but very picturesque waterfalls waiting for you in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina. This was taken just a few steps from the shoulder of the Blue Ridge Parkway, not far from the town of Cherokee. 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 – February 2026

Posted on January 31, 2026

Note: The links on this page are affiliate links.

February’s winner will receive a fantastic SimpliSafe 10 Piece Wireless Home Security System w/ Outdoor Camera.

Every home needs a high quality security system. This is one of the very best and it’s easy to install.

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 February 28 and the winner will be notified by email. The winner will be selected at random.

Good luck!

Q&A: Is a 6 digit PIN really all that much more secure than 4 digits?

Posted on February 20, 2026

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

Question from Andy: My girlfriend and I have a bet that’s riding on your answer to this question:

Is a six digit PIN really all that more secure than a four digit PIN?

It don’t seem like just two digits could make that much of a difference. She says it makes a big difference if someone ever tries to break into my phone.

So who’s right? [Read more…]

Q&A: Are SSDs just as reliable as hard drives?

Posted on February 19, 2026

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

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Wesley: Hi, Rick. I hope you’re doing well.

I recently read that you can speed up your computer by replacing the hard drive with a much faster solid state drive (SSD).

I’m leaning towards doing this but I have one concern that’s holding me back.

I’m worried that an SSD might not be as reliable as a hard drive, and I really can’t afford to lose my files if it were to crash on me.

What’s your opinion on this? Are SSDs as reliable as hard drives? [Read more…]