Computer Tips Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Can you use a portable power station as a UPS for your computer?

Posted on August 12, 2026

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Question from Roland: I’m hoping you can answer some questions for me about portable power stations.

The power went off on my street and stayed off for over 7 hours. My almost new 1,000 watt UPS only kept my computer and monitor running for about an hour.

My cousin (who is also my neighbor) has a 500 watt Jackery portable power station and he said it kept his computer running for over 5 hours, and his computer has a bigger monitor.

Like I said before, I have three questions: [Read more…]

Q&A: Can you limit someone to using just one specific app on an iPhone?

Posted on August 11, 2026

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Question from Gwen: I installed a kid’s game on my iPhone that teaches the child how to do basic math in order to solve a series of mysteries.

The recommended age range for the game is 4 to 7.

My daughter turned 4 a couple of months ago so I believe she should be able to successfully play the game.

The thing is I don’t want her to be able to do anything with the phone except use this one app. Is it possible to set it up this way?

[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…]

Should you completely drain your laptop’s battery before recharging it?

Posted on August 4, 2026

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I’m often asked whether laptop batteries need to be drained completely before recharging them. My answer? Not anymore!

Early laptops used nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries which were subject to a “memory effect”.

If NiCad batteries weren’t allowed to discharge all the way before being recharged they would eventually “remember” the level of charge they fell to before recharging and act as if they were completely drained every time their charge decreased to that level. [Read more…]

How to get instant help with Windows CMD Commands

Posted on July 26, 2026

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These days most everyone is familiar with Windows’ sleek Graphical User Interface (i.e. GUI) and how it allows us to do most anything with a click or two of the mouse.

But those who started using computers back in the early days of home computing know that using a PC wasn’t always that easy.

Back then there was no such thing as a “GUI” interface. The “DOS” operating system that was in common use back then didn’t support the use of a mouse except for a short period before Windows 1.0 was released.

[Read more…]