Computer Tips Archives - Page 82 of 230

Q&A: How do I disable the Promotions tab in Gmail?

Posted on October 23, 2023

Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter

Question from Kevin: I hope you can help me with a Gmail problem, Rick.

I subscribe to several email newsletters (including yours), and almost all of them always end up in the “Promotions” tab instead of the Inbox.

That includes the newsletters I pay for, and I’m really tired of it.

I’ve selected “Not Promotions” so many times but Gmail ignores my choice and keeps on putting them in Promotions anyway.

I heard that I can disable the Promotions tab altogether so the newsletters will always go into my Inbox, but I can’t find that setting. Can you help me? [Read more…]

Why your computer really needs a battery backup device

Posted on October 22, 2023

Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Battery backup devices have been around for decades now, but relatively few computer owners use them. And based upon my experience, that is a mistake.

What are battery backups (and why do I need one)?

If you’re unfamiliar with how it works, a battery backup unit basically sits idly by monitoring the power line for voltage drops and power outages.

When an issue with the power line occurs, the power source to the computer is switched virtually instantaneously from line power (electrical outlet) to the unit’s internal battery. This prevents the computer from losing power.

Why is preventing your computer from losing power important? Well, there are several reasons: [Read more…]

System Explorer: The ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of Windows tools

Posted on October 21, 2023

I love writing about great free software that makes using computers, tablets and smart phones easier to use, more secure and more user friendly.

And I must admit, my favorite software programs of all tend to be free Windows utilities.

In previous posts I wrote about two outstanding Windows utilities (Process Explorer and Autoruns) that every PC user should have at the ready at all times.

Today I’m going to tell you about System Explorer, a wonderful program that bundles these two utilities together with a host of other useful tools into a single tabbed package. [Read more…]

How to use an unused Android tablet as a digital picture frame

Posted on October 20, 2023

Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter

These days most everyone has an old unused Android tablet sitting on a shelf somewhere. And chances are a good number of them still work just fine.

If you happen to be one of those folks that have an old, but working tablet sitting around, why not do something productive with it instead of letting it gather dust? [Read more…]

How to change the default search engine in Microsoft Edge

Posted on October 18, 2023

Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter

When it was first released, Microsoft’s Edge web browser used Bing as its default search engine, and there was no way to change it.

Well, Edge still comes with Bing set as the default search engine, but you can now switch it to Google or one of several other popular search engines.

If you like using Edge but would prefer to search with something other than Bing, you can follow the steps below to change the default search engine to the one you like best. Just follow the steps that match the device you are using. [Read more…]