Downloads Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Why I recommend replacing Notepad with Notepad++

Posted on January 21, 2019

The Windows Notepad utility is one of the handiest little programs there is, but it comes with a number of frustrating limitations.

But even with those limitations I found myself using it several times a day simply because it’s so convenient.

But no more. I long ago switched to a wonderful free Notepad replacement app called Notepad++.

Notepad++ does everything the standard Windows Notepad does, only better. I won’t list all the great features here, but there are three features that really made it worth the switch for me: [Read more…]

How to give Windows 10 a Windows 7 style Start Menu

Posted on December 19, 2018

Microsoft dramatically changed the Windows user interface when they released Windows 8, and most users (myself included) didn’t like many of the changes.

To their credit, the folks up in Redmond listened to our feedback and made Windows 10 look and feel more like Windows 7.

Most importantly, they brought back the beloved Start Menu.

The Windows 10 Start Menu is still a bit different from the Start Menu in Windows 7, but I actually like it better. That said, we all have different tastes so it’s not a bit surprising that some folks prefer the Start Menu from Windows 7.

Every week I receive at least a couple of emails from folks asking if there’s a way to force Windows 10 to use a Windows 7 style Start Menu.

Well, the answer to that question is yes, thanks to a fantastic free utility called Classic Shell. Just follow the steps below to install it on your PC: [Read more…]

‘Unchecky’ helps you avoid installing unwanted add-on software when installing free programs

Posted on December 18, 2018

As regular readers of this blog already know, I’m a huge fan of free software. And thanks to the Internet there are thousands of great free programs available for instant download right onto our computers.

But truth be told, much of that “free” software isn’t actually free.

While it’s true that we can download tons of free programs without having to lay out any cash, we often end up paying in other ways. [Read more…]

Easily recover accidentally deleted photos and other files with Recuva

Posted on November 30, 2018

Have you ever accidentally deleted a photo, Microsoft Word document or some other file that you actually had no intention of deleting? The fact is we have all done it at one time or another.

A fantastic free program called Recuva will scan your internal or external hard drive, USB thumb drive or the memory card from your camera or smart phone and give you the option to “undelete” any deleted files that it finds.

And guess what? It works like a charm! [Read more…]

Oldergeeks – An awesome free downloads site with clean (no add-on) downloads and no misleading ads

Posted on November 8, 2018

Regular readers of this blog know how much I enjoy recommending the great free software tools that I use every day on my own computers and mobile devices.

One of the most amazing things about the Internet age is how we can download useful programs and apps to complete most any task we can imagine at absolutely no cost whatsoever.

I like to call it the era of ubiquitous freebies!

But the above being said, free downloads can often have a dark side…

[Read more…]