Tech Questions & Answers Archives

Q&A: Can I create a Desktop icon for putting my PC to sleep?

Posted on January 8, 2026

Question from Alan: I know there are several ways to put a Windows PC to sleep but what I’d really like to have is a desktop icon I can click on to put it to sleep with just a double-click. Is there any way to created one?

Rick’s answer: The answer to your question is yes, Alan. And it’s very easy to do. [Read more…]

Q&A: Should I buy my own modem or rent one from my ISP?

Posted on January 8, 2026

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Question from Mike: I have cable Internet through Xfinity and I pay $14 a month to rent a cable modem from them.

While shopping for a router on Amazon I noticed that they also sell cable modems.

Would you recommend buying my own cable modem since the $168 I pay Xfinity every year for a rental would actually buy one outright? [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I replace the rechargeable batteries in my solar lights with better ones?

Posted on January 7, 2026

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Question from Sue: I have 16 solar deck lights around the railing of my deck.

These lights are a little over a year old and their cheap AA rechargeable batteries now only last about an hour or so after the sun goes down.

I really like these particular lights so I’d prefer to replace the batteries instead of the lights themselves.

Can I safely replace the old rechargeable batteries in these lights with something like Energizers? [Read more…]

Q&A: Why are there so many Chrome processes running on my PC?

Posted on January 6, 2026

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Question from Tammy: Hello Rick. Thanks for all the great computer tips you post. They are a BIG help!!

Now I guess it’s my turn to ask a question.

When I load Task Manager it shows 11 processes running at the same time for Google Chrome even though I only six tabs open.

Could that be because my PC has a virus? [Read more…]

Q&A: Will my existing USB devices work with a new MacBook Pro?

Posted on January 4, 2026

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Question from Kelly: I’m thinking about buying a new Apple MacBook Pro but I need a bit of advice first.

The reviews I’ve read were great, but they said this machine doesn’t have any old-style USB ports, only USB-C.

If I buy this laptop will I have to replace my external hard drive and other USB devices with new ones that have USB-C connections? [Read more…]