Tech Questions & Answers Archives

Q&A: What does the term ‘bottleneck’ mean?

Posted on May 28, 2026

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Question from Alvin: I recently retired after working for the same construction company for 43 years.

Now I’d like to take up something new to occupy all this free time that I suddenly have to fill.

I’ve always wanted to learn about computers so I’ve started reading a few tech blogs, and RicksDailyTips is one of them (thanks to my brother Keith for recommending it).

I’m not tech savvy by any stretch (I hope to change that eventually) but I do believe I’m progressing ok for an older dude who still uses a flip phone.

There’s a term that keeps popping up in the articles I read that I just can’t seem to get my head around. Can you tell me what the word “bottleneck” means in regards to computers? [Read more…]

Q&A: Why does Apple call their computers ‘Macs’?

Posted on May 26, 2026

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Question from Marion.: Why are computers made by Apple called Macs?

That seems like a really odd name for a computer.

It actually sounds more like something you’d find on the menu at McDonald’s.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Will my PC need a new power supply if I replace the hard drive with an SSD?

Posted on May 25, 2026

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Question from Oliver: I just read your article about replacing a hard drive with an SSD and I have a question about it.

I remember hearing that upgrading the graphics card in a computer can sometimes require a power supply upgrade as well because the newer graphics card will draw more power than the old one.

My question is do I need to be concerned about the power supply if I replace the hard drive in my computer with an SSD?

[Read more…]

Q&A: Can you damage a new laptop’s battery by using it too soon?

Posted on May 24, 2026

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Question from Freida: Hi, Rick. I hope you can answer a question for me.

I recently ordered a new laptop from Amazon. When it arrived I took it out of the box and immediately started using it like I normally do.

This morning I read an article that said you’re supposed to charge the battery in a new laptop for at least 8 hours before you start using the laptop. [Read more…]

Q&A: Can you attach an external screen to an all-in-one PC?

Posted on May 22, 2026

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Question from Marie: I have a two year old all-in-one Windows PC and its screen has just gone out.

This computer runs well and it has all my files on it so I’d like to keep using it if I can.

I’d really prefer a larger screen if that’s a viable option.

Is it possible to connect an external monitor to an all-in-one computer or will I need to just have the bad screen replaced? [Read more…]