Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Is it safe to ‘Undervolt’ a PC to make it run cooler?

Posted on April 8, 2024

Question from Cory: I have a laptop with Windows 10 on it and it always runs hot. And it’s been that way since day one.

I’ve researched things I can do to make it run cooler but nothing I’ve tried has really helped.

The fan still runs constantly and the CPU temperature is running higher than it should according to the Core Temp app.

A guy I know who does IT work for our local hospital said I should try “Undervolting” the laptop to make it run cooler. He said it’s safe but I’m a little leery because I’ve heard that overclocking a computer can damage it.

I have several questions about this: [Read more…]

4 incredibly handy mouse tricks

Posted on April 8, 2024

Virtually every computer user knows that clicking on a link or icon will open whatever item that object is pointing to.

But did you know there’s a lot more to using your mouse than just visiting links and opening programs?

Truth be told, the mouse is actually one of the most versatile parts of your computer system.

Want proof? Well, check out these four extremely useful mouse tricks: [Read more…]

Windows users: Save time by skipping the clicking

Posted on April 7, 2024

Ok, I’ll admit it. I’m impatient. Well, at least when it comes to getting things done on my computer.

After all, there are only so many hours in the day, right?

With that in mind, one of the best tips I’ve learned over the years is that the keyboard is often a lot faster and more efficient than the mouse.

I used to get frustrated at having to click through multiple layers of menus, click on the program I want to run and then scroll through a couple hundred filenames until I find the specific file I need to work with.

But these days in most cases I can just skip the mouse altogether except for one final click and be working with my file in mere seconds. Here’s how it’s done: [Read more…]

Charge your USB devices by plugging them directly into a wall outlet

Posted on April 7, 2024

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Do you ever wish you could charge your cell phone, tablet or other USB device simply by plugging it into a wall outlet?

Well, you can. All you have to do is replace one or more of your standard electrical outlets with a nifty USB Wall Charging Outlet.

You can purchase one of these inexpensive charging outlets, then hire an electrician or handy neighbor to install them for you. Actually, you can simply install them yourself if you possess basic electrical skills. [Read more…]

Why ‘bigger is better’ when shopping for a smartphone

Posted on April 6, 2024

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

When it comes to smartphones, many folks simply accept as fact that they have to choose between size and convenience. But is that actually true? I really don’t think so.

While it’s true that larger phones are a bit more difficult to carry around and use when making a voice call, I believe that for most people that’s a sensible trade-off to make.

Why? Read on and I’ll explain…

[Read more…]