Rick's Daily Tips

How to add the Control Panel to the Start Menu in Windows 11

Posted on June 15, 2024

As you probably know, Microsoft is constantly making subtle changes to the Windows user interface.

And as you also probably know, some of those changes make more sense than others.

In fact, some changes make you scratch your head and wonder just what the folks up in Redmond were thinking when they decided to make them.

One of the biggest head-scratchers of all is Microsoft’s decision to remove the Control Panel from the Start Button’s right-click menu (the menu that pops up when you right-click on the Start button) starting with Windows 10. [Read more…]

Here’s a quick tip for reducing your phone’s monthly data usage

Posted on June 15, 2024

Do you have a smartphone? If so, it probably has dozens of apps installed on it.

Some of those apps were likely installed manually by you, but many of them probably came pre-installed on your phone from the factory.

Most of your phone’s installed apps have one thing in common: They’re constantly sending data to and receiving data from remote servers located in various parts of the world.

This isn’t usually a problem for most users, but if you happen to have a cellular contract with a limited data plan it can be a huge problem for you. [Read more…]

How to quickly magnetize your favorite screwdriver

Posted on June 14, 2024

There are several tools that are must-haves for any tech bench, and a set of small flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers top the list.

If you have ever worked on any modern electronic gadgets you know how tiny some of the screws can be, and working with those tiny screws is often frustrating at best.

Let me tell you, the job is a LOT easier if your screwdriver is magnetized. [Read more…]

Q&A: Should I shut my computer down when it’s not being used?

Posted on June 14, 2024

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Milo: I really like your site, Rick. It’s easy to tell that you put a lot of work into it.

I’ve been following you for several months now and I always learn something every time I visit your blog.

I hope you don’t mind but I finally have a question of my own that I need to ask you.

[Read more…]

Extend your iPhone’s battery life and protect your privacy

Posted on June 13, 2024

Does it seem like your iPhone’s battery has a habit of dying sooner than it should?

There are many variables that determine how quickly an iPhone’s battery will drain, some of which are out of your control.

But luckily, there’s one battery hog that you can disable with a few taps that could make the difference between your battery lasting the entire day or dying on you at the worst possible moment…

[Read more…]