Rick's Daily Tips

How (and why) to enable ClickLock on your Windows laptop

Posted on January 1, 2024

Do you use a laptop?

If so, you probably know how difficult it can be using the touchpad to scroll through web pages or to drag and drop items.

Yep, it’s a two-handed process for the less dexterous among us (which definitely includes yours truly).

You basically have to use a finger on one hand to hold the left touchpad button while using the other hand to move the object in question around on the screen.

What you might not know however is that a simple settings change can make your touchpad a lot easier to use…

[Read more…]

Q&A: Can the Settings app on a Windows PC be disabled?

Posted on January 1, 2024

Question from Kandi: I bought my 9 year old son a new laptop for his birthday. He loves it and uses it every day.

The problem is I have already had to take it to the Geek Squad twice to fix issues he caused by changing some system settings.

I know that’s what he’s doing because I saw him using the Settings app.

Is there a way to disable the Settings app on his computer to prevent that from happening again? I really need to preserve my sanity! [Read more…]

How to visually monitor your home while you’re away

Posted on December 31, 2023

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Do you ever worry about vandals and burglars damaging or ransacking your home while you’re gone?

Unfortunately, in today’s world that is a very valid concern.

A good home security system is a great deterrent, but not every home needs a full-blown system like that.

Depending on your home’s size and layout, an inexpensive and strategically placed IP camera or two could be all you need keep a virtual “eye” on your house while you’re out of town using your smart phone, tablet or laptop computer. [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it best to use the antivirus that comes installed on a new PC?

Posted on December 31, 2023

Question from Marilyn: Rick, I’ve bought several new computers over the years and they all came with an antivirus program pre-installed.

I’ve always just kept using what was already on there because I figured it was probably the best antivirus program for that particular machine, but I now have doubts about that after reading some of your stuff on your blog.

Hence, this question: Is it best to stick with the security software that comes pre-installed on a new computer or replace it with something else?

[Read more…]

Monthly Tech Giveaway – January 2024

Posted on December 31, 2023

Note: The links on this page are affiliate links.

January’s winner will receive a ViewSonic VX3276-4K-MHD 32 Inch 4K UHD Monitor.

If you’ve been wanting to upgrade to a really nice 32 inch monitor, here’s your chance to qualify to win one for free.

All subscribers to the Standard edition of my Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter have an equal chance to win.

Premium subscribers have two chances to win (their email addresses are added to the “pot” twice).

Not a subscriber? Just enter your email address in the form on this page. Once subscribed you’ll be eligible to win each month’s drawing – starting with this month!

The drawing for this month’s prize will be held on the evening of January 31 and the winner will be notified by email. The winner will be selected at random.

Good luck!