Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: What’s the best way to learn Linux?

Posted on April 10, 2024

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Marvin: I recently replaced my 2016 era Acer laptop with a new Windows 11 PC.

I used the Acer both for business and personal use but I’ve never really felt comfortable with that.

I read your article about replacing Windows with Linux and I’d like to install Linux on the Acer laptop because that option sounds intriguing to me.

I plan to use the new Windows 11 machine strictly for my business and the older Linux laptop for general Internet use.

The thing is I know absolutely nothing whatsoever about Linux and I have a couple of questions about it: [Read more…]

Q&A: Can counterfeit RAM damage a laptop?

Posted on April 9, 2024

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Hailey: Rick, I think I’ve gotten myself into a mess and I need your advice.

I recently purchased two RAM modules on Ebay to go an older laptop I own.

The modules I bought were listed and sold as Kingston brand but I just found out that the seller was busted for selling counterfeit computer parts.

The new RAM seems to be working fine in my laptop, but I was wondering if it might cause problems down the road. [Read more…]

How to stop ads from following you around the Internet

Posted on April 9, 2024

Have you ever noticed how ads for products or services you recently checked out online start following you from website to website as you browse the Internet?

If so, you know how Interest Based Advertising works even if you weren’t aware that it exists.

In a nutshell, Interest Based Advertising is a technology that allows advertisers to keep showing you ads for products and services you’ve shown an interest in even after you’ve moved on to a different website.

[Read more…]

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…]