Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: If I replace Windows with Linux will I need to replace the hard drive too?

Posted on July 27, 2026

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Question from Marla: I have an older HP desktop PC that got really slow over the years so I bought a new laptop and put the old desktop in a closet. Well, the laptop’s screen just went bad and I don’t have the money to buy a new computer right now.

I took the old desktop out of the closet and hooked it up, and to my great surprise it still works. The problem is it has Windows 7 on it and I know it’s unsafe to use now. [Read more…]

Review: SentrySafe Black Fireproof Document Box with Key Lock

Posted on July 27, 2026

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You probably know by now that I’m constantly driving home the importance of creating regular backups of your computer’s hard drive or SSD.

But truth be told, how you store your backup drive is just as important as creating backups in the first place because a backup that ends up getting destroyed in a fire or some other disaster cannot be used to recover your files onto a new computer. [Read more…]

How to get instant help with Windows CMD Commands

Posted on July 26, 2026

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These days most everyone is familiar with Windows’ sleek Graphical User Interface (i.e. GUI) and how it allows us to do most anything with a click or two of the mouse.

But those who started using computers back in the early days of home computing know that using a PC wasn’t always that easy.

Back then there was no such thing as a “GUI” interface. The “DOS” operating system that was in common use back then didn’t support the use of a mouse except for a short period before Windows 1.0 was released.

[Read more…]

How to see an aerial view of your own house with Google Earth

Posted on July 25, 2026

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Have you ever wondered what your house and property look like from the air?

Well, it’s easy to find out using Google Earth.

All you need to do is enter your street address into the Google Earth search box to see an aerial view of your home.

Just follow the steps below for the device you’re using.

If you’re using a laptop or desktop computer: [Read more…]

This is how I fixed my weak Wi-Fi signal and eliminated the dead spots in my home

Posted on July 24, 2026

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Are there areas of your home or office where your Wi-Fi network is virtually unusable due to weak signals or dead spots?

Does your streaming TV drive you batty with frequent buffering?

Well, I had those issues in my home until I found the perfect solution: a WI-FI mesh system that blankets my home with a strong and stable Wi-Fi system. [Read more…]