Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: How long can used solar panels be expected to last?

Posted on August 23, 2026

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Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Blaine: I was reading through some of the past “Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletters” and noticed one was sponsored by a company selling used solar panels.

I’ve actually been pricing solar panels for a while with an eye towards taking a small hunting cabin that I own off-grid.

I checked out the used panels offered by your advertiser SanTan Solar and their prices are only a fraction of the cheapest prices that I’ve been able to find for new solar panels.

I have a couple of questions for you if you don’t mind: [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it legal to spoof someone else’s phone number?

Posted on August 22, 2026

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Question from Brenda: I’m so frustrated with all the calls I’m receiving from scammers who have spoofed someone else’s phone number!

I’ve always heard that’s illegal so why are so many people doing it?

So tell me, is spoofing illegal or not? [Read more…]

How to display a complete list of Gmail’s handy keyboard shortcuts

Posted on August 21, 2026

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As you probably know, Gmail is the most popular email service on the planet.

In fact, almost 2 billion people worldwide use Gmail every month to send and receive gazillions of emails.

There are several reasons for Gmail’s popularity, one of which is its dizzying array of features and integrated tools which includes dozens of handy keyboard shortcuts for working with messages, using the editor and a whole lot more. [Read more…]

How (and when) to disable ‘Conversation View’ in Gmail

Posted on August 20, 2026

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Have you noticed how Gmail group all the messages you’ve received from someone and your replies to those messages all together instead of just listing them individually?

Personally, I prefer to have Gmail list the emails I receive individually, with the newest one on top. I can always do a quick search to group all the messages I’ve received from that person together. I just find it more useful to have my received messages listed in order with the last one I received at the top. [Read more…]

How to prepare your digital life for your (eventual) passing

Posted on August 19, 2026

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If you’re like most folks you probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about what will happen after you pass away.

After all, that isn’t the most pleasant of topics.

But taking a few minutes to prepare now can make things a lot easier on your loved ones when that sad day finally arrives.

And arrive it will since no one lives forever. [Read more…]