Rick's Daily Tips

How (and why) to reduce your phone’s monthly data usage

Posted on September 30, 2026

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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. What’s more, it can even make your phone run a bit slower. [Read more…]

Upgrade your travel kit with these smart solutions

Posted on September 30, 2026

A few carefully chosen travel accessories can prevent dead batteries, misplaced essentials, and hours spent dragging a suitcase around town. The best upgrades solve specific problems without adding much weight to your bag.

Before buying anything, think about the friction you experienced on your last trip.

Perhaps your charging setup didn’t fit the hotel outlet, small items disappeared inside your suitcase, or outside noise made it hard to rest. Use those annoyances to build a compact travel kit that works for the way you actually travel.

[Read more…]

How AI image editing is changing digital content creation

Posted on September 30, 2026

Introduction

Let’s be honest. AI has totally changed how people make and tweak visuals. Stuff that used to need serious photo-editing skills? More and more, plain-language instructions can handle it.

No manually selecting objects. No fiddling with layers. No rebuilding backgrounds piece by piece. You just describe the change you want. Then the AI creates or edits the image for you. Pretty wild, right? [Read more…]

Monthly Tech Giveaway – October 2026

Posted on September 30, 2026

Note: The links on this page are affiliate links.

October’s winner will receive a fantastic DZVW Laptop Triple Screen Extender 15.6″.

This gem will literally triple your laptop’s screen space by adding an extra 15.6″ monitor on either side of your laptop’s existing screen.

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 sign-up form on this page.

Once subscribed you’ll be eligible to win each month’s drawing – starting with this month. Better yet, opt for a Premium subscription for double the chance to win!

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

Good luck!

Sign up to get my daily Tech Tips via email!

Posted on September 30, 2026

Hi there!

I’m Rick Rouse, an A+ Certified Computer Tech with over 40 years of experience in the IT field.

I love sharing my practical, easy-to-follow tech tips, and I’d love to share them with you via my daily Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter.

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And finally, all subscribers to the Standard edition of my Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter have an equal chance to win my monthly Tech Giveaway drawing.

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

September’s winner will receive a fantastic DZVW Laptop Triple Screen Extender 15.6″.

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