Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: How can I keep my online backups virus-free?

Posted on October 13, 2026

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Question from Joyce: I’m constantly taking pictures of my grandkids and copying them onto my computer. And since I don’t want to lose them I keep my computer backed up with Carbonite.

But a nagging question has been bugging me for a while now.

Since Carbonite backs up my files automatically, how can I prevent it from backing up a virus too should I ever get one on my PC? [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I connect a Bluetooth speaker to an older stereo system?

Posted on October 12, 2026

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Question from George: I know your site is mostly about computers but I hope you can answer a question about my audio gear.

I have an older Sony stereo system that I’d love to connect a Bluetooth speaker to.

The problem is the stereo doesn’t have Bluetooth built in.

Is there any way to connect a Bluetooth speaker to one of these old non-Bluetooth stereos? [Read more…]

How (and when) to repair or reset the Windows 11 Settings app

Posted on October 10, 2026

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The Settings app is home to many of the settings you can change to tweak Windows 11 and make it work better for you.

But just like any other app, the Settings app can occasionally go sideways and stop working as it should. And in extreme cases it can stop working at all.

There are a number of things you can try in order to fix the Settings app if it starts acting up on you, but I always start with first trying to repair the app. [Read more…]

How to add a shortcut icon for any website to your iPhone’s Home screen

Posted on October 10, 2026

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Do you have a favorite website that you visit on a regular basis with your iPhone?

If so, you probably have that site bookmarked in Safari so you can quickly launch it whenever you want to visit it.

But did you know you can actually place an icon for your favorite site(s) right on your iPhone’s Home screen?

[Read more…]

How to convert a bare hard drive or SSD into an external USB drive

Posted on October 9, 2026

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Hard drives and SSDs are a bit on the expensive side these days so it makes sense to repurpose any bare drives you might have laying around and put them to good use.

If you have a working hard drive or SSD laying around you have a great option for putting it to good use: convert it into an external USB hard drive. All you need to do is purchase a very inexpensive external USB drive enclosure and plug your drive into it. It really is that simple. [Read more…]