Rick's Daily Tips

Understanding the Datacenter Proxy for Better Internet Performance

Posted on January 27, 2026

A datacenter proxy acts as a fast intermediary using IP addresses that businesses, rather than ISPs, own between your computer and the internet. These tools run on massive servers, bringing incredible bandwidth and very quick response times to the users. Website owners categorize these IPs as being from a professional data center because they aren’t residential.

What are the implications for your everyday web surfing or business tasks? On one hand, they deliver power. On the other hand, their non-residential nature makes them traceable and blockable by security systems. This is the compromise in technical testing – the speed is usually accompanied by the lack of stealth.

[Read more…]

Why every business needs a Digital Marketing Manager

Posted on January 27, 2026

The modern business landscape is vastly different from what it was just a decade ago. Gone are the days when a simple billboard or a newspaper ad was enough to drive steady traffic. Today, the battle for customer attention takes place on screens, in search engines, and across social media feeds.

Navigating this complex digital ecosystem requires more than just casual effort; it demands expertise, strategy, and constant vigilance. This is where a digital marketing manager becomes indispensable. They are the architects of your online presence, ensuring that your brand not only survives but thrives in a crowded marketplace. [Read more…]

Here’s an easy way to fool burglars into thinking you’re at home

Posted on January 26, 2026

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Did you know that many burglars actually knock on the victim’s door or ring their doorbell before breaking into a home?

Well, it’s true, and there’s a reason why: If no one answers the door, they know there’s a good chance that nobody’s home.

But you don’t have to fall victim to burglars in this way. Simply install a Ring Wi-Fi Enabled Video Doorbell and you’ll be able to answer your door from anywhere in the world. [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I use an old external hard drive with my new MacBook?

Posted on January 24, 2026

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Question from Lawrence: Hi, Rick. I’m hoping you can answer a question for me about hard drives.

I have an older Seagate STHN2000400 2TB external hard drive that I used for several years to store photos and other files from my old MacBook. Well that MacBook finally died and I replaced it with this MacBook Pro.

The problem I’m having is the MacBook Pro won’t work with the Seagate drive because there’s no connector on the laptop that will accept the old-style USB plug on the drive cable.

If at all possible I’d like to keep using this drive with the new MacBook Pro because it contains thousands of photos that don’t exist anywhere else.

Is there any way I can use this drive with the new laptop? Maybe some kind of adapter? [Read more…]