Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Why do ranges and dryers run on 240 volts instead of 120?

Posted on October 21, 2026

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Question from Brenda: I’m having my house renovated and I’m in the process of ordering all new appliances.

The man at Home Depot said I’d have to pay extra for a special cord for both the electric range and the clothes dryer because they run on 240 volts instead of 120.

When I asked him why he said he didn’t know, but that’s just the way it is.

My question is, why do ranges and dryers use 240 volts when all the other appliances use 120 volts? [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I create a desktop shortcut to the Bluetooth settings?

Posted on October 20, 2026

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Question from Mike: I have a set of Bluetooth “over the ear” headphones and a pair of Bluetooth earbuds that are both paired to my Windows 11 laptop.

I frequently switch back and forth between them, depending on what I’m using them for.

What I’d like to do is create a desktop shortcut to the Bluetooth settings so I can quickly open them when I need to switch from the headphones to the earbuds (or vice versa).

I can’t find a way to create that shortcut. Do you know of a way to do it? [Read more…]

How to block websites from tracking your location with Chrome

Posted on October 19, 2026

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Did you know many of the websites you visit are tracking (and logging) your physical location?

Personally, I don’t like having my location tracked and recorded by countless websites, many of which I will never even visit again.

As luck would have it, it’s very easy to prevent sites from tracking your location when using the Chrome browser. Just follow the steps below for the device you’re using. [Read more…]

How (and why) to stop your PC from exchanging Windows Updates with other PCs via the Internet

Posted on October 18, 2026

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If you have a newer PC with Windows 10 or Windows 11 on it, chances are you like it. I hope you do anyway.

Personally, I think the most recent versions of Windows are OK, but there’s one thing about them that I don’t like one bit.

I’m guessing you won’t be all that fond of it either. [Read more…]

Q&A: Does Apple sell refurbished MacBooks?

Posted on October 17, 2026

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Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Deaton: My daughter is getting ready to turn 13 in a few weeks and I want to get her something really special for this very special birthday.

She’s been wanting a MacBook, but the ones I saw in the store are really expensive so I’m thinking about getting her a refurbished one.

I’ve bought several refurbished Windows PCs in the past and mostly had great luck with them.

Does Apple sell refurbished MacBooks? And if they do, are they a good deal in your opinion? [Read more…]