Rick's Daily Tips

Warning: Be careful when donating to a cause via Facebook

Posted on September 30, 2023

If you’ve been using Facebook for a while you’ve surely seen the requests for donations some folks post in honor of their birthdays.

Of course there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, Facebook offers several excellent organizations to choose from, and this is a great way for people who appreciate the work they do to help them raise a little extra cash.

However, that being said, if you choose to donate to one of these “birthday” causes I recommend that you proceed with extreme caution for the reason stated below.

[Read more…]

How to choose the default audio output device for a specific app in Windows 11

Posted on September 29, 2023

Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter

Did you know you can choose the default audio output device for each individual app in Windows 11?

For example, I prefer having my Windows notification sounds and other system sounds come through my computer’s speakers.

However, I prefer listening to the audio when I’m watching YouTube videos in Chrome through my Bluetooth headphones.

Luckily, Windows 11 makes it very easy to choose your preferred default audio output device for each of the apps you use. [Read more…]

Q&A: Is System Restore adequate for backing up Windows?

Posted on September 28, 2023

Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter

Question from Mike: I install lots of free software and I always create a new System Restore Point before installing a program just in case something goes wrong.

I think Windows is great, but as you know, things do go wrong sometimes.

My boss told me that relying on System Restore for my backups isn’t good enough. He said I need to create regular backups too, but I think that’s overkill.

What’s your opinion on this? [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I get my Desktop icons back in Windows 11?

Posted on September 27, 2023

Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter

Question from Cole: I recently updated my PC from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

The problem I’m having is Windows 11 seems to have deleted two of the Desktop icons that I use the most.

I use the “This PC” and “Recycle Bin” icons a lot and I’d really like to get them back if I can. Can you tell me how to do it? [Read more…]