Rick's Daily Tips

Stop your PC from logging your computing activity and sending it to Microsoft

Posted on May 22, 2025

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Did you know your Windows 11 PC is logging every action you take, storing it in a database and sending it back to Microsoft?

Yep, every website you visit, every app you use, every game you play, every file you open…all of that data is collected, stored and sent to Microsoft for them to use for various purposes.

If this collection, transmission and usage of your detailed computing activities makes you a bit squeamish, you’re certainly not alone. I’m right there with you. [Read more…]

Review: Hiearcool USB-C Hub / Laptop Docking Station

Posted on May 21, 2025

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Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

As you probably know, every new generation of laptops seems to be thinner than the one before it.

While being thin is good with laptops, it also results in a few downsides.

One of the most important of those downsides is the lack of ports available for plugging external devices into the machine.

Luckily there’s a simple solution to this lack of available ports…

[Read more…]

Q&A: Can you determine someone’s location by their IP address?

Posted on May 20, 2025

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Question from (name withheld by request): I hope you can help me, Rick. Someone is sending me threatening emails, and it has me worried.

I’m pretty sure it’s my ex-boyfriend because he mentions things in the emails that only he should know about. The thing is, I don’t recognize the email address.

I know you can get the IP address from an email’s headers because I researched it online. Is there any way to trace that IP address and find out where the emails are being sent from? [Read more…]

How can panelboards improve efficiency through optimizing power distribution and more?

Posted on May 20, 2025

Efficient power distribution is vital for smooth operations across industries, commercial spaces, and even large residential complexes. Unreliable systems not only cause energy wastage but also
increase downtime and maintenance costs.

This is where a well-designed panelboard comes into play, acting as a central point for distributing electrical power safely and systematically. Modern panelboards do far more than manage circuits. [Read more…]