Rick's Daily Tips

Custom GIS Software Development: How businesses turn spatial data into competitive advantage

Posted on January 8, 2026

While often associated with ordinary mapping, GIS data is a valuable asset for business growth. Geospatial data helps us understand what stands behind the large amount of numbers in dashboards and reports.

Based on precise information about location and infrastructure specifics, you can predict operational risks, avoid real-world obstacles, optimize logistics and resources, and identify new opportunities for seamless scaling.

The truth is that many organizations are still using ready-made GIS solutions. Day by day, such systems become inefficient, error-prone, and limited by legacy patterns and expensive vendor licenses. If you’re looking for a powerful competitive advantage, it’s a great time to think of custom GIS software that will be tailored to your evolving business needs. In this article, we’ll outline the core advantages of custom GIS software development that will help you change the game. Wait no more — start reading!

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How to automatically save 5% on everything you buy on Amazon

Posted on January 7, 2026

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Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

It’s no secret that Amazon provides one of the best shopping experiences you’ll ever find if you shop online.

Well, there are plenty of little-known tricks that can make your shopping experience at Amazon even better, and I’m going to tell you about one of them right now.

Did you know there’s an easy way to get 5% cash back on everything you buy on Amazon? And this is in addition to the already low prices you’ll pay for your items in the first place!

Well, it’s true, and it couldn’t be easier. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, all you have to do is pay for your Amazon purchases with the free Amazon Prime Visa Card.

But the savings don’t stop with the 5% cash back you’ll earn while shopping at Amazon! [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I replace the rechargeable batteries in my solar lights with better ones?

Posted on January 7, 2026

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Question from Sue: I have 16 solar deck lights around the railing of my deck.

These lights are a little over a year old and their cheap AA rechargeable batteries now only last about an hour or so after the sun goes down.

I really like these particular lights so I’d prefer to replace the batteries instead of the lights themselves.

Can I safely replace the old rechargeable batteries in these lights with something like Energizers? [Read more…]

Why communication coverage matters for First Responders

Posted on January 7, 2026

Ever lost cell signal in a stairwell or an underground garage and instantly felt cut off?

Now picture a firefighter mid-rescue in that same stairwell, trying to reach their team. Or a paramedic deep inside a crowded stadium, unable to transmit a patient update. When lives are on the line, communication isn’t a bonus—it’s the spine of the entire operation.

In this post, we will discuss why reliable signal coverage is essential to how first responders function and why infrastructure can’t afford to lag behind the demands of their work. [Read more…]

Q&A: Why are there so many Chrome processes running on my PC?

Posted on January 6, 2026

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Question from Tammy: Hello Rick. Thanks for all the great computer tips you post. They are a BIG help!!

Now I guess it’s my turn to ask a question.

When I load Task Manager it shows 11 processes running at the same time for Google Chrome even though I only six tabs open.

Could that be because my PC has a virus? [Read more…]