Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: How do I make Safari show the entire URL in the address bar on my Mac?

Posted on October 17, 2021

Question from Kyle: Hi, Rick. I’m hoping you can help me solve a problem I’m having.

After using Windows computers for years I decided to try a Mac after my last Acer laptop stopped working on me.

I ended up buying a MacBook Pro and I think I’m really going to like it, but there’s one thing that’s driving me nuts.

When I’m using Safari it only shows the website’s domain name and not the entire URL in the address bar.

I hate that because I like knowing exactly which page of a website I’m on at any given time.

How can I force Safari to display the entire URL of the current page? [Read more…]

How make your Android phone’s battery charge last a little longer

Posted on October 16, 2021

Does it seem like the battery in your Android phone dies a lot sooner than it should? If so, you’re certainly not alone.

A while back I wrote a post listing 7 tips for extending your Android phone’s battery life, and they all help quite a bit.

Well, here’s a bonus tip that will make your battery last even longer. All you have to do is change your phone’s wallpaper to one that’s solid black!

You’re probably wondering why using a black background can save battery life, and that’s a good question. And the answer is really pretty simple: The brighter the screen, the more current the battery must supply to keep it lit up.

Bottom line: Changing from a light colored background to a solid black one allows your phone to operate with less current being drawn from the battery.

Switching your phone to a solid black wallpaper is easy. Here’s how: [Read more…]

Q&A: Will I have to buy a new copy of Windows if I replace my motherboard?

Posted on October 11, 2021

Question from Paul: I have a custom built gaming PC that I bought in January 2014. It came with Windows 8.1 on it.

I then updated the machine to Windows 10 while Microsoft was allowing the upgrade for free.

Now I’d like to upgrade the machine itself by installing a new, more powerful motherboard.

My question is will I be able to reinstall Windows 10 and have it activate after replacing the motherboard? [Read more…]

How to move Safari’s Address Bar back to the top in iOS 15

Posted on October 11, 2021

If you have already updated your iPhone to iOS 15 you’ve probably noticed a few changes in the way your phone and apps look and work.

One change that I’ve received a lot of negative feedback about is how Apple has moved Safari’s Address Bar from the top of the screen to the bottom.

[Read more…]