Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: How can I tell when my blog is loading from the new server after I switch hosting companies?

Posted on August 14, 2021

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Question from Jay: I have a WordPress blog and it started going down on me at random times a couple of months ago.

I’ve signed up for a better hosting account with a different company and they’ll move the blog to the new server for me at no cost.

I’m planning to put in the request for the move when I get back to the office on Monday, but I’d like to ask you a question in the meantime.

I’ve been told that it could take quite a while for my blog to start loading from the new server after they make the switch. How will I be able to tell when my blog starts loading from the new server instead of the old one? [Read more…]

How to show hidden files and folders in Windows 10

Posted on August 13, 2021

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Every now and then it helps to be able to view your system’s hidden files and folders, especially when troubleshooting a sticky Windows issue or trying to track down a stubborn malware infection.

A while back I wrote a post explaining how to show the hidden files and folders in Windows 8.1, and it turns out that viewing them is just as easy in Windows 10. Here’s how: [Read more…]

Q&A: I installed a plugin and it broke my blog. How can I fix it?

Posted on August 13, 2021

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Question from Cara G: I installed a new plugin on my WordPress blog and now my pages won’t load at all.

All I get is a white screen with an error message.

To make matters worse I can’t even get to the control panel to delete the plugin.

I’m in a panic here. How can I fix this?

Rick’s answer: This is a fairly common issue, Cara. Unfortunately, it happens a lot. And as you have discovered, when it happens it can cause one to panic.

Luckily, there’s a very easy fix for this issue that almost always works. All you have to do is use an FTP utility to delete the problem plugin from your WordPress installation. Here’s how: [Read more…]

7 tips for photographing beautiful autumn landscapes

Posted on August 12, 2021

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Fall is one one of my favorite times of the year, and with the first official day of autumn just over the horizon, many folks have begun planning their “leaf peeping” and fall photography activities.

If you plan to get out and photograph this year’s fall colors, here are seven tips that can help you capture better images during what I consider to be the most beautiful of the four seasons: [Read more…]

How to run Android apps on your Mac or Windows PC

Posted on August 11, 2021

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Do you have some favorite apps and games on your Android device that you’d love to run at full screen on your laptop or desktop computer?

Well, thanks to a fantastic Android emulator called BlueStacks, you can!

BlueStacks will allow you to run thousands of popular Android apps and games right on your Mac or Windows PC. [Read more…]