Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: How can I find out how much data each app on my PC is using?

Posted on May 26, 2025

Question from Gary: My ISP has notified me that I have exceeded the monthly data allotment for my Internet plan and that I might have to pay extra this month.

I don’t understand this because I only use the Internet for about 1 to 2 hours per day and I don’t do much streaming at all other than watching an occasional YouTube video.

I only have one computer using my WiFi connection. No phones or tablets use WiFi, just this one computer. There is nothing connected via a wired connection either.

I’m hoping you can help me find out what’s using all that data? [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I make my PC shut down at the same time every night?

Posted on May 25, 2025

Question from Kenny: I use my computer to watch a few TV shows every night before I go to sleep. The last show I watch goes off at 11pm.

The problem is I often fall asleep before the last show goes off and my computer stays on all night. I don’t like that.

I’d really like to have the computer shut down automatically at 11pm. How can I make it do that? [Read more…]

How to place a shortcut to System Services on your Windows PC’s Desktop

Posted on May 23, 2025

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Do you frequently find yourself needing to access your PC’s Windows Services screen to stop, start or otherwise interact with one of the services listed there?

For example, I often find myself needing to clear the print spooler, which requires me to stop and restart that service.

Most people open the System Services screen by clicking the Start button and then typing services.msc, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with opening it that way. But if you find yourself opening it on a regular basis there’s a faster and easier way… [Read more…]

How to extend a wired Ethernet connection to a distant room without running any wires

Posted on May 23, 2025

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Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Accessing a high speed Internet connection from a distant room can be a challenge.

Wi-Fi signals diminish with distance, and they weaken further as they pass through walls and/or floors on the way to a distant computer.

There are several ways to extend your Internet connection to a distant room. Here are the two most common methods: [Read more…]

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…]