Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Is it ok to replace a computer’s power supply with one of higher wattage?

Posted on October 25, 2019

Question from Debra F.: I need some advice in order to settle a disagreement between me and my boyfriend.

My computer stopped working and my boyfriend says he can fix it by replacing the power supply. He put the one out of his PC in there just to see if everything else still works, and it does.

The original (bad) power supply is rated at 350 watts but he wants to replace it with one that’s rated at at least 600 watts.

My question is will the extra wattage put out by a stronger power supply damage my computer? My boyfriend says it won’t but it seems to me like it would. Which one of us is right?

I’d also appreciate it if you could recommend a good brand that doesn’t cost a lot. Thanks in advance for your help.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

5 reasons why LED light bulbs are better than CFL bulbs

Posted on October 23, 2019

As you probably know by now, incandescent light bulbs are being phased out in the U.S., and when they are gone, they’ll be gone for good.

That leaves us all facing a decision going forward: Do we replace our bad incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs (#ad) or Compact Fluorescent (CFL) bulbs? (#ad)

Both of these new types of bulbs are vastly more energy efficient than the incandescent bulbs they were designed to replace, but deciding which type to buy can be confusing.

Hopefully, this post will help clear up the confusion a bit.

Although I can’t tell you which type of bulb you would like best, I can tell you that I personally prefer LED bulbs over CFLs, for the following reasons: [Read more…]

Review: New 13″ Apple MacBook Pro

Posted on October 21, 2019

Apple’s Macbook Pro line of laptops are considered by many to be the cream of the crop because of their unique blend of power, durability and ease of use.

Well, the New 13″ Apple MacBook Pro (#ad) is no exception.

This sleek, yet powerful machine has plenty to offer in a 13 inch laptop.

[Read more…]

My favorite mobile web browsers for Apple iOS and Android devices

Posted on October 21, 2019

As you probably know, choosing a good web browser can make the difference between a great Internet user experience and a poor one.

If you access the Internet on a computer, you probably have a favorite browser that you prefer to use over all the others.

But that being said, there’s a good chance that you’re still using the slow, bloated stock browser that came pre-loaded on your mobile device when you’re away from your home or office.

Just as with your computer-based browser, a great mobile browser can really enhance your Internet activities by a huge margin.

If you have already selected a favorite mobile browser, you surely know exactly what I mean. If not, I’ll tell you about my favorites so you can try them out for yourself. [Read more…]

Q&A: Will CCleaner run on a Macbook Pro?

Posted on October 19, 2019

Question from Helen S.: Hi Rick. Based upon your recommendation, I’ve been using CCleaner to keep my Windows laptop cleaned out and optimized for some time now. I really appreciate you telling us about things like this!

My daughter just bought a brand new MacBook Pro (#ad) and I was wondering if CCleaner will work on it too? If it will I’m planning to buy her a copy and help her install it while she’s in for the holidays.

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]