Rick's Daily Tips

6 of my favorite websites and blogs: How many of them do you read?

Posted on April 5, 2018

As you well know, the Internet is a massive repository of information on virtually any topic you can think of.

In a nutshell, whatever it might be that interests you, you’re sure to find plenty of websites and blogs that cover it in various levels of detail.

Like you, I have a short list of favorite places on the web that I visit regularly for the latest news, information and tips on the topics that interest me the most.

I thought you might be interested in some of them, so I have listed my top six favorites below (and surprise – not all of them are tech related): [Read more…]

HazeOver helps Mac users concentrate on the task at hand

Posted on April 5, 2018

If you’re a Mac user who tends to have several windows open on the desktop at any given time, you might find yourself getting distracted at times by all the other stuff that’s on the screen.

If so, there’s a fantastic app called HazeOver that can help minimize the distractions from background windows.

In a nutshell, Hazeover dims everything in the background while keeping the active window bright and clear. You can still see everything that’s dimmed in case something important changes, but your attention will remain focused on the active window.

Here’s a short video that shows HazeOver in action: [Read more…]

Scam alert: Hackers have stolen your info if you have an account on PaneraBread.com.

Posted on April 3, 2018

Are you a Panera Bread customer who has opened an account on their website so you can place orders online?

If so, your information has likely been stolen by hackers.

Our friends at KrebsOnSecurity have announced that PaneraBread.com has been leaking customer information to hackers for at least 8 months.

The breach apparently affects over 37 million Panera customers.

If you are affected by the breach (and you almost certainly are if you ordered online at PaneraBread.com at any time during the last 8 months), hackers now have the following information on you: [Read more…]

How to use your Mac keyboard with virtually any mobile device

Posted on April 3, 2018

A few days ago a reader asked me if it’s possible to use a full-size PC keyboard with a Windows tablet. The answer is yes as long as the keyboard supports Bluetooth connectivity.

As I was answering that question it got me to thinking about all the Apple users out there who might have a Bluetooth-enabled Mac keyboard laying around.

As one would imagine, a Mac keyboard should be the perfect keyboard to use with an Apple device running iOS. [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I use my spare 42″ flat screen TV as a computer monitor?

Posted on April 2, 2018

Question from Nancy H.: I just replaced the LG 42LN5400 42″ flat screen TV in my living room with a beautiful new 60″ model from Panasonic.

The LG still works great, and it has a fantastically sharp picture.

What I’d like to know is can I replace the ancient 20″ monitor that I’m using with my Gateway desktop PC with my now-spare 42″ TV? They both have HDMI ports. Thanks for your help.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]