Rick's Daily Tips

Review: EaseUS Todo Backup Free

Posted on February 9, 2016

These days our computers are loaded down with programs, apps, photos, videos and other files that we simply could never replace if something were to happen to our hard drive.

That’s why it’s so important to always have a current backup of your system at the ready.

All recent versions of Windows have decent backup capabilities built-in, and I have written several posts explaining how to use them. That being said, there are times when it helps to have something a lot more powerful and easier to use than Windows’ integrated backup tools. [Read more…]

Caution: Having your iPhone 6 repaired by an independent repair shop could permanently brick it

Posted on February 8, 2016

iphone-6-plus Do you own an iPhone 6? If so, I have a warning for you: Think twice before you decide to have it repaired by an independent repair shop.

If your iPhone 6 is running iOS 9, having anyone besides Apple make a repair involving the Home button assembly will likely cause the phone to lock up and display an “Error 53”. And let me tell you, Error 53 is bad.

In short, Error 53 will “brick” your phone, and your only recourse will be to buy a new one. And no, you won’t be able to retrieve your photos or other important files from the phone’s flash memory. [Read more…]

Do you like CFL light bulbs? Better stock up while you can.

Posted on February 4, 2016

Personally, I’ve never really been a fan of Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (#ad), but some people think they’re the best thing since the invention of the wheel.

If you happen to prefer CFLs over other types of light bulbs, I recommend that you begin stocking up on them right now.

General Electric has announced on their blog that they’re going to stop making CFL bulbs by the end of this year in order to concentrate their efforts on producing LED bulbs. (#ad)

It’s obvious that CFLs never really caught on with the public. Even at their peak they never garnered more than 30% of the light bulb market, and last year they accounted for just 15% of the light bulbs that were sold. [Read more…]

Caution: Read this if you don’t want your PC automatically upgraded to Windows 10!

Posted on February 3, 2016

In an earlier post I explained how Microsoft was making plans to automatically install the Windows 10 upgrade on as many PCs running Windows 7 and 8.1 as they possibly can.

Well, that time has arrived.

Starting immediately, the Windows 10 update files WILL be downloaded automatically along with the next batch of Windows Updates, and computers running Windows 7 or 8.1 that have automatic updates enabled WILL be updated to Windows 10 automatically. [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I disable my ‘Frequently Visited Sites’ in Safari?

Posted on February 1, 2016

Question from Amanda: My 7 year old son frequently uses my iPad to get on his school’s website, and every time he loads Safari it lists the sites I’ve been visiting on the “Frequently Visited Sites” page.

I’d really like to turn that off because I’d rather not have him seeing which websites I visit. Can you tell me how to prevent the “Frequently Visited Sites” from showing up?

Rick’s answer: Amanda, iOS 9 makes it very easy to prevent Safari from showing your frequently visited sites. Just follow the steps below: [Read more…]