Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: How can I maximize the battery life of my iPad?

Posted on January 27, 2014

Question from Ken F: Hello Rick. I bought an iPad 2 to use when I’m out in the field doing wildlife research for the non-profit group that I work for. I chose a tablet over a laptop because when I’m in the field I need to use it for up to 48 hours at a time without recharging the battery and without turning it off.

I need to know if it’s possible to make my iPad’s battery last that long? And if so, how can I make it happen?

Rick’s answer: Ken, the iPad 2 has a decent battery life right out of the box, and there are indeed things you can do to make the battery last as long as possible. But I think stretching it out to 48 hours might be out of the realm of possibility.

That being said, I do have a few suggestions for you: [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I prevent others from sharing my photos on Facebook?

Posted on January 27, 2014

Question from Brenda L.: I hate it when people share the photos I post on Facebook without asking first. Some of them are personal family pictures that I don’t want shared all over Facebook. How do I stop it?

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I get my Facebook Ticker back?

Posted on January 26, 2014

Question from Debra: Hi Rick. Weeks ago, I pressed the “Hide Ticker’ tab in a moment of boredom. It has disappeared now and there’s no option to get it back.

If I minimize my screen to tiny writing, I can see it’s still there. But it’s not possible to use FB easily with a font that small. Can you help? I enjoy the Ticker!! Thanks!

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Does my Acer netbook have a bad screen?

Posted on January 25, 2014

Question from Luella F.: The screen on my Acer Aspire One D270 netbook stays blank like it’s not getting any power when I turn the machine on. Everything else seems to be working ok because the power light comes on and I can hear the fan running.

Do you think it needs a new screen? If it does, would it cost a lot to get it fixed? I don’t want to put much into it at this point.

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Boost your router’s Wi-Fi signal with a DIY antenna booster

Posted on January 25, 2014

windsurfer-antenna-booster Does your router’s Wi-Fi signal have trouble reaching the far end of your home? If so, you can extend the reach of your Wi-Fi signal by making a simple antenna booster out of paper and a sheet of tin foil.

These DIY antenna boosters really work, they are easy to make, and the entire project will only cost you a few pennies (and a little bit of your time).

How do they work? By redirecting some of the radio waves transmitted by your router’s omni-directional antennas towards the area of your home where the signal is the weakest. [Read more…]