Rick's Daily Tips

How to use your smartphone as a metal detector (yes, really)

Posted on July 9, 2025

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Most folks love upgrading to a new smartphone at every opportunity, and chances are you have several unused, but working phones tucked away in a drawer somewhere.

If you’re like me, you probably hate having a perfectly good portable computer (that’s really what a smart phone is) doing nothing more than gathering dust.

I’ve written several posts in the past explaining how to give an old smartphone a new life by turning it into something useful simply by installing an app. I have another such tip for you today. [Read more…]

How to make full-screen YouTube videos always fill the entire screen

Posted on July 8, 2025

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Do you enjoy watching YouTube videos on your smartphone or tablet?

If so, you’ve probably noticed how some videos don’t fill the entire screen even when you’re watching them in full-screen mode.

Most videos are formatted to cover the entire screen, but the ones that aren’t show up with black bands on at least two sides.

You can always use the “pinch and zoom” technique to expand the video to fill the screen, but there’s a simple setting in the YouTube app that will automatically force oddly formatted videos to cover the entire screen by default. [Read more…]

Q&A: Will a ‘Modified Sine Wave’ UPS damage a computer?

Posted on July 2, 2025

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Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Celina: I have a question about battery backup devices, Rick.

I went to our local office supply store to buy a battery backup for my iMac and the man I talked to said I needed to pay extra for one that provides “pure sine wave” AC current. The one he tried to sell me costs over $100 more than the one I had planned to buy.

He said the cheaper “modified sine wave” models can damage my iMac because it was designed to only accept only a pure sine wave signal. Is that true? [Read more…]

Why Grundig E-bike Locks bring revolution to bicycle transportation?

Posted on June 30, 2025

Today, many new e-bike users would appreciate having some extra security for their vehicles. Although the prices have been reduced for the new models, everyone would love to have accessories that ensure the e-bikes’ reliability. For that reason, Grundig ebike locks have been created to give users a sense of safety for their bikes no matter where they park them.

[Read more…]

Q&A: Can I listen to a local radio station on my PC?

Posted on June 29, 2025

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Question from Lois: I use a computer all day at work and it’s gets pretty boring. I’d like to listen to music while I work.

My boss said he doesn’t mind if I listen to a radio but I don’t really have room for one on my small desk.

Is there any way to listen to my favorite radio station on my computer?

[Read more…]