computer Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: Can you attach an external screen to an all-in-one PC?

Posted on May 22, 2026

Want to get my easy to follow Tech Tips in your email?

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Marie: I have a two year old all-in-one Windows PC and its screen has just gone out.

This computer runs well and it has all my files on it so I’d like to keep using it if I can.

I’d really prefer a larger screen if that’s a viable option.

Is it possible to connect an external monitor to an all-in-one computer or will I need to just have the bad screen replaced? [Read more…]

Q&A: Why won’t my TV work with my computer?

Posted on May 7, 2026

Want to get my easy to follow Tech Tips in your email?

Question from Glenda: I bought a used TV at a yard sale and I want to use it as a monitor for an old desktop computer that I’m going to use just for watching Netflix.

I plugged an HDMI cable between the computer and the TV and nothing comes on the screen. It’s like it isn’t getting any signal.

I know the HDMI port on the computer is working because it works with the old monitor just fine. And I know the TV is working because I hooked it up to my cable box.

What could be causing the computer to refuse to work with the TV? [Read more…]

How to keep your work and home computing activities separate

Posted on March 15, 2026

Want to get my easy to follow Tech Tips in your email?

Do you use the same computer for both work and home use?

If so, keeping those activities isolated from one another could help prevent confusion and perhaps even embarrassment in the event that the two were to somehow become entangled with one another.

Luckily, it’s very easy to keep your work and home computing activities completely isolated from one another. All you have to do is create a new user account to sign into while you’re working. [Read more…]

Q&A: What do repair shops do with abandoned computers?

Posted on March 3, 2026

Want to get my easy to follow Tech Tips in your email?

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Melina: I have a question that I’ve been wondering about for a while now.

I know that computer repair shops must end up with a lot of older computers that the customers don’t want returned to them.

What do the shops do with those old computers when the customers abandon them and just buy a new computer? [Read more…]

How to save money when shopping for a new computer

Posted on June 17, 2024

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Folks often ask me what they need to look for when they go shopping for a new computer.

In a nutshell, they want to buy the best machine they can get without spending any more than they have to.

In some ways trying to find the right computer is a lot like shopping for a new car. There are always dozens of “current models” to choose from, and they tend to look a whole lot alike.

[Read more…]