computer hardware Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

Should you completely drain your laptop’s battery before recharging it?

Posted on August 4, 2026

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I’m often asked whether laptop batteries need to be drained completely before recharging them. My answer? Not anymore!

Early laptops used nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries which were subject to a “memory effect”.

If NiCad batteries weren’t allowed to discharge all the way before being recharged they would eventually “remember” the level of charge they fell to before recharging and act as if they were completely drained every time their charge decreased to that level. [Read more…]

Q&A: Should I let someone build me a PC or just go buy one?

Posted on July 23, 2026

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Question from Margaret: Hi, Rick. I have a question for you about my options for getting a new computer.

What are your thoughts on having someone build a custom computer for me vs. buying a name brand computer at a computer store?

My teenage cousin Kevin is a computer geek and he says he can build me a Windows PC that’s better than one I can buy at a computer store for the same amount of money. He is really sharp and knows a lot about this computer stuff. Do you think I should let him build me one or should I just buy one of the name brands? [Read more…]

Why you need to own a SATA/IDE to USB adapter

Posted on July 18, 2026

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Virtually every computer technician on the planet keeps one very special piece of equipment on hand, and you should too.

It’s called a SATA/IDE to USB adapter, and it’s quite simply the handiest tool on any computer tech’s test bench. [Read more…]

Q&A: Should I buy an extended warranty for my new computer?

Posted on June 28, 2026

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Question from Angela: Rick, I have a question about extended warranties.

I bought a new laptop last Saturday and as the cashier was ringing me up she tried her best to talk me into buying a 2 year extended warranty for almost $100.

I paid just a little over $400 for the laptop and $100 seemed excessive to me, so I declined.

Do you think I made the right decision? I have up to 30 days to change my mind and go back and buy it. [Read more…]

How to prevent your laptop’s keys from fading

Posted on May 24, 2026

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The typical computer keyboard uses dozens of black keys labeled with white letters, numbers and symbols.

Over time these labels fade out and eventually disappear as they are touched and pressed numerous times.

For touch typists, fading keys are no big deal, but for the countless “hunt-and-peck” typists in the world it’s a big deal indeed.

In fact, it’s a bit like turning off the lights and typing in the dark. [Read more…]