computer Archives - Rick's Daily Tips

How to keep your work and home computing activities separate

Posted on March 15, 2026

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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

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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

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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…]

Q&A: Should I shut my computer down when it’s not being used?

Posted on June 14, 2024

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Question from Milo: I really like your site, Rick. It’s easy to tell that you put a lot of work into it.

I’ve been following you for several months now and I always learn something every time I visit your blog.

I hope you don’t mind but I finally have a question of my own that I need to ask you.

[Read more…]

Q&A: Aren’t smartphones really just small computers?

Posted on April 4, 2024

Question from Kevin: Can you settle an argument between me an my cousin?

I told him that smart phones are really just small computers that are designed to make phone calls.

He said that since you can’t install programs on them or hook them to printers and stuff they can’t really be considered computers.

I think I’m right, but so does he. In your opinion, which one of us is right? [Read more…]