Rick's Daily Tips

Rick’s Daily Pick: Portta VHS to Digital Converter

Posted on June 27, 2026

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

My “Pick” for today is this super-handy Portta VHS to Digital Converter.

Do you have a stack of VHS tapes that you’d like to convert to digital so you can watch them on your modern devices?

If so, you could pay big bucks to a media conversion service or you could do it yourself with this gem and save lots of money. Just plug it into a VHS tape player and you’re all set!

Click here to check out the Portta VHS to Digital Converter at Amazon.

Did you miss (or want to revisit) one of my earlier picks? You might find it right here.

Picture of the Day: “Serenity in the Smokies”

Posted on June 27, 2026

Today’s POTD features yet another of the numerous small, but picturesque waterfalls that are found all along the Smoky Mountains Range. I hope you like it.

Have lots of treasured photos of your own that you’d love to display in your home but you have limited wall space? A digital picture frame (#ad) is an excellent solution. Check them out!

Enjoy these Pictures of the Day? Sign up for my free Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter and you’ll never miss one (or any of my tech tips either)!

Monthly Tech Giveaway – June 2026

Posted on May 31, 2026

Note: The links on this page are affiliate links.

June’s winner will receive a fantastic Goldenmate 1000VA/600W Sinewave UPS System w/ LiFePO4 Battery & Surge Protection.

Unlike most regular battery backup devices, this true sinewave UPS comes with an advanced LifePo4 battery and built-in surge protection. It will keep your essential gear running longer while also protecting it against strong power surges.

All subscribers to the Standard edition of my Rick’s Tech Tips Newsletter have an equal chance to win.

Premium subscribers have two chances to win (their email addresses are added to the “pot” twice).

Not a subscriber? Just enter your email address in the sign-up form on this page.

Once subscribed you’ll be eligible to win each month’s drawing – starting with this month. Better yet, opt for a Premium subscription for double the chance to win!

The drawing for this month’s prize will be held on June 30 and the winner will be notified by email. The winner will be selected at random.

Good luck!

Q&A: Can I connect my iPhone to a TV for watching Netflix?

Posted on June 27, 2026

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Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Marcella: I used to watch Netflix on my computer but it got fried by lightning.

I’ve decided that I don’t really need a computer now so I won’t be replacing it.

I now watch Netflix on my iPhone but I’d really like to watch it on my 32 inch TV. I know I could use AirPlay but my TV doesn’t support it.

My boyfriend said I should be able to connect my phone to the TV through its HDMI port somehow, but he isn’t sure how to do it because my phone has a lightning connector instead of HDMI. [Read more…]

How to quickly lock down ALL of Windows’ privacy settings

Posted on June 26, 2026

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Like Windows 10 before it, Windows 11’s default privacy settings are extremely invasive.

You can change a number of privacy settings to make both Windows 11 and Windows 10 just as stingy with your personal info as their predecessors were, but Microsoft has scattered those many settings all around the various nooks and crannies of the Windows user interface.

[Read more…]

Q&A: Can I create Linux installation discs and flash drives and sell them on Ebay?

Posted on June 25, 2026

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Question from Larry: Hi, Rick. I love your blog and subscribe to your newsletter. I respect your opinions very much.

I’d like to ask a question if you don’t mind.

I’ve been buying yard sale items in bulk locally and selling them on Ebay for a couple of years now, and I’m looking to branch out.

I’ve been thinking lately about creating Linux installation media (DVDs and USB flash drives) on my home computer and selling them on Ebay.

My question is can I legally do that without getting into any kind of legal trouble? [Read more…]