Rick's Daily Tips

Is that empty ink cartridge really empty?

Posted on August 23, 2023

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

If you use an inkjet printer you’re probably well aware of just how expensive it is to replace your empty ink cartridges. It’s absolutely ridiculous how much they cost these days!

With many cartridges selling for upwards of $50 each, it makes sense to try to squeeze every drop of that precious fluid out of them before tossing them into the recycle bin.

What you might not know however is that many “empty” ink cartridges actually still have some ink left in them when the printer tells you they’re empty and ready to be replaced. [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it safe to set up a gaming network without Internet access?

Posted on August 23, 2023

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Kevin: I have 3 computers that I’m planning to place in my bedroom and my two sons’ rooms. We’re going to use these computers for just one thing, and that’s for playing games over a private LAN.

After doing some research I went to Best Buy and bought a 5 port switch and three 50ft Ethernet cables to run up into the attic and then down into each of the rooms.

These computers will NOT be connected to a modem, only to each other through the switch. We won’t need (and I don’t want) to have these computers connected to the Internet.

Now, my question – Since there will be no Internet access we won’t be able to update our virus software. Will that be a big problem or do your recommend going wireless and connecting the machines through our router so they’ll have Internet access? [Read more…]

Could this be the perfect gift for an inquisitive child?

Posted on August 22, 2023

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Do you have an inquisitive child who is always wondering how something works? If so, I’m about to recommend what could possibly be the best gift ever!

The Snap Circuits Extreme SC-750 Electronics Discovery Kit will open up the world of electronics to your youngster.

The package includes over 750 intriguing electronic experiments that your child will assemble using 80 electronic parts, as well as manuals and instructions for every experiment. [Read more…]

How to check if a used phone has been reported lost or stolen

Posted on August 22, 2023

It’s no secret that some modern smartphones cost as much as a decent computer system. That’s why used phones are in such high demand these days.

Buying a used smartphone sight-unseen is a risky endeavor because there’s no way to know how much abuse the device has received or what kind of shape it’s actually in.

Even worse, if the phone you’re thinking about purchasing was lost or stolen it could well be locked in order to prevent it from being activated by a new owner – which could be you if you end up buying it. [Read more…]

Stop Windows 11 from tracking your every move

Posted on August 22, 2023

Recent Windows versions are quite aggressive at tracking the things you do with your PC, both locally and online.

And as you might expect, Windows 11 does it big time.

For example, your Windows 11 machine takes note of the websites you visit, the ads you engage with and the things you search for in order to develop a customer profile on you.

[Read more…]