Rick's Daily Tips

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…]

Seasonic PRIME vs. VERTEX vs. FOCUS vs. CORE: How to choose one for a gaming, creator, or workstation build

Posted on May 23, 2026

PRIME, VERTEX, FOCUS, and CORE Seasonic power supplies deliver different productivity and efficiency to your PC build, depending on the tasks you run on it. Here are more details on them:

PRIME PSUs are a flagship line with the maximum stability, the highest efficiency level (80 PLUS® Titanium/Platinum), and excellent performance under extreme workloads. They are a perfect fit for AI workstations, professional PC builds, streaming, or gaming systems. [Read more…]

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

Posted on May 22, 2026

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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…]

How to get photos of minors removed from Google’s search results

Posted on May 21, 2026

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As you probably know, Google search results often include photos of people who are relevant to the search query in some way, and that does include minors.

If you’re the parent or legal guardian of a minor (below the age of 18) whose photo(s) are included in Google searches you can request that Google remove those photos.

Minors themselves can also request the removal of their photos if they’d prefer not have an adult involved in the process. [Read more…]

Q&A: Can I turn off the sound my PC makes when it starts up?

Posted on May 20, 2026

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Question from Arnold: I’m an early riser and my wife always sleeps later than I do.

When I turn my HP Windows PC on in the mornings the sound it makes while it’s starting up sometimes wakes her up.

I’m getting tired of her being grumpy all day when that happens.

Is there a way to turn that sound off and make the computer boot up silently? [Read more…]