Rick's Daily Tips

How to use your own Office software on any PC (even a borrowed one)

Posted on September 27, 2026

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Do you ever find yourself needing to use Microsoft Office on a PC that doesn’t have it installed?

An easy solution is to use a cloud-based Office suite like Microsoft 365 Online or Google Docs, but what if you happen to be in a place that doesn’t have Internet access?

Well, there’s a simple (and free) solution to this problem: Simply put the portable version of Libre Office on a USB flash drive and take it with you everywhere you go! [Read more…]

Q&A: Why did they give Bluetooth technology that odd name?

Posted on September 26, 2026

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Question from Ken: I know that Bluetooth is the wireless signal that connects smartphones to speakers and other portable devices.

What I’m curious about is why did they choose the name Bluetooth?

That seems like a really odd name for something to do with technology. [Read more…]

Q&A: How do I set Windows 11’s Power Mode to ‘Best Performance’?

Posted on September 25, 2026

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Question from Keegan: I recently updated my PC from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

With Windows 10 I had the power mode set to “Best Performance”, but I can’t figure out how to change it in Windows 11.

I could be imagining things, but it seems like Microsoft made a lot of changes to the Windows interface.

How do I set my computer’s power setting to “Best Performance” now that Windows 11 is on it? [Read more…]

Why you should never run two antivirus apps at the same time

Posted on September 24, 2026

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I’m often asked to remove viruses and other forms of malware from ailing computers, and many of those machines are running two or more antivirus programs at once.

The problem is, when it comes to antivirus apps, more is not better. I know that probably sounds like it can’t be true, but it actually is.

Before I discuss why that is, here’s a quick overview of the two primary types of anti-malware programs: [Read more…]

Q&A: Does a laptop need a surge protector?

Posted on September 23, 2026

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Question from Della: I just bought my son a new laptop at our local big box store.

As we were walking up to the register to pay, I asked the salesman if he could recommend a good surge protector for it.

He said laptops don’t need surge protectors because they aren’t connected to the power grid while you’re using them and the chargers that come with them have surge protection built into them.

That just didn’t sound right to me. Was he right or do I need to go ahead and buy a surge protector for my son’s new laptop? [Read more…]