Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: What exactly is backed up when you make a System Image Backup?

Posted on October 3, 2026

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Question from Olivene: I spent several minutes reading your posts that explain how to create System Image Backups on Windows computers, but I’m a little confused.

I had Carbonite backing up my files for a couple of years and they didn’t back up any of my Windows files.

I learned that the hard way after my hard drive crashed on me. [Read more…]

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

Posted on October 2, 2026

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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…]

How to quickly magnetize most any screwdriver

Posted on October 1, 2026

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There are several tools that are must-haves for any tech bench, and a set of small flat-head and Phillips-head screwdrivers top the list.

If you have ever worked on any modern electronic gadgets you know how tiny some of the screws can be, and working with those tiny screws is often frustrating at best.

Let me tell you, the job is a LOT easier if your screwdriver is magnetized. [Read more…]

How (and why) to reduce your phone’s monthly data usage

Posted on September 30, 2026

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Do you have a smartphone? If so, it probably has dozens of apps installed on it.

Some of those apps were likely installed manually by you, but many of them probably came pre-installed on your phone from the factory.

Most of your phone’s installed apps have one thing in common: They’re constantly sending data to and receiving data from remote servers located in various parts of the world.

This isn’t usually a problem for most users, but if you happen to have a cellular contract with a limited data plan it can be a huge problem for you. What’s more, it can even make your phone run a bit slower. [Read more…]

Upgrade your travel kit with these smart solutions

Posted on September 30, 2026

A few carefully chosen travel accessories can prevent dead batteries, misplaced essentials, and hours spent dragging a suitcase around town. The best upgrades solve specific problems without adding much weight to your bag.

Before buying anything, think about the friction you experienced on your last trip.

Perhaps your charging setup didn’t fit the hotel outlet, small items disappeared inside your suitcase, or outside noise made it hard to rest. Use those annoyances to build a compact travel kit that works for the way you actually travel.

[Read more…]