Rick's Daily Tips

Smart Glasses vs Regular Sunglasses: Costly novelty or the wearable tech worth having?

Posted on August 3, 2026

If you have been seeing smart glasses pop up more often and wondering whether they are actually worth the extra money over a regular pair of sunglasses, you are not alone. The honest answer is that it depends entirely on how you use sunglasses in the first place, and what problems you are actually trying to solve.

Smart glasses have come a long way from the clunky, self-conscious tech eyewear that appeared a decade ago and disappeared just as quickly. The current generation looks like regular eyewear, fits like regular eyewear, and in most social situations reads as exactly that. [Read more…]

Q&A: Should the lights on my modem blink all the time?

Posted on August 2, 2026

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Question from Tina: I’ve noticed the lights on my modem are blinking more or less constantly.

In fact, they even blink when I’m not using a web browser, checking my email or doing anything else on the Internet.

Is it normal for all those lights to be constantly blinking or should I be worried? [Read more…]

Q&A: Are today’s encryption methods so strong they’ll never be broken?

Posted on August 1, 2026

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Question from Carl: I was listening to talk radio the other day and I heard a guy say that the strongest encryption methods in use today are so strong that they will never, ever be broken.

The host didn’t challenge him on that. In fact, he seemed to agree with him. I have my doubts though.

What do you think? Is current encryption technology so good that no one will ever be able to break it? [Read more…]

How to automatically save 5% on everything you buy on Amazon

Posted on July 31, 2026

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It’s no secret that Amazon provides one of the best shopping experiences you’ll ever find if you shop online.

Well, there are plenty of little-known tricks that can make your shopping experience at Amazon even better, and I’m going to tell you about one of them right now.

Did you know there’s an easy way to get 5% cash back on everything you buy on Amazon? And this is in addition to the already low prices you’ll pay for your items in the first place!

Well, it’s true, and it couldn’t be easier. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, all you have to do is pay for your Amazon purchases with the free Amazon Prime Visa Card.

But the savings don’t stop with the 5% cash back you’ll earn while shopping at Amazon! [Read more…]

Monthly Tech Giveaway – August 2026

Posted on July 31, 2026

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August’s winner will receive a fantastic Ambient Weather WS-2000 Smart Weather Station with Wi-Fi Remote Monitoring and Alerts.

If you’re a weather buff like I am you’ll love this personal weather station. It’ll keep you up-to-date on what’s happening outside your own home in real time.

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 August 31 and the winner will be notified by email. The winner will be selected at random.

Good luck!