Rick's Daily Tips

Q&A: How do I prevent a folder from freezing up while I’m trying to open it?

Posted on February 3, 2026

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Question from Paula: My computer is a Dell desktop running Windows 11 (which was recently upgraded from Windows 10) and I’m having an irritating problem with it.

I have a folder that I’ve been using for months and after I updated to Windows 11 it started getting stuck when I try to open it. It just freezes up for a while.

If I wait long enough the folder will eventually open and I can use it like I always have, but it seems to take longer and longer every day. It took well over a minute to open a little while ago.

How can I stop this folder from freezing up on me? All the other folders on my computer open just fine. [Read more…]

Q&A: Why aren’t the keys on computer keyboards in alphabetical order?

Posted on February 2, 2026

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Question from Tina: I was typing up a paper for school the other day when I started wondering why the letters on computer keyboards aren’t in alphabetical order.

I had never really thought about it before, but now I’m curious. Are all computer keyboards laid out this way? And if they are, why?

Surely it would be easier to learn to type if the keys were laid out in alphabetical order, right? [Read more…]

Q&A: Are regular hand-held cameras becoming obsolete?

Posted on February 1, 2026

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Question from Barbara: Hi, Rick. I love your site and all the great info you provide. I have a quick question for you.

I recently started shopping for a new camera and I’ve noticed how few there are in the stores these days. Places like Walmart and Best Buy used to have dozens of them to choose from but now they only have three or four.

It seems like actual cameras are on the verge of becoming obsolete. Am I right? [Read more…]

Here’s a tip for saving big on groceries, tech items and most everything else

Posted on January 31, 2026

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Have you ever pushed your buggy into the checkout lane at a grocery story and watched the person in front of you pull out a stack of coupons as thick as a brick, then use them to buy $200 worth of groceries for $28.73?

I have, and while I was a little annoyed at having to wait while the cashier scanned all of those coupons, I couldn’t help but admire the customer’s ability to save a ton of cash just by clipping a bunch of coupons.

If you’re a coupon clipper too, chances are you get them from a variety of sources including the Sunday paper, a favorite magazine or even your mailbox.

What you might not know is that you can find coupons for virtually anything you buy right on the Internet and print them out on your printer or download them right to your phone. No more waiting around for the next Sunday paper to arrive!

[Read more…]

Monthly Tech Giveaway – February 2026

Posted on January 31, 2026

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February’s winner will receive a fantastic SimpliSafe 10 Piece Wireless Home Security System w/ Outdoor Camera.

Every home needs a high quality security system. This is one of the very best and it’s easy to install.

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 February 28 and the winner will be notified by email. The winner will be selected at random.

Good luck!