Rick's Daily Tips

How to give your Google account a quick ‘Security Checkup’

Posted on March 30, 2026

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Do you have a Google account?

Chances are you do, even if you don’t realize it. Here are a few questions…

Do you use Gmail?

Do you sign into YouTube to watch videos?

Do you use Google Maps?

Do you use an Android smartphone?

Do you use any Google service or product that isn’t listed above?

If the answer to one or more of those questions is yes, then you do have a Google account. [Read more…]

How to choose ‘unguessable’ answers to security questions

Posted on March 29, 2026

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Have you ever forgotten the password to one of your online accounts and clicked on the “Forgot password?” link in order to reset your password?

If so, you might have been prompted to input the answer to the security question(s) you created when you opened the account.

Security questions are intended to identify you as the legitimate account owner in the event that you forget your password and need to reset it.

What’s more, they are also sometimes used as a second level of security to augment the security provided by the password. If you can’t answer the security question(s), you won’t be allowed to log in to the account, even if you know the password. [Read more…]

Q&A: Is it safe to use an online password checker?

Posted on March 28, 2026

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Question from Charise: I read that with all the hacking going on we need to check the strength of our passwords with an online password checker.

I did a Google search for the term “password checker” and a bunch of them came up. The thing is, I’m wondering if it’s safe to use them.

I’m a little leery of typing my passwords into a form on a website that I don’t know anything about.

Are those password checker websites safe to use? [Read more…]

Q&A: Why are my Internet download speeds so slow?

Posted on March 27, 2026

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Question from Kellie: I have Xfinity Internet and the plan I’m on is for 300 Mbps download speed.

I used SpeedTest.net to run several speed tests yesterday and again this morning. The fastest speed I got was around 165 Mbps.

I called Xfinity this afternoon and they ran some kind of test from their end and said I was getting all the speed I’m paying for.

Is there something I’m doing wrong when I run the speed test or is Xfinity just blowing me off? [Read more…]

How to take a baby passport photo at home: Step-by-step instructions

Posted on March 27, 2026

There are travel adventures ahead — really — and that’s what getting a passport for your baby signifies. But first, you’ll need one thing that seems to stress even the most relaxed parents: a compliant passport photo.

The good news? There’s no need to book a studio session or make an appointment at the drugstore, especially not with a fussy baby in tow. [Read more…]