What Happens When Applications Die?

If you rely on them, it pays to prepare.

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Apps don’t last forever, and when one you rely on disappears, it can take your data with it. I'll show you how to protect yourself so you stay in control.
1Password CSV Export
Exporting data from a password vault. (Screenshot: askleo.com)
Question: While I am not particularly concerned about my privacy (all that stuff on the internet was out there before the internet, it was just a little harder to find), I am not particularly trusting. I realize that TrueCrypt was open source and Lastpass etc. are all paid services, but what happens if they go belly up? What happens if they hire some idiot and all of their software goes up in smoke? I have a hard time trusting these services, or any others for that matter, and these are things I want under my control.

What you describe happens more often than one might think.

There are people who use an application for some time and suddenly find that the company is no longer in business, and there’s no way to get an update. Sometimes that means they can’t migrate to current versions of their operating system if they want to keep running that now-unsupported software.

It’s something I consider when selecting important software. Depending on what programs we’re talking about, there are approaches you can use to back up your data and protect yourself from potential software obsolescence or disappearance.

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How Do I Print Pictures From Websites so They Look Good?

You might not be able to.

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Trying to print a cute photo from a website and wondering why it looks fuzzy on paper? I'll explain why that happens, what you can do, and when high-quality results are possible.
Different resolutions, stretched.
(Image: askleo.com)
Question: I would like to know the simplest way to print a small to medium image from a webpage and have it print out as a crisp picture to fit an 8-1/2″ by 11″ sheet.

This question has one simple and one complex answer.

The simple answer is that most of the time, you can’t.

The complex answer, of course, is: it depends.

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Do Complex Passwords Still Matter If You Use 2FA Everywhere?

Yes.

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Do you think your passwords don’t matter because you use 2FA everywhere? I'll break down why weak passwords still put you at risk, how attackers work around 2FA, and the steps that keep your accounts safe.
A warm, colorful door with two locks and corresponding keys—one labeled “Password,” the other “2FA”—both needed to open it.
(Image: Gemini)
Question: If I’m using 2FA everywhere possible, do complex passwords matter as much? Doesn’t 2FA protect me against compromised passwords?

2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) adds a strong safety net, but it doesn’t replace the need for good passwords. As the first factor, passwords work together with 2FA to protect you from different kinds of attacks.

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Did Microsoft Lie About Windows 10?

The dangers in believing sound bites and clickbait.

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Windows 11 proved the old “Windows 10 is the last version” claim wrong, but was it that claim a lie? I'll look at where it came from, what Microsoft actually said, and how headlines can twist a message.
Windows 11
(Screenshot: askleo.com)

With the end of support for Windows 10 having passed (or been extended, or something), I’ve heard from many people complaining, “But Microsoft said Windows 10 was the last version of Windows!”, often followed by some form of “neener neener!”

In my opinion, Microsoft did not lie when “they” said, “Windows 10 will be the last version of Windows.” Let me don my asbestos underwear and explain what I think happened.

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UniGetUI – Keep (Almost) All Your Apps Up to Date Automatically

So many apps. So many updates.

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Tired of chasing updates for all your programs? This tool pulls all of them into one place and keeps them up to date for you. I'll show you how UniGetUI can save you time, reduce clutter, and make managing your apps almost effortless.
UniGetUI webpage.
UniGetUI. (Screenshot: askleo.com)

It’s common advice to keep your system and all your installed applications as up to date as possible. Windows Update takes care of Windows and many of its apps, as well as other Microsoft apps like Microsoft Office.

But what about everything else?

The reality is a mishmash of applications that install update checkers that run all the time, apps that check for updates each time you run them, apps that check for updates every so often as you run them, and, of course, apps that don’t check for updates at all.

UniGetUI is a great solution for all that.

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Should I Use RAID for Backup?

You could make things worse.

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RAID might sound like a clever backup shortcut, but it’s not. In fact, relying on it could make things worse. Learn what RAID does, how it helps (and doesn’t), and why it still won’t save your data when disaster, malware, or mistakes strike.
A RAID Array
(Image: canva.com)
Question: Do you think RAID 1 is a viable alternative for backing up?

No. No. No. Absolutely not.

And, by the way, NO! Smile

RAID is not backup technology and should never be considered a replacement for backing up.

I’ll review what RAID is and, most importantly, what it is not.

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The Wrong Way to Change Your Email Address

The easy way is the wrong way.

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Emailing your entire contact list with a notice that you've changed your email address is NOT the way to change your email address. I'll show you what to do instead.
A cheerful but overwhelmed cartoon character at their computer as hundreds of flying paper emails burst out of the screen, addresses visible everywhere.
(Image: ChatGPT)

From time to time, I get emails like this one:

Hello everyone,
Just letting you know we have changed our email address to {email address removed}.
Our old address, {email address removed}, was compromised. Please delete it.
We will stop using our old address immediately.
Thanks, 
{name removed}
{new email address removed}

On one hand, this is an easy way to let your friends and family know that your email address has changed.

On the other hand, there are serious drawbacks to this approach. Let’s review the most common and what you should do instead.

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Can I Delete Pagefile.sys?

It’s mysterious, hidden, and sometimes very large.

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Pagefile.sys is the paging file that contains Windows' virtual memory. You can easily remove it, but you need to understand the ramifications.
Disk & RAM working together.
(Image: copilot.com)

Pagefile.sys is a file (along with swapfile.sys) created by Windows to manage memory usage.

It takes special steps to remove it, but it’s not difficult. I have instructions.

The catch: you probably don’t want to, and even if you do, it won’t make much of a difference unless you’re really low on RAM.

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How to Back Up Outlook.com Email

You need a safety net.

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Outlook.com accounts are hacked into and lost every day. Here's how to ensure you won't lose email or contacts if it happens to you.
email flowing from an Outlook.com cloud icon into a desktop PC displaying an email program
(Image: ChatGPT)
Question: How do I back up the email I have hosted on Outlook.com? Contacts, too.

Most people don’t back up their online Outlook.com accounts. All their email is stored in exactly and only one place: in that account stored on Microsoft’s online servers. When the account is hacked or lost for any reason, all that email disappears, often forever.

Remember: if it’s only in one place, it’s not backed up.

To avoid the possibility of losing everything, backing up your Outlook.com account — or any online email account — is critical.

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Scammers’ Three Common Lies

Too many people believe the lies.

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Scammers' favorite tricks include old lies told in new ways. I’ll show you how these scams work, how to spot them before it’s too late, and the simple steps you can take to protect yourself, your money, and even your identity.
A hand reaching out of a computer screen to pick up a wallet lying next to the computer's keyboard.
(Image: ChatGPT)

It’s no secret that scams are rampant and that older folks (which these days includes me) are being targeted heavily.

The US Federal Trade Commission recently posted False alarm, real scam: how scammers are stealing older adults’ life savings. It details some of the techniques scammers are using and steps you can take to stay safe.

I want to highlight some of what they said because too many people still aren’t getting the message.

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Why I Cringe When I Hear People Are Using ChatGPT to Look Things Up

It’s not that you use AI; it’s how.

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AI tools like ChatGPT sound smart and sure of themselves. I’ll explain why blind trust in AI answers can be risky, how its confidence can fool you, and what simple habits will keep you from being misled while still getting the most from this amazing technology.
Confidently Wrong
 (Image: ChatGPT)

Don’t get me wrong: used properly, AI is an amazing tool. I use it myself daily for everything from idea generation to image creation to summarization and more.

I also use it for search and Q&A. Mostly. Sometimes. With a great deal of trepidation and skepticism.

When I hear people “just” use AI now in place of more traditional tools and techniques, I get worried… really worried.

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Does Whole-disk Encryption Impact Computer Performance?

Theoretically, but not practically.

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Does whole-disk encryption slow your computer? You might be surprised. The bigger risk is losing access to your data if you’re not careful with your encryption keys and backups.
Padlocked disk
(Image: depositphotos.com)
Question: Does whole-disk encryption only affect performance while the computer is starting, or does it have a constant effect on the computer’s overall performance?

Neither… and both.

Encryption in general, and whole-disk encryption specifically, has come a long way since it was first introduced many years ago. One of the most striking changes is its impact on performance.

I’ll put it this way: I would not let performance concerns hold you back from using whole-disk encryption.

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Should I Buy My Next Computer in Person or Online?

Both have pros and cons.

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Buying a new computer? Whether you click Buy Now online or walk into a local store, both have perks and pitfalls. I'll help you weigh convenience, cost, and trust so you can make the best choice for your situation and know where to turn if things go wrong.
Online versus In-Store
(Image: copilot.com)
Question: Which is better, purchasing a laptop computer at a brick & mortar store or online?

There is no “better”, I’m afraid. Either can be great and either can be a nightmare.

It really depends on you, the resources you have available, and the specific stores — online or off — where you shop.

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My Two New PCs

A peek behind a geeky curtain.

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My not-really-a-NAS PC.
My NAS wannabe. (Image: askleo.com)

I recently replaced two old and very different machines with two identical, newer computers. I’ve become quite enamored with them.

They’re not for everyone, and some of the details I’ll share might be a bit geeky to digest, but if you’re about to replace a desktop computer, the upshot is that this class of PC might be worth your consideration.

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Why Don’t Anti-Malware Tools Work Better?

It’s a race.

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Ever wonder why your antivirus program didn’t catch that virus? It’s not broken. Security is a race, and the bad guys are usually ahead. Learn why security tools can’t stop everything, what that means for you, and the most important step you can take to stay safe.
Virus Detected sign
(Image: iStock)
Question: I’ve been an independent computer repair tech for over 12 years now. The question I get the most (and have the hardest time answering) is this: how come my antivirus program didn’t stop me from getting this virus? When you’re installing AVG, the program says that only 3% of today’s security problems are caused by traditional viruses. Is this true? Is it true for the other antivirus programs as well?

In other words, why don’t anti-malware tools work better? Why don’t they work the way we expect them to?

I fault AVG for the phrase “traditional viruses”. I think that puts an unrealistic spin on your expectations. Malware is malware, and that includes viruses, spyware, ransomware, rootkits, zombies, and gosh knows what else. What they mean by “traditional” is unknown, and I have no idea where the 3% figure comes from.

But there’s a kernel of truth in AVG’s statement. No matter what program you run, there’s still a chance your computer will get infected.

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I’ve Lost My Password Vault. What Do I Do?

Don’t panic.

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Lost your password vault? You’re not locked out forever. It's just an inconvenience. With some patience and the right steps, you can reset your accounts, rebuild your vault, and protect yourself from future mishap.
Password ... ?
(Image: adobe stock photos)
Question: Do you have a general technique for creating new passwords for every single site that needs them? Yes, I did the unthinkable, I lost my password vault account, and have to start over.

The technique is simple.

The technique is also time-consuming and ponderous.

Let’s review it, and what you can do to avoid this situation in the future.

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How Do I Send an Email to Many People?

Without looking like a spammer, that is.

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Want to email a big group without looking like a spammer or getting blocked? I'll show you why the usual tricks don’t work well and walk you through safer, smarter ways to send group emails, from simple groups to full newsletter services.
an individual yelling into a megaphone with hundreds of email envelopes spewing from the megaphone as a result
(Image: ChatGPT)
Question:

1: I have been working on figuring out how to send emails to a large group of people at a time. I have an organization, and would like to send weekly emails out to them. Right now, I have 1500 people, but am actively signing people up and expect to have several times more over the next couple of months.

2: When I travel, I send e-mails to a selection of friends (all of whom have explicitly asked to be on the list of recipients, and who presumably therefore do not mark them as spam). But my ISP sees multiple addressees and an overseas IP address, assumes spam, and prevents it from being sent. I have taken it up with them, and their attitude is “Your problem, not ours.”

First, thank the spammers. 🙁 Because of them, email services — the ones you use to send as well as those used by your intended recipients — have been forced to make this more difficult than it should be.

What we might do without thinking about it too hard makes us look like spammers. Hence, our messages don’t get through — either bouncing, landing in spam folders, or just disappearing entirely.

And yes, it’s our problem, not the email service’s.

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Gmail Is Removing “Check Mail From Other Accounts”

Google gives, and Google takes away.

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Gmail is taking away the handy “Check mail from other accounts” feature in 2026. If you use it to manage multiple email accounts in one place (Gmail), you’ll need an alternative approach. I'll cover what’s changing, why it matters, and the options you have left before your mail disappears.
International "no" symbol over "Check mail from other accounts" option in Gmail.
(Image: askleo.com)

I’ve recently learned that Gmail will remove the ability to check email from external accounts.

If you don’t use it, you don’t care. If you do use it, I’m guessing you’ll care deeply.

I fall into the latter category; for years, I’ve used Gmail as a one-stop collection of all my email from all my email accounts.

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What Happens If I Don’t Update to Windows 11?

An assortment of things over time.

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Thinking of skipping or delaying Windows 11? You can keep using Windows 10 safely, but changes are inevitable. From security updates to app support, here’s what happens if you stay put. Learn how long you can expect things to keep working before problems appear.
A desktop computer with a Windows 10 screen bathed in bright morning sunlight.
(Image: ChatGPT)

Staying with Windows 10 — not updating to Windows 11 — is a valid choice. I’ve written about how you can keep using Windows 10 safely after support ends.

But there’s more to it than that, isn’t there? Over time, things will change. It’s important to understand what those things are and how you need to prepare.

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Why Do System Cleanup Utilities Report So Many Errors on a Supposedly Clean System?

To quote Admiral Akbar: “It’s a trap!”

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Some system cleaners cry wolf, showing scary error counts to pressure you into buying. Others disagree on what counts as “dirty.” I'll unpack the scare tactics, the lack of standards, and the risks of using these utilities, plus safer ways to keep your PC running smoothly.
Free Trial
(Image: depositphotos.com)
Question: I have a couple of good cleaning programs to protect my computer, which you’ve recommended. But occasionally, I get suckered into running a free trial of a program (like a registry cleaner). I may have just run my cleaner and been given a clean bill of health, but when I run the free trial, I invariably get hundreds of errors. Why?

What you’re experiencing leads me and many others to avoid recommending any registry or system-cleaning utility.

It’s not just a few bad apples that spoil the entire bunch; in this case, it’s often difficult to find an apple worth biting into at all.

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How Do I Boot If All I Get Is a Blue Screen?

Let’s discuss alternatives.

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A blue screen that won’t go away feels like the end, but it may not be. Learn how to boot from other media, rescue your files, and figure out if it’s Windows or hardware at fault. Most importantly, backing up now saves heartbreak later.
a computer on a desk displaying a Windows BSOD blue screen of death, and a person next to it with hands on either side of their face reminiscent of the scene in the movie Home Alone.
(Image: ChatGPT)
Question: How do I stop it from booting up and then immediately going to the blue screen of death? I’m so desperate to keep it, there are so many things on there I need to have.

This question has a lot to unpack, including why a blue screen may prevent a normal boot-up to the potential for data loss.

There are techniques to deal with the former, and I have strong opinions on the latter.

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What Are Those Numbers Labeled MD5, SHA, Etc., Listed With Downloads?

They’re about safety.

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Wonder what those strange strings of numbers labelled things like MD5 or SHA mean next to a download? They’re a way to double-check that a file is safe and complete. Here’s how checksums work, why they matter, and when you might want to use them.
Checksums for Hiren's Boot CD.
Checksums for Hiren’s Boot CD. (Screenshot: askleo.com)

When you go to a download website to download a large file, you might see a series of numbers displayed alongside the download link. These are commonly referred to as checksums or hashes and allow you to confirm that the download completed successfully.

The example above for Hiren’s Boot CD PE shows a link for what some would consider a fairly large download: over three gigabytes. (If you’re curious, Hiren’s Boot CD provides diagnostic and recovery tools that run from a bootable CD, DVD, or USB drive.) We’ll use it as an example as we look at why checksums exist and how to use them.

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Command Prompt? Power Shell? Terminal? What’s the Difference? Which Do I Want?

The evolution of command-line interfaces.

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Ever right-click the Start button and wonder why you sometimes see Command Prompt, other times PowerShell, or maybe something called Terminal? They look similar, but each has its own role.
Right-click the Start button, and you may see any one of these. (Image: askleo.com)

There’s a very good chance you’ll never need a command-line interface in Windows. However, on occasion, particularly when diagnosing or tweaking your system, there are certain things that are more easily done using one. In rare cases, a command-line interface might be the only way to accomplish some obscure tasks.

Depending on your setup, you might see one of three separate options in the alternate (right-click) Start menu:

  • Command Prompt
  • Windows PowerShell
  • Terminal

They’re all command-line interfaces, but of course, they’re different. Sort of.

Let’s examine what they are, what you can control, and which you might want to use.

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How What I Do Is Threatened by AI

I’m not alone.

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AI is rewriting the rules of the web, and sites like Ask Leo! are feeling the squeeze of fewer clicks, more bots, and uncertain futures. What does that mean for the content you rely on? I'll look at the challenge, the irony, the fear, and what you can do to help.
A human writer under a spotlight as an AI robot arm reaches for his work.
(Image: ChatGPT)

I have a love/hate relationship with AI. Hate might be too strong a word — let’s just say I have concerns. And some of those concerns relate to whether sites like Ask Leo! will survive.

AI is an existential threat. Maybe someday for humanity, I don’t know; what I do know is that the threat is real and current for websites you probably rely on for content… like answers to your technical questions.

We’re losing our reason to exist.

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