How Do I Tell Which Wi-Fi Protocols My Computer Supports?

They keep changing.

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Ever wondered if your Wi-Fi card can handle the latest speeds, or why it won't connect in certain places? I'll show you exactly how to check which Wi-Fi protocols your computer supports, and what those cryptic "802.11" labels actually mean.
A Wi-Fi access point with the items 802.11b, 802. 11g, 802.11n, 802.11a, 802. 11ac, and 802.11ax floating around it.
(Image: Gemini)
Question: I don’t know if my Wi-Fi card is 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, so my first question is, how do I find which I have?

If you’re having trouble connecting to a Wi-Fi hotspot — open and public, or otherwise — it could be a mismatch between the capabilities of your Wi-Fi hardware and the hotspot providing the wireless networking.

To do this, we need to figure out which protocols — that whole “802.11” thing — your card is capable of. Once we have that information, we can make a few assumptions.

Fortunately, your card’s capabilities are easily discovered.

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Don’t Fall for It: Social Engineering and How Scammers Hack Your Brain

How to recognize, avoid, and beat the scams.

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Think you're too smart to fall for a scam? Think again. Scammers aren't targeting your intelligence; they're targeting your humanity. I'll share the sneaky mind tricks they use every day and help you spot the red flags before it's too late.
A used car salesman with a speech bubble containing the words "Trust me!"
(Image: Gemini)

You’ve probably heard the term social engineering. It’s behind almost every scam.

Social engineering isn’t about technology, trickery, or even intelligence or the perceived lack thereof; it’s psychology, pure and simple. It’s about pushing your buttons.

And we all have buttons to be pushed.

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How Do I Gain Administrative Access to a Secondhand Computer?

Here be dragons. Maybe.

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It’s important to understand the risks of buying a used computer.
one person handing a desktop computer to another person
(Image: Gemini)
Question: My dad bought a computer from a yard sale. The problem is that they forgot to take off the password. I’m logged in as a user, but not an administrator, so I don’t have admin privileges. How do I become an administrator?

This is frightening for many reasons.

It’s not you who should be scared. We’ll probably be able to get you into the computer. It’s the previous owner who should be concerned; it’s clear they didn’t take a few important steps before selling their computer.

You still need to tread very carefully. I’ll explain why.

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Can You Get Hacked When Your Computer Is Sleeping?

It depends. It’s also extremely unlikely.

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Worried your sleeping computer might get hacked? The short answer is no, but there's a catch. I'll explain what that is and why you're still probably safer than you think with basic security in place.
a laptop on a desk, "sleeping"
(Image: Gemini)

I have a love-hate relationship with the sleep function. It puts the computer into low-energy use, pausing active tasks and storing open applications and files in memory. People like it because it keeps the computer powered on and ready to work again.

I love the concept, but I hate most implementations. I often find it results in unexpected behavior. Only if a specific device has proven its sleep function to be generally stable will I use it. It’s a determination I make for every single computer that might sleep, because every machine behaves differently.

So, with that little gripe out of the way, can your computer still get hacked if it’s in sleep mode?

Maybe.

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OK, Boomer: Why Computer Literacy Matters to You

Yes, you.

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Technology isn't optional anymore. I'll explain why embracing computer literacy matters more than ever, and how complaining only isolates you further.
A grumpy looking cat sitting on a chair in front of a fireplace.
(Image: Gemini)

Years ago, I used to say that while I worked hard to learn the skills I needed to be successful with technology — loving every minute of it, by the way — those coming after me would have an advantage I never had: they’d be steeped in what we call computer literacy almost from birth.

As technology has advanced and become pervasive, it’s clear I wasn’t wrong. Those generations take technology for granted and leverage it without a second thought.

Those of my generation (I’m a proud “boomer”) and older need to work to stay on top of it all.

Not only do I think that’s a good thing, I think it’s critical.

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How Should I Format My Thumbdrive?

Let’s look at three options.

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Looking to format a USB thumb drive but confused about FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS? I'll break down each file system's strengths and limitations and help you choose the best format based on compatibility needs, file sizes, and which devices you'll use it with.
three USB thumbdrives, labelled "FAT32", "exFAT", and "NTFS"
(Image: Gemini)
Question: I always use KeePass installed on a USB stick. I bought a new stick for this purpose. It is formatted as FAT32. Can I leave it like that, or do I have to change that to FAT64 or NTFS?

We can rule out one right away: there is no FAT64. Smile

Let’s review some of the alternatives and consider when you might want to switch.

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Are Deleted Emails Really Deleted?

You might think so, but…

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Deleted an email and think it’s gone forever? I'll explain what “delete” really means in webmail and desktop programs, why trash folders and database files can leave messages recoverable, how backups and even court orders can bring them back, and the inconvenient fact that the other person may still have a copy.
a waste bin overflowing with letters and envelopes representing emails
(Image: Gemini)
Question: It is said that deleted files are never completely erased unless you do so with the proper software. Does this also refer to emails? Once I erase an email (incoming or outgoing), does that stick around somewhere also?

When you “permanently” delete a file, the operating system just sets a flag or removes an entry from a list. The file’s data remains on disk until the space is overwritten later by other files. This can allow some files to be “un” deleted if they haven’t been overwritten.

Does the same apply to email messages?

It’s complicated.

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Before You Click: 3 Quick Checks for a Suspicious Website

Dates, location, history.

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Found a website you’ve never heard of and not sure you should click? I'll show you three fast clues -- domain dates, server location, and site history -- that can help you judge whether a site feels trustworthy or sketchy before you commit.
A person in a blazer at a laptop, with a magnifying glass over the screen showing a domain name, and faint overlays of “WHOIS,” “Server Location,” and “Site History.”
(Image: Gemini)

Ever encounter a website you’ve never heard of before? Perhaps a domain name that kinda-sorta makes sense but seems like something new?

Websites come and go all the time. The problem? Many of those websites are less than reputable, and many are outright scams and phishing attempts.

There are a couple of pieces of information you can gather quickly to help you decide if you want to click on or take action on that website.

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How Does Cloud Storage Work?

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Cloud storage sounds mysterious, but it’s really just your files living on someone else’s online computer. Let's look at how synchronization moves your changes between devices, why it can feel like backup, and the big catch: deletes spread everywhere too.
two computers on a desk with a cloud between them. The computers are symbolically syncronizing files between themselves and the cloud.
(Image: Gemini)

It seems that cloud storage is available everywhere.

But what is it? How do you use it? Why is it valuable?

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What Do I Do If I’m Being Harassed, Bullied, or Stalked Online?

Online harassment is rampant. Here’s what you need to know.

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Online harassment can happen to anyone, but what can you actually do about it? I'll break down whether it's illegal, how to identify who's behind it, ways to make it stop, and the critical mistakes to avoid so you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
a computer screen showing a chat window with the title "Stalker Calling"
(Image: Gemini)

Normally, this is where I’d quote the original question. But this topic appears in so many different guises and in so many different ways that quoting a single question would represent only a small slice of a much larger issue.

Cyber-bullying, or online harassment, is a frighteningly common occurrence. Those most at risk appear to be children and individuals who have been in abusive relationships, but it can happen to anyone.

The questions I get most often are:

  • Isn’t it illegal?
  • How do I find out who’s responsible?
  • How do I make them stop?
  • How can I get back at them?

Let’s tackle each of those and a couple more.

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Dealing With Video Starts and Stops While Watching: Three Common Causes and Three Possible Solutions

What to check for, and what to try.

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There are common causes, and sometimes simple solutions, for a video that starts and stops as you watch it.

Question: I would like to view YouTube videos without all the stops and starts while watching. What causes that, and can it be corrected?

It’s frustrating to have a video play a little, pause, play a little more, pause, then play a little more, then pause, then play a little more.

I’ll cover the two most common reasons this happens and share some workarounds.

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The Nirvana Fallacy

Something that frustrates me.

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I'll explain the Nirvana Fallacy -- rejecting helpful tools because they aren’t perfect -- and show how that thinking can make you less safe.
The Scale of Risk: A balance scale. On one side, a giant pile of "Real Risks" (represented by skulls or viruses). On the other side, a tiny, microscopic "What If?" pebble. The person in the image is obsessing over the pebble examining it closely with a magnifying glass while the giant pile looms over them.
(Image: Gemini)

No, we’re not talking about the band or the Buddhist philosophy of Nirvana.

The Nirvana Fallacy is something I see all the time that leads people to make ill-informed and even dangerous decisions, particularly when it comes to tech. It’s the faulty reasoning that if a solution isn’t perfect, it must not be worth using.

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Is It Safe to Look, Just Look, at Spam?

Maybe.

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Curious about what’s hiding in your spam folder, but worried a single click could infect your computer? I'll explain the simple rules that keep you protected and how to view raw message source safely.
an individual looking at the source code a spam email through a magnifying glass.
(Image: Google AI)
Question: I’m interested in looking at what junk and spam I’m getting without jeopardizing myself. So I download mail in Gmail and Hotmail messages in my email program and read them there. Both are good at weeding out spam and junk. They keep these for 30 days and then delete them. I want to read these at least on the Gmail or Hotmail webpages — just read and not click on anything. Is this dangerous? Might I get a malware or spyware foisted on me without my knowledge?

In other words, is opening and reading a message suspected to be spam dangerous?

While there’s always risk, it’s not nearly as bad as it once was. As long as you follow a few precautions, you’re typically safe.

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In Search of a Complete Photo Management App

Maybe you can help me.

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Struggling to organize photos? Me too. I'll explore the features of my ideal photo management app.
Adobe Bridge
Adobe Bridge photo management. (Screenshot: askleo.com)
Question: Do you know of a photo management app that might help me locate and organize all my photos under one easily searchable system? One that would allow a single main location I can update and back up, but going back decades? A tall ask, I know, but there may be a way.

I WISH.

Seriously, I have over a terabyte of photos, and I have yet to find a good, reliable photo management tool with the features I want.

So, rather than presenting an answer (or the lack of one), let me describe my ideal solution. Perhaps readers will chime in with something I’ve overlooked.

I’ll also list a few tools I’ve used in the meantime.

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Don’t Call Yourself Stupid

PLEASE.

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Feeling “stupid” about computers? STOP IT. I'll discuss why that label holds you back, how attitude changes what you can accomplish, and better words to use when you need help.
a dunce cap on a desk with a "No" symbol over it
(Image: Gemini)

I hear a lot of questions from many different people. I hear a lot of comments, complaints, excuses, and justifications.

I also hear a lot of frustration and helplessness.

It’s understandable. Computers and technology can be frustrating and leave you feeling helpless. Heck, that’s why Ask Leo! exists.

And while many of the different comments, opinions, reactions, and complaints occasionally leave me feeling frustrated, there’s one that really, really bugs me.

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How Long Does Email Delivery Take?

It takes as long as it takes

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Email is typically very fast, but sometimes it can take hours or even days. I'll explain why delays might happen, what spam filters and busy servers really do, and how long mail servers keep trying before they give up.
a rabbit carrying a message envelope racing past a tortoise also carrying a message envelope
Email, fast and slow. (Image: Google AI)
Question: 1. How long does e-mail delivery typically take? What are the most common ranges?

2. How long does it actually take (more or less) for the mailer-daemon at my e-mail host (or whoever) to find the addressee mailbox is full, the addressee is unknown or otherwise undeliverable? (such as address misspelled)

3. Where the addressee data seems valid, how long will the mailer-daemon at my e-mail host (or whoever) keep trying?

Answers to these questions might be of general interest to people frequently replying  to pen pals.

I’m guessing it’s really only the answer to #1 that most people will be interested in, but I’ll hit the other two as well.

People have very high expectations of email, and most of the time, those expectations are met.

However, what’s considered “allowed behavior” may surprise you.

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Three Ways Spammers Can Tell If You’ve Opened One of Their Emails

You could be in for more spam if you’re not careful.

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I'll share three simple ways spammers know you’ve read their email, and how you can avoid more spam in the future.
a squirrel with a mallet hitting the word SPAM into the ground
(Image: Gemini)

Spammers love to know whether or not their messages reach real live people. Why? Well, it tells them that the email address they’re using is real and that it reaches a person who apparently reads their content. Knowing that an email address is real means that spammers target more spam at it.

There are three primary ways spammers can tell whether or not you looked at their message.

Fortunately, all three are in your control.

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Lessons from a Fall

Some tech takeaways from my recent experience.

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An injury turned everyday tech into a lifeline and exposed a few surprises. From what worked to what failed, I'll share my experience so you can be a little better prepared when life throws you an inevitable curveball.
a first-person view of a laptop being used on the lap of an individual in a hospital bed
(Image: ChatGPT)

While recovering from my fall a few months ago — both my week in the hospital as well as my recovery at home — I naturally made heavy use of technology. It’s who I am, after all.

Interestingly, there were things that worked, things that didn’t live up to my expectations, and things that cropped up that were completely unexpected.

It’s a fairly random list, but it can help us all be better prepared for when (not if) something comes up.

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How Do I Get Rid of Copilot Everywhere?

Microsoft is pushing, so we push back.

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Copilot popping up everywhere? I'll show you how much of it you can disable or hide.
The Copilot app in Windows 11.
The Copilot app in Windows 11. Click for larger image. (Screenshot: askleo.com)
Question: I DON’T WANT COPILOT! And yet Microsoft is cramming it down my throat in Windows, in Office, in Edge, and … it’s even in Notepad now! How do I make it go away?

Yes, Microsoft is pushing Copilot hard, and they’re not being subtle about it. Not at all.

Unfortunately, while it’s branded as a single feature, there are as many places to disable or hide Copilot as there are places it shows up. Can you get rid of it? Well, kind of, but not really. Can you hide it? Well, that depends on which of Copilot’s many heads you’re talking about.

Let’s go Copilot hunting.

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How Do I Decrypt Files Encrypted by Ransomware?

Unless you are either lucky or prepared, your options are few.

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Prevention and preparation are the best solutions to ransomware.
a computer screen with a ransomware warning
Sadly, it’s never cookies. (Image: Gemini)
Question: … some of my files are gone, saying they have been encrypted with a public key. Files like my photos and so on. Of course, they have a high fee in order for me to get them back. Do you have a solution?

My morning email brought this question from a friend.

While there are a few straws to grasp at, the odds are not good. The whole point of ransomware is that there’s no easy way to undo the damage. If there were, ransomware wouldn’t be a thing.

I’ll look at the few options you have, and more importantly, how prevention can give you peace of mind.

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Can You Recommend a Cordless Keyboard and Mouse?

Yes, but not exactly.

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Tired of keyboards that fail too soon or slow you down? I’ll share what I think matters when choosing a keyboard and mouse, what I do, and why “wireless” may not be your friend.
an individual typing/pounding hard on a computer keyboard
(Image: Gemini)
Question: Do you have any suggestions on a cordless keyboard and mouse that is under $100?? I can’t even believe how many keyboards I have gone through that wind up slowing me down and then stop working, particularly the space bar and shift key with capitalizing.

Maybe.

I’ll share two approaches to keyboard and mouse selection — and why at least one aspect of your request is something I’d advise you to avoid.

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