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What Security Software Do You Recommend? (2025 Q3 update)My updated guide cuts through the hype with four no-nonsense steps to keep your PC safe. Learn what works, what to avoid, and how to stay secure without overspending or overcomplicating.2025-09-01 - #3517 |
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Why Does Email I Send Fail But a Reply Works?If sending an email bounces but replying works, the culprit is usually a wrong address hiding in plain sight. Learn how display names, typos, and auto-complete can fool you, and how to fix the problem so your messages get through every time.2025-08-30 - #117124 |
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Does Installing Lots of Programs Really Mess Up Your PC?Worried that too many apps will wreck your PC? Learn the real risks, how “software rot” happens, why portable apps aren’t always harmless, and why backups are your best defense.2025-08-29 - #6406 |
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How to Safely Change Two-factor AuthenticationChanging two-factor authentication apps isn’t hard, but doing it incorrectly can lock you out of your accounts. Here’s a safe step-by-step approach to make the switch smoothly, protect your access, and keep your accounts secure.2025-08-28 - #183865 |
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How to Transfer Your Email From a PST to Thunderbird for FreeSwitching from Outlook (classic) to Thunderbird? You don’t need to buy tools. With a little time and a free email account, you can move your messages yourself. I’ll walk you through the steps to transfer your email safely and reliably.2025-08-27 - #183844 |
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Can’t I Just Copy Everything to Back Up?Just copying your entire drive is not a safe backup, Learn why a real backup program is safer, faster, and more reliable when disaster strikes.2025-08-25 - #3117 |
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No Extension? No Problem: How to Identify Almost Any File TypeGot a mystery file with no extension or an ambiguous one? You may be able to uncover what it is by checking its signature. I’ll show you how to peek inside with a free tool and match the clues to known formats.2025-08-23 - #183497 |
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Why Doesn’t Someone Simplify Computers For Seniors?Tired of feeling left behind by today’s tech? It’s not your fault. I'll look at why computers aren’t getting any simpler, what basic devices exist, and how the right attitude and support can make all the difference.2025-08-22 - #183335 |
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Should I Still Avoid Standard Folders If I’m Not Using OneDrive?Even if you avoid OneDrive, using standard Windows folders might not be as safe as you think. Microsoft’s been known to make changes you didn’t ask for. I’ll explain why I don’t trust those folders or Microsoft, and what I do instead to keep my stuff organized and safe.2025-08-21 - #183327 |
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How to Save or Recover Your BitLocker Recovery KeyBitLocker could be running on your PC without your knowledge. Without the recovery key, you risk losing everything. I'll show you three ways to check, find, and save your key.2025-08-20 - #136189 |
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Are There Hidden Files that Save Every Keystroke I’ve Ever Typed?Worried your computer is secretly saving everything you type? It’s not. While there are hidden files and places keystrokes can live temporarily, there’s no master file of your entire typing history (unless malware is involved). Learn what’s real, what’s myth, and how to truly erase your data.2025-08-18 - #3041 |
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Prepare to Lose Your PhoneYour phone holds the keys to your digital life. If it’s lost or stolen, things can get messy fast. I'll show you simple steps like locking, tracking, and backing up that protect your data and give you peace of mind before the worst happens.2025-08-16 - #183055 |
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Why Do We Suddenly Need AI?AI might feel sudden and overwhelming, but it’s not the first fast-moving, world-changing technology we’ve faced. I'll compare AI to the rise of the automobile and explore why understanding and engaging with AI, rather than dismissing it, is probably the smartest move we can make.2025-08-15 - #183047 |
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Do I Need a Spare Computer?I'll help you decide if having a spare computer makes sense, what your backup options are, and how to prepare without spending more than you need to. Peace of mind might be easier than you think.2025-08-14 - #183029 |
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Is It OK to Reuse Passwords on “Unimportant” Sites?Reusing passwords on sites you don’t care about might feel harmless, but it still can open the door to bigger problems. I’ll look at why even “unimportant” accounts matter more than you think, the risks of cutting corners, and simple ways to stay safe.2025-08-13 - #182907 |
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Is Copyright Still an Issue If Something’s Not Available Anywhere?Just because something’s old or unavailable doesn’t mean you can make copies of it. I'll explain why copyright still matters, how technology complicates things, and what you need to know before making that backup or download. It’s simpler and more important than you might think, even if you don't like the answer.2025-08-11 - #4432 |
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Two-Factor Might Be Hackable. USE IT ANYWAY!Another scare about two-factor authentication being hackable? DO NOT let that stop you from using it.2025-08-09 - #69599 |
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Where Should I Put .EXE Files?Where do you store an .exe file so it works best? I'll break down your options and show you the smart, safe ways to store and use portable programs on your PC.2025-08-08 - #182872 |
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What’s the Difference Between Google Docs and Microsoft Office 365?Choosing between Google Docs and Microsoft 365? They look similar, but there are differences in cost, features, and how they work. I’ll help you decide which fits your needs best.2025-08-07 - #182833 |
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Faking Reality: How AI Images Are Being Used to Scam YouScammers take advantage of AI's ability to create fake photos that look very real. From phony images of your car to completely made-up situations, it’s easier than ever to be fooled. Learn how they're made, why they’re dangerous, and what you need to do to protect yourself.2025-08-06 - #182823 |
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Do I Need a New Email Address if Mine Is Involved in a Breach?Was your email exposed in a data breach? Don’t rush to get a new address. I'll discuss what really matters, like strong passwords, staying alert, and simple steps to keep your account secure.2025-08-04 - #72170 |
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How to Protect Your Cloud Storage and Backups from RansomwareDo you worry that ransomware might lock up more than your files? It can. I'll show you how to better protect your cloud storage and backups using tools like Macrium Reflect, OneDrive, and Dropbox. Even if malware strikes, you’ve got a way to recover.2025-08-02 - #88362 |
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Too Old for Tech? Nonsense.Think you're too old? You're not. It's not your age; it's a plethora of other things, ranging from society's expectations to bad software design, waging war on your self-confidence. Let me show you why you’re more capable than you think.2025-08-01 - #182687 |
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Romance Scams: When Loneliness Makes Us VulnerableLoneliness can leave us vulnerable, and scammers know it. I'll cover how romance scams work, the tactics scammers use to build trust and steal thousands, and the red flags to watch for, both for yourself and your loved ones. If you think it can't happen to you, think again.2025-07-31 - #182646 |
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Changes for Ask Leo!Changes are coming to Ask Leo!, including the removal of outside ads. I’ll explain why this (very) scary step is necessary, how search engines and AI are changing the game, what it means for the future of the site, and how you can help.2025-07-30 - #182543 |
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Who Polices Misleading Advertising?Online advertising is the equivalent to the wild west. Advertisers use every technique they can get away with to get attention and sales. I'll review what you can do about it and what steps I'm taking as a website owner.2025-07-28 - #14274 |
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Why Disabling Remote Access Doesn’t, and What to Do InsteadTurning off remote access in Windows might feel safe, but it doesn’t block the kind of access scammers use. I’ll show you why those settings aren’t enough, how remote scams really work, and what simple habits will actually keep your computer secure.2025-07-25 - #82397 |
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How Can an Employer Recover Information I’ve Erased?Think clearing your browser or deleting files keeps your work computer activity private? Nope. I’ll walk you through the ways employers can recover or track what you’ve done, sometimes even after you’ve “erased” it, and why you should always assume they’re watching.2025-07-25 - #67556 |
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Why Does Edge Have So Many Processes?Dozens of Edge processes in Task Manager? Not to worry. It’s not a bug, it’s a feature. I’ll show you why modern browsers split tasks across multiple processes and how it actually helps things run faster, smoother, and more reliably.2025-07-24 - #182416 |
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A Hacker’s Four Favorite Ways to Get YouA security professional shared the top four most successful hacks that compromise business accounts. I'll walk through them and show how they all apply to you and me as well.2025-07-23 - #182405 |
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How Can I Tell If a Website Is Safe?It's important, yet sometimes hard to tell, if a website is safe. You can stack the odds in your favor. I’ll show you simple tools and smart habits to help spot shady sites before they cause trouble, even if there’s no way to always be 100% sure.2025-07-21 - #29503 |
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Why Must I Re-Enter my Email to Unsubscribe?If a website makes you re-enter your email just to unsubscribe, it’s bad design, or worse, a shady tactic. I’ll explain why this happens, what it means, and how to spot when it’s just spam trying to trick you.2025-07-19 - #76661 |
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What Happens When You Close an Email Account?Thinking about closing your email account? You might want to think again. From lost data to unexpected lockouts, and even someone else ending up with your old email address, I’ll walk you through what happens, and why keeping the account might be the smarter move.2025-07-18 - #182315 |
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How to Limit File History Disk UsageFile History doesn’t let you limit how much space it uses, but there’s a workaround. I’ll show you how to partition your drive so File History stays in its lane, protecting both your backups and your disk space.2025-07-17 - #182266 |
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How to Block the Windows 11 Upgrade and Stay on Windows 10Want to stick with Windows 10 and avoid the surprise of waking up to Windows 11? You have options. I’ll show you a simple, free tool that puts you back in control of system updates, keeping Windows 11 at bay until you decide otherwise.2025-07-16 - #177495 |
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What Should I Do About the Latest Breach?Yet. Another. Breach. Don’t panic, I'll walk you through what you really need to do next. From checking if you’ve been exposed to strengthening your account security, it’s all here in simple terms.2025-07-14 - #70298 |
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Searching for a Technical Support Support Phone Number? Avoid This Huge TrapI'll explain why searching for a tech-support phone number is one of the most dangerous steps you can take when you're looking for help.2025-07-12 - #22072 |
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How Do I Convert a GPT Disk to MBR?Current partition style won't work? I'll walk you through what that means and two ways to convert between GPT and MBR partition styles.2025-07-11 - #182116 |
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Could Someone Reopen My Closed Email Account?Closing or abandoning an email account can have unexpected and perhaps unwanted side effects. I'll explain what those are and what options you have.2025-07-11 - #2991 |
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How to Share Two-Factor With Another PersonTwo factor authentication is one of the most important things you can set up to protect your accounts. Even so, it's possible to share certain 2FA types with multiple authorized people. I'll show you how I do it.2025-07-10 - #182150 |
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Should You Sign Up for Extended Security Updates (ESU) for Windows 10?I'll review the security protection for Windows 10 beyond its official end-of-support date: what it means, pros and cons, and what we know about how to get it -- perhaps even for free.2025-07-09 - #175852 |
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How to Run a Full Scan Using Windows SecurityHere's my step-by-step guide on how to run a complete malware scan using Windows 10 and 11's built-in Windows Security.2025-07-05 - #124848 |
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Don’t Rely on the Padlock: What the Lock Icon in Your Browser Really MeansHttps is important, but now that it's ubiquitous it's not really protecting you as much as you might think. I'll explain what I mean and why that is.2025-07-04 - #181818 |
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Does Getting Bounces to Email I Didn’t Send Mean I’ve Been Hacked?Email bounces from messages you didn't send can be disconcerting. I'll explain what's happening, why you probably don't need to worry, and what steps you might take anyway.2025-07-03 - #181786 |
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Two-Factor Authentication: It’s Not as Complicated as You ThinkThere are some persistent myths about two-factor authentication that stop people from adopting it. I'll clear them up so you can use this simple yet powerful security feature with confidence.2025-07-02 - #181875 |
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How to Get Data Off a Hard Drive in a Dead ComputerExtracting data from a hard drive in a dead computer shouldn't be too difficult (unless it's the drive itself that caused the problem). I'll walk you through some of the options and steps you can take.2025-06-30 - #4684 |
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Core vs. Logical Processors: What Really Powers Your CPU?Your computer's CPU is a complex piece of circuitry trying to maximize how much it can do and how quickly it can do it. I'll outline one of the techniques that makes a single CPU core look like two.2025-06-28 - #181771 |
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What Happens If You Click a Bad Link?Accidentally clicking a malicious link might be benign if you catch it soon enough. I'll review what makes the difference, and what steps you need to take next.2025-06-27 - #132182 |
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How to Extract Text with Text ExtractorCopying text from error messages or images can be difficult. OCR tools like Text Extractor make it easy. I'll show you how.2025-06-26 - #181690 |
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Where Are My OneDrive Files?What OneDrive does with your files can be both frustrating and confusing. I'll walk through two important issues: what's really on your computer (or not) and the impact of using OneDrive's horrid backup "feature".2025-06-25 - #181727 |
