Be sure to also check out the Best Articles page!
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Backups Are GREAT SecurityDon't overlook backing up as part of your computer security. When the worst happens, it's your backup that will save you.2025-12-22 - #147489 |
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What to Do When Your Outlook.com Storage Is FullMicrosoft changed the free storage allocation for Outlook.com and OneDrive.2025-12-20 - #156094 |
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Will Google Delete Inactive Accounts?Google deletes accounts that are inactive for two years -- including Gmail, Drive, Photos, and even YouTube content. I’ll explain what “inactive” means, how to keep your accounts safe, and why this change could erase important cultural history.2025-12-19 - #157080 |
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Backing Up a New ComputerBacking up your new computer on arrival can be an important safety net. But there are degrees of what's good enough.2025-12-18 - #154141 |
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7 Ways to Increase Internet Speed in WindowsInternet speed: we all want it. Here's how to improve yours.2025-12-17 - #165912 |
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Why I Rarely PanicSo much of we hear about just isn't panic-worthy, even if news reports make it seem like it is.2025-12-15 - #14069 |
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Three Reasons You Can’t Get Your Account BackI hear from people who have lost their accounts permanently way too often. Here's how to avoid being one of them.2025-12-13 - #151447 |
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Do I Really Need a Recovery Email?Alternate email addresses can allow you to regain access to your account if it's hacked or you forget your password.2025-12-12 - #151482 |
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Two Reasons to NOT Reuse PasswordsReusing passwords -- even strong ones -- is risky. If one site gets hacked, attackers try that same password elsewhere. Worse, once exposed, it’s saved bv hackers and reused in future attacks. I’ll discuss why this matters, how to check if your password’s out there, and what to do instead.2025-12-11 - #151962 |
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Are You Afraid of Tracking CookiesCookies are placed on your machine by websites -- often more websites than you realize. We'll review cookies and how third parties use them.2025-12-10 - #3513 |
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What Happens When Applications Die?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.2025-12-08 - #15642 |
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How Do I Print Pictures From Websites so They Look Good?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.2025-12-06 - #45996 |
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Do Complex Passwords Still Matter If You Use 2FA Everywhere?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.2025-12-05 - #187291 |
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Did Microsoft Lie About Windows 10?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.2025-12-04 - #134705 |
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UniGetUI – Keep (Almost) All Your Apps Up to Date AutomaticallyTired 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.2025-12-03 - #187335 |
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Should I Use RAID for Backup?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.2025-12-01 - #4372 |
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The Wrong Way to Change Your Email AddressEmailing 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.2025-11-29 - #22453 |
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Can I Delete Pagefile.sys?Pagefile.sys is the paging file that contains Windows' virtual memory. You can easily remove it, but you need to understand the ramifications.2025-11-28 - #15171 |
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How to Back Up Outlook.com EmailOutlook.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.2025-11-27 - #4483 |
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Scammers’ Three Common LiesScammers' 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.2025-11-26 - #186962 |
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“From” Spoofing: How Spammers Send Email That Looks Like It Came From YouEver get an email from yourself that you didn’t send? You’ve likely been spoofed. I’ll show how spammers fake your address without touching your account at all, why it happens, and what (little) you can do about it.2025-11-24 - #3370 |
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Why I Cringe When I Hear People Are Using ChatGPT to Look Things UpAI 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.2025-11-22 - #186743 |
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Does Whole-disk Encryption Impact Computer Performance?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.2025-11-21 - #97268 |
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Should I Buy My Next Computer in Person or Online?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.2025-11-20 - #186697 |
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My Two New PCsI swapped out two old computers for a pair of tiny but mighty mini-PCs, and I’m impressed. If you’ve ever wondered whether one of these small machines could replace your bulky desktop, this peek behind my setup might surprise you.2025-11-19 - #186688 |
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Why Don’t Anti-Malware Tools Work Better?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.2025-11-17 - #4728 |
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I’ve Lost My Password Vault. What Do I Do?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.2025-11-15 - #39194 |
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How Do I Send an Email to Many People?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.2025-11-14 - #130487 |
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Gmail Is Removing “Check Mail From Other Accounts”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.2025-11-13 - #186261 |
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What Happens If I Don’t Update to Windows 11?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.2025-11-12 - #186512 |
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Why Do System Cleanup Utilities Report So Many Errors on a Supposedly Clean System?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.2025-11-10 - #4971 |
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How Do I Boot If All I Get Is a Blue Screen?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.2025-11-08 - #186121 |
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What Are Those Numbers Labeled MD5, SHA, Etc., Listed With Downloads?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.2025-11-07 - #186132 |
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Command Prompt? Power Shell? Terminal? What’s the Difference? Which Do I Want?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.2025-11-06 - #186097 |
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How What I Do Is Threatened by AIAI 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.2025-11-05 - #186144 |
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Replying to Spammers to Tell Them to StopTempted to hit "reply" and tell spammers to knock it off? Don’t. Here’s why replying makes things worse, and what you can do to keep spam under control.2025-11-03 - #4683 |
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Can I Back Up Files to a Separate Partition on the Same Hard Disk?Thinking of backing up your files to another partition on the same hard drive? Learn how this puts your data at risk and discover smarter, safer ways to back up before disaster strikes.2025-11-01 - #4800 |
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How Do Websites Store Passwords Securely?Not all websites protect your password the same way. Some do it well, others badly, and a few dangerously poorly. I’ll walk through the good, the bad, and the ugly of password storage, and share one simple step you can take to keep your accounts safe.2025-10-31 - #34891 |
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Still Another Way to Install Windows 11 With Only a Local AccountWant Windows 11 without tying it to a Microsoft account? There’s still a way. I’ll walk you through a simple but slow two-step trick. The result: a fresh Windows 11 setup with only a local account... at least until Microsoft closes the door again.2025-10-30 - #185914 |
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How Often Should I Reset My PC?Is your PC slowing down, acting odd, or just feeling old? A full reset might be the fix, but how often should you do it? I’ll share when it makes sense, when it doesn’t, and how to decide if your computer needs a fresh start.2025-10-29 - #185905 |
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What Are the Internet’s Rules About Free Speech?When people find their posts or comments removed or altered from websites they visit, sometimes they claim that their right to free speech has been violated. That's rarely the case.2025-10-27 - #10916 |
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Can the Owner of an Open WiFi Hotspot See What Files I’m Downloading?Internet cafe owners can monitor the activity on open WiFi hotspots. Whether or not they take the time to do it is another story!2025-10-25 - #6191 |
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Are VPNs Safe for Online Banking?Think a VPN makes online banking safer? Banking is already protected by strong encryption, but a VPN adds a twist. I’ll explain what’s really protected, what isn’t, and where the real risks lie when you bank on the go.2025-10-24 - #185700 |
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USB Charging and Cables Explained: Safe and SimpleWith USB-A and USB-C, things have gotten simpler, but not always obvious. I’ll walk you through what cables really do, how devices and chargers “talk,” and why missing charger blocks isn't a big deal.2025-10-23 - #185688 |
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Can My Computer or Signed-In Account Be Hacked from the Internet?Worried that staying signed in leaves you open to hackers? I’ll explain why your router, firewall, and smart habits protect you, what the real risks to your accounts are, and the simple steps you can take to stay safe online.2025-10-22 - #185714 |
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Why Am I Being Labeled a Spammer?Possibly being labeled a spammer is another reason not to forward political and other emails. Do it enough, and your normal email may not get delivered.2025-10-20 - #4783 |
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Do I Need to Make a New Rescue Disc Every Time My Backup Software Updates?Worried you need a new rescue disc every time your backup program updates? Relax. I’ll explain when it matters, why it usually doesn’t, and how you can get one at the last minute.2025-10-18 - #3632 |
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How to Recover Deleted Data from Your Disk — MaybeThink those old files on your hard drive are gone forever? Maybe not. I’ll walk you through what affects your chances of recovery, the tools you can try, and why sometimes, it all comes down to luck.2025-10-17 - #99216 |
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How Do I Fix the Master Boot Record (MBR)?If your computer refuses to start, the problem might be the Master Boot Record (MBR). Fixing it isn’t as scary as it sounds. I’ll show you how to use Windows’ built-in Startup Repair and a couple of handy command-line tools to get your machine running again.2025-10-16 - #104130 |
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I Opened Something I Shouldn’t Have — Now What?Accidentally run or opened something suspicious? We've all done it. I’ll walk you through the options from scans to resets, and consider what to learn from the experience.2025-10-15 - #185401 |
