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My Email Is Hacked. How Do I Fix It?Getting locked out of your own email is scary, and the fallout can spread to your bank, social media, and contacts. I'll walk you through the steps to take right now: recovering your account, locking it down, and protecting everything connected to it.2026-08-03 - #5415 |
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I Got a Pop-Up Virus Warning. Is My Computer Infected?A big pop-up that claims your computer is infected and pushes a specific download cleanup tool can be scary. I'll show why these warnings almost always come from a website, not your PC, and what steps will keep you safe from real threats.2026-08-01 - #3107 |
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My Machine’s Full of Malware; Should I Get a New Computer?If malware has you ready to give up and buy a new computer, don't. I'll explain why your old one can be completely restored to a malware-free state, using steps to wipe out even the worst infections without spending a dime on new hardware.2026-07-31 - #17067 |
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Is it Safe to Allow Remote Access?Is it safe to allow a tech support company to control your computer from far away? It depends on who they are, how you found them, and whether they called you first. I'll share the one rule you must never violate.2026-07-30 - #3767 |
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How Do I Tell If an Email Was Written by AI?Does that email feel a little off? Maybe AI wrote it, maybe it didn't. I'll discuss why the old warning signs are disappearing and what matters when judging any message.2026-07-29 - #194560 |
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Why Is It So Important to Have Different Passwords on Different Accounts?Using one password for every account doesn't save time; it adds risk. Hackers count on you doing it. I'll show you why a single stolen password can unlock your email, your bank, and everything else, and share the easy way to use strong, different password on every site without having to remember them all.2026-07-27 - #4931 |
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Don’t Trust Your EarsFrom just a few minutes of audio, AI can clone a voice well enough to fool people who know that voice well. I'll share real examples, explain how easy it is to do, and share tips for staying alert as this technology keeps improving.2026-07-25 - #154821 |
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How Do I Find Good Local Computer Help?Do you need someone to physically look at your computer but don't know who to trust? I'll walk you through smart ways to find local help you can count on, from asking around to reading reviews. Also, why the big chain stores are a gamble.2026-07-24 - #25661 |
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How Do I Run a Full Scan Using Windows Defender?If you're worried your computer might have malware, running a full scan with Windows Security is one of the best ways to check. I'll walk you through updating, launching, and completing a full scan, plus explain why it's not a guaranteed fix on its own.2026-07-23 - #139376 |
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Do Data Removal Services Work?Data removal services promise to erase your personal information from the internet. Can they? I'll break down how these services work, where they succeed, where they fall short, and what that means for protecting yourself once your data is out there. (Spoiler: it's already out there.)2026-07-22 - #194334 |
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How Long Should a Password Be?The old advice was eight characters, including uppercase, lowercase, digits, and symbols. Modern computers can crack those passwords in hours. I'll describe why length matters more than anything and how long your passwords really need to be.2026-07-20 - #4844 |
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The Biggest Risk to Your Privacy, RevealedWe worry a lot about privacy, but our concerns are often misplaced. The biggest risk to our personal privacy is right under our nose -- and that's good.2026-07-18 - #27036 |
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Can Hotel Internet Traffic Be Sniffed?Hotel internet isn't necessarily private. Wired or wireless, it's as exposed as any open hotspot, and the people running it can watch what you do. I'll describe why hotel networks are risky and list the steps that keep your activity safe wherever you connect.2026-07-17 - #3291 |
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How Can I Tell If a Download Is Safe?How do you know that download you want is safe? Before you run it, I'll show you how to scan it, when to trust the results, and the simple habits that keep malware off your machine for good.2026-07-16 - #74029 |
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Windows 10 Extended Support ExtendedGood news for Windows 10 holdouts: Microsoft quietly extended its Extended Security Updates program by another year. Here's what changed, why Microsoft may have done it, and what you need to do next (spoiler: probably nothing).2026-07-15 - #194043 |
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Stop Spreading ManureBelieving and spreading manure -- lies, falsehoods, and misleading implications -- makes you look bad and makes the internet a dumber place. Become more skeptical, even of things you agree with.2026-07-13 - #9419 |
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Will Using an On-Screen Keyboard Stop Keyloggers?I'll explain how keyloggers work, why a virtual keyboard doesn't help, and how to keep your typing safe.2026-07-11 - #3617 |
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How to Use Cloud Storage SafelyYour files are in OneDrive, so are they backed up? Not necessarily. Cloud storage and cloud backup are not the same thing, and confusing the two can cost you everything. I'll give you four simple rules that keep your files safe.2026-07-10 - #16362 |
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More Tips to Protect Yourself from AI ScamsAI has entered the chat. And the email. And the voice call. And the video. It's making scams even harder to detect.2026-07-09 - #176909 |
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How Do I Turn Off BitLocker? What Happens If I Do?BitLocker encrypted your drive, intentionally or otherwise, but now you want it gone. Turning it off is easy whether you run Windows Home or Pro. I'll walk you through both, explain what you're giving up, and remind you why saving that recovery key matters.2026-07-08 - #27841 |
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How Do I Test Backups?Your backup software says everything's there, but is it? Too many discover the truth only after disaster strikes. I'll walk you through practical, low-risk ways to test your backups so you can trust that your files will really be there when you need 'em.2026-07-06 - #14556 |
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How to Remove PUPs and Other Unexpected Things From Your ComputerUnwanted toolbars, extensions, and other junk software can sneak onto your computer when you install something else. I'll walk you through removing these so called PUPs step by step, plus how to keep them out for good.2026-07-04 - #14152 |
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Just What Is Common Sense?Everyone says to use common sense online, but what does that mean? I'll show you how to use to spot scams, dodge bad advice, and decide what's trustworthy.2026-07-03 - #16473 |
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Setting up Windows 11 for PrivacyWhen you install Windows 11, you have the chance to influence what information it collects about you. I'll show you which setup screens matter, which settings to turn off, and the one backup offer you should always refuse.2026-07-02 - #193851 |
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To Capitalize or not to Capitalize? That Is the Question.Is LEO different than leo? That's a definite sometimes. I'll break down when case matters for email addresses, web addresses, filenames, and passwords, with opinions on what to use when.2026-07-01 - #193828 |
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12 Steps to Keep from Getting Your Account HackedHere are 12 practical steps to take about passwords, two-factor authentication, recovery options, and the skeptical habits that keep hackers out. Set them up *before* you need them, and you'll never have to start over.2026-06-29 - #2641 |
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How to Back Up WindowsDon’t risk losing everything! I’ll show you how to back up Windows step by step, using free tools you already have. Protect your files, photos, and memories so you’re ready when, not if, disaster strikes.2026-06-27 - #30103 |
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How to Protect Data on a LaptopLaptops get lost and stolen all the time, and a password alone will not protect what is on yours. I'll cover four steps that lock down your data plus a real story about what can go wrong.2026-06-26 - #123964 |
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How Do I Remove Malware from Windows?I'll walk you through the steps to clean an infected computer, from backups and full scans to the one method guaranteed to work... plus how to avoid the whole mess next time.2026-06-25 - #3811 |
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Is Google Forcing Everyone Into AI Search?With AI Mode, ads, and AI summaries crowding the page, it's getting hard to find real search results. I'll break down what Google is really doing, how it compares to ChatGPT, Kagi, and DuckDuckGo, and what to watch for.2026-06-24 - #193528 |
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If It’s All Digital, Won’t You Lose It Anyway?Can digital photos and files really be lost forever? Yes, but it's almost always easily avoidable. I'll describe two simple habits that keep your precious files safe for decades, perhaps even centuries, to come.2026-06-22 - #10784 |
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You’re Just Not That Interesting (Except When You Are)If you're worried about being tracked online, you may be stressing over the wrong things. I'll describe two kinds of privacy, why companies don't really care about you as a person, and the choices that can protect you today and years from now.2026-06-20 - #22674 |
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How Do I Use an Open Wi-Fi Hotspot Safely?Open Wi-Fi hotspots at coffee shops and other public places are opportunities for hackers. I'll review how to stay safe.2026-06-19 - #4790 |
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8 Steps to Securing Your RouterMany routers arrive with weak default settings that could put your whole network at risk. I'll share eight simple steps to lock it down, plus two popular tricks that feel safe but do nothing at all.2026-06-18 - #11107 |
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Common Cloud Objections: Yes, They Can See Your Data. No, You Shouldn’t Panic.Many people fear their files stored in the cloud get scanned, stolen, or used to train AI. I'll break down the most common objections and share how easy it is to keep your data private.2026-06-17 - #193269 |
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It Pays to Be SkepticalA pop-up says malware was found. An email claims your package couldn't be delivered. A caller insists they're from Microsoft. Here's one simple skill to keep you and your technology safe.2026-06-15 - #21535 |
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Why Is “Back Up First” Your Recommendation for Everything?Why do I recommend backing up before almost everything? A complete system image backup is much more than lost-file insurance. It's the closest thing to a silver security bullet for your computer.2026-06-13 - #33048 |
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If It’s in Only One Place, It’s Not Backed UpAn external drive stopped working, and important files lived on it. One simple habit can keep you from ever facing loss like this.2026-06-12 - #16572 |
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Please Set Up and Maintain Account Recovery InformationLocked out of an account for good? It happens more often than you think, and it's almost always avoidable. I'll explain the steps you can take today to make sure you're never permanently shut out.2026-06-11 - #149957 |
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How Do I Stop Spam?Drowning in 300 junk emails a day? You can't stop spam completely, but you don't have to suffer, either. I'll cover why blocking and unsubscribing make things worse, and share one simple habit that trains your inbox to clean itself.2026-06-10 - #5979 |
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Am I Sending Spam?Wondering why your promo emails go unanswered? There is a good chance they are going straight into spam folders. I'll describe three things that make your emails look like spam, and what you can do to fix them.2026-06-08 - #18468 |
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You Can’t Un-Ring a Bell: What Really Happens to Your Data When You Post Anything OnlineThe moment you hit Post, copies of what you shared start spreading. Marking it private won't stop it. Deleting it won't fix it. I'll describe what happens to everything you put online, and why it matters.2026-06-06 - #24288 |
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Why Won’t My Computer Wake Up From Sleep?Your computer goes to sleep just fine, but waking it up? Sometimes it comes back without a hitch. Other times, the screen stays dark and nothing works. I'll discuss why sleep mode can be unreliable and what you can do about it.2026-06-05 - #14677 |
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Your Password May Not Be Used to Encrypt Your Data, and That’s OkayThere's a surprising and counterintuitive technique related to how some encryption tools work: your password is not what locks your data. I'll describe what keeps your data secure and why changing your password doesn't always mean re-encrypting all your data.2026-06-04 - #75685 |
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End-to-End Encryption Was Removed From Instagram. Should You Care?Instagram just killed its encrypted DMs. But here's the real story: most people never had it turned on to begin with. If you care about keeping your conversations private, I'll share which apps I recommend.2026-06-03 - #192475 |
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How Do I Update Drivers on My Computer?Device drivers are behind-the-scenes software that make your hardware work. I'll discuss the right way to update drivers and explain why to avoid driver update services.2026-06-01 - #3084 |
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Yes, You Can Use the Cloud Safely — Here’s HowCloud storage is one of the most useful tools around, but it brings two real risks along for the ride.2026-05-30 - #128296 |
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How Do I Secure a Hard Drive Before Sending It in for Repair?When your computer goes to the shop, can you trust a stranger with your personal files? I'll share how to keep your data safe before handing your machine over, and what your options are when it's too late.2026-05-29 - #17773 |
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How Do I Change My Router’s Password?Your router's default password might as well be no password at all. Changing it is an important step you can take to secure your home network. I'll show you how to find your router's settings and lock it down with a strong password.2026-05-28 - #130435 |
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Mythos About MythosA new AI just found thousands of security vulnerabilities in nearly every major operating system, and its maker decided the world wasn't ready for it. What does that mean for you?2026-05-27 - #192235 |
