Most Recent Entries

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What’s Better, NAS or Cloud Storage?

NAS or cloud? Each has real strengths and real risks, and a recent story about a broadcaster losing 50TB of archives shows what can go wrong. I'll detail pros and cons for each and show how combining both keeps your data safer than relying on just one.
2026-09-02 - #195499

What Security Software Do You Recommend? (2026 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.
2026-08-31 - #3517

How Do I Fix Windows Update?

Windows Update can get stuck, and it's rarely obvious why. I'll walk you through Microsoft's troubleshooter, and provide a full manual reset using command line tools, so you can get your updates flowing again.
2026-08-29 - #21798

Facebook Hacked? What You Need to Do NOW!

Facebook account hacks happen. Here's how to recover access, lock down your password and recovery info, warn your friends, and protect yourself from it happening again.
2026-08-28 - #7708

How Do I Make Sure I Don’t Have Malware?

The hard truth is that you can never fully prove your computer is malware free... but you can still stack the odds in your favor. I'll discuss why, the habits that keep you safer online, and what to do if something slips through.
2026-08-27 - #44103

How Often Should I Scan My Computer for Malware?

Find out when a manual scan makes sense, and how often you should run one for peace of mind.
2026-08-26 - #195348

Will Ransomware Encrypt Backups?

Worried that ransomware could sneak past your defenses and encrypt your backups? Most ransomware won't, but it's not impossible. I'll discuss how ransomware picks its targets, why your backup image files are usually safe, and one simple habit to keep your files protected.
2026-08-24 - #21259

Where Do I Get Driver Updates?

I'll explain when driver updates matter, why most scanning tools aren't worth your trust, and where to find real updates when you truly need them.
2026-08-22 - #4487

Why ANY Two-Factor Is Better Than No Two-Factor

You may have heard that hackers can sometimes beat two-factor authentication. It's true, but that doesn't make it useless. I'll describe how each type of two-factor works, which ones hackers can trick, and why skipping 2FA is still the riskiest choice of all.
2026-08-21 - #70786

Why You — Yes, You — Are a Target of Hackers

Every online account you own is valuable to criminals looking to steal your identity, spread malware, or empty your accounts. Here's why you're a target no matter what, and how to protect yourself before it's too late.
2026-08-20 - #153830

Clickfix: What It Is and How to Avoid It

ClickFix is a scam that turns a simple "prove you're human" (or other fake message) pop-up into a malware trap, using your own keystrokes to install it. I'll discuss how it works, where you'll find it, and the one red flag that gives it away every time.
2026-08-19 - #195093

Why Did My Security Software Not Detect a Virus on My PC?

Malware can slip past even a good antivirus program. Using my silliest metaphor yet, I'll explain vulnerabilities, exploits, and what actually keeps you safe. Learn how infections happen and what you can do about it.
2026-08-17 - #6276

The Easy-to-Avoid Two-Factor Loss Risk

Two-factor authentication keeps your accounts safe, but what happens if you lose your phone or key fob? I'll walk you through what you need to do now so you never need to worry about being locked out later.
2026-08-15 - #17345

Your 6 Strongest Practical Password Techniques, Ranked

Not all passwords are created equal. Some resist hackers for centuries; others fall in seconds. I'll rank six password techniques from strongest to weakest, including one horrible password I still remember from 45 years ago, and how even that can be made secure.
2026-08-14 - #132876

How Do I Make Sure Windows is Really, Completely Up to Date?

Windows Update usually keeps your PC current, but not always right away. I'll show you how to check for updates until none are left, so you can be confident your Windows computer is as up to date as it can be.
2026-08-13 - #132414

Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices for Sharing Links

Sharing a link seems simple, but some methods create long, broken, or trackable URLs. I'll show you how to copy clean links, strip out tracking codes, shorten long URLs, link to a highlight or video moment, and check that the link will work.
2026-08-12 - #195019

How to Avoid Ransomware

Ransomware can lock up every file on your computer and hold it hostage until you pay. I'll discuss defenses that work, why backups are your best insurance, and why you should never, ever pay the ransom.
2026-08-10 - #6232

Is Using the Cloud Safe?

Is the cloud really dangerous, or is that just a lack of understanding? I'll break down what "the cloud" actually is, why it's no riskier than email or online banking, and the simple habits that keep your data safe no matter where it lives.
2026-08-08 - #5701

A One-Step Way to Lose Your Account Forever

Most people who lose an account never get it back, and it's usually their own fault. I'll discuss why alternate email addresses and phone numbers are the key to account recovery, and the habit most people forget that locks them out for good.
2026-08-07 - #15584

Why Ask Why?

Wonder why software makers make the choices they do? Me too. But asking "why" rarely brings relief... except in one case.
2026-08-06 - #13312

How Do I Change My Windows PIN?

Changing your Windows sign-in PIN isn't a setting in your Microsoft account; it's set on each device. I'll show you where to find it, why a PIN is safer than you might think, and when you should change it.
2026-08-05 - #194704

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t Trust Your Ears

From 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

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

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

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

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

The Biggest Risk to Your Privacy, Revealed

We 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

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

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

Windows 10 Extended Support Extended

Good 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

Stop Spreading Manure

Believing 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

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

How to Use Cloud Storage Safely

Your 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

More Tips to Protect Yourself from AI Scams

AI 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

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

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