Articles tagged: Featured
Getting Rid of Bing in Windows Search
We can’t change the search engine used by Windows Search when searching the web, but we can avoid Bing by not having Windows Search search the web at all.
How to Remove PUPs and Other Unexpected Things From Your Computer
Casually installing one download may result in several other things being installed. I’ll review the steps to remove these pesky, problematic, painful, Potentially Unwanted Programs, or PUPs.
Are You Asking Too Much of Your Computer?
It’s very common for our usage and expectations of our computers to grow over time. Unfortunately, that means we’ll eventually run into its limitations.
How Do I Get Rid of Gmail Tabs? How to Regain Control and Find the Email Gmail Might Be Hiding From You
Gmail introduced a tabbed interface to automatically categorize email messages. Since their categorization often misses the mark, let’s turn it off.
Should I Use FAT32 or NTFS on a Flash Drive? The Differences, and a Third Alternative
File systems are commonly formatted as FAT32, NFTS, or exFAT. Which is best for your thumb drive?
What If I Lose My Second Factor?
When you lose your second factor, there are two things to be concerned about: getting into your own account — for which you should be prepared — and someone else having access to your second factor — which isn’t as scary as it sounds.
Why Can’t Online Services Tell Me My Password?
It’s for your own protection, and the result of fascinating mathematical wizardry. And if they can tell you your password? They’re doing security wrong.
What Laptop Would You Buy for $1500? My Choice, and My Recommendation for You
This is a question I generally avoid answering, but I will anyway. The problem is I can’t really tell you what to purchase, since your needs are undoubtedly different than mine.
Can My Work Spy on My Home Computer?
Using a computer at work puts you at their mercy. It’s technically possible your workplace could spy on all your activities.
What to Do With an Old Computer You’ve Been Given – What I Did With Mine
When I’m given an old computer, there are a few things I do for the safety of the original owners, myself, and the planet.
Who’s Trying to Change My Password?
If your account has not actually been hacked, there’s little anyone can do to find out who’s trying to log in as you. But there are steps you can take to protect yourself from would-be hackers and phishing scams.
What’s the Best Registry Cleaner? What to Use and Not
The best registry cleaner is none at all. There may be cases where you want to use one, though, and I’ll review which I’d use and how to use them safely.
Why a Chromebook?
Chromebooks can be a viable alternative for those who do most of their computing online and are looking for a simpler, perhaps more stable, yet powerful device.
What Should I Do When My Information Is Involved in a Breach?
If your account is ever part of a breach, secure it to avoid further risk.
Five Steps to Repair Windows 10 Without Losing Programs
Before you give up and reinstall Windows, try to repair Windows 10 without losing programs.
What are the Internet’s Rules about Free Speech?
Often, when people find their posts or comments removed or altered from websites they visit, they’re quick to claim their right to free speech has been violated. That’s rarely the case.
Can My Workplace See What Else I Do When I Work from Home?
Working from home can be convenient, or even a necessity. Does it open up your other online activity to scrutiny by your company?
Five Steps to Better Security Working from Home
Security threats for people working from home are increasing. I’ll review steps you need to take to keep yourself, your company, and your job safe.
Can Your Video Chat Be Intercepted and Recorded?
Video chat is probably not monitored, but there’s no way to prove that. If that’s too vague for you, then be careful what you do on your computer.
Can Malware Survive If I Reset My PC?
It’s possible for malware to be difficult or nearly impossible to remove. It’s also extremely rare.
How Do I Choose a Good Password?
With occasional security breaches at service providers and rampant email account theft, password security has never been more important. Make sure you choose and use secure passwords.
How Much Can I Trust Information on the Internet?
Information on the internet ranges from truth to fiction to intentional misinformation. It’s important to develop a critical eye towards everything you read.
Picking Up and Setting Up My New Desktop
My new machine was ready! I’ll show you where it came from, and the laundry list of things I did first.
The Results of My Year-Long Laptop Experiment
A year ago, I replaced two laptops and a desktop with a single laptop. It’s time to evaluate the results.
How To Keep Using Windows 7 Safely After Support Ends
Yes, it’ll be possible to keep using Windows 7 after it’s no longer supported. However, doing so safely will depend on you.
Will My Old Computer Run Windows 10?
There are several options to extend the life of an older machine, depending on its capabilities.
2019’s Most Popular Articles
My annual review of which articles got the most attention and generated the most commentary in 2019.
Avoiding Tech Support Scams
What do you do when you suddenly find yourself on the phone with a scammer? Step One: Be Skeptical!
Is Online Banking Safe?
You can bank online safely, as long as you know what to look for and what steps to take.
How To Reduce Your Frustration with Technology
Believe it or not, there’s one change you can make that can dramatically impact how well your technology works for you.
Microsoft, We Deserve Better
Updates to Windows seemingly can’t be trusted, and yet they’re forced on us. Something must change.
Should I Install the Latest Windows 10 Update?
My take on the latest Windows update and your options therein.
On Confidence and Technology
Confident computing: it’s what you can expect, and a reminder to me of what I’m trying to deliver.
Why Haven’t I Received the Latest Windows 10 Update?
The latest major update to Windows 10 has an issue that’s preventing wider rollout. I’ll review what it is, and what to do.
