Simple Tech Tips for Home Computer Users
Windows, Mac, and mobile tech support – networking – Internet safety – consumer technology
When was the last time you sanitized your computer, phone, or gaming controller? For frequently-used electronics, daily cleaning and sanitizing is a must. Here’s how to get started. There are cleaning products specifically designed for electronics. Some people use a small amount of rubbing alcohol instead, or a touch of environmentally-friendly all-purpose cleaner. Avoid bleaches … Continue reading How to Clean and Sanitize Your Electronics
Need help organizing your email? Many people store all of their messages in their inboxes, but this can be unwieldy. By creating folders and using rules to divide your messages between those folders, you can quickly organize even the most chaotic inbox. Another way to keep email from getting out of control is to pick … Continue reading How to Organize Your Email Like A Pro
If there's one thing you do for your own computer safety, please, use strong, unique passwords! Doing so decreases your chances of suffering virus infection, account hijacking, identity theft, and even financial fraud. People continually re-use passwords, or create weak passwords, or don't change the default passwords on important devices like routers and smart home gadgets. … Continue reading How To Create Strong Passwords (2020 Edition)
You shouldn't leave old electronics sitting around, and you certainly shouldn’t put them in the trash. Here’s how to dispose of your old computer, tablet, or phone in a responsible manner. E-waste is a terrible problem. As consumers, it’s our responsibility to minimize the environmental impact of the technology we use. Selling, donating, and recycling … Continue reading How to Sell, Donate, or Recycle Your Old Computers, Tablets, and Phones
A few weeks ago, the graphics card on my PC finally gave up the ghost. What should have been a simple replacement turned into a frustrating example of bureaucratic nonsense. My old card was an AMD Radeon R9 390. Decent for its time, and I would have kept using it if it hadn’t decided to … Continue reading Tech Facepalm: Why Does AMD Make Graphics Drivers For Windows 7 and Windows 10, But Not For Windows 8.1?
What do you do when your computer manufacturer announces a hardware recall? There are several steps you can take to find out the details and protect your data during the repair process. Most major hardware recalls are announced by the manufacturer. That’s particularly true if the recall involves battery or power cord problems, because of … Continue reading How to Handle Computer Hardware Recalls
There’s been a lot of talk lately about “sharenting,” or parents oversharing information about their children on the Internet. Some parents believe they should be able to share their parenting experience as they see fit. But many children, as they grow older and realize the plethora of information that their parents have posted about them, … Continue reading The Risks Of Sharenting: When Parents Post Too Much About Their Kids Online (And How To Share Safely)
If you run Windows 7, you may have noticed a message on your computer recommending that you upgrade to Windows 10. That’s not just Microsoft shilling for more money. Older operating systems pose a greater risk to consumers, because they are more vulnerable to modern viruses and malware. I strongly recommend that you upgrade to … Continue reading Why You Should Upgrade Your Old Version Of Windows
Windows users face a plethora of viruses and malware, but the problem can be minimized with a few simple steps. As with any computer, the best defense for Windows users is prevention, including reliable backups and solid security software. Equally important, use strong unique passwords and learn how to recognize and avoid common Internet threats. … Continue reading Security Basics For Windows Users
Talking with your child about Internet safety can seem overwhelming, but there are some excellent resources available to help. Remember, protecting your kids online starts with protecting your computer from viruses and malware. Teach your kids to use strong, unique passwords, and to avoid oversharing photos and personal information. Monitor the sites your kids visit … Continue reading Internet Safety For Parents and Kids
Simple Tech Tips for Home Computer Users 