Simple Tech Tips for Home Computer Users
Windows, Mac, and mobile tech support – networking – Internet safety – consumer technology
It's more important than ever to make sure you're using strong, unique passwords. Passwords are one of your main defenses against computer viruses, account hijacking, and other Internet threats. No doubt you've heard the many news stories of tech companies who have lost customer data. Some of these incidents were caused by hackers, others may … Continue reading How To Create Strong Passwords (2019 Edition)
A ransomware worm is rapidly taking over computers around the world. Here’s what you need to know to protect your computers and networks. This particular worm, known by several names including WannaCry and WCry, is a type of computer virus called ransomware. Ransomware, as regular Tech Tips readers know, is especially nasty because it hijacks … Continue reading Ransomware Spreads Across The Globe: How To Protect Your Computer
Does your Windows or Mac computer seem to get slower every day? Try these seven techniques to speed up your system. Reboot your computer Most people know that rebooting can fix computer problems. What you may not know is that turning off the power by shutting down (called a cold boot) does a better job … Continue reading Seven Ways To Fix A Slow Computer
We all need to take responsibility for disposing of our old computers properly. Instead of throwing out old electronics, please consider reusing, donating, or recycling them. Old computers can have a lot of life left, especially if the hardware is good. However, if the computer can’t run current antivirus or software updates, it’s not suitable for reuse. Many people … Continue reading How To Prepare Your Computer For Reuse, Recycling, Or Donation
Every computer needs a tune-up now and then. Unfortunately computer viruses often disguise themselves as cleaning programs and other utilities. You think you’re downloading a legitimate program, but you end up infecting your computer instead. Here are some of my favorite bona fide utilities to help you keep your computer in top condition. I’ve included … Continue reading Clean Up Your Computer With These Utilities
Just when you think Microsoft won’t stoop any lower in forcing Windows 10 upgrades on its customers, now they’ve started changing the way your computer behaves in order to trick you into accepting the upgrade. I’m referring to the X or close box in the upper corner of a computer’s dialog window, which is used … Continue reading How To Prevent Or Remove The Windows 10 Upgrade
Microsoft's expiration of their free Windows 10 upgrade has PC users asking: Is it time to upgrade? Many people have delayed upgrading. That is to say, they’ve tried to delay upgrading… but Microsoft’s aggressive marketing tactics have gone from displaying incessant reminders, to downloading gigabytes worth of upgrade files without the user's consent, to performing upgrades in … Continue reading How To Prepare For A Windows 10 Upgrade
With Windows malware on the rise, now seems like a good time for a refresher on basic security advice for Windows users. First, the bad news. If you are using Windows XP or Windows Vista, you need to upgrade as soon as possible for your own safety. Your computer can no longer run current antivirus software, … Continue reading Security Basics For Windows Users
Ransomware is a particularly nasty form of computer virus that encrypts your data, then demands an electronic ransom for the encryption key. Why is ransomware so hazardous, and how can you remove it? Ransomware is vicious because it doesn’t just render your computer unusable. It encrypts all of your files, including those on networked computers, … Continue reading Ransomware: A Dangerous Threat To Your Computer
When was the last time you backed up your computer? If you have automatic backups set, do you check them on a regular basis? Have you ever tested your backups by trying to restore some of your files? It’s not enough to set your backups and forget them. You would not believe the number of … Continue reading How To Back Up Your Computer (For Windows And Mac)
Simple Tech Tips for Home Computer Users 