Simple Tech Tips for Home Computer Users
Windows, Mac, and mobile tech support – networking – Internet safety – consumer technology
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
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
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
When it comes to computer viruses and security, don't be lulled into complacency just because you have a Mac. I've been supporting Macs for decades and I can assure you, Mac users need to be just as aware of scams, fake apps, and other Internet dangers as their Windows counterparts. It is essential that you … Continue reading Security Basics For Mac Users
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
If you’ve ever suffered from slow WiFi, you’re not alone. But there are a number of easy things you can do to try to speed up your wireless network. The most common wireless problem I encounter is poor access point placement. Wireless access points should be placed as high as possible, such as on a bookshelf, and away … Continue reading Ways To Improve Your Wireless Network Signal
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
