Simple Tech Tips for Home Computer Users
Windows, Mac, and mobile tech support – networking – Internet safety – consumer technology
If your MacBook’s keys don’t work the way they should, you might have the infamous butterfly keyboard. Here’s how to find out if you’ve gotten stuck with Apple’s lemon of a keyboard design, and where to find repair options. What Is the Mac Butterfly Keyboard?What on earth is a Mac butterfly keyboard? Sadly, it’s not … Continue reading What to Do If You’re Stuck With the Infamous Mac Butterfly Keyboard
Many network problems are preventable with a little routine care. Here are five quick and easy things you can do to keep your network running smoothly. Know Your Network LayoutGet to know your network by taking a picture of your router and its connections. Even better, label those cables so you know what’s supposed to … Continue reading Five Easy Ways to Keep Your Network Up and Running
Fake apps proliferate online, and it’s hard to tell the good apps from the bad. Scammers are getting sneakier by hiding their malicious apps behind the smokescreen of reputable ones. Your garden-variety fake app is typically malware disguised as a fun game or useful utility. Behind the shiny exterior lies code that can steal your … Continue reading When Good Apps Go Bad: How to Avoid Malicious Software
Accidents happen, and eventually you’ll find yourself faced with a spill. Whether you’ve knocked coffee onto your laptop or dumped soda on your phone, here’s what to do. Will a spilled beverage destroy an electronic device? That depends on the beverage and the device. Water on a desktop computer keyboard? No big deal. Can of … Continue reading What to Do If You Spill Liquid on Your Computer or Phone
Tech support scams are a continuing threat to consumers, especially with so many people working from home. Here’s how to avoid them, and how to find real tech support. A tech support scam usually starts with a fake phone call, phishing email, or pop-up ad. Phone calls are an especially popular choice for reaching consumers … Continue reading What You Need to Know About Tech Support Scams
We’re all guilty of ignoring app updates, myself included. But keeping your apps updated not only prevents computer problems, it also helps to protect your data. Updating your apps is an easy way to prevent computer problems before they start. If your app is crashing or causing errors, an update can fix the problem. Features … Continue reading Avoid Computer Problems By Updating Your Apps
Ransomware is a particularly nasty form of computer virus that encrypts your data, then demands payment 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, removable drives, … Continue reading Ransomware: A Dangerous Threat to Your Computer
The necessity of remote learning means families need more computer help than ever. From one parent to another, here are some of my best tech support tips to help you provide a safe and effective home computer environment for your child. One of this year’s challenges is the widespread shortage of some electronics. Web cams … Continue reading Remote Learning: How to Solve Computer Problems and Keep Your Kids Safe Online
You may remember the cheerful chime that used to play when you started your Mac. Well, folks, it’s time to celebrate, because Apple’s bringing back the historic Macintosh startup chime. The Mac chime began as the startup sound for the original 1984 Macintosh. It wasn’t just a marketing trick to show how this amiable-looking beige … Continue reading Let’s Celebrate the Return of the Mac Chime
Ever get the sinking feeling that something's wrong with your computer? Here are ten ways to tell if your computer is infected with a virus, and what to do if it is. Run a virus scanA bit obvious, isn't it? While you're at it, make sure your antivirus program has been updated recently. If you … Continue reading Ten Ways to Tell If Your Computer Has a Virus (And What to Do About It)
