HeroicStories

A VPN can keep your online activity private, especially on open Wi-Fi, but it's not magic. I'll show you what a VPN hides and what it doesn't, so you can decide if it belongs in your security toolkit.

Running out of disk space can be frustrating, especially when you don't know what's eating it up. I'll show you how to track down the culprits with a free tool so you can see exactly where your space is going.

Is pasted text the same as typed text? Usually yes, but not always. Hidden clues, formatting quirks, and even spyware can reveal the difference. Learn when copy/paste is truly invisible, when it's not, and why it matters if you're tempted to take shortcuts.

Your video chats are usually private and encrypted, but nothing is foolproof. The real risk isn't hackers; it's the person on the other end, who can record everything. Learn why interception is rare, where the real danger lies, and the one rule to follow if you're unsure.

AI or search engine? Both promise answers, but in very different ways. From accuracy and freshness to bias and even energy use, each has trade-offs you need to know. Before you pick one over the other, find out why the smartest choice might be both.

Leaving a job and worried about what's on your work computer? From browser history to email accounts, traces of you remain. Learn what you can (and can't) erase, and the smartest way to protect your privacy before you walk out the door.

Worried a reset won't wipe out malware? While it's technically possible for some infections to survive, it's extremely rare. Learn where malware can hide, which reset options are safest, and the extra steps you can take to ensure a truly clean and secure Windows reinstall.

Spammers want to send email that looks like it's coming from someone who can be trusted. They want it to look like it's coming from you -- and you may end up getting the bounce notifications.

Here's what really happens when you delete a file and how to make sure your backups protect you without bringing back things you don't want.

Ever wonder where Windows puts all your stuff? From drives to folders to files, the “normal” Windows hierarchy has a logic, though it's often hidden by shortcuts and misbehaving programs. Here's a look at how it works and how to keep your files organized.

If sending an email bounces but replying works, the culprit is usually a wrong address hiding in plain sight. Learn how display names, typos, and auto-complete can fool you, and how to fix the problem so your messages get through every time.

Worried that too many apps will wreck your PC? Learn the real risks, how “software rot” happens, why portable apps aren't always harmless, and why backups are your best defense.

Changing two-factor authentication apps isn't hard, but doing it incorrectly can lock you out of your accounts. Here's a safe step-by-step approach to make the switch smoothly, protect your access, and keep your accounts secure.

Switching from Outlook (classic) to Thunderbird? You don't need to buy tools. With a little time and a free email account, you can move your messages yourself. I'll walk you through the steps to transfer your email safely and reliably.

Just copying your entire drive is not a safe backup, Learn why a real backup program is safer, faster, and more reliable when disaster strikes.

Got a mystery file with no extension or an ambiguous one? You may be able to uncover what it is by checking its signature. I'll show you how to peek inside with a free tool and match the clues to known formats.

Tired of feeling left behind by today's tech? It's not your fault. I'll look at why computers aren't getting any simpler, what basic devices exist, and how the right attitude and support can make all the difference.

Even if you avoid OneDrive, using standard Windows folders might not be as safe as you think. Microsoft's been known to make changes you didn't ask for. I'll explain why I don't trust those folders or Microsoft, and what I do instead to keep my stuff organized and safe.

BitLocker could be running on your PC without your knowledge. Without the recovery key, you risk losing everything. I'll show you three ways to check, find, and save your key.

Worried your computer is secretly saving everything you type? It's not. While there are hidden files and places keystrokes can live temporarily, there's no master file of your entire typing history (unless malware is involved). Learn what's real, what's myth, and how to truly erase your data.

Your phone holds the keys to your digital life. If it's lost or stolen, things can get messy fast. I'll show you simple steps like locking, tracking, and backing up that protect your data and give you peace of mind before the worst happens.

AI might feel sudden and overwhelming, but it's not the first fast-moving, world-changing technology we've faced. I'll compare AI to the rise of the automobile and explore why understanding and engaging with AI, rather than dismissing it, is probably the smartest move we can make.

I'll help you decide if having a spare computer makes sense, what your backup options are, and how to prepare without spending more than you need to. Peace of mind might be easier than you think.

Reusing passwords on sites you don't care about might feel harmless, but it still can open the door to bigger problems. I'll look at why even “unimportant” accounts matter more than you think, the risks of cutting corners, and simple ways to stay safe.

Just because something's old or unavailable doesn't mean you can make copies of it. I'll explain why copyright still matters, how technology complicates things, and what you need to know before making that backup or download. It's simpler and more important than you might think, even if you don't like the answer.

Another scare about two-factor authentication being hackable? DO NOT let that stop you from using it.

Where do you store an .exe file so it works best? I'll break down your options and show you the smart, safe ways to store and use portable programs on your PC.

Choosing between Google Docs and Microsoft 365? They look similar, but there are differences in cost, features, and how they work. I'll help you decide which fits your needs best.

Scammers take advantage of AI's ability to create fake photos that look very real. From phony images of your car to completely made-up situations, it's easier than ever to be fooled. Learn how they're made, why they're dangerous, and what you need to do to protect yourself.

Was your email exposed in a data breach? Don't rush to get a new address. I'll discuss what really matters, like strong passwords, staying alert, and simple steps to keep your account secure.

Do you worry that ransomware might lock up more than your files? It can. I'll show you how to better protect your cloud storage and backups using tools like Macrium Reflect, OneDrive, and Dropbox. Even if malware strikes, you've got a way to recover.

Think you're too old? You're not. It's not your age; it's a plethora of other things, ranging from society's expectations to bad software design, waging war on your self-confidence. Let me show you why you're more capable than you think.

Loneliness can leave us vulnerable, and scammers know it. I'll cover how romance scams work, the tactics scammers use to build trust and steal thousands, and the red flags to watch for, both for yourself and your loved ones. If you think it can't happen to you, think again.

Changes are coming to Ask Leo!, including the removal of outside ads. I'll explain why this (very) scary step is necessary, how search engines and AI are changing the game, what it means for the future of the site, and how you can help.

Online advertising is the equivalent to the wild west. Advertisers use every technique they can get away with to get attention and sales. I'll review what you can do about it and what steps I'm taking as a website owner.

Turning off remote access in Windows might feel safe, but it doesn't block the kind of access scammers use. I'll show you why those settings aren't enough, how remote scams really work, and what simple habits will actually keep your computer secure.

Think clearing your browser or deleting files keeps your work computer activity private? Nope. I'll walk you through the ways employers can recover or track what you've done, sometimes even after you've “erased” it, and why you should always assume they're watching.

Dozens of Edge processes in Task Manager? Not to worry. It's not a bug, it's a feature. I'll show you why modern browsers split tasks across multiple processes and how it actually helps things run faster, smoother, and more reliably.

A security professional shared the top four most successful hacks that compromise business accounts. I'll walk through them and show how they all apply to you and me as well.

It's important, yet sometimes hard to tell, if a website is safe. You can stack the odds in your favor. I'll show you simple tools and smart habits to help spot shady sites before they cause trouble, even if there's no way to always be 100% sure.

If a website makes you re-enter your email just to unsubscribe, it's bad design, or worse, a shady tactic. I'll explain why this happens, what it means, and how to spot when it's just spam trying to trick you.

Thinking about closing your email account? You might want to think again. From lost data to unexpected lockouts, and even someone else ending up with your old email address, I'll walk you through what happens, and why keeping the account might be the smarter move.

File History doesn't let you limit how much space it uses, but there's a workaround. I'll show you how to partition your drive so File History stays in its lane, protecting both your backups and your disk space.

I'll discuss what you should do in the wake of the latest data breach.

I'll explain why searching for a tech-support phone number is one of the most dangerous steps you can take when you're looking for help.

Current partition style won't work? I'll walk you through what that means and two ways to convert between GPT and MBR partition styles.

Closing or abandoning an email account can have unexpected and perhaps unwanted side effects. I'll explain what those are and what options you have.

Two factor authentication is one of the most important things you can set up to protect your accounts. Even so, it's possible to share certain 2FA types with multiple authorized people. I'll show you how I do it.

Here's my step-by-step guide on how to run a complete malware scan using Windows 10 and 11's built-in Windows Security.

Https is important, but now that it's ubiquitous it's not really protecting you as much as you might think. I'll explain what I mean and why that is.

Email bounces from messages you didn't send can be disconcerting. I'll explain what's happening, why you probably don't need to worry, and what steps you might take anyway.