HeroicStories

Ever notice that the same file can show up as different sizes depending on where you look? It's not a mistake; it's how disks and online services handle storage. I'll explain why your files can look bigger or smaller, what clusters have to do with it, and why it's nothing to worry about.

Want to keep your folders private? This article shows three ways to encrypt everything inside a folder. Each method has pros and cons, so you'll learn which one best protects your files while balancing ease of use.

It's frustrating when email previously marked as "not junk" continues to get sent to the Junk folder. Let's look at your options.

Is your once-speedy computer crawling? From hidden malware to too many background apps, there are plenty of reasons your PC might feel sluggish. I'll walk you through the most common causes and what you can do to get things running smoothly again.

Been asked to spot bicycles or click “I'm not a robot”? That's CAPTCHA at work. Here's why websites use them, how they're changing, and what it means to be asked to prove you're human.

Want to send a file safely by email? I'll show you how to use the simple .zip format with a strong passphrase so your private documents stay protected across Windows, Mac, or Linux platforms.

Want to know what's really going on in your PC? Process Explorer is a free, powerful tool that digs deeper than Task Manager. I'll show you how it works, what you can discover, and why it's one of the best utilities you should have on your computer.

Worried about Windows 10 after support ends? Don't be. I'll show you the simple steps -- good habits and reliable security software -- that will allow you keep using your Windows 10 computer safely.

Tired of changing your email every time a service shuts down or your ISP changes? Learn the smartest way to secure an email address that's truly yours for life, and why relying on free or “lifetime” promises could leave you stranded.

Frustrated when a window just flashes and disappears when you use Start-Run? It's not an error; it's how Windows handles certain programs. I'll explain what's happening, why it's confusing, and show you the simple trick that lets you see what's going on.

Losing access to Gmail can mean losing years of email, contacts, and memories. Learn the most common pitfalls, from outdated recovery info to ignored warnings, and how to avoid them so you never risk losing your account.

Why can't I just give you a straight answer? Because things are rarely that simple. Learn why “It depends” is sometimes the only honest answer I can give you, what details really matter, and how giving better clues can help you get clearer, faster, and even simpler solutions.

Worried Microsoft is peeking at your files in OneDrive? The truth is more complicated and perhaps surprising. I'll look at what scanning really means, why avoiding OneDrive may not be enough, and how trust in Microsoft's products comes down to risk, reality, and choice.

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.