HeroicStories

Internet cafe owners can monitor the activity on open WiFi hotspots. Whether or not they take the time to do it is another story!

Think a VPN makes online banking safer? Banking is already protected by strong encryption, but a VPN adds a twist. I'll explain what's really protected, what isn't, and where the real risks lie when you bank on the go.

With USB-A and USB-C, things have gotten simpler, but not always obvious. I'll walk you through what cables really do, how devices and chargers “talk,” and why missing charger blocks isn't a big deal.

Worried that staying signed in leaves you open to hackers? I'll explain why your router, firewall, and smart habits protect you, what the real risks to your accounts are, and the simple steps you can take to stay safe online.

Possibly being labeled a spammer is another reason not to forward political and other emails. Do it enough, and your normal email may not get delivered.

Worried you need a new rescue disc every time your backup program updates? Relax. I'll explain when it matters, why it usually doesn't, and how you can get one at the last minute.

Think those old files on your hard drive are gone forever? Maybe not. I'll walk you through what affects your chances of recovery, the tools you can try, and why sometimes, it all comes down to luck.

If your computer refuses to start, the problem might be the Master Boot Record (MBR). Fixing it isn't as scary as it sounds. I'll show you how to use Windows' built-in Startup Repair and a couple of handy command-line tools to get your machine running again.

Accidentally run or opened something suspicious? We've all done it. I'll walk you through the options from scans to resets, and consider what to learn from the experience.

What's the difference between your email service, account, address, and program? I'll break it down so you'll know what each term means, why it matters, and how not to get tripped up next time you want to change your email or ask a question.

Wondering why Microsoft charges for Extended Security Updates when Windows Defender will get updates through 2028? They're not the same. I'll explain the difference between malware database updates and actual Windows fixes, and what you really need to know to stay protected on Windows 10.

Worried about your data if your computer goes missing? Whole-disk encryption can keep prying eyes out. I'll show you simple, practical ways to encrypt your entire drive so your information stays safe even if your computer doesn't.

Passkeys promise more security and less hassle, but is syncing them across devices safe? Learn how password managers handle passkeys and what happens if a device is stolen.

Not sure if your Windows network should be public or private, or even what that means? I'll show you what each means, when to use them, and the simple steps to switch.

People want to know if someone's opened their email. I'll explain why features and tools claiming to do that can't work most of the time. I'll share the only way to know for certain your message was read.

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.