QR Codes on Boarding Passes

A modern boarding pass (plane ticket) has a QR or Bar Code on it. Quickly scanning that code makes it easy for an airport employee to check you in and get you on your plane. But some people warn about those QR codes and their security. USA Today and other news stories have been circulating … Read more

Windows 11 Is Coming

Microsoft is starting to talk about their next version of Windows, and we may see it released in late 2021 or early 2022. Windows 11 will be a free upgrade for any computer running a legitimate copy of Windows 10. But not all computers will be able to handle Windows 11. If you care to … Read more

Naked DSL

In past decades, Internet Service Providers would sell DSL service with the requirement that you also purchase phone service. One service was linked to the other, and you were required to buy both if you wanted either. Nowadays, ISPs have mostly discontinued this practice. You may now buy “Naked DSL” from your ISP and abstain … Read more

Permanently Delete a Steam Game

If you play Steam video games, you should know that you *can* permanently delete a Steam game from your library. This is more than simply uninstalling the game. Deleting it from your Steam Library means you’ll never again see it in your list of available games, or be able to reinstall it. It’s not obvious … Read more

Text to 911

In case of an emergency, many parts of the USA support Text to 911. This technology allows you to contact 911 for help via text message (SMS). The FCC reminds everyone that you should place a voice call to 911 whenever possible. Much of the Shenandoah Valley((Warren County, VA has assured me they support this … Read more

Windows 10 in S Mode

Windows 10 comes in a few editions: Home, Pro and S mode. And that last one gives many people pause. Just what is S mode? What does the S stand for? Simple, Secure, Strict, Stunted? Microsoft is mum on that question. S Mode Defined S mode is a locked down version of Windows. S mode … Read more

News & Interests Widget on Windows Taskbar

Update: Windows 11 is now adding this to your taskbar, on the far left, after recent upgrades. New info about that below! Windows 10 As Windows 10 computers receive a particular Microsoft update, people are noticing something new on the taskbar. To the lower right, near your notification icons, now appears a weather symbol and … Read more

Amazon Sidewalk

Amazon is rolling out a new feature in their Alexa-enabled devices on June 8. It’s named Amazon Sidewalk, and it’s getting a lot of attention. More and more people are writing to me to ask about it, and the concern in their questions is quite apparent. Why? Well, in short, because Amazon is adding Sidewalk … Read more