Secondhand Books

“Used books,” as if someone else has had the best of them and you get the sere husk, or the lees, as if a book isn’t the one thing, the one product, that is forever new. There’s no such thing as a used book. Or there’s no such thing as a book if it’s not … Read more

Dude, Where’s My Bud?

I’ve fielded many calls, where someone is frustrated with their new wireless mouse and/or keyboard. It’s not always a simple affair to get such a device working. For these calls, I have to go over the basics: Are the batteries installed and are they installed in the correct direction? Is there an insulator (paper tab) … Read more

eBay Alternatives

eBay is the age-old classic auction website. You can get almost anything there through auctions and Buy-It-Now transactions. But eBay may not be your first choice. eBay does have its share of problems, ranging from shady sellers and fraudulent merchandise to an outright scandal that involved top execs. So here are some eBay alternatives: eBid … Read more

This Is Not a Hearing Test

This is not a hearing test! For a real hearing test, consult your primary care doctor or an audioloigist. This post is meant only to pique your interest in people’s hearing ranges, and not to dispense any medical advice. For a bit of novelty and learning about how your hearing changes as you age, check … Read more

F.B. Purity

F.B. Purity is a one-of-a-kind browser extension that can modify Facebook to make it more of what you want. Don’t want to see sponsored posts? Like to hide posts with selfies? F. B. Purity has got you. Free to install, F. B. Purity is an extension that lodges into your browser on any Windows, Apple … Read more

Antivirus for Very Old Computers

Many people continue to use vintage computers, running operating systems that are past their end-of-support date. While I recommend that these users upgrade to something modern and more secure, I understand when they stick with their classic machines. I don’t judge. But if those computers are going to hit the internet, they do need antivirus. … Read more

The Google Dictionary Browser Extension

The Google Dictionary browser extension makes it easier than ever to learn word definitions. Once you’ve installed this freebie, you can simply double-click any plain-text word on the internet, and immediately see its definition. I’m sure that this tool is going to save you many clicks and help keep up your reading comprehension. No more … Read more

Speed Test Websites

Are you getting the speed you’re paying for? Whether you are troubleshooting or just doing some due diligence, speed test websites are free to use and will measure your current internet connection speed. To check your speed, visit one of these sites: Speedtest by Ookla Fast.com by Netflix Speakeasy Speed Test nPerf TestMy.net SpeedOf.Me Xfinity … Read more

Free Apps for Identifying Plants

Wondering if that volunteer plant in your garden is a weed or not? Curious about that gorgeous tree at the park? Need to know if you’re looking at some Virginia Creeper or Poison Sumac? I know there’s some of you who won’t rest until you know the exact name of the mystery plant you’ve just … Read more