September 2026 update: Microsoft continues to block or remove the methods for setting up a new computer with a local account. At this time, no@thankyou.com is unlikely to work, and the command prompt tactic below has also become hard to launch. Thankfully, someone has discovered a new way to bypass the email requirement, and it … Read more
“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
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 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! 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 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
Sometimes a web browser will start acting poorly, lagging as you scroll or refusing to play videos on social media sites. When this happens, you may tempted to blame your ISP. But if other websites and speed tests behave normally, then the ISP is off the hook and we need to look elsewhere. Often what … Read more
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 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
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