Flash drives, monitors, security keys, camera card readers. We plug things into our computers and other tech, without thinking about it. Because it’s usually not a big deal. Plug-and-Play means exactly that, and there’s nothing else to put thought or effort into. Unless, maybe, if you’re plugging in that particular cable very often. In and … Read more
I suspect by now everyone is prepared for the upcoming eclipse, and has viewing glasses in hand. Retinal damage from looking at the eclipse without protection is no joke. But did you know that you also need eclipse protection for your camera? Experts say that if you plan on pointing a camera at the eclipse, … Read more
It’s uncommon to see, but laptops can get swollen. If you ever think your laptop is swelling, then you need to address a problem with its battery, stat! Usually, the laptop’s battery is a boring little brick that stays in one shape. But a manufacturing defect, extreme age or abuse could cause acid leakage, inside … Read more
This post is not really a computer tip, per se, but I’ll cover it anyway. Scam electricity-saving devices are rather tangential to what I write about here, and quite a few people are asking me about them. So heads up! Here’s what I can find and say about these things: Power Saving Devices These things … Read more
Computers and other tech devices retain small amounts of electricity even when turned off and unplugged. Some of it is deliberately stored in capacitors on circuit boards. Other energy is incidentally caught up as a static charge. In any case, this minute amount of electricity is called Flea Power. It’s a Bug, Not a Feature … Read more
Pets don’t understand why we spend so much time at the computer, but they sure can be curious. Whether they are attracted to the heat, screen images or dangly bits, pets may be coming for your desk and you need to be ready. Here are some ideas for pet-proofing your tech. Cable Management If you … Read more
Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds are fairly ubiquitous at this point. Many people rely on their Apple Airpods for hands-free phone use. Others love their Google Pixel Buds, including yours truly. In any case, those tiny gadgets are easily misplaced or damaged. You should know how to find or replace your earbuds, in case something unfortunate happens. … Read more
Wi-Fi Calling is a commonplace function, built into most smartphones by now. But as ubiquitous as it is, I still meet people unfamiliar with it, or suffering without it. So here’s all you need to know about it: The Basics Wi-Fi Calling (rarely called Voice over Wi-Fi calling or VoWiFi) is another service that allows … Read more
Just last month, I went on at length about traptops on this blog. I’m sorry to say that I have to return to this topic, as people are bringing to my attention some even sneakier traptops. Let’s pull open the drapes on these shenanigans, so fewer people get taken by this trickery. Here we go … Read more
Smartphones offer you an important tool for hiding photos on your phone. Whether you have an Android or an iPhone, you should consider using this function! For Android users: Google gives you the ability to securely stash photos in the Locked Folder, in the Google Photos app. Here’s a simple Google article on how you … Read more