It starts with a simple ping on your phone or a new message at the top of your inbox. Maybe it’s a text from an unknown number that just says, “Hi,” or “Are you still living in Reno?” Maybe it’s an email claiming, “Check out these photos,” or a sudden alert stating, “You’ve been charged $399 for your annual computer protection renewal.” When you receive a message that seems meant for someone else, human nature—and common courtesy—tells you to reply and let the sender know they have the … [Read more...]
October 15, 2026 By Computer Techs
October 15, 2026 By Computer Techs
Don’t Get Locked Out: Why Digital Redundancy is the Secret to Stress-Free Account Security
You can have the best online security in the world, but it is completely useless if you get locked out of your own accounts. Your email address or smartphone number is the "master key" to your digital life—if someone gets into it, they can reset the passwords for your financial accounts, social media, and online shopping. But what happens when the security measures meant to keep hackers out end up keeping you out? At Computer Techs, we frequently help customers both proactively—securing … [Read more...]
October 14, 2026 By Computer Techs
Beaming Down Broadband: Do Starlink and Amazon Leo Make Sense in Urban Reno/Sparks?
For decades, satellite internet was the network of last resort—a slow, laggy, and expensive lifeline for those living too far from the grid. But the launch of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, pioneered by SpaceX’s Starlink and joined by Amazon’s Leo, has rewritten the rules. These networks beam high-speed, low-latency internet from thousands of small satellites orbiting close to the Earth. While they are game-changers for remote cabins in the Sierra Nevadas, a growing number of … [Read more...]
September 28, 2026 By Computer Techs
The “Guaranteed Loan” Scam: Why the Daily Voicemails and Texts Won’t Stop
At Computer Techs, we constantly monitor the latest cybersecurity and digital privacy threats targeting our devices. Lately, there’s been a massive surge in a very specific type of spam: the daily "approved loan" notification. We've been receiving daily communications from random Canadian numbers on our phone - often arriving as a voicemail or text message - about a large personal or business loan that was supposedly approved. It’s a classic advance-fee fraud scheme mixed with a sophisticated … [Read more...]
September 1, 2026 By Computer Techs
What to do with old computer equipment
We often are asked what should be done with old computers, monitors or other electronic equipment. Due to the hazardous materials and metals in electronic equipment, they can’t be just thrown in the garbage. If you are getting rid of an old computer, it is recommended that your personal data be wiped from the drive. If you’re giving an old computer to a friend or family member a new user account can be created, then your old user account(s) should be deleted. If the computer is … [Read more...]
September 1, 2026 By Computer Techs
A note about AI content on our blog
The rise of AI generated content on the internet has become controversial in the past few years. Some websites have been created and monetized solely with AI content. With this in mind we want to be upfront about the use of AI on our website. Computer Techs is an IT service and computer repair company in Reno, Nevada. We have been providing in-home service throughout the Reno area, and remote service worldwide since 2003. The purpose of our blog is to inform and educate customers, potential … [Read more...]
August 11, 2026 By Computer Techs
Guilty Until Proven Innocent: Why You Should Question Every Email You Get
We’ve all been there: you open your inbox and find a message that sets off alarm bells. Maybe it’s a “critical security alert” from your bank, an unexpected delivery failure notification, or an urgent invoice. Cybercriminals are getting better at crafting these fake messages, known as "phishing," but they still leave behind a trail of breadcrumbs. Here is our comprehensive guide on how to spot a fake email before you click, reply, or download anything dangerous. Treat all unexpected emails as … [Read more...]
August 11, 2026 By Computer Techs
Tired of Junk Email in Your Inbox? 4 Simple Tips to Fix Your Inbox
Every morning begins the same way: you open your email expecting important updates, only to wade through an endless stream of miraculous diet pills, dubious inheritance offers, and sketchy promotional deals. Spam is the digital equivalent of unwanted junk mail stuffed into your physical mailbox, but you do not have to accept a cluttered inbox as a permanent reality. With a few strategic habits, you can train your email client to catch the clutter before it ever reaches your eye. Click above … [Read more...]
August 10, 2026 By Computer Techs
Learn the password manager on your smartphone
Managing dozens of complex logins doesn't require paid third-party software or scribbled sticky notes. Modern smartphones come with built-in, bank-grade password managers that auto-fill logins, generate strong passwords, and protect your digital identity across all your devices. The Native Built-In Solutions Apple's Passwords App: Introduced in iOS 18, Apple elevated its long-standing iCloud Keychain into a dedicated Passwords app. It organizes your web logins, Wi-Fi credentials, … [Read more...]
August 10, 2026 By Computer Techs
The “Helpful” Trap: How Everyday Websites Trick You Into Downloading Unwanted Software
You're searching for a quick dinner recipe, trying to download a user manual for your refrigerator, or looking for a fast way to view a PDF online. You click a link, and suddenly a pop-up appears: "To view or print this document, you must install the PDF Helper Extension." It sounds reasonable enough, so you click "Allow" or "Install." Without realizing it, you've just fallen into one of the most common web traps around: downloading a Potentially Unwanted Program (PUP) or adware. The … [Read more...]