The smartphones that we carry around with us can be used for just about everything - from banking to social media. But one of the most powerful tools your phone offers is often overlooked: its ability to act as a digital medical alert bracelet in a crisis. If you are ever in an accident and/or unable to communicate, first responders are trained to check your phone for emergency information. On older phones people would put in contacts with the prefix "ICE" - or In Case of Emergency. But on … [Read more...]
April 21, 2026 By Computer Techs
February 1, 2026 By Computer Techs
The most dangerous new threat on your computer is not a virus, and may come from someone you know
Updated 4/24/26: One of the most dangerous scams this year is an email that appears to come from someone you know— a neighbor, friend, a professional service provider or even a family member. The message might say something like “RSVP for the celebration (of life)” ,“Click here to view the invitation.”, “Review this important document”, “Check out the pictures” or "We’re updating our records”. Click each of the 2 screenshots above to view a larger version of the phishing … [Read more...]
January 26, 2026 By Computer Techs
New computer recommendations
Updated 6/26/26: Sticker shock: RAM and SSDs are major costly components that are used in computers. Due to demand by AI data centers and global supply shortages for RAM and SSDs since late 2025, prices for new computers have increased by an average of a few hundred dollars this year. But sale prices still exist. You may be reading this because the operating system on your existing computer is no longer supported. Since you'll likely be spending the next 5-10 years or more with your next … [Read more...]
January 14, 2026 By Computer Techs
How to save money on internet, phone and TV service in 2026
Saving money on internet, phone, TV, and cell service can be a game of strategy! Here are some tactics to consider: General Strategies: Negotiate your current bills: Call your providers and politely but firmly negotiate a lower rate or better deal. Mention competitors' offers or threaten to cancel. Be prepared to walk away. Bundle services: Consider bundling multiple services with the same provider. For example, Spectrum and AT&T both offer considerable discounts on wireless phone … [Read more...]
January 1, 2026 By Computer Techs
The Case Against Using the Email that AT&T and Spectrum Provides
Most people that have been using the Internet in the Reno area for a long time have an email address that ends in @att.net, @sbcglobal.net, or @charter.net. You probably got this email address for free when you first signed up for internet service years ago. It is the address your friends use to contact you, and it is the username for financial, device, social media and medical accounts. The idea of changing it now probably feels like a huge headache. However, Computer Techs and other … [Read more...]
January 1, 2026 By Computer Techs
Backup Options in 2026: Safeguarding Your Digital Life Across Devices
In 2026, our digital lives are more intertwined with our devices than ever before. From cherished family photos to critical work documents to keeping track of medications and health history, the data on our computers, tablets, and smartphones is invaluable. Losing it can range from a minor inconvenience to a catastrophic event. Fortunately, a robust ecosystem of backup solutions exists, offering peace of mind across Windows, macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Android devices. This article explores the … [Read more...]
December 31, 2025 By Computer Techs
Fortress Inbox: The 4 Pillars of Securing Your Email Account
Your email is the "master key" to your digital life. It’s where you receive sign-in codes and password resets for your bank, social media, healthcare portals and even other email accounts that you likely have. If a hacker gets into your email, they can get into most everything else. Securing it doesn’t have to be complicated. By implementing these four layers of defense—unique passwords, passkeys, 2FA, and recovery info—you can make your account virtually impossible to breach. … [Read more...]
December 26, 2025 By Computer Techs
How to use a passkey on your smartphone to sign in on a computer
One of the best things about passkeys is that they aren’t trapped on just one device. Even if you haven't synced your passkeys through a cloud service like iCloud Keychain or Google Password Manager, you can still use your iPhone or Android phone as a "physical key" to sign into websites on any computer. This cross-device login uses a combination of Bluetooth (to prove the phone is physically near the computer) and a QR code (to establish a secure encrypted connection). If you aren't … [Read more...]
November 21, 2025 By Computer Techs
Do this now: Protect your browser passwords from prying eyes
Browsers are designed for speed. By default, if you are logged into your computer, your browser assumes it is safe to autofill your usernames and passwords the moment a login page loads. This creates a dangerous "single point of failure." If you step away from your unlocked laptop for just a minute, or if someone gains remote access to your computer, they have instant access to your bank, email, and sensitive accounts without needing to know a single password. You should fix this … [Read more...]
November 21, 2025 By Computer Techs
Browsing Made Easier and Safer: What’s New in Your Web Browser
The internet is always changing, and so are the tools we use to explore it—our web browsers (like Chrome, Edge, and Safari). In 2025, you might notice some exciting new features designed to make your time online easier, safer, and smarter, especially when it comes to logging in and protecting you from tricky scams. 🤖 Smart Helpers: The New AI Features Artificial Intelligence (AI) is like a clever assistant built right into your browser now. These new AI tools are designed to help you … [Read more...]