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 essential backup options available in 2026, covering both popular cloud services and reliable local methods, ensuring your data remains safe and accessible. The Importance of a Multi-Layered Backup … [Read more...]
January 1, 2026 By Computer Techs
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 already familiar with setting up and using passkeys, read this article first: A Beginner’s Guide to Passkeys: How to Set Them Up, Use Them, and Sync Across Devices Here is how to use a passkey stored … [Read more...]
October 20, 2024 By Computer Techs
Laptop Battery Bulging: A Cause for Concern
Laptop batteries are essential components that power our devices. However, over time, these batteries can experience issues, one of which is bulging. This phenomenon occurs when the battery's internal components expand, causing the casing to bulge outward. While it may seem like a minor cosmetic issue, a bulging battery can pose safety risks and should be addressed promptly. Causes of Laptop Battery Bulging Several factors can contribute to laptop battery bulging: Overcharging: Repeatedly charging your laptop beyond its maximum capacity can lead to internal damage and swelling. Heat Exposure: Excessive heat, either from the laptop's internal components or external sources, can … [Read more...]
July 17, 2023 By Computer Techs
Your Scam Protection Guide – and What to Do If Your Computer Has Been Compromised by a Scammer
Updated 12/18/25: Below is a scenario that we hear about many times each month – and it could happen to you. You’ve just spoken on the phone with someone claiming to be from Microsoft, Amazon, your bank or Internet provider or other well-known company. You’ve given the stranger remote access to your computer and they’ve shown you a bunch of things that’s wrong with it – errors, security or firewall problems, exposed social security numbers, or even offered to help transfer funds to or from your bank account. They may say that they have a “fix” – and can remedy the “problems” for a few hundred dollars. Maybe you didn't tell them your credit card number or purchase gift cards … [Read more...]
July 22, 2022 By Computer Techs
You May Not be Using All the Great Features of Your Browser
Web browsers are your gateway to the internet or World Wide Web. Browsers contain a lot of features that make your online experience more efficient. This includes things like tabs that allow you to open different web pages at the same time, and “bookmarks” or “favorites” that let you save website addresses so that you don't have to type-in or search for frequently visited websites. Some of the most popular browsers are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Apple Safari, and Opera. These browsers have many useful features to help you get things done with ease. While some features of the browsers are known, others are either unknown or under-utilized, Here, we'll discuss … [Read more...]
June 28, 2022 By Computer Techs
New option for home internet service – should you switch?
Wireless carrier T-Mobile is expanding their services to include Home Internet in some areas of Reno/Sparks. Assuming you are in their limited service area – should you switch? Why you may want to switch If you’re on a budget, at $50/month TMHI is less expensive than most AT&T and Spectrum internet plans.*TMHI is available in some rural areas that are under-served by AT&T and Spectrum.If you’re in an area served only by AT&T’s legacy DSL service with speeds less than 6 Mbps, and Charter/Spectrum is not an option. * Low-income households may qualify for a discount of up to $30/month on internet service from many providers through the Affordable … [Read more...]
June 10, 2022 By Computer Techs
Has Your Computer Been Hacked, or Is It Another Phishing Scam?
How many times has this happened to you? You’re on your computer reading, catching up with friends on Facebook, or searching the internet when a pop-up window shows up claiming that your browser has been hacked or blocked. If it's your first time seeing such a message splash across your screen, you've been lucky until now. Every day millions of computer users all over the globe see such messages whenever they surf the internet. And no, it doesn't mean that your browser has been compromised. It's simply pop-up phishing designed to scare you into calling the number, which scammers use to target unsuspecting victims. What Is Pop-Up Phishing? Pop-ups are generated by websites to offer … [Read more...]
March 28, 2022 By Computer Techs
What Is the Cloud?
Once upon a time, the cloud referred to something you’d look up and see in the sky. In the age of technology, though, the cloud is something wholly different altogether. Essentially, the cloud offers a secure way to store and back up your data – things like your documents, files, photos and contact details. Before the cloud, you’d store this data on your computer hard drive. While you can still do this, it’s also wise to use the cloud too. This is because if your hard drive fails, then you can still access your data. Also, more of us now use computers and mobile phones. If you use the cloud, then you can access your information from multiple devices. In the same way … [Read more...]
February 1, 2022 By Computer Techs
6 reasons why you probably don’t need a VPN
One of the applications that you may hear about to keep your online connection more secure is a virtual private network (VPN). This is a service that basically takes your internet connection and reroutes it through its own servers before connecting you online. Many VPNs are advertised using FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt) tactics. These companies make promises of encrypting your online connection and keeping your data safe. However, some of them have been found to be not very private after all. What Is a VPN? A VPN is a service that will route your online traffic through one or more of its servers. These servers can be anywhere in the world, and at times, you may be using different … [Read more...]
January 17, 2022 By Computer Techs
Search Gmail like a pro
Email has become one of the main ways we communicate both for work and personal conversations. It’s estimated that a person sends and receives an average of 126 emails per day, and that’s just for work. We all know that it doesn’t take long for an inbox to get unwieldy and fill up with older messages that are no longer needed or spam that can be deleted. But in between those unnecessary messages are emails that you need to keep. Trying to balance the two can be a challenge. Some users even get so many emails, they begin having computer issues and have to call in a technician because their email program is no longer working properly due to being overloaded. If you’re one of the many … [Read more...]