Updated August 2024: Tablets have become a popular mobile device that fits a gap between the personal computer and the smartphone. It’s not always convenient to go to your computer to look up a website, and smartphone screens are so small that the experience just isn’t the same. When lounging on the sofa or traveling, tablets can provide a good experience for shopping online, browsing certain sites, or accessing social media. But, they do have limitations and aren’t a full replacement for … [Read more...]
Google isn’t evil – Why we like Google
It’s easy to vilify large tech companies. They hold a lot of power over our online lives. One organization that people like to point to as a monopoly is Google. The company owns over 91% of the worlwide search market share, but it got there for a reason. Google’s business model is to give people searching online what they want. So it’s in the company’s best interest to make your online life easier. Keeping people searching on its site allows Google to continue running a successful ad business … [Read more...]
Watch Computer Techs recommended videos on YouTube
Computer Techs recommended videos is a YouTube playlist consisting of our favorite videos that will educate the viewer about computer and technology related scams, usage tips, and sometimes a funny video that gives us a good laugh. Be sure to press the "Subscribe" button to get notified about new videos that we add from time-to-time. Whenever you need help with your computer or anything related to technology, please contact Computer Techs. … [Read more...]
Reveal passwords stored in your browser – and check for the ones exposed in data breaches
Updated January 2026: All major web browsers have the option to save the login and password for the websites that you visit so it’s easier to login the next time you visit a site. If you don’t already have a password system to create secure and memorable passwords, or a password manager to store your logins and other secure information – your browser’s password manager can securely store logins for you and will suggest a strong and unique password for new websites that … [Read more...]
Spend a few minutes to check out these scams so that you don’t become a victim
Updated June 2025: Scammers are becoming increasingly clever. Every month we hear from clients who have been scammed by letting someone take control of their computer and coerce them into paying for support for non-existent computer or account-related problems. With a little bit of knowledge of how these scams work, you won't become a victim yourself. Scams typically start with a website pop-up, email, phone call or text message from a well-known company such as Amazon, … [Read more...]
Watch the world from home
To help pass the time while sheltering or quarantining at home, check out these websites to view live video of webcams featuring scenery and nature. EarthCam – A website and also available as an app on various devicesEarthCamTV – Random webcams around the globe displayed on a scheduleearthTV – Also available as a live streaming YouTube channelExplore.org livecams – Watch nature and animalsWindowSwap – See random views from Windows throughout the worldReno … [Read more...]
How to send a message from your phone correctly
This may happen to you: A few times each month I get an email delivered to my junk/spam folder from an address such as 7755551212@txt.att.net. If I happen to recognize the 10-digit phone number before the “@” symbol I can recognize who it’s from, and respond accordingly. But often times it goes unnoticed or unopened. When sending messages from a smartphone you typically have 2 options – a “Messages” app and an “Email” app. The Messages app is meant for sending short messages – … [Read more...]
How to clean and disinfect your screen, keyboard and mouse
Cleaning and disinfecting your screen – including the one on your smartphone or tablet – as well as your keyboard and mouse can be done with some common items that you most likely already have around the house. For cleaning your computer and smartphone screen you can use a soft lint-free cloth and a mix of isopropyl alcohol and water or disinfecting wipe. Turn off your device before cleaning, be careful not to scratch the surfaces or allow liquids to seep into any holes, and allow time for … [Read more...]
Why you should keep your computer ON when not using it
If you use a desktop computer, we recommend leaving it ON when not using it. Here’s why: Your computer does important maintenance tasks when “idle” – basically the time when you walk away from it for 5-10 minutes or more. To be idle the computer needs to be left ON – not in sleep mode, standby, logged off, nor powered off.Maintenance tasks include scanning for and installing Windows Updates, virus/malware scans, disk defragmentation, and any other updates that may be … [Read more...]
Is your smartphone or tablet slowing down? Closing your open apps could help.
If your smartphone or tablet is slowing down, closing your open apps could help speed it up. When you "close" most apps on a smartphone or tablet, it actually remains in memory running in the background. Over time you may have dozens of apps running in the background which can make it feel slower. Read the instructions in the articles below to close open apps. How to force an app to close on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch Find, open & close apps - Android Help … [Read more...]


