The gift-giving season is upon us. Should you buy device insurance, protection plans, or extended warranties for your shiny new electronics or appliances? I make no bones about my disdain for these “protection rackets,” which are all heavily rigged in the seller’s favor. Why else would they try so hard to sell these plans at the point of purchase? Here's what you need to know about mobile device insurance, extended warranties for your gadgets or appliances, and my thoughts on what’s wrong with them...

Do you know the best month of the year to shop for a new or used car? Are auto prices rising or falling? Today I have some tips for car buying that will help you avoid scams, save money, and get the car you want. You may not even have to set foot in a dealer showroom. Read on...

Do you need an alias for your email? In today’s digital landscape, the answer is increasingly “yes.” Email aliases offer a blend of privacy and security, unmatched by traditional single-address email setups. The idea is to cloak your real address behind unique, disposable alternatives, helping you keep your inbox cleaner and your private information safer. Read on for my tips...

A desperate AskBob reader says, “I’ve managed to mess up my Windows system to the point of no return. It seems hopeless, so now I'm ready to hit the reset button, and return Windows to factory-fresh condition. How do I do that?” Read on and I'll tell you how, and why you might NOT want to use the Nuclear Option...

Have you noticed that smart phones and other electronic gadgets become obsolete almost as fast as the news these days. If you like to stay on the bleeding edge, you'll upgrade your tech gadgets at every opportunity. But what's the best way to get cash for your used iPhone, Android smartphone, or other electronics, without getting scammed? And is it a good idea to buy a used phone? Here are several ways you can sell (or buy) a used cell phone, tablet, laptop, digital camera, video game, or other gear...

Millions of cell phones are “drowned” each year. When your phone stops working after falling into the sink, toilet, bathtub, swimming pool, muddy puddle, lake or the ocean, can it be saved? In many cases the answer is “yes,” if you do the right things and don’t do the wrong things. If you're thinking about using rice, silica gel, cat litter, couscous, or instant oatmeal, don't waste your time. Here's what you need to know if your device is dunked, and what this all has to do with wonton soup...

Smishing, short for SMS phishing, is one of the fastest-growing security headaches of 2025. It isn’t just spam anymore, these scams have evolved to target you while you’re busy with everyday life, pinging your phone and messaging apps with text alerts and links that seem totally legit. Whether you’re checking playoff scores, coordinating a delivery, or just sipping morning coffee, anyone can get caught off guard. Read on to learn how smishing works, the most common tactics being used, ways to spot it before it gets you, and what to do if you’re targeted...

Imagine opening your Web browser and, instead of manually searching, clicking, and filling out forms, your AI assistant handles it all. Specialized AI tools now promise to browse for you, find the best deals, schedule meetings, draft emails, and even handle repetitive tasks automatically. Is that efficient or creepy, and is it wise to hand that kind of control to AI? Read on for my analysis...

Learning is a life-long process. As an adult, going back to college used to be a daunting prospect. But today it’s easy, often free, and just a few clicks away. “Massively Open Online Classes” presented by top universities provide opportunities to learn at your own pace, in your style, from wherever you happen to be You might even earn college credits! Read on to learn what you can learn...

The official end of support for Windows 10 might sound like the beginning of a digital apocalypse. Microsoft has been preparing users for the big shift to Windows 11 for years, and now, with the October 14 "end-of-life" date having come and gone, the alarm bells are ringing everywhere. But I'm sticking with Windows 10. Read on to learn why, and if you should, too...

Every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that protecting your personal information and devices is more important than ever. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, this annual observance is a nudge to stay vigilant against the latest attacks, from ransomware and phishing scams to emerging dangers like AI-driven malware. Here are 10 things you need to know and do this Cybersecurity Month to protect yourself, your family, and your devices...

Setting up a new computer is something to get excited about. It’s tempting to open the box, plug it in, start it up, and just begin exploring. But a new PC requires some initial fine-tuning in order to optimize performance and avoid problems later on. Here is my list of things you should do to a new desktop or laptop PC as soon as it comes out of the box...

An anxious AskBob reader says: “Some of my email friends are complaining that I’m sending them spammy emails. I’ve looked in my Sent folder and nothing odd shows up there. How can this be happening? Am I spamming in my sleep? Is it possible that someone has hacked into my email account, or is there another explanation?” Read on for the most likely answers to this mystery...

A frustrated AskBob reader asks: “Why does my computer shut down without warning at random times?” There are several possible causes, (including miniature cows and angry bees) but overheating is the most likely, and easiest to solve. Read on to learn why heat is your computer's Enemy Number One, and how to keep your computer from being damaged by overheating...

An AskBob reader says: “I have security protection on my PC, but I still got a nasty computer virus. Is it a good idea to run more than one anti-virus program, and how can I tell which one I have? Also, which anti-virus has the best protection against viruses, spyware, and other online threats?” Read on for my tips and recommendation...