The Top Twenty
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Reference
Every night a friendly robot looks through the Ask Bob logs to see which articles were the most popular over the past week. Here are the current Top Twenty, ranked by readership volume. If you missed any of these, take a few minutes to read and comment! |
- The Best Time to Buy a Car is...
Is December the best month of the year to shop for a new or used car? Are chip shortages still affecting auto prices and inventory? Today I have some some tips for car buying that will help you save money and get the car you want. You may not even have to set foot in a dealer showroom. Read on... - Is This a Better Alternative to Windows 11?
Recently I wrote about the Windows 10 "end of life" situation, and gave some tips on how to move forward. One of those ideas was to move on to Windows 11, but many PCs don't meet the strict hardware requirements that Microsoft has imposed. Now they say you CAN install Windows 11 on your older PC, with a few caveats, of course. Let's look at that, and another idea that might work even better for you. Read on! - 14 Computer Facts That Are Not True
Hey... did you know? At midnight on March 31st, the Internet will be temporarily shut down for the annual Spring Cyber Cleaning? Read on to get the scoop on this, Abraham Lincoln's opinion on fake news, and other dubious “facts” about computers and the Internet... - Telcos Pulling the Plug on Landlines?
Less than two percent of U.S. homes have only a landline without cellphone service. Millions of consumers are 'cutting the cord' of landline phone service and switching to cellular or VoIP (Internet calling) services. If you’re one of the holdouts, you may be forced to give up your beloved copper-based phone line. Here’s an update on why landlines are doomed, and a look at some alternatives you should be considering… - The Click That Could Cost You
Your mouse hovers over a link... your trembling finger is poised to click... but then you stop to think. Is there danger lurking behind that link? Do you know how to tell right away if a website (or link) is going to lead you into a world of hurt? A single click can trigger an unwanted download, a malware infection, stolen login credentials, ransomware, or identity theft. Here are some practical tips and tools you can use to click smarter... - What Will Happen to Windows 10?
Perhaps you've heard rumblings that Windows 10 will soon reach “end of life” and will no longer be a supported operating system. Does that mean you'll need to buy a new computer, be forced to upgrade to Windows 11, or BOTH? There's a lot of confusion about this topic -- read on for the straight scoop on the fate of Windows 10, and your PC's future... - [WOW] ASCII Artwork - An Internet Treasure
Have you experienced ASCII art? Long before the graphical World Wide Web was invented in the early 1990s, people were creating computer images that required no special hardware or software to view. ASCII art is composed only of plain text characters, and can be sent by e-mail without attachments. Take a stroll into Internet history, enjoy some ASCII art, and learn how to make your own…
- Here's Your Wireless Network Security Checklist
A concerned reader asks: 'I have a wireless router, with several computers and other gadgets in my home connected to wifi, but I'm worried about the security of the wireless network. How can I make sure that nobody can secretly access my computers through a wireless connection?' Read on for my answer and advice... - [ALERT] Fake Facebook Profile - What to do?
Today I got a message from an AskBob reader, alerting me that someone had made a fake Facebook profile in my name. The malefactor pretending to be me stole my profile picture, reposted some of my updates, and was already running a scam. Fortunately, that reader wasn’t fooled, and was kind enough to let me know about the bogus account. Sadly, this happens all the time. Here’s what I did, and what you need to know about fake Facebook profiles... - Review: PC Matic Gets a Zero!
After years of hearing from AskBob readers about PC Matic, I finally decided it was time to give the popular antivirus and PC optimizer software a test drive. So 18 months ago, I did just that, and published my PC Matic review. At the time, I was impressed enough to ditch my current security software, and entrust my home and office computers to PC Matic. A year and a half later, I'm giving PC Matic a ZERO. But wait... that's actually a GOOD thing! Read on for my updated review and recommendation... - Which People Finder Sites are Legit?
A good man is hard to find, or so the saying goes. I first offered tips for “Finding People Online” way back in 2006, and updated that article with “Free People Search Tools” in 2020. Now in 2024, I have to say it’s getting harder to find free information about people and places. If you’re looking for a name, address or phone number, I have some tips on websites you should avoid, and some that actually do what they say, for free. Here's the scoop... - Here’s How to Boost Your WiFi Signal
A frustrated AskBob reader says: 'How can I boost or extend the wifi signal in my home? I finally got high-speed internet with a wireless router, but the wifi signal is very weak in some rooms. What tweaks, tricks or gadgets do you recommend to boost wireless signal strength and distance?' I've got some, read on! - Detect and ZAP Your WiFi Leeches
Is your wireless Internet connection being 'borrowed' by a stranger? If your home WiFi connection is sometimes mysteriously slow, it might be that a neighbor, stranger (or a malicious hacker) has tapped into your wifi. It happened to me! Read on to learn how to bust bandwidth bandits, and give digital leeches the boot... - Will This Gadget Replace Your Landline?
In its advertising, Magic Jack appears to be a device that you can plug into your computer and fire the phone company. It sounds too good to be true. So is MagicJack a scam, or does it actually work? Can it really replace your landline, and eliminate your monthly phone bill?” Read on for the surprising answer, and some news about Magic Jack for those who may have considered it in the past... - Who is Winning the Robocall Wars?
With billions of calls made each year in the United States, robocalls continue to be one of the most widespread annoyances in the telecom industry. You've probably been annoyed by 'Rachel in Card Services' or 'Jennifer from the Warranty Department' recently. Even with improvements in technology and regulations, the fight against robocalls is far from ended. Here's a closer look at our current situation in 2024 and the resources at our disposal to address this problem. Read on... - Can I Get Free Satellite TV?
A thrifty AskBob reader says: “Can I really get satellite TV for free? I've heard about free satellite TV channels one can receive with a free-to-air satellite receiver and dish. Is this true? If so, what satellite channels can I get, what equipment do I need, and is it legal?” The short answer is 'YES, NO, and MAYBE,' depending on your expectations. Read on to learn about free satellite TV options... - Adding Memory: A Silver Bullet for Your Computer?
Does your computer seem slow or sluggish? The problem may be too little RAM memory. But “add more RAM” is not the solution to every case of poor performance, and buying more RAM memory than you need or can use is just a waste of money. Read on to learn the ins and outs of adding RAM memory and how much memory is the “sweet spot” for Windows and Apple computers... - Optimize Your Hard Drive: How and Why
When things go bonkers with your computer, the source of the problem is often in the hard drive. One of the best things you can do to prevent computer problems and improve performance is to keep your hard drive in tip-top shape. Here are some of the most important tasks for hard drive optimization, plus some nifty (and free) hard drive maintenance utilities that make getting them done a breeze...
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This article was posted by Bob Rankin on 4 Mar 2009
For Fun: Buy Bob a Snickers. |
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Article information: AskBobRankin -- The Top Twenty (Posted: 4 Mar 2009)
Source: https://askbobrankin.com/the_top_twenty.html
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Most recent comments on "The Top Twenty"
(See all 79 comments for this article.)Posted by:
Yvonne Mathis
02 Apr 2016
Wrote once before and since I am not computer savy, I was saying Linksys was tryin to hi jack router. Now A friend says modem, Linksys has removed my isp and entered their own code and now are controlling my computer,has removed my security which is Norton, who by the way cleaned my computer and said all was good, after that, noticed the Icon disappeeared and then reappeared, but is not functioning, I am redirected to sites other than the one I try to get to. I am elder female, other than a pricey computer service, can you help?
Posted by:
John
11 Apr 2016
I need virus clen my drive
Posted by:
Peggy
04 Jun 2016
Greetings
My internet speed is slow and if I have my grandchildren streaming a movie, it constantly buffering and my PC too.
I have a dual web-band and a range extender 3 yrs. old and Verizon router is over 5 yrs. old
Base on your expertise, what step should I take.
Greatly appreciate your help
Posted by:
Calvin
06 Jun 2016
can you go back and read articles further back than the last 20, if so how?
Posted by:
Ken Fisher
21 Jul 2016
Upgraded my Win 7.1 Dell computer to Win 10 last December. Two weeks ago, it downgraded itself by dropping the Start Button and screen, the info button on the left and Cortana. It has not corrected with updates. Pressing the Start produces a critical error and a restart.
Posted by:
Pay
08 Aug 2016
Bob, My Microsoft Publisher software gas disappeared from my computer sometime since I downloaded Windows 10.
Also, the names of my directories have been eliminated. I used to have one called Pat and Ray Computer and it no longer exists. There were two directories called mydocuments, one inside the other directory that I can no longer find.
I did a backup of 7 before I installed 10 (thanks for you publication!) HELP!!!
Posted by:
Jd hackhowsar
15 Jun 2017
Hi Mr Bob
We have 600 plus pages for years as a tech support user club for European industrial machines at eeuc98.net in html now https posted.
After the https all picture links quit working.
Also with google nobody can find us any more. Since the page content applies often to the same subject, the keywords are the same.
Reading googles requirements it would be a lot of volunteer work to vamp it all up.
We started in the 80s out with DOS 6 based Clarks bulletin boaerd sw.
Having a good site content search function is imporatant.
We used since the 80s macromedia robohelp and dreamweaver sw, now all Acrobat.
Thanks for your wisdom.
Lots of virtual hugs.
Johann
Posted by:
Mr.Pic
29 Jun 2017
In using Outlook 2003 I need to know how to increase text size as now the inbox shows about 31 one line emails info, I would like about 15 with larger more readable text. The new Dell computer has Windows 10 and I have just started using it. Appreciate any help provided.
Posted by:
Alexander Harkes
25 Sep 2017
When using my printer and trying to send a copy of a photo or send a email it says i do not have a connection and everything is working ok. the mail recipient will not work also how can i change the mail recipient from fax recipient.
Posted by:
stanley westell
23 Jun 2018
I wondered if you had a topic regarding India's people constant attack upon the US?
I recently have been receiving all kinds of so-called free gift cards $1000 gift card Walmart, Nike gift cards, I recently have received several different grant scams from India and they even tried to use US sounding names and received a phone call claiming it was the IRS preparing to open a file if I didn't call them then there is a computer tech support company that claims they are Microsoft and tell you your personal information that risk and if you don't call them they'll stop your computer from working there are several of those I will admit being on Social Security disability that I was extremely hopeful and I had filed for grants and unfortunately before I caught on. Already swindled me out of $200 their goal was to swindle me out of $1000 so knowing that the IRS never calls they only send mail and I started asking the questions will qualify me for these grants where did you get this information clearly they are attaching themselves or spying on websites or setting up these free card giveaways to get information I was just wondering if you had set up a page on warning the elderly which is clearly their target I think the most important thing is think first asked questions on how you qualified how they got the information and so forth and before you know it they hang up the one thing I have seen is that their phone calls are being rerouted through the US and there clearly well-versed insome of the information needed regarding grants the address of the grant building in Washington DC and basic info for their scam I saved many of the phone numbers and names used but you know they're all fake or they're using untraceable SIMM cards well I was just wondering if you had a page that would help protect people against India's ongoing attack upon the US? you need not reply it was just a suggestion or if you have created this page thank you.
Posted by:
Andy Baldwin
21 Sep 2019
Dear Bob,
I am a technical IDIOT!
But, somehow this ADD brain of mine can understand what you have to say. Can you help me understand what this particular tool does?
Also, can you tell me if you cover computer issues pretty much from A to Z? If so do you cover different kinds of email like Reagan.com?
I ask because I got hacked with 'free' email and there are things I can't seem to understand sometimes with private email.
I simply want to thank you for being there helping very low tech guys like me!
Warmest Regards,
Andy Baldwin
Posted by:
Bonnie R
02 Oct 2019
The links in my emails on my phone will not open
Posted by:
Daniel Swist
26 Nov 2019
I got hacked about a month ago. Changed password, etc. But now all my incoming email(YAHOO) goes to my "Archive" folder and has to be manually transferred to my INBOX. Called ATT several times , but the idiot agents (in India) can't help me. I tried to call ATT in the US, but never got connected. Someone on a blog told me to go to Settings- Filters and remove filters/ add filters. But that doesn't work. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Posted by:
Harold
17 Apr 2020
very very GOOD Bob and thanks for all those great possibilities
Posted by:
Phil Biggins
23 Apr 2020
How to fix printing problems for windows 10 ,only wants to save an not print.
Posted by:
Gary
25 Apr 2020
Your top 20 is great, Thanks
Gary
Posted by:
Edward E.Weeter
21 Jul 2020
Bob,
I have been a reader for many years, but due to long-term health issues, my reading time and comprehension have slipped. Now my wife wants a divorce and most of my investment profits I am 74, a Type 1 Diabetic for 60+ years with many other health issues!. She is 71 and in her second round of cancer. We have I married daughter who caters mainly to her wishes and live about 5+ hours from us. My problems utherwise are my AOL.COM account (blocked for over 9 months. Any idea who in gov’t I can contact? Thanks for everything! She has blocked my use of many things also!pp
Posted by:
WJ Stewart
15 Dec 2021
How can I make my 2 year old laptop faster? I have to wait almost 10 minutes for it to start up so I can use it
Posted by:
WD Nelson
30 Mar 2022
I signed up for IDrive last week!! Only 5TB Can I still get the discount you are offering?
WD
Posted by:
Paul
06 Mar 2024
Your "Top 20" list contains only 19 topics;
items 12 and 20 are identical! 😋