When you start up your Windows computer, there are a bunch of programs that automatically run, before the familiar desktop appears. Most of them are essential; some are dispensable; and others may be malicious. Learn how to tweak your autoruns to improve performance and security...

A long-time AskBob reader asks: 'I really want to learn more about photography, but I don't have the time or money to take classes at the local community college. Are there any free photography courses online that I can explore at my own pace?' Well, yes! There are some awesome (and free) online photography classes. Read on...

Do we finally have the solution to block robocalls? Is 600 million dollars a fair price for a supercomputer that might help to reconstruct the history of the universe? Can your digital camera be infected with ransomware? And are you still looking for a way to get Windows 10 for free? Get answers in today's Geekly Update -- it's jam-packed with the latest tech news. This issue is guaranteed to make you 146% smarter -- you'll see why. Read, think, and, comment!

Do you like to play music or videos on your PC, Mac or mobile device? Are you frustrated with the limitations of iTunes or Windows Media Player? Tired of having to convert audio or video formats? Here comes VLC Media Player to the rescue! Read on...

A frustrated reader asks: 'How can I boost the wifi signal in my home? I finally got high-speed internet with a wireless router, but the wifi signal is weak in some parts of the house. What tweaks, tricks or gadgets do you recommend to boost wireless signal strength and distance?' I've got some, read on!

In the past I have warned readers to beware of static electricity (electrostatic discharge or ESD, in geek speak) on their gadgets and computers. Today, I’m going to explain in some detail what ESD is, what it can do to electronic devices, and how protect against this common hazard. Read on...!

Did you know...? Retail prices for the same prescription can vary significantly from one pharmacy to another; there may even be big differences between stores of the same brand. It can pay big dividends to shop around, but shopping prescription prices is pretty difficult. Unless you know a few secrets... Read on!

How likely are you to get a slice of the 700 million dollars that Equifax has set aside for consumers harmed by their massive data breach? We know e-cigarettes are loaded with 20 times the nicotine of tobacco cigs, but are they spying on you, too? And which one of Verizon's new 'unlimited' mobile plans will cost you more and give you less? Get answers in today's Geekly Update -- it's jam-packed with the latest tech news. This issue is guaranteed to make you 146% smarter -- you'll see why. Read, think, and, comment!

We’re used to thinking of the Big Three in search engines: Google, Microsoft Bing, and Yahoo! But a pie chart of search engine market share will show you a difference picture. There's really only one dominant player, and plenty of smaller search tools vying for attention. Here's what you need to know about alternative search engines...

“What's in this picture?” It’s a question that human minds can answer instantly in most cases. Show me a photo of nine uniformed men standing on a diamond-shaped field and I’ll tell you, “It’s a baseball game.” Computers have a much harder time answering such questions. But advances in artificial intelligence and image recognition technology are closing the gap. Read on to learn more and try it for yourself...

On occasion, I have recommended using alternative DNS as a means to a faster and more reliable Web browsing experience. But faster Web surfing isn't the only benefit of switching your DNS servers. I know it sounds geeky, but I'll explain it all in plain English and show you how to make Internet usage both faster and safer, for both adults and curious kids. Read on...

I'm sure you know that Walmart is a discount department store, and an online retailer as well. But did you know they offer banking services too? Here's the scoop on the services offered by WalMart partner GoBank and other online banks…

Yes, it’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it so the rest of us can enjoy the benefits of living in a civilized society. I’m talking about actually talking to telemarketers. Why? To sue them, of course! Here's how it works, and some tips on getting relief (I'm talking real money here) from those annoying telemarketing and robocalls…

A monitor (display) is often kept for many years, even longer than the computer to which it was originally connected. So when it’s finally time to replace your monitor, you may find that that new rules apply to its purchase that were unheard of when you bought it. Here are some of those new rules, without getting too geeky or extravagant…

Online opticians claim they can save you “up to 70%” on prescription eyeglasses. Some even advertise free lenses. The savings sound tempting, but is it wise to buy online something that is so complex, subjective, and critical as eyeglasses? Read on...