A thrifty but cautious AskBob reader asks: “With all the rampant spyware, malware, and ransomware, is it safe to buy a used computer for sale at a thrift store, on Ebay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist? How about a refurbished computer offered by Dell, HP, or another well-known vendor? And... what about a used hard drive, or memory chip? Is it ever safe to go with used tech hardware?” Read on for my advice...

Are you curious about your relatives and ancestors, or wanting to create a family tree? Are you looking for good software or websites where you can do genealogy research? You've come to the right place! Read on for some of the best online genealogy tools...

Have you ever used Google, Bing, or another search engine to search for your own name, address or phone number? In an age of powerful search engines, social media, artificial intelligence, and changing attitudes about privacy, you might be shocked to see what a casual searcher can learn about you. If you're okay with that level of transparency, then fine. If not, read on for some tips on what you can do about it...

I’ve pontificated before on ways to backup your hard drive, email, mobile devices and social media content. But what about when the power goes out? How can you keep your computer and internet online when you lose power? Read on for my tips on backup power, and how it relates to keeping your data safe...

I’ve written previously about various options for watching TV shows and movies via online streaming services. The good news today is that while Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney and YouTube are constantly raising prices and cracking down on password sharing, a bunch of free options are popping up. Read on to learn how you can get local television channels, movies and popular shows without a subscription or monthly fees...

Is it legal to hack back at the hackers? Was your personal info revealed in the latest massive data breach? And is Google heading for a breakup? 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!

An AskBob reader asks: 'I have several email accounts, and it is a nuisance to check each one. I also have trouble keeping my address books in sync, and when I am looking for a certain message, I have to check in several inboxes. Is there an easy way to consolidate all my email accounts in one place?' Yes, here's my suggestion...

If your computer mouse stops working, should you check your email for unpaid subscriptions? Is artificial intelligence funnier than a professional stand-up comedian? And is it dangerous to use one of those public phone charging stations? 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!

An AskBob reader says: “I have security software 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...

Whether you are buying or selling a home, it’s important to seek independent opinions of the property’s value. Historically, buyers and sellers have relied on real estate agents, “the neighborhood professionals” who have years of experience with local markets. But today, online real estate price estimators such as Zillow are considered by many to be more objective and honest than the appraisals of real estate agents. But who is right? Read on to learn why computerized home valuations are not always on the mark...

When it’s time sell your car, many people turn to the Web to find a buyer. Here is a cogent guide to finding out what your used car is worth, and my tips for selling a car online...

Boosting your laptop's WiFi signal is a good idea, no matter where you are. Away from town and cities, wireless Internet hotspots can be few and far between. But even in urban areas where WiFi hotspots are plentiful it's good to have more networks from which to choose. Here's how to get a stronger wifi signal…gain antenna

Are you ready for Windows XP on your iPad? Why are scientists making Moon dust on Earth? How many mushrooms must die to make a luxury Cadillac? And would you trust a self-driving vehicle without a steering wheel? 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!

A few days ago, three armed men entered a Verizon phone store in a Cleveland suburb. After restraining an employee with zip ties, they grabbed some cash, merchandise and left. One suspect was quickly captured. And then, the real robbery began. Or perhaps I should say, it continued. Read on to see why Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile retail phone stores are not a great place to buy a phone...

Every mobile phone buyer knows the ritual of inserting a SIM card into his or her new purchase. It’s become more of a challenge as the size of SIM cards has steadily shrunk. But the latest phones don’t need a SIM card to connect to a cellular service carrier such as Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T. Instead, they can use a hardware format called “eSIM” which stands for “embedded subscriber identity module.” Let’s examine how eSIM works, what new features it enables, and whether eSIM capability is something you want to use in your smartphone. Read on...