AskBob's Best of 2015 - Part One

Category: Reference

I want to send a big THANKS to the 40,000+ readers who made the AskBob website a busy place in 2015! I celebrated the 10th anniversary of this newsletter, and there are over 1700 articles here now. Many of you contribute your own comments, which I love. Since I'm a numbers guy, I asked my robot to scan the server logs to find the most popular articles. Here are ten of the top articles for you to review. I hope you'll read each one, leave your own comments, and forward this to a friend...

Your Favorite AskBob Stories of 2015

Getting smarter and more productive... staying safe... saving money. Those phrases seem to sum up the most popular items published here during 2015. If those things appeal to you, you'll enjoy reviewing my Top Ten list below, whether you're a long-time reader, or a recent subscriber.

1. HOWTO: Connect Your PC to TV, Wirelessly!

Wouldn't it be great to beam whatever is on your computer screen directly to your big-screen TV? Now you can wirelessly send Netflix, Hulu, YouTube videos, photos and computer games from your PC, Mac or mobile screen directly to your television. Even browse the web on your fancy big-screen HDTV. Here's how to make a wireless connection from your desktop, laptop or mobile device to your living room TV set.


2. Can Roku Replace Cable TV?

If you're thinking about dropping your cable TV in favor of online TV and movie streaming, you should know about the Roku box, which makes it simple to bring online video to your big screen TV. Here's my take on whether it can replace your cable TV subscription, along with some competing devices in Apple TV vs. Chromecast

AskBob - Best of 2015


3. Free Internet Faxing Services

Why use an expensive, complicated and obsolete fax machine when there are so many Internet alternatives? Some even allow you to send and receive faxes online for free. See my roundup of free Internet fax services, learn how to Get a Free Inbound Fax Number and don't miss my Six Reasons to Trash Your Fax Machine.


4. Free Anti-Virus Programs

Are you stll paying for Internet security software? If you're using the Norton or McAfee antivirus package that came with your computer, you need to know about some excellent free alternatives. When you've digested that, see my list of the Best Antivirus Software for 2015 and then learn how to Deep Scan for Malware.


5. How to Get FREE Satellite TV

Can you really get free satellite TV? Yes! If you're paying for satellite TV service, it may surprise you to learn that there's a free version, too. "Free to air" (FTA) satellite TV delivers thousands of channels of broadcast content via satellite to consumers all over the world. Read all about it, and also, learn about the Free Satellite TV on PC scam you should avoid.


6. Ten Ways To Boost Your WiFi Signal

Wireless devices are everywhere now... from laptops to smartphones, tablets and ebook readers. Even printers and hard drives can be connected to a wifi network. So it's important to get the best possible signal from your wireless router. Here are 10 ways to boost or extend your WiFi signal, and most of them won't cost a penny. Oh, and you'll also want to read about Five Wifi Security Mistakes you must avoid.


7. 5 DIY Home Security Systems

A do-it-yourself (DIY) home security system can reduce your homeowner’s insurance premium and boost your home’s resale value; provide peace of mind while you’re away or asleep; make an intruder change his mind; and even summon police or firefighters when necessary. Thanks to modern technology, home security systems don’t have to cost a lot, and you can save a bundle by installing one yourself. Here are five do-it-yourself home security options to consider.


8. Keeping Software Updated Simply

Many computer problems can be avoided or cured simply by keeping all of your software up to date. Updates include patches for security vulnerabilities as well as fixes for bugs, new features, and improvements of existing features. Check out these free programs that will do the job for you.


9. Take the Free Google Security Checkup

It's becoming a more dangerous world every day, both offline and online. So it makes sense to take a good look at your security practices, and ensure that everything is in order. This security checkup will help you secure your accounts from unauthorized access, and recover them if they are ever compromised. I do strongly recommend that you complete the two-minute Security Checkup. And when you're done, I have an extra credit assignment for you.


10. Five Common Computing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

I hate to sound unsympathetic, but most computer problems are caused by careless users. There are a few basic steps you can take to avoid malware infections, data loss, and performance issues. Too often, people try to save time or money by cutting corners, and they end up paying the price. Check out my list of common computing mistakes, and how to fix (or even better, avoid) them. Read on...


I hope you enjoy reading (or re-discovering) each of these, and of course, leave your own comments! Tomorrow I'll have Part Two of AskBob's Best of 2015, so stay tuned!

 
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AskBob's Best of 2015 - Part Two

Most recent comments on "AskBob's Best of 2015 - Part One"

Posted by:

Don Mac
31 Dec 2015

I loved your Top 5 articles today and waiting for more tomorrow!
Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year!
Don Mac


Posted by:

Jim Clark
31 Dec 2015

Thanks Bob for another year of good, interesting and fun information. I learn a lot from your site and look forward to every email. Best wishes for 2016!


Posted by:

Dennis
05 Jan 2016

Have subscribed since the early days of the "Bus"! You are most certainly deserving of more than 40,000 readers. I have trusted your advice from the beginning. I even turned my hi-tech son on to you! Happy 2016, Bob!


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