AskBob's Best of 2021 - Part Two

Your Favorite AskBob Stories of 2021

In AskBob's Best of 2021 - Part One, some of the topics were focused on dealing with Windows 10, Security, Wifi and Smartphones. Looking at today, some of the key concepts that jump out at me are
Privacy, Spam, Telephony, and Windows 10. I hope you'll enjoy today's final Top Ten of 2021...

1. Will MagicJack Replace My Landline?

Here’s a common AskBob reader question: “I've seen advertisements for Magic Jack, a gadget you can plug into your computer and fire the phone company. It sounds too good to be true... is MagicJack a scam, or does it actually work? Can it really replace my landline, and eliminate my monthly phone bill?” Read on for the surprising answers...

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2. How Private is YOUR Internet Usage?

Every time you visit websites on the Internet, you leave traces of your activity in many places. A log file on that server records the pages you viewed, along with the date, time, your IP address and a few other tidbits of information. That's normal, and as per the design of the Web. However, those aren't the only tracks you leave when you browse the world-wide web. If you're interested in hiding your online tracks with web privacy tools, read on...

I encourage you to also read my related article Does My Email or IP Address Expose my Physical Location? to find the answer to this related question that worries some people.

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3. You, Your Router, and Eggs

The old adage says “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Yet most of us do exactly that with all of our expensive “smart” home electronics, and the consequences can be as calamitous as the old proverb implies. The latest cyber attacks are targeting home internet routers. Here's my advice on what you need to know to defend yourself against router attacks...

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4. Here's How to Send a Mass Email (and how NOT to...)

A reader asked: 'I need to send email updates to a large group of people on a regular basis. But I've heard that if you do it wrong, you'll get tagged as a spammer, and your emails may not be delivered. What software or services do you recommend for sending emails to a list of people?' Read on for some good options, and a few you definitely want to avoid...

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5. 9 Computer Facts That Are Not True

Did you know? The Internet is actually a series of tubes? And at midnight on March 31st, the Internet will be shut down for 24 hours for the annual Spring Cyber Cleaning? Back in 1864, Abraham Lincoln wisely said "Don't believe everything you read on the Internet." (Or did he?) This article reviews some dubious, but widely believed claims about computers and the Internet. Some of these "facts" are not true at all, while others are part truth and part fiction. Let's look at some of my favorites...

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6. Your Friends Think You’re Spamming Them?

Are you getting replies to email messages that you never sent? Friends complaining that you're spamming them? Are you receiving "bounce" messages from email servers about messages to non-existent accounts that you don't recognize? Do you find messages in your junk-mail folder sent from yourself? If any of these things happens to you, you may be an unwitting participant in spam. Is it possible that someone has hacked into your email account, or is there another explanation? Read on for the most likely answers to this mystery...

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7. Best Time to Make a Windows 10 Recovery Drive?

What is the best time to prepare for a data disaster? When everything's working just fine, of course. Unfortunately, many people don’t take the time to create a System Recovery Drive for their Windows 10 systems until AFTER they really need it. Malware, a software glitch, human error, or maybe cosmic rays can cause a corrupted Windows installation. Here are the steps to make a bootable USB recovery drive; I hope you will follow them right now, if you have not done so already...

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8. Your Wireless Security Checklist

So you have a wireless router, with several computers and other gadgets in your home connected to wifi, but you're worried about the security of the wireless network. How can you make sure that nobody can secretly access your computers through a wireless connection?' Read on for my answer and advice...

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9. How Soon Will Your Landline Be Obsolete?

Less than two percent of U.S. adults 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 in the next few years. Here is why landlines are doomed, and a look at some alternatives you should be considering...

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9. The Fascinating History of the Internet

The history of computers and the story of how the Internet came about are fascinating subjects to me. When I was a middle school student in the 1970s, I would read every book on computers that I could find. It wasn't until I entered college in 1980 that I learned about the Internet. After doing some reading and research on early computers and Internet history, I'm offering up my commentary and some excellent links that you can explore to learn more at your leisure. I think you'll find it interesting!

Had enough history? You might also enjoy my article How Does The Internet Work? (Bob Explains...) Did you know that in some cases, sneakers or tractor trailers are used to transport large volumes of data? Check it out!

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I hope you enjoy reading (or re-discovering) each of these stories, and of course, please leave your own comments! I'd also be grateful if you forward this to a friend who would enjoy it. If you're not a subscriber, you can sign up for AskBob Updates. Happy New Year, I'll see you in 2022!