Recent Comments
Comment by Erenst van Niekerk on 12 Things That Cause Computer Crashes (February 4, 2026 05:59 AM)
As usuall excellent read. Keep it up! Thanx Bob. ...
Comment by Cliff on 12 Things That Cause Computer Crashes (February 4, 2026 01:32 AM)
Great read, thanks Bob!...
Comment by Renaud OLGIATI on 12 Things That Cause Computer Crashes (February 3, 2026 09:08 PM)
One thing to also consider: Unless you are utterly dependent on software that only exists in Windows version, or company policy mandates the Redmont p...
Comment by Hira on How to Find the Cheapest Flights (Without Losing Your Mind) (January 30, 2026 03:45 PM)
Nice article Bob About deleting cookies, I had experience in booking flights. Sometimes trying the same flight date and route for 3 - 4 days, increase...
Comment by Stephen on How to Find the Cheapest Flights (Without Losing Your Mind) (January 29, 2026 11:36 PM)
The one piece of advice I have (and have learned from Christopher Elliott and Michelle Couch-Friedman) is to always buy your tickets from the airline....
Comment by Sean on Calling All Logophiles (Pork Lion of Beef, anyone?) (January 15, 2026 11:57 PM)
I love Engrish.com, which shows signs and products that are translated to English...very poorly. ...
Comment by Tom on Calling All Logophiles (Pork Lion of Beef, anyone?) (January 15, 2026 08:35 PM)
I always liked the oxymorons. They are a little bit hard to come up with but a couple examples would be: military intelligence or original copoy....
Comment by Gary R on Will Ting Mobile Slash Your Cell Phone Bill? (January 15, 2026 05:02 PM)
Have Tello for $6/month. That gives me unlimited texts, 100 minutes talk and 1 GB data. Don't use phone a lot, so it covers all the bases for me. No...
Comment by Norman C Rosen on Will Ting Mobile Slash Your Cell Phone Bill? (January 15, 2026 04:40 PM)
I have Ting fiber and email. Never had a problem....
Comment by Wild Bill 99 on Will Ting Mobile Slash Your Cell Phone Bill? (January 15, 2026 03:57 AM)
I signed up with Ting several years back after reading about them in your newsletter. I do not use my phone for much other than to phone from the groc...
Linux Articles
Time to Switch from Windows to Linux?
Some tech pundits will glibly tell frustrated Windows users “Just switch to Linux!” Yes, but what about your Windows programs, files and games? And will you need to learn an entirely new way of using your computer? Just a few years ago, those would have been significant hurdles. But the latest Linux systems are super friendly to Windows users, totally free, and even have a very similar look and feel. If you've had it with Microsoft, or you're dreading the move to Windows 11, read on for my tips on jumping ship and settling into your new Linux home...
...Are You Sick and Tired of Windows?
For millions of people still running Windows 7, a decision will need to be made this coming January, when Microsoft's support for that operating system ends. Moving to Windows 10 will mean learning something new, and may require updates to both hardware and software. One may as well consider other operating systems if there's going to be a learning curve anyway. Your options include Linux, Mac OS X, Android, Chrome OS, and others. Here are several alternatives to running Windows on your desktop, laptop or mobile device...
...A Free Windows XP Alternative
Okay... you know that sticking with Windows XP is like driving with bald tires on an icy highway. But you don't want to spend even a dime on another version of Windows. Fortunately, there's a free alternative operating system that will do pretty much everything that Windows XP does. Read on to learn if it's the right choice for you...
...Time to Upgrade Your Computer?
A reader asks: 'My Dell computer is almost 4 years old and is starting to feel slower than when it was new. Is it time to buy a new one, or should I upgrade it? I'm currently running Windows Vista, if that factors in somehow...
...Download Linux For Free
I see Linux mentioned in online forums, and people talking about dumping Microsoft Windows. I understand Linux is free, but I'm not clear on exactly what it is! Can I really replace Windows with Linux, and still have the web, email, word processing and all the other programs I currently use?
...Which Linux Version Is Right For Me?
I understand there are many variations on the Linux theme. I want to try Linux as a free alternative to Windows, but I feel like I'm in a diner with too many options on the menu. Can you give me a quick guide to selecting a Linux that meets my needs?
...Ubuntu Jaunty Jackalope
Ubuntu, the Linux-based operating system, is slick freeware with a web browser, office tools, games and a ton of other software. If you are hesitant to adopt Windows Vista or the new Win7, some of the recent Ubuntu updates may help you make the switch to a Linux desktop...
...Wanna Wubi?
If you've always wanted to try out Linux but were afraid it would mess up your current Windows system, Wubi is a free, painless solution for installing Ubuntu Linux. Here's how...
...Ubuntu Hardy Heron
I'm hearing good things about the latest Ubuntu Linux. Is there anything compelling enough in the latest release to save me from installing Vista on my next machine? Kinda hoping so...
...Ubuntu Linux Gutsy Gibbon
Is Linux ready for the masses? Or is it still a geeks club? The new Ubuntu Linux Gutsy Gibbon puts a little more polish on the Linux desktop and moves the focus toward everyday users. Check out the new features in Ubuntu Linux version 7.10 ...
...Running Linux In Windows
So you're ready to explore Linux, an operating system alternative to Windows or Mac. But you don't have an extra computer laying around. No problem... you can run Linux on your existing computer, without messing up your Windows system. Here's how...
...Ubuntu Linux Feisty Fawn
Ubuntu Linux 7.04 (Feisty Fawn), was recently released, and from installation to every day use, this version is the best so far. Read on to see what's new in this release for diehard Linux users and tire kickers, too...
...Running Windows on Linux
You run Linux... Maybe it's because no big company is going to dictate to you which OS you choose. Maybe you like Linux for its reliability, or for the fact it’s less apt to be a target for malware. Or maybe you like the lower cost of ownership compared to running Windows. But what about your favorite Windows programs? Is there any way to run them on your Linux system?
...Switching From Windows To Linux
If you thought computers only came in two flavors, think again. There are other operating systems besides Mac and Windows. In fact, most of the computers that power the Internet are running Linux. This free operating system is robust, secure and runs great even on older computers. Here are some tips on switching from Windows to Linux...
...Linux Help
I've heard a lot of buzz about Linux as a free alternative to Windows, but have hesitated because it seems a little geeky. Can you recommend an easy way to get started with Linux?
...Shell Script Programming - Loops
I'm just starting to program shell scripts in Linux. I can handle basic IF ... THEN ... ELSE stuff, but I'm having trouble with looping? Can you give me some examples?
...History of Linux
I know that Linux is an alternative to the Microsoft Windows operating system, but when and where did it originate, and why is it free?
...Help with Basic Linux Commands
New to linux? A reader today said I need to know some of the basic commands for a linux server that I accquired. Turns out I wrote the book on Linux. Well, one of them anyway...
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