Recent Comments
Comment by VVakKebcyTYFVepnWyPel on Review: PC Matic Gets a Zero! (December 22, 2025 05:06 AM)
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Comment by VVakKebcyTYFVepnWyPel on Review: PC Matic Gets a Zero! (December 22, 2025 05:06 AM)
ZwfMZoLoCNCXzqUg...
Comment by VVakKebcyTYFVepnWyPel on Review: PC Matic Gets a Zero! (December 22, 2025 05:05 AM)
ZwfMZoLoCNCXzqUg...
Comment by Ernest N. Wilcox Jr. on AI Will Change Cybercrime in 2026 - Are You Ready? (December 18, 2025 07:10 PM)
In this item, you've suggested nothing new to me, I keep all my computers and other connected devices as up to date as possible, I have my modem/route...
Comment by Rich on AI Will Change Cybercrime in 2026 - Are You Ready? (December 18, 2025 05:14 PM)
I have been using Mailwarebytes Premium for years (paid lifetime) I know you like PCMatic. Will these keep me save if I follow your suggestions>...
Comment by Lisa Vandenberghe on AI Will Change Cybercrime in 2026 - Are You Ready? (December 18, 2025 05:06 PM)
I think it will make it worse....
Comment by Wolf on Yes, Your TV is Spying on You (here's how to stop it) (December 16, 2025 09:41 PM)
Another GREAT article! I'm glad that I disabled all of these "smart TV features" after I removed it from the box. With that and so much more going on ...
Comment by Karen Poff on [ALERT] Gadget Insurance and Extended Warranty Scams (December 16, 2025 08:49 PM)
I teach consumers to become their own insurer. Every time they are tempted to buy an extended warranty, instead put that amount into a savings account...
Comment by RbIYRQqmpWgRzLcisfUU on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (December 16, 2025 09:17 AM)
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Comment by RbIYRQqmpWgRzLcisfUU on New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... (December 16, 2025 09:17 AM)
VgqnDhwCOBFfvtMFitzRQV...
Personal Articles
Your Electrons Needed (and a favor...)
I love my job. Every day, I help people use computers and the Internet, answering their questions and pointing them to resources that will save them time, trouble, or money. I especially love it when readers become friends and people tell me that they're using what they've learned here to help others. It's very satisfying, but there is one favor I'd like to ask of you. Please read on...
...Doctor, My Eyes!
Hi All! Today I’m taking a break from my usual job as Translator for the Technology Impaired, to share an “eye opening” story with my AskBob readers. If you’ve noticed I haven’t been publishing as regularly as usual lately, read on to see the reason for that. I think you’ll be glad you did...
...Can You Spare a Few Electrons?
I love my job. Every day, I help people use computers and the Internet, answering their questions and pointing them to resources that will save them time, trouble, or money. I especially love it when readers become friends and people tell me that they're using what they've learned here to help others. It's very satisfying, but there is one favor I'd like to ask of you. Please read on...
...Hey, It's My (digital) Birthday!
Today I'm celebrating a birthday. It was 24 years ago, in July 1995, that The Internet Tourbus first rolled out into cyberspace. And ten years later, AskBobRankin.com was born. With thanks to awesome readers like you, I'll keep on keeping on, with my continuing guaranteed to make you better looking and 146% smarter. Read on!
...A Big Milestone + Geekly Update
Today I'm celebrating an anniversary -- 20 years of online publishing! The Internet Tourbus first rolled out into cyberspace in July 1995, and ten years later, AskBobRankin.com was born. With thanks to awesome readers like you, I'll keep on keeping on. Today's Geekly Update is an expanded version, with twenty items that are guaranteed to make you 146% smarter. Read, think and comment!
...Announcing... The Rankin File!
I've started a new website, and what better day to officially announce it than on my birthday? The Rankin File offers 'small business tech and tips' for those who run their own business. If you have a home-based business, a small business with employees, or you're even thinking about starting your own business, The Rankin File is for you! And as the name suggests, it's not just for business owners. If you're a secretary, office manager, or wannabe techie, my tips will help you score points with the boss. Read on to learn more about what you'll find in the Rankin File...
...Tourbus - The Final Bus Stop
In case you haven't heard, The Internet Tourbus is rolling up to its final stop. After 16 years of online publishing, Tourbus is one of the longest-running email newsletters. But two things have happened this year, prompting me to hit the brakes. Here's the full story...
...Who is Bob Rankin?
Every so often, people ask about my background, and how I got started with computers and the Internet. I've published bits and pieces of my bio before, but never a detailed account of my professional life. So here it is, with a few interesting personal asides...
...My Cholesterol Level is Too High!
After a routine physical, I got the news from my doctor that my cholesterol is too high. My diet is pretty healthy, and I'm not in bad shape for a 48-year-old guy. But this LDL and HDL stuff is a wakeup call for me. Clearly I need to exercise more and be aware of foods to avoid high cholesterol. So here's my 4-month plan to knock 40 or 50 points off that cholesterol number, without using any prescription drugs...
...Bonzai - It's a New Puppy!
I know I'm supposed to write about computers, the Internet and nifty gadgets, but life is more than all that electronic stuff. I'm so happy with my new puppy that I've just got to show him off...
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