Recent Comments
Comment by David Adams on Does Your Inbox Need an Alias? (November 21, 2025 05:02 AM)
For Apple uses, there's Hide My Email. Those addresses are quite random and do not identify the originating address....
Comment by Joyce Baskind on Does Your Inbox Need an Alias? (November 21, 2025 03:29 AM)
Is there a solution for AOL Mail that doesn’t require a third party company?...
Comment by Jos on Does Your Inbox Need an Alias? (November 20, 2025 09:11 PM)
I created quite a number of gmail accounts, which I use as aliases. I have set up these accounts to forward all incoming mail to my primary e-mail acc...
Comment by Doug W. on Does Your Inbox Need an Alias? (November 20, 2025 06:49 PM)
My real primary email address is already being used for roughly 450 sites (I've had the same email address forever). I'm not sure it is worth my time ...
Comment by Dave McC on Does Your Inbox Need an Alias? (November 20, 2025 06:48 PM)
Bad Link - The "Firefox Relay" link goes to a "we couldn't find the file you asked for. . ."...
Comment by Greybeard on Does Your Inbox Need an Alias? (November 20, 2025 06:11 PM)
What Sam said. For 25+ years I've owned a domain and used a global forwarder to one of my mailboxes, and specific forwards to others. My domain provi...
Comment by Sam on Does Your Inbox Need an Alias? (November 20, 2025 06:00 PM)
I don't understand how the Gmail aliases are effective. Since the algorithm is known, anyone can simply delete the +keyword and know your address. I ...
Comment by michael on Does Your Inbox Need an Alias? (November 20, 2025 05:51 PM)
I use outlook, so if I use an alias, does that mean I have to go to all the sites and subscriptions and delete my real address and then change all my ...
Comment by Misterfish on Hit the Windows RESET Button? Read this first... (November 13, 2025 08:28 PM)
A few months ago a Windows 10 update royally screwed up my OS (thank you MS) so my options were reset or spend hours rebuilding the OS - or install a ...
Comment by Ernest N. Wilcox Jr. on Hit the Windows RESET Button? Read this first... (November 13, 2025 06:02 PM)
I like to experiment with my computers, so I've taken steps to protect myself from me. I use a cloud service to sync my files off-premise, and I have ...
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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