Recent Comments
Comment by Ian Stewart on Is AI a Big Fat Liar? (August 30, 2025 09:54 AM)
I wrote to a supermarket's customer services to complain that a manager refused to deal with a hygiene incident. I received a non-descript, evasive re...
Comment by Irvin Eisen on Is AI a Big Fat Liar? (August 29, 2025 09:33 PM)
This reminds me of the 1993 New Yorker cartoon - "On the Internet, nobody knows you're a dog." Or maybe, "the more things change, the more they stay t...
Comment by Ross Cameron on Is AI a Big Fat Liar? (August 29, 2025 04:22 AM)
Now we know where POTUS is getting his weird advice to brainwash MAGAs. It all makes sense--sorta :-)...
Comment by BDD on The Cybercriminal's Favorite Tool Might Surprise You (August 29, 2025 03:23 AM)
In my spam folder this is what I see (below) yygbifynrdjvfjuyg your account has closed Who in their right mind would open these emails? Pretty stupi...
Comment by Beth on Is AI a Big Fat Liar? (August 29, 2025 01:46 AM)
I’ve actually found ChatGBT pretty helpful at running down information that would take quite a while for me to find on my own. , if at all. My daug...
Comment by Miguel on Is AI a Big Fat Liar? (August 29, 2025 12:10 AM)
hifi5000, I agree. But there are ways for the computer itself can tell you (notify) when someone has accessed a website, like ChatGPT. Of course, you...
Comment by Wolf on Is AI a Big Fat Liar? (August 28, 2025 11:57 PM)
The timing of this informative article is just perfect. First, I find myself in agreement with all of the comments presented thus far. Yes! It is more...
Comment by Darl Haagen on Is AI a Big Fat Liar? (August 28, 2025 09:44 PM)
Michael Kulick, I agree with you, but where do you go to fact check? It is difficult to believe anything found on the Internet anymore!...
Comment by Ron Atkinson on Is AI a Big Fat Liar? (August 28, 2025 09:38 PM)
My Saturday Telegraph general knowledge crossword appears to be now constructed by AI. I say this because many clues no longer make sense compared wit...
Comment by Frederick Collins on Is AI a Big Fat Liar? (August 28, 2025 08:34 PM)
Try an experiment. Ask AI whether prostitutes were imported to Brazil with the question "Were Lisbon prostitutes ever imported to Brazil?" The answer ...
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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