Recent Comments
Comment by DWms on Geekly Update - 15 January 2025 (January 16, 2025 05:03 PM)
As I've aged, it's become more clear that without a lot of money, one will rapidly fall way, way behind. Priorities mean I won't be able to be part of...
Comment by RandiO on [RECOMMENDED] 10 Free Software Programs (January 10, 2025 04:32 AM)
foobar2000 is an advanced freeware audio player. ...
Comment by Maurice on AskBob's Best of 2024 - Part Two (January 9, 2025 10:14 PM)
Happy New Year to you too with good health. MK7...
Comment by Dave on [RECOMMENDED] 10 Free Software Programs (January 9, 2025 12:19 AM)
Use Windows 10/11 built in Recover tool and just reset the new PC to Windows 10/11 minus all the grayware/crapware. After installing most of these fre...
Comment by gene on [RECOMMENDED] 10 Free Software Programs (January 8, 2025 10:35 PM)
I got MalwareBytes Pro way back when they were still pretty new, but it is the gold standard for both antivirus and malware, their free extension work...
Comment by Chuck on [RECOMMENDED] 10 Free Software Programs (January 8, 2025 10:32 PM)
I also use Edge along with AOL and everything works great for me....
Comment by BDD on [RECOMMENDED] 10 Free Software Programs (January 8, 2025 04:33 PM)
I know everyone has their favorite browsers and I get it. I use Edge and for me I think its much faster than Chrome...
Comment by pink on [RECOMMENDED] 10 Free Software Programs (January 8, 2025 02:46 PM)
advanced windows care is bloated crapware that can literally destroy your machine with its add-on crap that it tries to get you to install. it may giv...
Comment by Sean on [RECOMMENDED] 10 Free Software Programs (January 8, 2025 12:58 AM)
Thanks and love for this list and years and years of your help. With your recommendation, I bought PC Matic and soon upgraded to a lifetime subscripti...
Comment by Wild Bill on [RECOMMENDED] 10 Free Software Programs (January 8, 2025 12:31 AM)
My wife uses Chrome on an older HP box to use Facebook. She frequently complains her computer is slow, running Win10 with 6 GB of RAM. She usually l...
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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