Recent Comments
Comment by ChrisR on Buy a Used Computer: YES or NO? (September 7, 2024 07:01 AM)
Several major PC manufacturers (Dell, Lenovo, etc.) have outlet stores where they sell last year's stock, refurbished warranty returns and "scratch & ...
Comment by cal67 on Buy a Used Computer: YES or NO? (September 7, 2024 12:20 AM)
I've been playing around with computers for at least 25 years by now and in all that time have only purchased one new personal computer. (I have purch...
Comment by Misterfish on Buy a Used Computer: YES or NO? (September 6, 2024 09:49 PM)
I've bought second hand computers for twenty years now. My security is based on taking the hard drive from my old computer, and plugging it into the n...
Comment by Ernest N. Wilcox Jr. (Oldster) on Buy a Used Computer: YES or NO? (September 6, 2024 09:46 PM)
My primary laptop PC is a refurbished Lenovo Legion 5 15IMH05 Gaming device with an Intel(R) Core™ i7-10750H CPU, 32GB RAM, a 500GB (system reports ...
Comment by Curtis on Buy a Used Computer: YES or NO? (September 6, 2024 09:01 PM)
I appreciate your comments about buying a used computer, but I have bought several used units, performed a Zero write to all of the drive and then use...
Comment by Kevin on Buy a Used Computer: YES or NO? (September 6, 2024 07:34 PM)
Fortunately, my refurbished corporate workstation pc has served me well: 9 years use so far, with almost no issues. (Replaced the DVD burner with a ne...
Comment by MartinW on Buy a Used Computer: YES or NO? (September 6, 2024 07:00 PM)
The last new computer I bought was close to 20 years ago. It needed a new hard drive within 2-3 years, but is still chugging along right now. Everythi...
Comment by Paul S on Buy a Used Computer: YES or NO? (September 6, 2024 05:59 PM)
Bought a refurbished SFF computer at Newegg. Had a problem with the video. Contacted refurbisher, did a few tests for them; they sent me a replacement...
Comment by hifi5000 on Buy a Used Computer: YES or NO? (September 6, 2024 05:37 PM)
For the past 10 years,I have bought many used computers for various projects and had no serious issues.Many of the computers I bought had inadequate R...
Comment by Wild Bill on Buy a Used Computer: YES or NO? (September 6, 2024 05:31 PM)
Also, with the October 2025 end-of-life for Windows 10 security support, quite a lot of used computers may be unable to run Windows 11 with it's secur...
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...
...
