Recent Comments
Comment by Erenst van Niekerk on Big Brother is Tracking You (and how you can fight back) (February 20, 2026 05:21 AM)
Thanx Bob for an overall view on tracking...
Comment by Dave on It’s Been Verified - Your Free Search Just Hit a Paywall (February 20, 2026 01:44 AM)
Disappointed I can't use it, my computer blocks me Sorry, you have been blocked You are unable to access fastpeoplesearch.com Why have I been blocke...
Comment by Wild Bill 99 on Big Brother is Tracking You (and how you can fight back) (February 19, 2026 10:11 PM)
As a neo-Luddite, I tend to be suspicious of everyone and everything, in our connected age. Fifty years ago we joked about parking meters listening. ...
Comment by Bruce on Big Brother is Tracking You (and how you can fight back) (February 19, 2026 06:02 PM)
Turnoff wifi when you go for walks and driving both for security and to save battery power. The phone doesn't need to talk to every router it passes...
Comment by Steve on [ALERT] ATM Skimmer Scams On The Rise (February 19, 2026 05:34 PM)
I got ripped off by an ATM at a gas station for several hundred dollars. But my credit card company realized it was a bogus charge and it didn't go to...
Comment by howard on It’s Been Verified - Your Free Search Just Hit a Paywall (February 19, 2026 05:33 AM)
this site is also free, BUT has paid links also, it seems to me that the paid links help pay for the free sites upkeep, https://www.truepeoplesearch.c...
Comment by Gerry D on It’s Been Verified - Your Free Search Just Hit a Paywall (February 19, 2026 02:52 AM)
I just used FastPeopleSearch and so far, by far, one of the best sites out there with a ton of free information. ...
Comment by Warren Ngo on It’s Been Verified - Your Free Search Just Hit a Paywall (February 19, 2026 01:13 AM)
Alas, your recommended site seems to search only doe U.S. addresses, not Canadian...
Comment by TERRY STORY on It’s Been Verified - Your Free Search Just Hit a Paywall (February 18, 2026 11:44 PM)
The sad part is that I would be willing to pay a subscription cost if it were reasonable for the few searches that I am ikely to want to pursue, but t...
Comment by Donna H on It’s Been Verified - Your Free Search Just Hit a Paywall (February 18, 2026 10:28 PM)
FastPeopleSearch provided information on the person's name I'd entered. The "Full Background Report" is marked as "(Sponsored)." That link takes you t...
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...
...
