Recent Comments
Comment by bud on Does a Firewall Give Extra Security? (May 6, 2025 03:42 PM)
Years ago I had a program on my computer that would block and ask me to OK the sending of certain information before it was sent. The good thing abou...
Comment by Terry on Does a Firewall Give Extra Security? (May 6, 2025 03:02 PM)
Will PC Matic solve my problems that at the moment i am unsure exist....
Comment by Neil in Dallas on Does a Firewall Give Extra Security? (May 5, 2025 04:52 PM)
The process of including a "whitelisting" on PC Matic has me baffled. I don't know how and their instructions are woefully inadequate. I bailed on PC...
Comment by Mark Neville on Does a Firewall Give Extra Security? (May 5, 2025 04:52 PM)
What about things like pi hole which filters junk being sent on the internet? I have thought about making one of those. ...
Comment by Jonathan on Will ID Theft Protection Save Your Digital Bacon? (May 1, 2025 09:35 PM)
Steve_k2 We have always used a separate computer and follow the plan you outline. I don't think you are "missing something"! I would add you still n...
Comment by kristofau on Does Your Computer Need an Oil Change? (April 29, 2025 01:33 AM)
This is the first time in years that Bob has not endorsed PC Matic when talking malware. I've given up on PC Matic after working with them for months ...
Comment by bb on Does Your Computer Need an Oil Change? (April 28, 2025 11:01 PM)
Practicalman: One does not have to update drivers. One does not have to update BIOS. One does not have to update programs. Only do so if you have a...
Comment by Hill on Does Your Computer Need an Oil Change? (April 28, 2025 10:13 PM)
To Practicalman- If it ain't broke, don't fix it....
Comment by Practicalman on Does Your Computer Need an Oil Change? (April 28, 2025 08:08 PM)
I am a longtime fan and user of CCleaner, running it at every startup and shutdown, but have always only chosen the free version. It keeps reminding m...
Comment by Renaud Olgiati on Does Your Computer Need an Oil Change? (April 28, 2025 06:18 PM)
Another important point is to regularly clean the mechanical side of things, like blowing out the dust and lint that accumulates inside the case, and ...
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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