The Top Twenty
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Reference
Every night a friendly robot looks through the Ask Bob logs to see which articles were the most popular over the past week. Here are the current Top Twenty, ranked by readership volume. If you missed any of these, take a few minutes to read and comment! |
- Turbocharge Your Browser (Chrome and Edge tips)
Google's Chrome browser is the most popular, with a dominant worldwide market share. Perhaps you've been using it for years, but there's always a new trick to discover. And now that Microsoft Edge is built on the same Chromium codebase, they look and work much the same. Read on to learn about some awesome, advanced, and semi-secret features of Chrome, Edge (and other Chromium-based browsers) that can make them even more useful... - Your Next Printer: Laser, Inkjet or All-In-One?
Are you looking for a new printer? You might be wondering if you should you look for an inkjet printer or a laser printer. Or how about a basic printer versus an all-in-one (AIO) printer, scanner, copier, fax, and toaster? The choice -- inkjet vs. laser, and dedicated printer vs. all-in-one -- depends on what you print and how often you print it. I'll also touch on wired versus wireless printers. Here's a look at the tradeoffs, and factors to consider when buying a printer... - Geekly Update - 29 May 2025
Have robots figured out how to reproduce themselves? Do AI chatbots respond to threats of violence against them? And will high-tech contact lenses enable you to see with your eyes closed? Get answers in today's Geekly Update... it's jam-packed with the latest tech news. This issue is guaranteed to make you 146% smarter -- you'll see why. Read, think, and comment!
- ZAP Your WiFi Intruders!
Is your wireless Internet (WiFi) connection being borrowed or hijacked by a stranger? If your home WiFi connection is sometimes mysteriously slow, it might be that a neighbor, stranger (or a malicious hacker) has tapped into your wifi. It happened to me! Read on to learn how to bust bandwidth bandits, and give digital leeches the boot... - Here's Your Wireless Network Security Checklist
A concerned reader asks: 'I have a wireless router, with several computers and other gadgets in my home connected to wifi, but I'm worried about the security of the wireless network. How can I make sure that nobody can secretly access my computers through a wireless connection?' Read on for my answer and advice... - Build Your Own PC? (my advice)
Personal computers may seem like complex machines. But under the hood, they basically consist of modules that plug together. You CAN build your own computer without a soldering iron or a degree in electrical engineering. But SHOULD YOU build your own PC? Read on for my tips and advice... - Here's How to Upgrade Your Older Computer (and when you shouldn't)
Is your computer bogged down with the weight of Cosmic Computer Crud that's built up over the years? Is it struggling to keep up with the latest apps and modern operating systems? Perhaps you wonder, should you junk it and buy a new one, or upgrade its hardware? The answer is highly dependent upon your specific circumstances. Here are my tips and guidelines for making that decision, and some Windows 11 considerations too... - Review: PC Matic Gets a Zero!
After years of hearing from AskBob readers about PC Matic, I finally decided it was time to give the popular antivirus and PC optimizer software a test drive. So 18 months ago, I did just that, and published my PC Matic review. At the time, I was impressed enough to ditch my current security software, and entrust my home and office computers to PC Matic. A year and a half later, I'm giving PC Matic a ZERO. But wait... that's actually a GOOD thing! Read on for my updated review and recommendation... - Here’s How to Boost Your WiFi Signal
A frustrated AskBob reader says: 'How can I boost or extend the wifi signal in my home? I finally got high-speed internet with a wireless router, but the wifi signal is very weak in some rooms. What tweaks, tricks or gadgets do you recommend to boost wireless signal strength and distance?' I've got some, read on! - How to Choose a Desktop Computer Monitor
When it comes to buying the best desktop computer monitor, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. With so many options available in the market, finding the perfect monitor can be overwhelming. However, by understanding your requirements and doing some research, you can make an informed decision. Read on for my tips and advice... - Discount Inkjet Cartridges: A Money Saver?
Here's a common question from AskBob readers: “Are discount inkjet cartridges really a good deal?” Some people say they will save you lots of money. Others says they will they ruin your printer, void your warranty, or provide poor print quality. So what's the scoop on those cheap ink cartridges? Read on for my personal experience and advice concerning discounted, refilled or remanufactured inkjet cartridges... - Update Your Drivers? Here's my advice...
One common question from AskBob readers is “Do I need to update my device drivers?” They mention popups appearing on their screen, with warnings like 'Your drivers are out of date.' Some are getting emails or even phone calls to that effect. Some users upgrading to Windows 11 have experienced driver issues. Here's the scoop on device drivers, what they are, what they do, when (and when not) to update them... - Fileless Malware: Who You Gonna Call?
A clever but pernicious software technique that's been known for more than a decade is finding favor among today's malware authors, complicating the work of anti-virus developers and digital forensic analysts. Tracking down so-called “fileless malware” is to detection of regular malware what ghost-hunting is to catching a garden-variety burglar. Read on to learn about this resurgent threat and what you can do to stop it... - [TUNEUP] It Might Be Time to Reset Your Web Browser
Chrome... Edge... Firefox... Opera... Safari... all web browsers misbehave in mysterious and frustrating ways occasionally. You could spend hours trying to troubleshoot the problem, but sometimes the Reset Button is the answer. Here are my tips on when (and when NOT) to reset your browser... - Here's Why You Should X-Ray Your Computer
Do you know what's going on under the hood of your PC or Mac? Most people don’t, and most of the time they don’t need to know. But there are occasions when a detailed inventory of a computer’s components comes in handy. Read on to learn some surprising reasons why you SHOULD know what's going on inside your computer, even if you're NOT a techie. These software tools will let you “x-ray” your PC, so you can see what's inside without touching a screwdriver. Read on... - Does Your Computer Need an Oil Change?
A savvy AskBob reader says: “I know I need to clean and optimize my hard drive every once in a while. But are there any other regular PC maintenance tasks you recommend doing on a regular basis?” Well, yes! Here are more than ten free programs you can use to clean up and tune up your Windows computer... - Is Your Computer Obsolete?
An AskBob reader says: 'Our computer is about five years old, but one friend says it is obsolete. He says it will soon be unsupported, and advises us to buy a new computer with a faster CPU, more memory, bigger hard drive, and a larger monitor. Do I really need to do all that? Can you give me some of the pros and cons of upgrading versus buying a new computer?' Sure, here's my advice... - Is It Okay to Use Multiple Antivirus Programs?
An AskBob reader says: “I have security software on my PC, but I still got a nasty computer virus. Is it a good idea to run more than one anti-virus program, and how can I tell which one I have? Also, which anti-virus has the best protection against viruses, spyware, and other online threats?” Read on for my tips and recommendation... - Buy a Used Computer: YES or NO?
A thrifty but cautious AskBob reader asks: “With all the rampant spyware, malware, and ransomware, is it safe to buy a used computer for sale at a thrift store, on Ebay, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist? How about a refurbished computer offered by Dell, HP, or another well-known vendor? And... what about a used hard drive, or memory chip? Is it ever safe to go with used tech hardware?” Read on for my advice...
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This article was posted by Bob Rankin on 4 Mar 2009
For Fun: Buy Bob a Snickers. |
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Article information: AskBobRankin -- The Top Twenty (Posted: 4 Mar 2009)
Source: https://askbobrankin.com/the_top_twenty.html
Copyright © 2005 - Bob Rankin - All Rights Reserved
Most recent comments on "The Top Twenty"
(See all 80 comments for this article.)Posted by:
John
11 Apr 2016
I need virus clen my drive
Posted by:
Peggy
04 Jun 2016
Greetings
My internet speed is slow and if I have my grandchildren streaming a movie, it constantly buffering and my PC too.
I have a dual web-band and a range extender 3 yrs. old and Verizon router is over 5 yrs. old
Base on your expertise, what step should I take.
Greatly appreciate your help
Posted by:
Calvin
06 Jun 2016
can you go back and read articles further back than the last 20, if so how?
Posted by:
Ken Fisher
21 Jul 2016
Upgraded my Win 7.1 Dell computer to Win 10 last December. Two weeks ago, it downgraded itself by dropping the Start Button and screen, the info button on the left and Cortana. It has not corrected with updates. Pressing the Start produces a critical error and a restart.
Posted by:
Pay
08 Aug 2016
Bob, My Microsoft Publisher software gas disappeared from my computer sometime since I downloaded Windows 10.
Also, the names of my directories have been eliminated. I used to have one called Pat and Ray Computer and it no longer exists. There were two directories called mydocuments, one inside the other directory that I can no longer find.
I did a backup of 7 before I installed 10 (thanks for you publication!) HELP!!!
Posted by:
Jd hackhowsar
15 Jun 2017
Hi Mr Bob
We have 600 plus pages for years as a tech support user club for European industrial machines at eeuc98.net in html now https posted.
After the https all picture links quit working.
Also with google nobody can find us any more. Since the page content applies often to the same subject, the keywords are the same.
Reading googles requirements it would be a lot of volunteer work to vamp it all up.
We started in the 80s out with DOS 6 based Clarks bulletin boaerd sw.
Having a good site content search function is imporatant.
We used since the 80s macromedia robohelp and dreamweaver sw, now all Acrobat.
Thanks for your wisdom.
Lots of virtual hugs.
Johann
Posted by:
Mr.Pic
29 Jun 2017
In using Outlook 2003 I need to know how to increase text size as now the inbox shows about 31 one line emails info, I would like about 15 with larger more readable text. The new Dell computer has Windows 10 and I have just started using it. Appreciate any help provided.
Posted by:
Alexander Harkes
25 Sep 2017
When using my printer and trying to send a copy of a photo or send a email it says i do not have a connection and everything is working ok. the mail recipient will not work also how can i change the mail recipient from fax recipient.
Posted by:
stanley westell
23 Jun 2018
I wondered if you had a topic regarding India's people constant attack upon the US?
I recently have been receiving all kinds of so-called free gift cards $1000 gift card Walmart, Nike gift cards, I recently have received several different grant scams from India and they even tried to use US sounding names and received a phone call claiming it was the IRS preparing to open a file if I didn't call them then there is a computer tech support company that claims they are Microsoft and tell you your personal information that risk and if you don't call them they'll stop your computer from working there are several of those I will admit being on Social Security disability that I was extremely hopeful and I had filed for grants and unfortunately before I caught on. Already swindled me out of $200 their goal was to swindle me out of $1000 so knowing that the IRS never calls they only send mail and I started asking the questions will qualify me for these grants where did you get this information clearly they are attaching themselves or spying on websites or setting up these free card giveaways to get information I was just wondering if you had set up a page on warning the elderly which is clearly their target I think the most important thing is think first asked questions on how you qualified how they got the information and so forth and before you know it they hang up the one thing I have seen is that their phone calls are being rerouted through the US and there clearly well-versed insome of the information needed regarding grants the address of the grant building in Washington DC and basic info for their scam I saved many of the phone numbers and names used but you know they're all fake or they're using untraceable SIMM cards well I was just wondering if you had a page that would help protect people against India's ongoing attack upon the US? you need not reply it was just a suggestion or if you have created this page thank you.
Posted by:
Andy Baldwin
21 Sep 2019
Dear Bob,
I am a technical IDIOT!
But, somehow this ADD brain of mine can understand what you have to say. Can you help me understand what this particular tool does?
Also, can you tell me if you cover computer issues pretty much from A to Z? If so do you cover different kinds of email like Reagan.com?
I ask because I got hacked with 'free' email and there are things I can't seem to understand sometimes with private email.
I simply want to thank you for being there helping very low tech guys like me!
Warmest Regards,
Andy Baldwin
Posted by:
Bonnie R
02 Oct 2019
The links in my emails on my phone will not open
Posted by:
Daniel Swist
26 Nov 2019
I got hacked about a month ago. Changed password, etc. But now all my incoming email(YAHOO) goes to my "Archive" folder and has to be manually transferred to my INBOX. Called ATT several times , but the idiot agents (in India) can't help me. I tried to call ATT in the US, but never got connected. Someone on a blog told me to go to Settings- Filters and remove filters/ add filters. But that doesn't work. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Posted by:
Harold
17 Apr 2020
very very GOOD Bob and thanks for all those great possibilities
Posted by:
Phil Biggins
23 Apr 2020
How to fix printing problems for windows 10 ,only wants to save an not print.
Posted by:
Gary
25 Apr 2020
Your top 20 is great, Thanks
Gary
Posted by:
Edward E.Weeter
21 Jul 2020
Bob,
I have been a reader for many years, but due to long-term health issues, my reading time and comprehension have slipped. Now my wife wants a divorce and most of my investment profits I am 74, a Type 1 Diabetic for 60+ years with many other health issues!. She is 71 and in her second round of cancer. We have I married daughter who caters mainly to her wishes and live about 5+ hours from us. My problems utherwise are my AOL.COM account (blocked for over 9 months. Any idea who in gov’t I can contact? Thanks for everything! She has blocked my use of many things also!pp
Posted by:
WJ Stewart
15 Dec 2021
How can I make my 2 year old laptop faster? I have to wait almost 10 minutes for it to start up so I can use it
Posted by:
WD Nelson
30 Mar 2022
I signed up for IDrive last week!! Only 5TB Can I still get the discount you are offering?
WD
Posted by:
Paul
06 Mar 2024
Your "Top 20" list contains only 19 topics;
items 12 and 20 are identical! 😋
Posted by:
Gazza
27 Feb 2025
Are number 2 and 6 supposed to be blank?