Sophisticated targeted ads can sometimes seem creepy. Here I explore how a few techniques work, and one I can't explain at all.

Windows 10 Home edition gives you little control of Windows Update. I do have a fairly large hammer you can use.

POP, POP3, and SMTP are all acronyms used in configuring email. We'll look at what they mean and how they relate.

It's not difficult to shut down a machine if you can't see its screen -- as long as you plan ahead.

Using someone else's credit card online illegally is identity theft. There's not a lot you can do -- except prevent it.

Booting your machine can take time, but sometimes so does shutting it down. Various issues contribute to a slow shutdown.

All technology changes, and yes, USB ports will someday disappear. "How quickly?" is the real question. I'm not terribly concerned.

Video chat is probably not monitored, but there’s no way to prove that. If that's a little too vague for you, then be careful what you do on your computer.

Windows 10 makes it easy to make things bigger on the screen.

Nothing protects you and your data like a complete, recent backup, even when it might not be obvious. That's why I harp on it so much.