The Ask Leo! Podcast

Frustrated when a window just flashes and disappears when you use Start-Run? It’s not an error; it’s how Windows handles certain programs. I’ll explain what’s happening, why it’s confusing, and show you the simple trick that lets you see what’s going on.

Losing access to Gmail can mean losing years of email, contacts, and memories. Learn the most common pitfalls, from outdated recovery info to ignored warnings, and how to avoid them so you never risk losing your account.

Why can’t I just give you a straight answer? Because things are rarely that simple. Learn why “It depends” is sometimes the only honest answer I can give you, what details really matter, and how giving better clues can help you get clearer, faster, and even simpler solutions.

Worried Microsoft is peeking at your files in OneDrive? The truth is more complicated and perhaps surprising. I’ll look at what scanning really means, why avoiding OneDrive may not be enough, and how trust in Microsoft’s products comes down to risk, reality, and choice.

A VPN can keep your online activity private, especially on open Wi-Fi, but it’s not magic. I’ll show you what a VPN hides and what it doesn’t, so you can decide if it belongs in your security toolkit.

Running out of disk space can be frustrating, especially when you don’t know what’s eating it up. I'll show you how to track down the culprits with a free tool so you can see exactly where your space is going.

Is pasted text the same as typed text? Usually yes, but not always. Hidden clues, formatting quirks, and even spyware can reveal the difference. Learn when copy/paste is truly invisible, when it’s not, and why it matters if you’re tempted to take shortcuts.

Your video chats are usually private and encrypted, but nothing is foolproof. The real risk isn’t hackers; it’s the person on the other end, who can record everything. Learn why interception is rare, where the real danger lies, and the one rule to follow if you’re unsure.

AI or search engine? Both promise answers, but in very different ways. From accuracy and freshness to bias and even energy use, each has trade-offs you need to know. Before you pick one over the other, find out why the smartest choice might be both.

Leaving a job and worried about what’s on your work computer? From browser history to email accounts, traces of you remain. Learn what you can (and can’t) erase, and the smartest way to protect your privacy before you walk out the door.