The Ask Leo! Podcast

Windows Update usually keeps your PC current, but not always right away. I'll show you how to check for updates until none are left, so you can be confident your Windows computer is as up to date as it can be.

Sharing a link seems simple, but some methods create long, broken, or trackable URLs. I'll show you how to copy clean links, strip out tracking codes, shorten long URLs, link to a highlight or video moment, and check that the link will work.

Ransomware can lock up every file on your computer and hold it hostage until you pay. I'll discuss defenses that work, why backups are your best insurance, and why you should never, ever pay the ransom.

Is the cloud really dangerous, or is that just a lack of understanding? I'll break down what "the cloud" actually is, why it's no riskier than email or online banking, and the simple habits that keep your data safe no matter where it lives.

Most people who lose an account never get it back, and it's usually their own fault. I'll discuss why alternate email addresses and phone numbers are the key to account recovery, and the habit most people forget that locks them out for good.

Wonder why software makers make the choices they do? Me too. But asking "why" rarely brings relief... except in one case.

Changing your Windows sign-in PIN isn't a setting in your Microsoft account; it's set on each device. I'll show you where to find it, why a PIN is safer than you might think, and when you should change it.

Getting locked out of your own email is scary, and the fallout can spread to your bank, social media, and contacts. I'll walk you through the steps to take right now: recovering your account, locking it down, and protecting everything connected to it.

A big pop-up that claims your computer is infected and pushes a specific download cleanup tool can be scary. I'll show why these warnings almost always come from a website, not your PC, and what steps will keep you safe from real threats.

If malware has you ready to give up and buy a new computer, don't. I'll explain why your old one can be completely restored to a malware-free state, using steps to wipe out even the worst infections without spending a dime on new hardware.