Publications

My transition from Windows to Linux in an anti-customer age

I am a computer professional that helps the public with technology. I have been troubleshooting computer problems for over 25 years. To find out more about me, visit my home page. Here I am, back in Windows. I’m realizing that my journey to a Freedom-Of-Choice Desktop environment is riddled with traps from my past. My familiarity with the apps and processes of Windows haunts my every move. It’s challenging to find replacements and workarounds for what I used to be able to do… But then my determination kicked in....more

Will one repairable laptop change the world?

In the last couple of years, laptop technology has been advancing in a direction of portability. Reducing the weight and size of technology enriches how we live. We now have mobile devices that are ultra-portable, and with these advancements it makes it possible to connect with friends and family, or create works of art, anywhere in the world. What hasn’t advanced along with the portability of technology is the ecological impact we are having on the environment under this current paradigm....more

Taking Windows 11 For a Spin - The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Update (2022/03/14): Due to Microsoft’s anti-competitive practices, I can no longer recommend Windows 11 for use. For the average computer user, there is not many alternatives right now so I will continue to support customers who install and use it. You can read more about my stance in my transition to the Linux Operating System for my own use. Even though I think Windows 11 has potential in future releases, I strongly recommend NOT INSTALLING it until mid-2023 as it has major stability issues that can cause productivity concerns with your device....more

Why everyone should use a password manager

We are in an age where password security is becoming very important to our ability to function in society, but not for the reasons you expect. The password strength, although a problem, isn’t the real problem. The real problem is having to remember passwords for the multitude of online accounts we are forced to create to survive in the modern age of technology. In a survey performed last year by Digital Guardian, an average person or business associates their email address with 130 accounts....more

How Data Recovery Works and the Technology Behind It

This publication focus on helping beginners understand if and when data can be recovered. This information is for understanding how the recovery process works and is not to be used as a guide for recovering data. If you don’t have the experience of recovering data you could make the problem worse. There are many factors that could prevent successful recovering of your data. I will not be held liable, or responsible for any actions you take as a result of using information....more

Part 1 Scam Avoidance: How to Spot and Protect Yourself from Scams

This is the 1st part of a 3 part series in protecting yourself from on-line and of-line scams. With the 2020 COVID-19 crisis causing many to work from home, it’s more important than ever to have a set of tools to deal with threats that come your way. In this publication, I will help you identify threats so that you can avoid being deceived by malicious calls to action. If your device has been compromised by a scam, its important to learn how to deal with an attack after the fact....more

Part 2 Scam Avoidance: Avoiding Scams

This is the 2nd part of a 3 part series in protecting yourself from on-line and of-line scams. In part 1 I attempted to make you aware of some of the common ways in which a scammer operates. In this part of series, I will talk about ways you can avoid scams by being aware what to look for, and using technology to help you avoid scamms altogeather. The best security is awareness The psychology behind decision making Avoiding Scams Protecting yourself after the Scam Protect your on-line accounts Conclusion Updates: Spying on the Scammers Video Terms Avoiding Scams Search Results Skipping Ads with an Adblocker...more

Part 3 Scam Avoidance: Protecting yourself after the Scam

This is 3rd part of a 3 part series in protecting yourself from on-line and of-line scams. In part 2 I discussed some ways you can avoid scams before you become a victum. In this part of the series I will outline some ways to handle yourself after the fact. The best security is awareness The psychology behind decision making Avoiding Scams Protecting yourself after the Scam Protect your on-line accounts Conclusion Updates: Spying on the Scammers Video Terms Protecting yourself after the Scam If you have already been a victim of an scam....more

Scooters' Laptop Buyers Guide

This article may help you cut through crap the when shopping for a new laptop, and help you avoid the pitfalls of purchasing a lemon.

Restoring your digital life from backup after a disaster

Learn why solely backing up your data isn’t always enough to recover from a disaster. In this publication, you will learn about: What is disaster recovery backup, and why should I care? How a little planning can drive a successful disaster recovery Why waiting for a disaster to happen before you plan is a bad idea Understanding technology terms Knowing the difference between backup and disaster recovery, understanding key technology terms, and evaluating software along with storage options can help you develop an effective plan for avoiding the consequences of data loss and downtime after a catastrophe strikes....more