https://askbobrankin.com/ Need tech support? Go ahead... Ask Bob Rankin about computers, viruses, spyware, search engines or almost anything about the Internet. en Copyright 2026, Bob Rankin Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:24:35 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=3.21 http://askbobrankin.com/askbob2.jpg https://askbobrankin.com/ You lock your doors at night. You avoid sketchy phone calls. You’re careful about what you post on social media. But what about the information about you that’s already out there, without your permission? Did you know... your digital footprint can lead right to your front door? Read on to learn how to cover those tracks...

Continue reading Where Does Your Digital Footprint Lead? ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/where_does_your_digital_footprint_lead.html https://askbobrankin.com/where_does_your_digital_footprint_lead.html Privacy Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:24:35 +0000 Did you ever wish you could jot down a text message now, but have it land in someone's inbox at the perfect moment, like later today, or first thing tomorrow? Scheduling your outbound messages lets you do just that, without staying up late or forgetting to send it later. In this article, you'll find practical reasons to schedule messages, self-reminder tricks, and step-by-step guides for Android, iPhone, and WhatsApp, plus a bonus on how to do the same with your email. Read on!

Continue reading Send it Later! The Power of Scheduled Messages ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/send_it_later_the_power_of_scheduled_messages.html https://askbobrankin.com/send_it_later_the_power_of_scheduled_messages.html Mobile Tue, 24 Mar 2026 12:28:51 +0000 Craigslist is a free online classified ads site that's been around over 30 years, offering a way to buy and sell goods or services locally. In recent years, alternatives such as Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, OfferUp and Poshmark have also become popular. Lots of people use these sites every day for legitimate transactions, but if you're not careful, you could end up getting scammed by a Schmeckpeper. What's a Schmeckpeper? Read on for the answer, online marketplace traps to avoid, and my personal scam stories...

Continue reading Selling on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace? Watch Out for These Scams ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/selling_on_craigslist_or_facebook_marketplace_watch_out_for_these_scams.html https://askbobrankin.com/selling_on_craigslist_or_facebook_marketplace_watch_out_for_these_scams.html Shopping Mon, 23 Mar 2026 19:01:18 +0000 Computers and cars have one thing in common: both tend to accumulate junk in hard-to-reach places. Cleaning out your car can be a messy, sweaty job with plenty of opportunities for back injuries. Cleaning out a PC is a more civilized affair. Cluttered drives can make your computer feel sluggish, cause backups to take longer, and can even prevent updates from installing. Here are some free tools to clean up your hard drive, improve system performance, and make sure your backups run smoothly. Ready to jettison the detritus? Read on...

Continue reading Sluggish, Cluttered Computer? Here's Your Cleanup Cheat Sheet ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/sluggish_cluttered_computer_heres_your_cleanup_cheat_sheet.html https://askbobrankin.com/sluggish_cluttered_computer_heres_your_cleanup_cheat_sheet.html Software Mon, 09 Mar 2026 17:17:21 +0000 According to a report produced by Javelin Strategy & Research, identity theft affected over 18 million U.S. consumers in 2024, with losses over $27 billion. Spikes have been noted in 'new account fraud' and 'account takeover fraud' -- two of the most damaging types of ID theft. I haven’t found stats for 2025 yet, but we can assume they’re equally dismal. Read on for my tips on avoiding fraud and identity theft, and see if you've made any mistakes that can make it easier for scammers to victimize you...

Continue reading 15 Identity Theft Mistakes to Avoid in 2026 (how many have you made?) ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/15_identity_theft_mistakes_to_avoid_in_2026_how_many_have_you_made.html https://askbobrankin.com/15_identity_theft_mistakes_to_avoid_in_2026_how_many_have_you_made.html Privacy Tue, 03 Mar 2026 18:53:55 +0000 Today’s topic sounds geeky, but I promise I'll explain it all in plain English and show you how to make your Internet usage faster, safer, and more private. In the past, I have recommended using alternative DNS as a means to a faster and more reliable Web browsing experience. But faster surfing isn't the only benefit of switching your DNS servers. Read on...

Continue reading Change These Settings to Boost Speed, Security, Privacy ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/change_these_settings_to_boost_speed_security_privacy.html https://askbobrankin.com/change_these_settings_to_boost_speed_security_privacy.html Privacy Tue, 24 Feb 2026 20:06:02 +0000 You’re driving to work, your phone in the cup holder, your EZ-Pass humming quietly on the windshield. Maybe you’ve got OnStar in the background, logging every turn, every speed bump, every time you hit the brakes. At home, your Wi-Fi router blinks, feeding your Netflix habit. But underneath all of that, there’s a quiet, invisible web of surveillance that can map where you live, where you shop, and who you hang out with, often without you even knowing. Here's what you need to know, and do...

Continue reading Big Brother is Tracking You (and how you can fight back) ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/big_brother_is_tracking_you_and_how_you_can_fight_back.html https://askbobrankin.com/big_brother_is_tracking_you_and_how_you_can_fight_back.html Privacy Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:08:04 +0000 Have you ever searched for someone’s phone number or address and found yourself watching a dramatic “searching databases” animation, only to be told that you must pay before you can see any real results? Behind the promise of instant access to public records lies a user journey built on endless progress screens, and a paywall that pops up only after you’ve invested time and attention. If you've experienced that moment when a supposedly simple lookup turns into a bait-and-switch rabbit hole, read on! I have both a warning and a promise of something that really works and is really free...

Continue reading It’s Been Verified - Your Free Search Just Hit a Paywall ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/its_been_verified_your_free_search_just_hit_a_paywall.html https://askbobrankin.com/its_been_verified_your_free_search_just_hit_a_paywall.html Search-Engines Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:53:47 +0000 Have you ever experienced the dreaded Blue Screen of Death? Does your PC or Mac computer lock up, freeze, crash, or display cryptic error messages? Thess sorts of problem can be very difficult to diagnose, because many things can cause a desktop computer or laptop to crash (and even burn!). Before you blame those mischievous gremlins, here are some common causes of computer crashes and some tips on how to deal with them...

Continue reading 12 Things That Cause Computer Crashes ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/12_things_that_cause_computer_crashes.html https://askbobrankin.com/12_things_that_cause_computer_crashes.html Hardware Tue, 03 Feb 2026 19:03:06 +0000 Air travel is back in full swing, so demand for flights is high. But finding the cheapest airfare for your business or pleasure trip takes a bit of cunning. It also helps to use specialized online search tools. But sometimes getting the cheapest flights has more to do with timing than tools. Here's what you need to know before booking your next flight, in order to get the lowest fares possible. I also have some nifty power tools for flyers. Read on...

Continue reading How to Find the Cheapest Flights (Without Losing Your Mind) ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/how_to_find_the_cheapest_flights_without_losing_your_mind.html https://askbobrankin.com/how_to_find_the_cheapest_flights_without_losing_your_mind.html Travel Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:32:54 +0000 Did you know that Nail-Biting Refreshes The Feet? Oh, sorry... I meant to say “The Best Things In Life Are Free.” How did that come out so wrong? I must have had my brain hooked up to that anagram generator too long. Read on for a batch of fun links that will help you improve your vocabulary, win at word games, and impress your friends with linguistic legerdemain, lexical labyrinths, and laugh-out-loud letterplay. Ready, set, go!

Continue reading Calling All Logophiles (Pork Lion of Beef, anyone?) ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/calling_all_logophiles_pork_lion_of_beef_anyone.html https://askbobrankin.com/calling_all_logophiles_pork_lion_of_beef_anyone.html Reference Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:13:14 +0000 Mobile phone service plans can be confusing. You pay for a bucket of minutes, text messages, and mobile data. But at the end of each month, you may see that you didn't use all you paid for. Or worse, you have to pay EXTRA for going over your allotment of minutes or data. And then there are the hidden fees, and inscrutable contract stipulations. Ting Mobile feels your pain, and promises not to rely on confusion to turn a profit. Read on to check out some of the Ting plans that can save you money on your mobile phone bill...

Continue reading Will Ting Mobile Slash Your Cell Phone Bill? ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/will_ting_mobile_slash_your_cell_phone_bill.html https://askbobrankin.com/will_ting_mobile_slash_your_cell_phone_bill.html Telephony Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:16:34 +0000 Hey, did you catch Part One of my “Best of 2025” series? Well, buckle up, because today I’m serving up another round of ten wildly popular AskBob articles! These gems were carefully curated with assistance from a secret cabal of quantum robots, obscure blockchain vaults, poorly encrypted satellite feeds, and a questionable AI toolkit allegedly sourced from “Vinny the IT guy” who may or may not have a keycard to the Hadron Collider. I hope you'll dive in, leave your own comments, and share them with your email buddies and social media contacts. Let's go!

Continue reading AskBob's Best of 2025 - Part Two ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/askbobs_best_of_2025_part_two.html https://askbobrankin.com/askbobs_best_of_2025_part_two.html Reference Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:21:14 +0000 I want to give a big THANK YOU to you, and to the 130,000+ amazing people who’ve subscribed to the AskBob newsletter since it all started back in 2005! This year marks the 20th anniversary of the newsletter, with more than 3,000 articles (and counting) on the site. I’m especially grateful for all of you who read regularly, and share your thoughts in the comments. And since I’m a bit of a numbers geek as well as a word guy, I asked my trusty robot helper to dig through the server logs and find the most popular articles of the year. Here are ten of the top picks for you to check out. Take a look, leave a comment, share a favorite with a friend, and invite them to sign up for more AskBob tips in the year ahead!

Continue reading AskBob's Best of 2025 - Part One ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/askbobs_best_of_2025_part_one.html https://askbobrankin.com/askbobs_best_of_2025_part_one.html Reference Mon, 05 Jan 2026 17:41:43 +0000 Artificial intelligence is changing how people work, play, and connect online. But it's also changing how cybercriminals operate. Experts say 2026 will bring faster, smarter attacks powered by AI. These threats won’t just target companies, they’ll come after regular people too. Here's what you need to know, and do...

Continue reading AI Will Change Cybercrime in 2026 - Are You Ready? ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/ai_will_change_cybercrime_in_2026_are_you_ready.html https://askbobrankin.com/ai_will_change_cybercrime_in_2026_are_you_ready.html Artificial Intelligence Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:34:32 +0000 Almost every television sold these days is advertised as a Smart TV. Behind the screen, these TVs are computers with an operating system, a hard drive, and Internet connectivity. They also have cameras, a microphone, and sophisticated software that allows them to collect and sell your viewing data. And because they are constantly connected, the same risks (malware and hacking) that apply to computers also apply to smart TVs. Read on to learn about the privacy and security risks of smart TVs, and what you can do to minimize them...

Continue reading Yes, Your TV is Spying on You (here's how to stop it) ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/yes_your_tv_is_spying_on_you_heres_how_to_stop_it.html https://askbobrankin.com/yes_your_tv_is_spying_on_you_heres_how_to_stop_it.html Television Mon, 15 Dec 2025 18:59:39 +0000 The gift-giving season is upon us. Should you buy device insurance, protection plans, or extended warranties for your shiny new electronics or appliances? I make no bones about my disdain for these “protection rackets,” which are all heavily rigged in the seller’s favor. Why else would they try so hard to sell these plans at the point of purchase? Here's what you need to know about mobile device insurance, extended warranties for your gadgets or appliances, and my thoughts on what’s wrong with them...

Continue reading [ALERT] Gadget Insurance and Extended Warranty Scams ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/alert_gadget_insurance_and_extended_warranty_scams.html https://askbobrankin.com/alert_gadget_insurance_and_extended_warranty_scams.html Finance Fri, 12 Dec 2025 18:36:33 +0000 Do you know the best month of the year to shop for a new or used car? Are auto prices rising or falling? Today I have some tips for car buying that will help you avoid scams, save money, and get the car you want. You may not even have to set foot in a dealer showroom. Read on...

Continue reading Is NOW the Best Time to Buy a Car? ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/is_now_the_best_time_to_buy_a_car.html https://askbobrankin.com/is_now_the_best_time_to_buy_a_car.html Auto Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:43:47 +0000 Do you need an alias for your email? In today’s digital landscape, the answer is increasingly “yes.” Email aliases offer a blend of privacy and security, unmatched by traditional single-address email setups. The idea is to cloak your real address behind unique, disposable alternatives, helping you keep your inbox cleaner and your private information safer. Read on for my tips...

Continue reading Does Your Inbox Need an Alias? ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/does_your_inbox_need_an_alias.html https://askbobrankin.com/does_your_inbox_need_an_alias.html Email Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:49:00 +0000 A desperate AskBob reader says, “I’ve managed to mess up my Windows system to the point of no return. It seems hopeless, so now I'm ready to hit the reset button, and return Windows to factory-fresh condition. How do I do that?” Read on and I'll tell you how, and why you might NOT want to use the Nuclear Option...

Continue reading Hit the Windows RESET Button? Read this first... ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/hit_the_windows_reset_button_read_this_first.html https://askbobrankin.com/hit_the_windows_reset_button_read_this_first.html Windows Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:33:59 +0000 Have you noticed that smart phones and other electronic gadgets become obsolete almost as fast as the news these days. If you like to stay on the bleeding edge, you'll upgrade your tech gadgets at every opportunity. But what's the best way to get cash for your used iPhone, Android smartphone, or other electronics, without getting scammed? And is it a good idea to buy a used phone? Here are several ways you can sell (or buy) a used cell phone, tablet, laptop, digital camera, video game, or other gear...

Continue reading How to Buy (or Sell) Used Phones - Without Getting Scammed ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/how_to_buy_or_sell_used_phones_without_getting_scammed.html https://askbobrankin.com/how_to_buy_or_sell_used_phones_without_getting_scammed.html Gadgets Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:57:37 +0000 Millions of cell phones are “drowned” each year. When your phone stops working after falling into the sink, toilet, bathtub, swimming pool, muddy puddle, lake or the ocean, can it be saved? In many cases the answer is “yes,” if you do the right things and don’t do the wrong things. If you're thinking about using rice, silica gel, cat litter, couscous, or instant oatmeal, don't waste your time. Here's what you need to know if your device is dunked, and what this all has to do with wonton soup...

Continue reading Wontons, Slush and Wet Phones ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/wontons_slush_and_wet_phones.html https://askbobrankin.com/wontons_slush_and_wet_phones.html Mobile Mon, 03 Nov 2025 19:17:55 +0000 Smishing, short for SMS phishing, is one of the fastest-growing security headaches of 2025. It isn’t just spam anymore, these scams have evolved to target you while you’re busy with everyday life, pinging your phone and messaging apps with text alerts and links that seem totally legit. Whether you’re checking playoff scores, coordinating a delivery, or just sipping morning coffee, anyone can get caught off guard. Read on to learn how smishing works, the most common tactics being used, ways to spot it before it gets you, and what to do if you’re targeted...

Continue reading [PHONE SCAM ALERT] Dodge the Digital Bullets ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/phone_scam_alert_dodge_the_digital_bullets.html https://askbobrankin.com/phone_scam_alert_dodge_the_digital_bullets.html Mobile Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:55:59 +0000 Imagine opening your Web browser and, instead of manually searching, clicking, and filling out forms, your AI assistant handles it all. Specialized AI tools now promise to browse for you, find the best deals, schedule meetings, draft emails, and even handle repetitive tasks automatically. Is that efficient or creepy, and is it wise to hand that kind of control to AI? Read on for my analysis...

Continue reading Would You Allow AI to Take Over Your Browser? ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/would_you_allow_ai_to_take_over_your_browser.html https://askbobrankin.com/would_you_allow_ai_to_take_over_your_browser.html Artificial Intelligence Wed, 22 Oct 2025 18:21:05 +0000 Learning is a life-long process. As an adult, going back to college used to be a daunting prospect. But today it’s easy, often free, and just a few clicks away. “Massively Open Online Classes” presented by top universities provide opportunities to learn at your own pace, in your style, from wherever you happen to be You might even earn college credits! Read on to learn what you can learn...

Continue reading Online College for Life-Long Learning (without the student loans) ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/online_college_for_lifelong_learning_without_the_student_loans.html https://askbobrankin.com/online_college_for_lifelong_learning_without_the_student_loans.html Education Mon, 20 Oct 2025 18:23:16 +0000 The official end of support for Windows 10 might sound like the beginning of a digital apocalypse. Microsoft has been preparing users for the big shift to Windows 11 for years, and now, with the October 14 "end-of-life" date having come and gone, the alarm bells are ringing everywhere. But I'm sticking with Windows 10. Read on to learn why, and if you should, too...

Continue reading Windows 10 is Obsolete, And I Feel Fine! ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/windows_10_is_obsolete_and_i_feel_fine.html https://askbobrankin.com/windows_10_is_obsolete_and_i_feel_fine.html Windows-10 Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:52:05 +0000 Every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that protecting your personal information and devices is more important than ever. With cyber threats evolving rapidly, this annual observance is a nudge to stay vigilant against the latest attacks, from ransomware and phishing scams to emerging dangers like AI-driven malware. Here are 10 things you need to know and do this Cybersecurity Month to protect yourself, your family, and your devices...

Continue reading It's Cybersecurity Month - 10 Things You Need to Know (and do!) ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/its_cybersecurity_month_10_things_you_need_to_know_and_do.html https://askbobrankin.com/its_cybersecurity_month_10_things_you_need_to_know_and_do.html Security Fri, 17 Oct 2025 02:40:41 +0000 Setting up a new computer is something to get excited about. It’s tempting to open the box, plug it in, start it up, and just begin exploring. But a new PC requires some initial fine-tuning in order to optimize performance and avoid problems later on. Here is my list of things you should do to a new desktop or laptop PC as soon as it comes out of the box...

Continue reading New PC? Do These 12 Things Now... ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/new_pc_do_these_12_things_now.html https://askbobrankin.com/new_pc_do_these_12_things_now.html Hardware Fri, 03 Oct 2025 16:20:47 +0000 An anxious AskBob reader says: “Some of my email friends are complaining that I’m sending them spammy emails. I’ve looked in my Sent folder and nothing odd shows up there. How can this be happening? Am I spamming in my sleep? Is it possible that someone has hacked into my email account, or is there another explanation?” Read on for the most likely answers to this mystery...

Continue reading Hey, Are You Spamming In Your Sleep? ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/hey_are_you_spamming_in_your_sleep.html https://askbobrankin.com/hey_are_you_spamming_in_your_sleep.html Spam Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:28:32 +0000 A frustrated AskBob reader asks: “Why does my computer shut down without warning at random times?” There are several possible causes, (including miniature cows and angry bees) but overheating is the most likely, and easiest to solve. Read on to learn why heat is your computer's Enemy Number One, and how to keep your computer from being damaged by overheating...

Continue reading Your Computer's Worst Enemy (Cows, Bees, or...?) ... ]]> https://askbobrankin.com/your_computers_worst_enemy_cows_bees_or.html https://askbobrankin.com/your_computers_worst_enemy_cows_bees_or.html Hardware Fri, 19 Sep 2025 17:25:58 +0000