Confident Computing – by Ask Leo!

#1117 – Set Up Windows 11 With Only a Local Account – Still Working in 2026

Connie Delaney — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:00:17 +0000

#1117 - Set Up Windows 11 With Only a Local Account - Still Working in 2026

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In my reading/research for 7 Takeaways this week I came across an absolutely fascinating article: I Asked Claude Why It Won't Stop Flattering Me by Kristen French on a publication called Nautilus.

As the title implies, it's a) a "conversation" with the Claude AI chatbot, and b) it starts out addressing the reasons Claude, and presumably other AI's, love to flatter us. In reality the discussion goes much deeper, and I thought it was very insightful. It's something I recommend if you're at all interested in AI chatbots, and in particular if you're already having conversations with them.

I talk about it a tiny bit more in this week's 7 Takeaways, or you can just read the essay for yourself.

To quote Claude itself: "I have no stake in your actual well-being." That's something well worth remembering.

Have a good week,

This Week on Ask Leo!

Set Up Windows 11 With Only a Local Account - Still Working in 2026
It's possible, just well hidden.

Setting up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account is still possible.

Read: Set Up Windows 11 With Only a Local Account - Still Working in 2026

If Shutting Down Windows Cleanly Is So Important, What Happens When the Power Just Goes Out?
Usually nothing bad, but sometimes…

Power outages are a different problem than just flipping a switch, and your computer could pay the price.

Read: If Shutting Down Windows Cleanly Is So Important, What Happens When the Power Just Goes Out?

How Do I Run a Program "As Administrator"?
When you think you're the administrator, but you're not.

It's not trying to annoy you, it's an important part of keeping you safe. With an extra step or click, you can easily be the administrator when needed.

Read: How Do I Run a Program "As Administrator"?

How to Back Up Photos and Never Lose Them Again: the Steps You Need to Take
Your photos are irreplaceable.

Your photos capture moments you can never get back, but one lost phone or crashed hard drive could wipe them out forever. Protecting them is easier than you think. Here's a simple plan to make sure your memories are never just one accident away from gone.

Read: How to Back Up Photos and Never Lose Them Again: the Steps You Need to Take

Should I Cover My Webcam When I'm Not Using It?
It does no harm, but is it really necessary?

Before you pull a "Zuck" and slap a sticky note over your camera, it's worth asking whether the threat is actually real.

Read: Should I Cover My Webcam When I'm Not Using It?

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If Shutting Down Windows Cleanly Is So Important, What Happens When the Power Just Goes Out?

Power outages are a different problem than just flipping a switch, and your computer could pay the price.

Watch: If Shutting Down Windows Cleanly Is So Important, What Happens When the Power Just Goes Out?

Should I Cover My Webcam When I'm Not Using It?

Before you pull a "Zuck" and slap a sticky note over your camera, it's worth asking whether the threat is actually real.

Watch: Should I Cover My Webcam When I'm Not Using It?

How Do I Run a Program "As Administrator"?

It's not trying to annoy you, it's an important part of keeping you safe. With an extra step or click, you can easily be the administrator when needed.

Watch: How Do I Run a Program "As Administrator"?

Set Up Windows 11 With Only a Local Account ' Still Working in 2026

Setting up Windows 11 without a Microsoft account is still possible.

Watch: Set Up Windows 11 With Only a Local Account ' Still Working in 2026

How to Back Up Photos and Never Lose Them Again: the Steps You Need to Take

Watch: How to Back Up Photos and Never Lose Them Again: the Steps You Need to Take

The post #1117 – Set Up Windows 11 With Only a Local Account – Still Working in 2026 appeared first on Confident Computing - by Ask Leo!.

#1116 – How to Protect Your Credit Card Information

Leo — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 15:00:38 +0000

#1116 - How to Protect Your Credit Card Information

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Every so often I run into an offhand comment from someone -- usually someone experiencing networking problems -- that their data would move faster if it were instead carried by pigeons.

The official standards have you covered. You think I jest, but A Standard for the Transmission of IP Datagrams on Avian Carriers, published in 1990, is a detailed and formal specification for the use of carrier pigeons to carry internet traffic. Of course the protocol has high latency (aka it's slow), and subject to packet loss (addressed in an updated RFC2549: "Unintentional encapsulation in hawks has been known to occur, with decapsulation being messy and the packets mangled.")

The Wikipedia article has more on the topic.

I thought a fun way to start off April. (And yes, both RFC's were published on April 1 of their respective publication years ).

Have a good week,

This Week on Ask Leo!

How to Protect Your Credit Card Information
An ongoing challenge, to be sure.

Your credit card info can be stolen in stores or online. From tap-to-pay to virtual card numbers, I'll walk you through the best ways to keep your credit card safe.

Read: How to Protect Your Credit Card Information

How Do I Change My Email Address?
It seems simple, but there are ramifications.

Changing an email address changes a lot more than the address. I'll look at common scenarios and a few additional approaches.

Read: How Do I Change My Email Address?

How Can I Send a Document to Someone Securely?
Encrypt it.

Sending private documents by email feels risky because it is. What's the safest way to get sensitive information to the right person without it falling into the wrong hands?

Read: How Can I Send a Document to Someone Securely?

What Can a Technician With Remote Access Do?
Anything.

You thought it was tech support, but it was a scam. You gave a stranger full access to your computer. How worried should you be?

Read: What Can a Technician With Remote Access Do?

How Do You Remove Bloatware?
My controversial position: don't waste your time.

Your new computer came loaded with software you never asked for. Before you reach for a debloating tool, here's my controversial take on what you should and shouldn't do about bloatware.

Read: How Do You Remove Bloatware?

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How Can I Send a Document to Someone Securely?

Sending private documents by email feels risky because it is. What's the safest way to get sensitive information to the right person without it falling into the wrong hands?

Watch: How Can I Send a Document to Someone Securely?

What Can a Technician With Remote Access Do?

You thought it was tech support, but it was a scam. You gave a stranger full access to your computer. How worried should you be?

Watch: What Can a Technician With Remote Access Do?

How Do You Remove Bloatware?

- ?? Your new computer came loaded with software you never asked for. Before you reach for a debloating tool, here's my controversial take on what you should and shouldn't do about bloatware.

Watch: How Do You Remove Bloatware?

How to Protect Your Credit Card Information

Your credit card info can be stolen in stores or online. From tap-to-pay to virtual card numbers, I'll walk you through the best ways to keep your credit card safe.

Watch: How to Protect Your Credit Card Information

How Do I Change My Email Address?

Changing an email address changes a lot more than the address. I'll look at common scenarios and a few additional approaches.

Watch: How Do I Change My Email Address?

The post #1116 – How to Protect Your Credit Card Information appeared first on Confident Computing - by Ask Leo!.

#1115 – What If My Passkey Doesn’t Work or I Lose the Device It’s On?

Leo — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:00:41 +0000

#1115 - What If My Passkey Doesn't Work or I Lose the Device It's On?

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This Week on Ask Leo!

What If My Passkey Doesn't Work or I Lose the Device It's On?
You do something else.

Passkeys are supposed to make signing in easier and safer, but what happens when it stops working or your device is gone? I'll show you what to do if your passkey fails or is lost and a technique that makes passkeys work everywhere.

Read: What If My Passkey Doesn't Work or I Lose the Device It's On?

What's the Difference Between Outlook, Outlook, and Outlook.com?
So many Outlooks. So much confusion.

Microsoft continues to confuse us with repetitive product names. I'll clarify the difference between Outlook, Outlook, and Outlook.com, and help you decide which you want.

Read: What's the Difference Between Outlook, Outlook, and Outlook.com?

How Do I Find Who Hacked My Email Account?
TL;DR: You don't.

Someone hacked your email and you want answers. Who did it? Where are they? Can you track them down? Here's what you should do.

Read: How Do I Find Who Hacked My Email Account?

I Lost My Two-Factor Authentication Device. How Do I Recover?
How to prove you're you without your second factor.

Losing your phone can lock you out of your accounts if it's your second factor for authentication. Here's how I recovered while traveling, the backup options that saved me, and the steps you can take now so you're never stuck without access.

Read: I Lost My Two-Factor Authentication Device. How Do I Recover?

How Do I Deal With Getting Someone Else's Email?
Dealing with someone else's typos.

You didn't ask for it, but there it is: email meant for someone else in your inbox. I'll discuss why this happens and what you can do about it.

Read: How Do I Deal With Getting Someone Else's Email?

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How Do I Deal With Getting Someone Else's Email?

You didn't ask for it, but there it is: email meant for someone else in your inbox. I'll discuss why this happens and what you can do about it.

Watch: How Do I Deal With Getting Someone Else's Email?

What's the Difference Between Outlook, Outlook, and Outlook.com?

Microsoft continues to confuse us with repetitive product names. I'll clarify the difference between Outlook, Outlook, and Outlook.com, and help you decide which you want.

Watch: What's the Difference Between Outlook, Outlook, and Outlook.com?

What If My Passkey Doesn't Work or I Lose the Device It's On?

Watch: What If My Passkey Doesn't Work or I Lose the Device It's On?

I Lost My Two Factor Authentication Device. How Do I Recover?

Losing your phone can lock you out of your accounts if it?s your second factor for authentication. Here?s how I recovered while traveling, the backup options that saved me, and the steps you can take now so you?re never stuck without access.

Watch: I Lost My Two Factor Authentication Device. How Do I Recover?

How Do I Find Who Hacked My Email Account?

Someone hacked your email and you want answers. Who did it? Where are they? Can you track them down? The truth probably isn't what you want to hear. Here's what you should do.

Watch: How Do I Find Who Hacked My Email Account?

The post #1115 – What If My Passkey Doesn’t Work or I Lose the Device It’s On? appeared first on Confident Computing - by Ask Leo!.

#1114 – How Do I Uninstall Windows?

Leo — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 15:00:14 +0000

#1114 - How Do I Uninstall Windows?

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This Week on Ask Leo!

How Do I Uninstall Windows?
You can't. But you can do something else.

Stuck with a version of Windows you can't stand? You're not alone, and you're not trapped. "Uninstall" isn't a thing, but there are a few options you might not know about.

Read: How Do I Uninstall Windows?

Why Password Managers Are [Still] Safer than the Alternatives
Password vaults are the most secure solution.

If you're not using a password manager, you're likely compromising your security more than necessary. Here's why using one is safer.

Read: Why Password Managers Are [Still] Safer than the Alternatives

Why Doesn't My Machine's IP Address Match What I'm Told on the Internet?
IP addresses versus IP addresses.

Ever wonder why your computer shows one IP address, but websites see something totally different? They're both right. I'll describe how your router juggles two addresses behind the scenes and how that protects you every time you go online.

Read: Why Doesn't My Machine's IP Address Match What I'm Told on the Internet?

Windows Administrator Explained
Why you are and are not the administrator of your own computer.

Why will your computer sometimes tells you "access denied" when you're the only user? Windows has a system of administrator account types that are easy to misunderstand. I'll describe which type of account you likely have, and what the other options can and can't do.

Read: Windows Administrator Explained

What's a Zero-Day Attack? A Diagram of the Vulnerability Timeline
Infected before you know there's a risk.

Yes, your computer can get hacked even when it's fully updated. Zero-day attacks exploit vulnerabilities that your antivirus software doesn't yet know exist. I'll explain how these attacks work and what you can do to protect yourself.

Read: What's a Zero-Day Attack? A Diagram of the Vulnerability Timeline

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What's a "Zero-Day" Attack? A Diagram of the Vulnerability Timeline

Yes, your computer can get hacked even when it's fully updated. Zero-day attacks exploit vulnerabilities before anyone can fix them and before your antivirus knows to see it coming. I'll explain how these attacks work, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Watch: What's a "Zero-Day" Attack? A Diagram of the Vulnerability Timeline

Windows Administrator Explained

Watch: Windows Administrator Explained

Why Doesn't My Machine's IP Address Match What I'm Told on the Internet?

Watch: Why Doesn't My Machine's IP Address Match What I'm Told on the Internet?

How Do I Uninstall Windows?

Stuck with a version of Windows you can't stand? You're not alone, and you're not trapped. "Uninstall" isn't a thing, but there are a few options you might not know about.

Watch: How Do I Uninstall Windows?

Why Password Managers Are [Still] Safer than the Alternatives

If you're not using a password manager, you're likely compromising your security more than necessary. Here's why using one is safer.

Watch: Why Password Managers Are [Still] Safer than the Alternatives

The post #1114 – How Do I Uninstall Windows? appeared first on Confident Computing - by Ask Leo!.

#1113 – Don’t Fall for It: Social Engineering and How Scammers Hack Your Brain

Leo — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:00:46 +0000

#1113 - Don't Fall for It: Social Engineering and How Scammers Hack Your Brain

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This Week on Ask Leo!

Don't Fall for It: Social Engineering and How Scammers Hack Your Brain
How to recognize, avoid, and beat the scams.

Think you're too smart to fall for a scam? Think again. Scammers aren't targeting your intelligence; they're targeting your humanity. I'll share the sneaky mind tricks they use every day and help you spot the red flags before it's too late.

Read: Don't Fall for It: Social Engineering and How Scammers Hack Your Brain

How Do I Gain Administrative Access to a Secondhand Computer?
Here be dragons. Maybe.

It's important to understand the risks of buying a used computer.

Read: How Do I Gain Administrative Access to a Secondhand Computer?

How Do I Tell Which Wi-Fi Protocols My Computer Supports?
They keep changing.

Ever wondered if your Wi-Fi card can handle the latest speeds, or why it won't connect in certain places? I'll show you exactly how to check which Wi-Fi protocols your computer supports, and what those cryptic "802.11" labels actually mean.

Read: How Do I Tell Which Wi-Fi Protocols My Computer Supports?

Can I Have Different Passwords for YouTube and Gmail?
Keeping services separate is possible, though not obvious.

A Google account includes Gmail, YouTube, and much more. If you want to keep those services separate, you'll need separate Google accounts.

Read: Can I Have Different Passwords for YouTube and Gmail?

How to Identify Your Machine's Network Connections
There are probably many more connections than you expect.

Your computer might be chatting with hundreds of servers right now, including sites you might not expect, without you knowing! I'll show you free tools that let you see what your machine is up to online.

Read: How to Identify Your Machine's Network Connections

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How To: Identify Your Machine's Network Connections

Your computer might be chatting with hundreds of servers right now, including sites you might not expect, without you knowing! I'll show you free tools that let you see exactly what your machine is up to online.

Watch: How To: Identify Your Machine's Network Connections

Can I Have Different Passwords for YouTube and Gmail?

A Google account includes Gmail, YouTube, and much more. If you want to keep those services separate, you'll need separate Google accounts.

Watch: Can I Have Different Passwords for YouTube and Gmail?

How Do I Tell Which Wi-Fi Protocols My Computer Supports?

Watch: How Do I Tell Which Wi-Fi Protocols My Computer Supports?

Don't Fall for It: Social Engineering and How Scammers Hack Your Brain

Watch: Don't Fall for It: Social Engineering and How Scammers Hack Your Brain

How Do I Gain Administrative Access to a Secondhand Computer?

It?s important to understand the risks of buying a used computer.

Watch: How Do I Gain Administrative Access to a Secondhand Computer?

The post #1113 – Don’t Fall for It: Social Engineering and How Scammers Hack Your Brain appeared first on Confident Computing - by Ask Leo!.

#1112 – How Should I Format My Thumbdrive?

Leo — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:00:10 +0000

#1112 - How Should I Format My Thumbdrive?

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This Week on Ask Leo!

How Should I Format My Thumbdrive?
Let's look at three options.

Looking to format a USB thumb drive but confused about FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS? I'll break down each file system's strengths and limitations and help you choose the best format based on compatibility needs, file sizes, and which devices you'll use it with.

Read: How Should I Format My Thumbdrive?

Are Deleted Emails Really Deleted?
You might think so, but…

Deleted an email and think it's gone forever? I'll explain what "delete" really means in webmail and desktop programs, why trash folders and database files can leave messages recoverable, how backups and even court orders can bring them back, and the inconvenient fact that the other person may still have a copy.

Read: Are Deleted Emails Really Deleted?

OK, Boomer: Why Computer Literacy Matters to You
Yes, you.

Technology isn't optional anymore. I'll explain why embracing computer literacy matters more than ever, and how complaining only isolates you further.

Read: OK, Boomer: Why Computer Literacy Matters to You

Can You Get Hacked When Your Computer Is Sleeping?
It depends. It's also extremely unlikely.

Worried your sleeping computer might get hacked? The short answer is no, but there's a catch. I'll explain what that is and why you're still probably safer than you think with basic security in place.

Read: Can You Get Hacked When Your Computer Is Sleeping?

How Do I Sign in to Windows If My Keyboard Doesn't Work?
Here's one way.

Keyboard not working, but you need to type to sign in to Windows? There's a solution for that.

Read: How Do I Sign in to Windows If My Keyboard Doesn't Work?

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How Do I Sign In to Windows if My Keyboard's Not Working?

Keyboard not working, but you need to type to sign in to Windows? There's a solution for that.

Watch: How Do I Sign In to Windows if My Keyboard's Not Working?

Can You Get Hacked When Your Computer Is Sleeping?

Watch: Can You Get Hacked When Your Computer Is Sleeping?

OK, Boomer: Why Computer Literacy Matters to You

Technology isn't optional anymore. I'll explain why embracing computer literacy matters more than ever, and how complaining only isolates you further.

Watch: OK, Boomer: Why Computer Literacy Matters to You

How Should I Format My Thumbdrive?

Watch: How Should I Format My Thumbdrive?

Are Deleted Emails Really Deleted?

Deleted an email and think it?s gone forever? I'll explain what ?delete? really means in webmail and desktop programs, why trash folders and database files can leave messages recoverable, how backups and even court orders can bring them back, and the inconvenient fact that the other person may still have a copy.

Watch: Are Deleted Emails Really Deleted?

The post #1112 – How Should I Format My Thumbdrive? appeared first on Confident Computing - by Ask Leo!.

#1111 – What Do I Do If I’m Being Harassed, Bullied, or Stalked Online?

Leo — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:00:56 +0000

#1111 - What Do I Do If I'm Being Harassed, Bullied, or Stalked Online?

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This Week on Ask Leo!

What Do I Do If I'm Being Harassed, Bullied, or Stalked Online?
Online harassment is rampant. Here's what you need to know.

Online harassment can happen to anyone, but what can you actually do about it? I'll break down whether it's illegal, how to identify who's behind it, ways to make it stop, and the critical mistakes to avoid so you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

Read: What Do I Do If I'm Being Harassed, Bullied, or Stalked Online?

Dealing With Video Starts and Stops While Watching: Three Common Causes and Three Possible Solutions
What to check for, and what to try.

There are common causes, and sometimes simple solutions, for a video that starts and stops as you watch it.

Read: Dealing With Video Starts and Stops While Watching: Three Common Causes and Three Possible Solutions

Why Am I Being Asked for Additional Verification on Sign-in?
It can be very frustrating.

Traveling and suddenly locked out of Outlook.com? I'll explain why Microsoft asks for extra sign-in proof, what "something unusual" really means, and how to set up backup email, phone, or authenticator options before you leave so you can get your code and your account back when it matters most.

Read: Why Am I Being Asked for Additional Verification on Sign-in?

How Does Cloud Storage Work?

Cloud storage sounds mysterious, but it's really just your files living on someone else's online computer. Let's look at how synchronization moves your changes between devices, why it can feel like backup, and the big catch: deletes spread everywhere too.

Read: How Does Cloud Storage Work?

Before You Click: 3 Quick Checks for a Suspicious Website
Dates, location, history.

Found a website you've never heard of and not sure you should click? I'll show you three fast clues -- domain dates, server location, and site history -- that can help you judge whether a site feels trustworthy or sketchy before you commit.

Read: Before You Click: 3 Quick Checks for a Suspicious Website

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Before You Click: 3 Quick Checks for a Suspicious Website

Found a website you?ve never heard of and not sure you should click? I'll show you three fast clues -- domain dates, server location, and site history -- that can help you judge whether a site feels trustworthy or sketchy before you commit.

Watch: Before You Click: 3 Quick Checks for a Suspicious Website

How Does Cloud Storage Work?

Cloud storage sounds mysterious, but it?s really just your files living on someone else?s online computer. Let's look at how synchronization moves your changes between devices, why it can feel like backup, and the big catch: deletes spread everywhere too.

Watch: How Does Cloud Storage Work?

Why Am I Being Asked for Additional Verification on Sign-in?

Traveling and suddenly locked out of Outlook.com? I'll explain why Microsoft asks for extra sign-in proof, what ?something unusual? really means, and how to set up backup email, phone, or authenticator options before you leave so you can get your code and your account back when it matters most.

Watch: Why Am I Being Asked for Additional Verification on Sign-in?

What Do I Do If I'm Being Harassed, Bullied, or Stalked Online?

Watch: What Do I Do If I'm Being Harassed, Bullied, or Stalked Online?

Dealing With Video Starts and Stops While Watching: Three Common Causes and Three Possible Solutions

There are common causes, and sometimes simple solutions, for a video that starts and stops as you watch it.

Watch: Dealing With Video Starts and Stops While Watching: Three Common Causes and Three Possible Solutions

The post #1111 – What Do I Do If I’m Being Harassed, Bullied, or Stalked Online? appeared first on Confident Computing - by Ask Leo!.

#1110 – How Microsoft Extortion Can Lead to Data Loss

Leo — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 16:00:49 +0000

#1110 - How Microsoft Extortion Can Lead to Data Loss

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This Week on Ask Leo!

How Microsoft Extortion Can Lead to Data Loss
"It'd be a shame if something happened to your data."

OneDrive's "backup" can quietly move your Desktop and Documents into the cloud, fill your free 5GB of storage, and start pushing you to "free up space." Here's the scary part: the wrong click can delete files everywhere.

Read: How Microsoft Extortion Can Lead to Data Loss

Is It Safe to Look, Just Look, at Spam?
Maybe.

Curious about what's hiding in your spam folder, but worried a single click could infect your computer? I'll explain the simple rules that keep you protected and how to view raw message source safely.

Read: Is It Safe to Look, Just Look, at Spam?

Don't Call Yourself Stupid
PLEASE.

Feeling "stupid" about computers? STOP IT. I'll discuss why that label holds you back, how attitude changes what you can accomplish, and better words to use when you need help.

Read: Don't Call Yourself Stupid

The Nirvana Fallacy
Something that frustrates me.

I'll explain the Nirvana Fallacy -- rejecting helpful tools because they aren't perfect -- and show how that thinking can make you less safe.

Read: The Nirvana Fallacy

In Search of a Complete Photo Management App
Maybe you can help me.

Struggling to organize photos? Me too. I'll explore the features of my ideal photo management app.

Read: In Search of a Complete Photo Management App

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The Nirvana Fallacy

I'll explain the Nirvana Fallacy -- rejecting helpful tools because they aren?t perfect -- and show how that thinking can make you less safe.

Watch: The Nirvana Fallacy

Is It Safe to Look, Just Look, at Spam?

Curious about what?s hiding in your spam folder, but worried a single click could infect your computer? I'll explain the simple rules that keep you protected and how to view raw message source safely.

Watch: Is It Safe to Look, Just Look, at Spam?

In Search of a Complete Photo Management App

Struggling to organize photos? Me too. I'll explore the features of my ideal photo management app.

Watch: In Search of a Complete Photo Management App

How Microsoft Extortion Can Lead to Data Loss

OneDrive?s ?backup? can quietly move your Desktop and Documents into the cloud, fill your free 5GB of storage, and start pushing you to ?free up space.? Here?s the scary part: the wrong click can delete files everywhere.

Watch: How Microsoft Extortion Can Lead to Data Loss

Don't Call Yourself Stupid

Some people call themselves "dumb" or "stupid" when it comes to computers. There's little that frustrates me more.

Watch: Don't Call Yourself Stupid

The post #1110 – How Microsoft Extortion Can Lead to Data Loss appeared first on Confident Computing - by Ask Leo!.

#1109 – How Do I Get Rid of Copilot Everywhere?

Leo — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:00:36 +0000

#1109 - How Do I Get Rid of Copilot Everywhere?

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This Week on Ask Leo!

How Do I Get Rid of Copilot Everywhere?
Microsoft is pushing, so we push back.

Copilot popping up everywhere? I'll show you how much of it you can disable or hide.

Read: How Do I Get Rid of Copilot Everywhere?

How Long Does Email Delivery Take?
It takes as long as it takes

Email is typically very fast, but sometimes it can take hours or even days. I'll explain why delays might happen, what spam filters and busy servers really do, and how long mail servers keep trying before they give up.

Read: How Long Does Email Delivery Take?

How Do I Decrypt Files Encrypted by Ransomware?
Unless you are either lucky or prepared, your options are few.

Prevention and preparation are the best solutions to ransomware.

Read: How Do I Decrypt Files Encrypted by Ransomware?

Lessons from a Fall
Some tech takeaways from my recent experience.

An injury turned everyday tech into a lifeline and exposed a few surprises. From what worked to what failed, I'll share my experience so you can be a little better prepared when life throws you an inevitable curveball.

Read: Lessons from a Fall

Three Ways Spammers Can Tell If You've Opened One of Their Emails
You could be in for more spam if you're not careful.

I'll share three simple ways spammers know you've read their email, and how you can avoid more spam in the future.

Read: Three Ways Spammers Can Tell If You've Opened One of Their Emails

Ask Leo! Tip of the Day

For Bronze patrons of Ask Leo!

TEH Podcast

Find the latest episode here.

Ask Leo! on YouTube

Subscribe to Ask Leo! on YouTube.

How Long Does Email Delivery Take?

Watch: How Long Does Email Delivery Take?

Three Ways Spammers Can Tell If You've Opened One of Their Emails

I'll share three simple ways spammers seem to know you?ve read their email, and what you can do to stop giving them that clue to avoid more future spam.

Watch: Three Ways Spammers Can Tell If You've Opened One of Their Emails

Lessons from a Fall

A fall turned everyday tech into a lifeline, and exposed a few surprises. From what worked to what failed, I'll share my experience so you can be a little better prepared when life throws you that inevitable curveball.

Watch: Lessons from a Fall

How Do I Get Rid of Copilot Everywhere?

Copilot popping up everywhere? I'll show you what you can turn off, and how much control you really do (and don't) have.

Watch: How Do I Get Rid of Copilot Everywhere?

How Do I Decrypt Files Encrypted by Ransomware?

Once your files are encrypted by ransomware, your options are few. If you're not prepared, there are a few straws to grasp at.

Watch: How Do I Decrypt Files Encrypted by Ransomware?

The post #1109 – How Do I Get Rid of Copilot Everywhere? appeared first on Confident Computing - by Ask Leo!.

#1108 – Has My Computer Been Hacked?

Leo — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 16:00:35 +0000

#1108 - Has My Computer Been Hacked?

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This Week on Ask Leo!

Has My Computer Been Hacked?
Clues to look for, steps to take.

It's easy to jump to the conclusion your computer has been hacked, but it's usually not the case. Regardless, preventing a hack is easier than recovering from one.

Read: Has My Computer Been Hacked?

The For-Pay Email Providers I Recommend
When your email is important enough to pay for.

People often use free email providers only to lose everything when a problem occurs. So what should you look for in a paid email provider?

Read: The For-Pay Email Providers I Recommend

How Do I Get a Program to Auto-start When I Sign In to Windows?
The right shortcut in the right place.

Want a program to start automatically every time you sign in to Windows? There's a simple, built-in way to do it.

Read: How Do I Get a Program to Auto-start When I Sign In to Windows?

Managing Windows File Explorer's Navigation Pane
Flexible… yet confusing.

File Explorer's messy left side driving you crazy? I'll show you how to clean up the navigation pane, remove clutter, and pin only the folders you actually use.

Read: Managing Windows File Explorer's Navigation Pane

Can You Recommend a Cordless Keyboard and Mouse?
Yes, but not exactly.

Tired of keyboards that fail too soon or slow you down? I'll share what I think matters when choosing a keyboard and mouse, what I do, and why "wireless" may not be your friend.

Read: Can You Recommend a Cordless Keyboard and Mouse?

Ask Leo! Tip of the Day

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Find the latest episode here.

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The post #1108 – Has My Computer Been Hacked? appeared first on Confident Computing - by Ask Leo!.

Confident Computing – by Ask Leo!

#1117 – Set Up Windows 11 With Only a Local Account – Still Working in 2026

This Week on Ask Leo!

Set Up Windows 11 With Only a Local Account - Still Working in 2026It's possible, just well hidden.

If Shutting Down Windows Cleanly Is So Important, What Happens When the Power Just Goes Out?Usually nothing bad, but sometimes…

How Do I Run a Program "As Administrator"?When you think you're the administrator, but you're not.

How to Back Up Photos and Never Lose Them Again: the Steps You Need to TakeYour photos are irreplaceable.

Should I Cover My Webcam When I'm Not Using It?It does no harm, but is it really necessary?

Ask Leo! Tip of the Day

TEH Podcast

Ask Leo! on YouTube

#1116 – How to Protect Your Credit Card Information

This Week on Ask Leo!

How to Protect Your Credit Card InformationAn ongoing challenge, to be sure.

How Do I Change My Email Address?It seems simple, but there are ramifications.

How Can I Send a Document to Someone Securely?Encrypt it.

What Can a Technician With Remote Access Do?Anything.

How Do You Remove Bloatware?My controversial position: don't waste your time.

Ask Leo! Tip of the Day

TEH Podcast

Ask Leo! on YouTube

#1115 – What If My Passkey Doesn’t Work or I Lose the Device It’s On?

This Week on Ask Leo!

What If My Passkey Doesn't Work or I Lose the Device It's On?You do something else.

What's the Difference Between Outlook, Outlook, and Outlook.com?So many Outlooks. So much confusion.

How Do I Find Who Hacked My Email Account?TL;DR: You don't.

I Lost My Two-Factor Authentication Device. How Do I Recover?How to prove you're you without your second factor.

How Do I Deal With Getting Someone Else's Email?Dealing with someone else's typos.

Ask Leo! Tip of the Day

TEH Podcast

Ask Leo! on YouTube

#1114 – How Do I Uninstall Windows?

This Week on Ask Leo!

How Do I Uninstall Windows?You can't. But you can do something else.

Why Password Managers Are [Still] Safer than the AlternativesPassword vaults are the most secure solution.

Why Doesn't My Machine's IP Address Match What I'm Told on the Internet?IP addresses versus IP addresses.

Windows Administrator ExplainedWhy you are and are not the administrator of your own computer.

What's a Zero-Day Attack? A Diagram of the Vulnerability TimelineInfected before you know there's a risk.

Ask Leo! Tip of the Day

TEH Podcast

Ask Leo! on YouTube

#1113 – Don’t Fall for It: Social Engineering and How Scammers Hack Your Brain

This Week on Ask Leo!

Don't Fall for It: Social Engineering and How Scammers Hack Your BrainHow to recognize, avoid, and beat the scams.

How Do I Gain Administrative Access to a Secondhand Computer?Here be dragons. Maybe.

How Do I Tell Which Wi-Fi Protocols My Computer Supports?They keep changing.

Can I Have Different Passwords for YouTube and Gmail?Keeping services separate is possible, though not obvious.

How to Identify Your Machine's Network ConnectionsThere are probably many more connections than you expect.

Ask Leo! Tip of the Day

TEH Podcast

Ask Leo! on YouTube

#1112 – How Should I Format My Thumbdrive?

This Week on Ask Leo!

How Should I Format My Thumbdrive?Let's look at three options.

Are Deleted Emails Really Deleted?You might think so, but…

OK, Boomer: Why Computer Literacy Matters to YouYes, you.

Can You Get Hacked When Your Computer Is Sleeping?It depends. It's also extremely unlikely.

How Do I Sign in to Windows If My Keyboard Doesn't Work?Here's one way.

Ask Leo! Tip of the Day

TEH Podcast

Ask Leo! on YouTube

#1111 – What Do I Do If I’m Being Harassed, Bullied, or Stalked Online?

This Week on Ask Leo!

What Do I Do If I'm Being Harassed, Bullied, or Stalked Online?Online harassment is rampant. Here's what you need to know.

Dealing With Video Starts and Stops While Watching: Three Common Causes and Three Possible SolutionsWhat to check for, and what to try.

Why Am I Being Asked for Additional Verification on Sign-in?It can be very frustrating.

Before You Click: 3 Quick Checks for a Suspicious WebsiteDates, location, history.

Ask Leo! Tip of the Day

TEH Podcast

Ask Leo! on YouTube

#1110 – How Microsoft Extortion Can Lead to Data Loss

This Week on Ask Leo!

How Microsoft Extortion Can Lead to Data Loss"It'd be a shame if something happened to your data."

Is It Safe to Look, Just Look, at Spam?Maybe.

Don't Call Yourself StupidPLEASE.

The Nirvana FallacySomething that frustrates me.

In Search of a Complete Photo Management AppMaybe you can help me.

Ask Leo! Tip of the Day

TEH Podcast

Ask Leo! on YouTube

Set Up Windows 11 With Only a Local Account - Still Working in 2026
It's possible, just well hidden.

If Shutting Down Windows Cleanly Is So Important, What Happens When the Power Just Goes Out?
Usually nothing bad, but sometimes…

How Do I Run a Program "As Administrator"?
When you think you're the administrator, but you're not.

How to Back Up Photos and Never Lose Them Again: the Steps You Need to Take
Your photos are irreplaceable.

Should I Cover My Webcam When I'm Not Using It?
It does no harm, but is it really necessary?

How to Protect Your Credit Card Information
An ongoing challenge, to be sure.

How Do I Change My Email Address?
It seems simple, but there are ramifications.

How Can I Send a Document to Someone Securely?
Encrypt it.

What Can a Technician With Remote Access Do?
Anything.

How Do You Remove Bloatware?
My controversial position: don't waste your time.

What If My Passkey Doesn't Work or I Lose the Device It's On?
You do something else.

What's the Difference Between Outlook, Outlook, and Outlook.com?
So many Outlooks. So much confusion.

How Do I Find Who Hacked My Email Account?
TL;DR: You don't.

I Lost My Two-Factor Authentication Device. How Do I Recover?
How to prove you're you without your second factor.

How Do I Deal With Getting Someone Else's Email?
Dealing with someone else's typos.

How Do I Uninstall Windows?
You can't. But you can do something else.

Why Password Managers Are [Still] Safer than the Alternatives
Password vaults are the most secure solution.

Why Doesn't My Machine's IP Address Match What I'm Told on the Internet?
IP addresses versus IP addresses.

Windows Administrator Explained
Why you are and are not the administrator of your own computer.

What's a Zero-Day Attack? A Diagram of the Vulnerability Timeline
Infected before you know there's a risk.

Don't Fall for It: Social Engineering and How Scammers Hack Your Brain
How to recognize, avoid, and beat the scams.

How Do I Gain Administrative Access to a Secondhand Computer?
Here be dragons. Maybe.

How Do I Tell Which Wi-Fi Protocols My Computer Supports?
They keep changing.

Can I Have Different Passwords for YouTube and Gmail?
Keeping services separate is possible, though not obvious.

How to Identify Your Machine's Network Connections
There are probably many more connections than you expect.

How Should I Format My Thumbdrive?
Let's look at three options.

Are Deleted Emails Really Deleted?
You might think so, but…

OK, Boomer: Why Computer Literacy Matters to You
Yes, you.

Can You Get Hacked When Your Computer Is Sleeping?
It depends. It's also extremely unlikely.

How Do I Sign in to Windows If My Keyboard Doesn't Work?
Here's one way.

What Do I Do If I'm Being Harassed, Bullied, or Stalked Online?
Online harassment is rampant. Here's what you need to know.

Dealing With Video Starts and Stops While Watching: Three Common Causes and Three Possible Solutions
What to check for, and what to try.

Why Am I Being Asked for Additional Verification on Sign-in?
It can be very frustrating.

Before You Click: 3 Quick Checks for a Suspicious Website
Dates, location, history.

How Microsoft Extortion Can Lead to Data Loss
"It'd be a shame if something happened to your data."

Is It Safe to Look, Just Look, at Spam?
Maybe.

Don't Call Yourself Stupid
PLEASE.

The Nirvana Fallacy
Something that frustrates me.

In Search of a Complete Photo Management App
Maybe you can help me.

How Do I Get Rid of Copilot Everywhere?
Microsoft is pushing, so we push back.

How Long Does Email Delivery Take?
It takes as long as it takes

How Do I Decrypt Files Encrypted by Ransomware?
Unless you are either lucky or prepared, your options are few.

Lessons from a Fall
Some tech takeaways from my recent experience.

Three Ways Spammers Can Tell If You've Opened One of Their Emails
You could be in for more spam if you're not careful.

Has My Computer Been Hacked?
Clues to look for, steps to take.

The For-Pay Email Providers I Recommend
When your email is important enough to pay for.

How Do I Get a Program to Auto-start When I Sign In to Windows?
The right shortcut in the right place.

Managing Windows File Explorer's Navigation Pane
Flexible… yet confusing.

Can You Recommend a Cordless Keyboard and Mouse?
Yes, but not exactly.