Featured Article

Chromebooks. They're not PCs running Windows, they're not Macs, they're not Linux (sorta), they're not Android (except, maybe) ... so what are they?

Well, as it turns out they're ideal for a more-and-more common class of computer user; like my wife, and a close family friend.

I purchased two of them, recently, and Why a Chromebook? (And Why I Purchased Two for the Important People in My Life) has my reasoning and all the details.

The Ask Leo! Podcast

If you didn't know, Ask Leo! is available as a podcast. So far it's been mostly just me reading, or more correctly narrating each article. That's about to change.

Changes to the Ask Leo! Podcast has the details.

Ask Leo! Live

The most recent Ask Leo! Live last Saturday was fun! I talked about the result of this year's reader survey -- some surprises, some expected, always intersting. Survey Results & More - Ask Leo! Live has the edited video, as well as the full recordings. You'll find notes, a transcript, related links, and of course moderated comments.

The TEH Podcast

Speaking of podcasts, the TEH Podcast has moved on to episode 101!

We discuss some of the slow changes happening in society enabled by technology, due to the pandemic. Gary described a different kind of "dinner out" experience. I discuss my uninterruptible power supply not living up to its name. Virtual graduations are cool, "Nordic Noir", "Mythic Quest", and of course much more.

TEH 101: Cool rockets and TV shows, getting interrupted electronically, and wiping computers..

Stay safe. Be well. Be kind.

Featured

Who's Trying to Change My Password? Why It Happens and What to Do

I just happened to check my emails and noticed that I had an email telling me that I had asked for my outlook.com account password to be reset. I had not done this, so I followed the link that confirmed that this was not me. About two minutes later, I received an email from Facebook stating that I had attempted to change my password and was this me? I immediately clicked on the link to report that it wasn't the case. What I'm wondering is if there's any way of finding out how this happened, who's trying to change my password, and the location of who and what was behind this? I checked my session data in Facebook and there were no strange locations there, but then they had failed to log in, so I suppose there wouldn't be. Is anything else of mine at risk? I've checked my bank statement tonight and I am a little worried.

To answer your question, no.

If no one has actually logged into your account, you can't get the information that you're looking for, at least not without a warrant. But I do want to talk about what may have happened in order for you to get that “password has been reset” email. I also want you to do something differently in the future.

Continue Reading: Who's Trying to Change My Password? Why It Happens and What to Do
https://askleo.com/12626

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This Week's Articles

Can I Move My Old Computer's Hard Drive to My New Computer to Transfer Data? My Recommended Approach

My sister has a computer with Windows. However, it is crashing on her. She got a new computer with the latest Windows. My question is, can she install her old hard drive onto her new PC so she can transfer her files over to her new hard drive? She is very illiterate when it comes to computers.

A working hard disk formatted for use by any prior version of Windows can certainly be read by Windows versions that come later.

Of course, you'll have to open the box, extract the drive, and do something with it.

Continue Reading: Can I Move My Old Computer's Hard Drive to My New Computer to Transfer Data? My Recommended Approach
https://askleo.com/2424

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Microsoft Account Recovery Code - What and Why with Instructions Included

You've recommended getting a Microsoft recovery code in the past, but I don't get why. How does it help me? It's just one more thing I have to keep track of. When would I ever use it? Assuming you convince me, please tell me how to get a Microsoft recovery code.

A Microsoft recovery code — more correctly, a recovery code for a Microsoft account — is a safety net. It's a huge safety net, in fact. If you haven't already done so, I strongly suggest you create one now.

It didn't dawn on me until recently that these codes are very precious. Having one may be the ultimate proof of Microsoft account ownership.

Continue Reading: Microsoft Account Recovery Code - What and Why with Instructions Included
https://askleo.com/123186

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5 Steps to Better Wi-Fi In Your House - Improving Your Wireless Connection

My WiFi supports 802.11 a/b/g/n. I want to know which is actually being used, and if it is not optimal, what can I do to improve it?

The a/b/g/n are all different variations of the 802.11 Wi-Fi protocol. Which gets used is mostly out of your control.

On the other hand, there are definitely several steps that can improve your Wi-Fi performance at home.

Continue Reading: 5 Steps to Better Wi-Fi In Your House - Improving Your Wireless Connection
https://askleo.com/123219

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👍 #813 – Who’s Trying to Change My Password? Why It Happens and What to Do