Most people don’t expect their computers to have a distinct smell, but sometimes they do. A weird smell coming from your computer is often more than just an annoyance; it can give you valuable clues about potential problems lurking inside. Let’s dive into what these smells mean and why you should pay attention to them. [Read more…]
Imagine you receive a message from a friend asking for a little help. They say they are trying to get back into their Facebook account, and they need a special login code that Facebook will send to a trusted friend.
It sounds simple, right? You want to help your friend out, but here’s the catch: the code they are asking for is actually the key to your account, not theirs. Let’s dive into how this scam works and how you can protect yourself. [Read more…]
Antivirus software has been a standard recommendation for computer users for decades. But in 2025, with advancements in built-in protection, you might wonder if you still need antivirus software. Let’s break it down together and see what makes sense for your home computer setup. [Read more…]
Think That’s a Celebrity Endorsement? It Might Be a Deepfake ScamHave you ever seen a video of a celebrity endorsing a new investment or giving away free tickets that seemed too good to be true? You might be witnessing a deepfake AI scam. These scams are becoming more and more convincing, leveraging advanced technology to deceive unsuspecting people.
In this article, we’re going to look at how these scams work, what deepfakes are, and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself. [Read more…]
What Happens When You Interrupt a Windows Update?We’ve all been there: You’re about to shut down your computer, and the dreaded “Windows is updating” screen pops up. Sometimes, it feels like it takes forever. But what happens if you interrupt that update, whether by turning off the computer or losing power? Let’s dive into what happens when a Windows update gets interrupted and how to avoid any headaches. [Read more…]
As a business owner, you’ve probably noticed that technology is changing how your employees work, especially regarding devices. There are multiple options for managing employee devices in the workplace, each with its own strengths, drawbacks, and security considerations.
The main choices are bring your own device (BYOD), choose your own device (CYOD), and corporate-owned, personally-enabled (COPE). [Read more…]
Everybody loves a bargain, right? Especially when it comes to tech, prices can sometimes feel out of reach. These days, budget laptops are more affordable than ever. But (and it’s a big “but”) not all cheap laptops are created equal. While the price may be tempting, you don’t want to end up with a laptop that’s painfully slow, frustrating to use, and can’t do the job.
A quote from John Ruskin, a nineteenth-century poet, still rings true today: [Read more…]
Planning a trip is always exciting, but keeping your personal information safe while on the go is extremely important. Here are some simple and practical steps you can take to protect your digital privacy when you’re travelling. [Read more…]
Is a File Really Deleted When You Hit “Delete”?Have you ever wondered what happens when you delete a file from your computer? You hit the delete button, send it to the Recycle Bin, and then empty the bin, thinking it’s gone forever. But is it really? Let’s find out what’s happening behind the scenes. [Read more…]
In today’s digital age, securing your data is more critical than ever. With increasing cyber threats and the potential for data loss, robust encryption tools like BitLocker offer essential protection. BitLocker, a full-disk encryption feature included with Windows, helps safeguard your data by encrypting entire drives. However, to maximize its effectiveness, it’s crucial to understand the importance of backing up your BitLocker recovery code, how to do it, and how to use it when needed.
BitLocker is a powerful encryption feature available in certain editions of Windows. It encrypts the entire drive, making the data unreadable to unauthorized users. BitLocker can be used on internal and external drives, ensuring that your data remains secure even if the device is lost or stolen.
When you enable BitLocker, you are given a recovery code. This code is vital for accessing your data in certain situations, such as:
Without this recovery code, you risk permanent data loss, as there would be no way to decrypt and access the encrypted data.
Backing up your BitLocker recovery code is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:
If you find yourself locked out of your BitLocker-encrypted drive, you can use the recovery code to regain access. Here’s how:
manage-bde -unlock X: -RecoveryPassword YOUR-RECOVERY-KEY, replacing X: with the drive letter and YOUR-RECOVERY-KEY with the 48-digit recovery code.manage-bde -off X: to decrypt the drive if necessary.BitLocker is a powerful tool for protecting your data, but its effectiveness depends on responsible management of the recovery code. Always back up your BitLocker recovery code and store it in a safe place. Whether you’re an individual at home or an employee in an office, understanding how to handle BitLocker and its recovery process can save you from potential data loss and ensure that your information remains secure.
By following these guidelines, you can take full advantage of BitLocker’s robust security features while maintaining access to your important data when needed. If any of this is confusing to you, don’t worry! We’re here to help:
