Windows 10 has been around for over a decade, and it continues to run on hundreds of millions of devices. Even as Microsoft pushes Windows 11, many users continue to rely on it every day.

This post examines how Windows 10 evolved, what changes occurred in the way updates and features were handled, and how users responded to these shifts. It also examines the decisions that shaped our experiences with it.

With official support ending soon, let’s take a closer look at how Microsoft and others plan to handle the transition, and why many people aren’t moving on just yet.

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Windows 11 is a mess that’s been forced upon many computer users. It’s full of unnecessary features, forced Microsoft services, aggressive prompts, preinstalled junk, and background tracking. Out of the box, it prioritizes Microsoft’s ecosystem and bottom line over your preferences and privacy.

This guide walks you through everything I do to make it more usable, from removing apps and ads to disabling tracking, controlling updates, and even removing the Edge browser. None of these steps require the use of the command line.

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Updating apps is one of the most frustrating parts of using a computer. It’s confusing, inconsistent, and often interrupts you at the worst possible moment. For casual users, especially older adults or those simply trying to get something done, it’s one of the biggest barriers to using their computer without hassle.

Now, buried in a Windows 11 test build, Microsoft is quietly working on something that could completely change that. It hasn’t made real headlines, but it should. If this feature works as intended, it could take over the messy job of keeping third-party apps up to date, something no version of Windows has ever done well.

I’ve had plenty of reasons not to recommend Windows 11, but this might be the first one that changes my mind. It’s a small shift with potentially huge implications for usability, security, and peace of mind. Here’s my take on why this is so important.

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Apple has officially previewed iOS 16, the next major update to the iPhone operating system, which brings a mix of visual refreshes, practical improvements, and deeper system integration.

While the update may not be revolutionary, it offers several quality-of-life improvements that could make everyday use feel smoother and more refined for over a billion iPhone users. It will be released to the general public after their September event announcing iOS 26 and the iPhone 17.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of iOS 26 features you’ll actually care about.

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I wish Microsoft made it easier to set up Windows the way you want it. Until that happens, tools like Windows Toolbox are the best workaround I’ve found. It saves time, avoids the usual headaches, and provides a cleaner system without requiring you to dig through endless menus. If you decide to give it a try, just follow the steps I’ve outlined, and feel free to skip anything that doesn’t apply to how you use your computer.

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Regular Windows 10 support is set to end in October, prompting many to wonder what will happen next. I’ve answered the most common questions I receive from clients, as well as those I’ve heard in podcasts and read in articles, including what will still work, what won’t, and how to keep your system protected.

I also talk about whether it’s worth moving to Windows 11, switching to Linux, or just sticking with what you have. Plus, I share practical steps I’ve taken myself to stay secure without upgrading right away.

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If you have an iPhone, chances are you have a few (or many) subscriptions to various apps you're using. In this Quick Tip, I'll show you how to find and even cancel them on your iPhone.

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If you’ve ever found it frustrating to add a new contact on your iPhone, this guide is for you. Instead of squinting at your screen or struggling with the on-screen keyboard, you can use your computer and iCloud.com to create a new contact in just a few clicks. This method works on both Mac and Windows, and once you're signed in, any contact you add will sync automatically to your iPhone within minutes.

This paid post includes a clear, step-by-step walkthrough using Firefox, but it works in any browser. You'll also get detailed instructions for signing in with Apple’s two-factor authentication, navigating the iCloud dashboard, opening the Contacts app, and safely signing out when you're done. A downloadable, printable checklist is included, so you can follow along or keep it nearby for next time.

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When you open the “Apps & features” section in Windows, you may feel unsure about what’s safe to uninstall (remove). My blog post gives you a starting point. It covers common apps I regularly remove when cleaning up systems, with brief explanations in plain English, so you can feel confident removing what you don’t need.

If you want the full version, which includes more examples, clearer warnings about what to avoid, and a printable checklist to follow as you review your PC, that’s available to paid subscribers.

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This post breaks down which apps you can safely remove from your Windows PC, which ones to leave alone, and which ones need a second look before deciding. It’s organized into clear sections with brief, plain-language notes on what each app does and why you might keep or remove it.

It’s based on what I actually remove when helping people clean up their systems. No deep technical knowledge needed. The post also includes a printable checklist version so you can go through your own PC step by step without second-guessing every choice.

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June was packed with disruption. After our main floor tenants moved out, Mom and I decided to move back upstairs and rent out the basement suite. That meant tearing down and rebuilding my home office, unpacking a ton of tech, juggling cleaning, viewings of our basement suite, and logistics, especially with Mom preparing to head out on another house-sitting job.

It took most of the month, and during that time, I wasn’t able to keep up with posting blog entries or creating videos.

Now that things are settled, I’m back at my desk and ready to refocus. I’ve also decided to start shifting away from Windows content. Covering Windows has become more frustrating than rewarding to keep up with, and frankly, I’d rather put my energy into something more enjoyable.

I’m done with showing people how to disable annoyances and frustrations in Windows. Plenty of that elsewhere.

You’ll see more iPhone content from here on out. Practical tips, overlooked features, privacy tools, apps, and other ways to actually enjoy using your device. It’s a better fit for me, and I think it’ll be more valuable for you, too.

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In this blog post, I will walk you through setting up Emergency Contact Information on your iPhone Lock Screen to save valuable seconds when you may, God forbid, be seriously injured and unable to unlock your phone and call for help in the usual way.

This is also very useful in situations where you may be unconscious. Someone else can call your Emergency Contact without needing to unlock your phone. You could also simply hand your phone to someone, who can do this in unsafe situations.

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Mozilla is officially shutting down its read-later app Pocket on July 8, 2025. I have used Pocket for years to bookmark web pages across devices, though I switched to RainDrop.io a while ago.

You won’t be able to save new content after July 8th. By October 8, you’ll only be able to export your data. If you used Pocket to save articles and links, it’s time to switch.

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If you have an iPhone, chances are you have a few (or many) subscriptions to various apps you're using. In this Quick Tip, I'll show you how to find and even cancel them on your iPhone.

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Since iOS 17.3, Apple has included a feature called Stolen Device Protection. In this blog post, I will describe it, explain why it is so important, and walk you through how to access it.

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Most of us have inboxes full of promo codes, travel deals, newsletters we never asked for, and emails from places we shopped at once. It might seem like a good idea to scroll to the bottom and click “unsubscribe” to clean things up. That can cause more problems than it solves. Here are the steps to clean up your inbox.

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Google has been gradually rolling out Chrome's "Enhanced Ad Privacy." Unless switched off, it allows websites and Google to target users with ads tailored to their exact online activities and interests using their internet history in the interests of Google's advertising profits.

A pop-up announcing this functionality has gradually appeared for users since the release of Chrome 115, indicating that you've been automatically opted in.

Here's how to disable these Settings in Chrome.

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I have basically taken the last two weeks off work, aside from a few hours here and there, so I hope you’re enjoying my many other blog posts and some videos on this, my home business website, and of course, the paid subscriber content.

I figured I should put together a post about the process of our move, and the apps I’ve used to make things a little easier, in the hope others will be inspired.

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We don’t like to think we could fall for a scam, but the truth is, it’s happening to more and more people of all ages. In 2024, Canadians lost over $638 million to fraud, according to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. That number is staggering, and it doesn’t even include all the unreported cases. Most victims stay silent because they’re embarrassed, or unsure of what to do next.

But here’s the thing: fraud CAN happen to anyone. Scammers are getting smarter every day, and they’re even using AI tools. The best defense isn’t just strong passwords or privacy settings (though those are important too). We need to talk about it with family and friends, too.

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You know how companies say they care about your privacy? Well, that flew out the window when researchers uncovered a hidden tracking method used by Facebook (Meta) and Russia’s Yandex. They weren’t just collecting cookies or tracking pixels.

They were doing something a lot sneakier, and the moment researchers published their findings, Meta pulled the plug - for now.

Apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Yandex Maps were quietly waiting in the background on your phone, ready to receive messages. When you visit a website that uses their tracking code, like a Facebook ad or Like button, the code on that site sends a message straight to the app on your phone.

This wasn’t a bug. It was deliberate and designed to get around your choices and your browser’s protections.

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