March 16, 2026
System hardening is the process of making a computer or server more secure by reducing security vulnerabilities. This usually means removing unnecessary software, disabling unused features, and limiting the number of ways users can access the system. The idea is simple: the fewer unnecessary components a system has, the fewer opportunities there are for something to go wrong.
Common hardening steps include enabling a firewall, using strong passwords, installing software updates, disabling guest accounts, and changing default settings that could be exploited. Administrators may also restrict remote access, require multi-factor authentication, and enable logging to track suspicious activity. Whether it is a personal PC, a business server, or a cloud system, a little hardening can go a long way toward improving security.
March 1, 2026
Have you ever wondered if it's safe to use your electronic device in another country without a travel adapter? The answer is most likely on the adapter itself.
Most AC adapters (the little boxes you plug into the wall) have tiny print on them that explains the supported voltage. For example, the text may say 120V, indicating that 120 volt power (standard in the United States) is supported. Or it may say 230V, which is the standard voltage in most European countries.
February 1, 2026
"Would you like to set up two-factor authentication for this account?"
I recommend selecting Yes.
January 1, 2026
People often think of adjustable desks as "sit/stand" desks, which you can use while sitting or standing. Apparently, some people can work while standing, but I tried it once, and I only lasted a few minutes.
Still, I bought an adjustable desk for a different reason — to improve my typing posture. Most desks are 28-30 inches tall, which is surprisingly too tall even for a 6'2" person like me. If my chair is set to the optimal height, my wrists are higher than my elbows when typing. The adjustable desk allows me to lower the height to less than 27 inches, which brings my wrists below my elbows, even with a wrist rest.
December 19, 2025
Artificial intelligence makes our lives easier by summarizing documents, improving our writing, generating images, and writing source code. But are we depending on these tools so much that they are making us less intelligent?
The concern of technology's impact on human intelligence is not new. Society has undergone several technological shifts over the past century, and humans have become more productive and knowledgeable as a result. Let me share two examples.
December 1, 2025
In September of 2014 (yes, over 10 years ago ?), I published a tip titled Check Your Sources. I reminded PC.net users to verify their online information sources and ensure they were credible. That advice is even more relevant today.
When we ask AI platforms like ChatGPT or Google Gemini a question, it's easy to accept their answers as truth. Usually, the answers are accurate. But not always.
November 1, 2025
Have you ever visited a website and noticed something you really liked? Maybe you've encountered an error or felt that something on the site could be better. Instead of keeping your thoughts to yourself, share your feedback!
I've been managing websites for over 20 years, and over the past two decades, a large percentage of updates (over half) have been prompted by user feedback. So, if you're wondering if your feedback is helpful, it is!
