Blog

Tips, guides, and things I've learned fixing computers in St Helens since 2008.

How Long Should a PC or Laptop Last?

Honest lifespans for desktops and laptops, what actually wears out vs what doesn't, and how to tell genuine end-of-life from problems that are fixable for £40.

24 July 2026 6 min read

Scam Alert: Fake Currys Emails and Bogus Parking Texts

Report Fraud warned of fake Currys emails after 170 reports in a day, and drivers are getting fake RingGo texts about unpaid parking. Here's what both look like and what to do.

22 July 2026 4 min read

July 2026 Windows Update — Known Problems and Fixes

Dell laptops overheating, speakers going silent, VPN software breaking — known problems with the July 2026 Windows update and what to do about each one.

16 July 2026 9 min read

July 2026 Windows Update — 570 Fixes and 2 Zero-Days, the Biggest Patch Tuesday Ever

Microsoft's July 2026 Patch Tuesday fixes a record 570 vulnerabilities including 59 Critical and 2 actively exploited zero-days. Install it now.

15 July 2026 4 min read

Scam Alert: Criminals Are Stealing Cards Without Touching Your Wallet

Two active UK scams to know about: criminals adding your card to their Apple Pay using a stolen one-time code, and fake mobile upgrade calls that leave you with a contract and no phone.

12 July 2026 4 min read

Scam Alert: Fake O2 Texts and Aldi Air-Con Sites

O2 customers are getting fake texts claiming their SIM will deactivate — and with the heatwave driving demand for air conditioning, fake Aldi websites are harvesting card details. Here's what to watch for.

9 July 2026 4 min read