Tips, guides, and things I've learned fixing computers in St Helens since 2008.
August's Windows update (KB5121003) is causing a false virus alert, game crashes, PIN failures, display glitches and dead USB on some AMD PCs. What to do.
Microsoft's August 2026 Patch Tuesday fixes around 400 vulnerabilities including 42 Critical and 3 zero-days. One is already being exploited. Install it now.
Ten scams hitting UK inboxes, phones and doorsteps in August 2026: concert ticket fraud, Nottingham Knockers with rigged card readers, fake Royal Mail customs fees, DVLA vehicle tax threats, HMRC refund scams now on WhatsApp, TV Licensing phishing, Nationwide Fairer Share cons, fake Ofgem energy rebates, and more.
How credential stuffing works, why browser password storage has real limits, and why Bitwarden is the password manager to use — plus how to get started.
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.
Dell laptops overheating, speakers going silent, VPN software breaking — known problems with the July 2026 Windows update and what to do about each one.