Blog

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

Scam Alert: Holiday Booking Fraud and Fake Parking QR Codes Are Hitting Hard This Summer

Holiday booking fraud is peaking this summer and fake QR codes are appearing on car park machines. Here's how both scams work and how to keep your money safe.

31 July 2026 4 min read

Do You Need a Password Manager? (Yes. Here's Which One.)

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.

30 July 2026 7 min read

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 10 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