Blog

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

May 2026 Windows Update — 120 Fixes and No Zero-Days, Install It Anyway

Microsoft's May 2026 Patch Tuesday fixes 120 vulnerabilities including 30 Critical but no zero-days, the first time in nearly two years. What was fixed and why you should install it now.

13 May 2026 4 min read

Blue Screen of Death — What It Means and What to Do

What causes BSODs, how to read the stop code, and how to work out whether it's drivers, RAM, overheating or a failing drive.

11 May 2026 7 min read

Getting Ready for the 2027 Landline Switch-Off — A Practical Checklist

The UK's analogue landline switch-off completes January 2027. A practical checklist covering what to prepare, who to call, and what to do about alarms.

9 May 2026 7 min read

Why Is Your Mac Running Slow? 7 Things to Try First

Slow Mac? 7 fixes to try before paying for a new one: storage, login items, Spotlight, browser, macOS version, and when hardware is the answer.

5 May 2026 7 min read

Should You Buy a Copilot+ PC? An Honest Take for Normal People

Copilot+ PCs are the new class of Windows laptop: faster, longer battery, AI built-in. An honest breakdown of who should buy and who shouldn't.

2 May 2026 7 min read

Hard Drive Failed? Don't Turn It On Again — What To Do Next

Clicking noises, SMART errors, drive not detected. The right steps when a drive fails, and the DIY mistakes that destroy your chance of recovery.

27 April 2026 7 min read