Two decades of house calls gave me a clear view of what breaks and why. I'll share my insight on what's most common, what's preventable, and how to maintain your machine before something fails.
Two decades of house calls gave me a clear view of what breaks and why. I'll share my insight on what's most common, what's preventable, and how to maintain your machine before something fails.
Every week I show up at someone's home and find their computer crawling with malware — despite having a "free antivirus" installed. Here's what most people don't realize: free scanners only find about 30-40% of active threats. They catch the easy stuff. The sophisticated toolbars, browser hijackers, and crypto miners sail right through.
The other problem? Free scanners don't prevent infections — they react to them. By the time a free scanner flags something, the damage is often already done: passwords stolen, identity quietly monitored, or your computer turned into a spam-sending robot without you knowing.
What I recommend: a layered approach. Good behavior awareness, regular updates, and a quality endpoint protection product. If your computer is already slow or acting strange — pop-ups, new toolbars you didn't install, or a browser that redirects — don't wait. Call me before it gets worse.
Need a malware check? »Most WiFi complaints I hear: "The internet is slow." Nine times out of ten, the issue isn't the internet service itself — it's where the router lives. A router stuffed in a closet, tucked behind a TV, or hidden in a basement corner is working against you. WiFi signals don't pass through concrete and wood well. Every wall and floor cuts your speed and range.
Before you call your internet provider or buy a new router, try this: move your existing router to a more central location in your home — elevated if possible, out in the open. You'd be amazed how often this alone doubles your coverage.
If you have a larger home or multiple floors, it might be time to look at a mesh network or access points. I'll come to you, assess your layout, and recommend what's actually needed — not what's most expensive.
WiFi issues? Let's talk »I get it. The old laptop is slow, the battery barely holds a charge, and a new one is sitting in your Amazon cart. But before you recycle or trash that machine, consider this: hard drives contain everything about you. Tax returns. Bank statements. Medical records. Photos you thought were backed up somewhere. A simple "empty trash" does nothing.
When I set up a new computer for a client, the first thing I always ask is: what happened to the old one? If it contains personal data, we either physically destroy the drive or wipe it properly. That's not paranoia — that's basic privacy.
If the computer is more than 5 years old and running slow, it might just need a clean Windows reinstall, more RAM, or a new SSD. For many people, that $100 upgrade extends the life of the machine for another 3-4 years. Worth checking before buying new.
Ask me before you replace it »Phishing emails are more convincing than ever. The latest scam I'm seeing: you get an email that looks exactly like it's from Amazon, Netflix, or your bank — real logos, real formatting, perfect replicas. It says someone tried to reset your password and asks you to click a link "immediately" to verify your account.
Here's how to check if it's real: never click the link in the email. Instead, open a new browser tab and go directly to the service's website by typing the address yourself. If there's a real issue with your account, it will show up when you log in directly. The same goes for text messages — if your "bank" texts you a link, call them back using the number on your card.
When in doubt, don't click. Call me. I'd rather you call me about a suspicious email than have you wire money to a scammer.
Home security cameras are one of the most requested items I install these days. People love being able to check who's at the front door from their phone while they're at work. But there's a dark side I have to warn every client about: if your WiFi password is weak or shared with too many people, that camera is a window into your home for anyone who knows what they're doing.
Basic security checklist I walk every camera client through: change the default admin password immediately, enable two-factor authentication if the app supports it, keep the firmware updated, and use a strong unique WiFi password. Yes, it's more work. But it's the difference between a camera that protects you and one that streams your living room to strangers.
Security camera installation »