Blog

Check out Your Computer Tutor on YouTube!

Getting Started with AI
Remember "HAL" from 2001: A Space Odyssey? AI, or Artificial Intelligence, might still conjure up images of robots taking over the world. Today's AI, though still in its infancy, is becoming more helpful and accessible. In fact, you might already be …
Gut Check: Is it Fraud?
You know those emails or texts– They appear to be from a company of great importance to you – your bank, Microsoft, an Antivirus software provider – but your gut is telling you that something is off. Here are some tips …
3G, 4G, 5G…What’s the Difference? And What’s Next?
What’s the deal with those little numbers and letters at the top of your mobile phone’s screen? Telecommunications companies differentiate their latest technology and coverage by “G”, or Generation. The higher the number, the better and faster wireless service we can …
Protect Your Data When Selling Your Car
If you're planning to sell or trade in your car, it's important to address the personal information stored in your current vehicle's electronic system before turning in the keys. Just like smartphones and computers, cars are essentially computers themselves and can …
Should You Upgrade Your PC to Windows 11?
Microsoft released its newest operating system, Windows 11, in early October, 2021. Many new PC’s are shipping with Windows 11 already installed. Windows 10 is what we see on most PC's now, and it will be supported until October 14, 2025.Your …
Email – Apps vs. Webmail
Email can be accessed by an app, or by webmail, or both, depending on your needs. Each method has its place.
Managing Mass Email “Blasts”
Several of my clients have asked for help with sending “blast” emails – emails to groups like extended family, former classmates, fellow club members, etc. I’ve noticed some patterns in the challenges people face with these emails, and voilà–a blog topic!Please …
RIP, Windows 7
"Sunrise, Sunset" – Windows 7’s retirement and what this means for you Has it really been 10 years? Windows 7 was introduced October 22, 2009. Windows 7 will be retired January 14, 2020. After that, technical assistance and software updates from …
The Cruel Reality of Passwords
When you are settling into a new computer or smartphone, you will likely be prompted for every single godforsaken set of logon credentials you have ever created since the beginning of time. This is a slow torture that often lasts a …
Should My Business Have a Website or Just Be on Social Media?
Hi, Denise Rivas, Your Computer Tutor here. This vlog was inspired by recent questions from several small business clients. On the surface, the questions really have to do with marketing strategy, but marketing a small business today almost always requires using …
Your Computer Tutor Celebrates 10 Years in Business
What were you doing 10 years ago? I was launching Your Computer Tutor, my first entrepreneurial venture. In some ways, 10 years seems like the blink of an eye; but when I consider how much technology has changed in 10 …
Scanning Using Your All-in-One Printer
Scan? Yes You Can! The fax machine is all but dead, so scanning documents is a vital feature for today's home office. Here's the thing, though: Most all-in-one printers are plug-and-play for printing and copying, but their scanning features require a little more …
Calendar Q & A
Disappearing appointments? Failure to Sync? Here we'll address the most common questions and issues I encounter when I'm helping clients with calendars on their computers and mobile devices. If you have a question I don't cover here, please ask it in …
The Cloud for Consumers
Cloudy…With a Chance of…Confusion? Cloud computing is a popular phrase these days, and it can mean different things to people and businesses. Even if you aren't running a big business, as a consumer you are likely using "The Cloud" in some …
Preparing Your Device for Electronics Recycling
Every spring and summer, many communities and businesses sponsor electronics recycling events. It's time to look around and gather up those devices that have been replaced, become broken, or have just overstayed their welcome. Just throwing electronics into the trash is not only dangerous for …
Better Living Through Technology – A Field Report
So many tech tools to investigate, so little time! Thank you to my clients, friends, and family for a successful 2016 as Your Computer Tutor. Already well into 2017, I continue to enjoy serving as your technology coach and cheerleader for …
Make a Connection with Mom For Mother’s Day
Do something nice for me," was always my mother's answer to my pleading question of, "What do you want for Mother's Day?" With age, my own motherhood, hopefully more wisdom, and the opportunity to engage with other families as Your Computer Tutor, …
Rest in Peace, Rolodex – Managing Contacts and Address Books in the Digital Age
Whether you're running your own business, or just trying to communicate efficiently with family, groups of friends, sports team members, etc., having an organized Address Book or Contacts database makes your life a lot easier. For purposes of this article, I’ll use the …
Adjusting to the Mac – The Honeymoon Report
I'm well into the honeymoon period with my new Mac, and I promised you all in my last post that I would report in.  I had no intention of giving up my Windows laptop PC, and am now running the Mac …
A PC-Native Takes the Mac Plunge
They say, "Once you go Mac, you'll never go back."  Your Computer Tutor is on a mission to see how true this is, at least for me.  We're Going Mac! My clients are a mix of PC and Mac users, and …