Tech Tips & IT Advice

Practical advice in plain English from the LAB Computer Consultants LLC team.

Security

Is This Email Message Legit?

Email attachments and links can contain viruses or lead to phishing sites. Learn the key steps to verify any email before you open it or click anything inside.

Virus Removal Tips

Computer Virus Tips

Protecting your computer from viruses does not have to be hard. Here are the essential steps every Windows user should take to stay safe.

Performance

Repair or Replace? When To Upgrade Your Old Laptop

We break down exactly when a repair makes financial sense versus when it is time to upgrade — including a simple cost comparison framework.

Networking

Why Your Home WiFi Is Slow (And How To Fix It Fast)

Router placement, channel congestion, and outdated hardware are the top three culprits. Most of these fixes take under 10 minutes.

Security

How To Create Passwords You Can Actually Remember

Forget complex random strings. The most secure passwords are long passphrases that are easy to remember but nearly impossible to crack.

Data Safety

The 3-2-1 Backup Rule Every Home User Needs

Three copies of your data, on two different media, with one off-site. This simple rule has saved countless families from losing irreplaceable files.