Tech Tips
ComputersPhonesWi-FiBack up first, then diagnose, then spend money. In that order, and never the other way round.
Most computers that feel slow are not worn out. They are short of memory, full of things launching at startup, or running a mechanical hard disk in a machine that would be transformed by a solid state one. All three are fixable for far less than a replacement.
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In order of likelihood: a mechanical hard disk, too little memory, too many startup programs, or a nearly full drive. Replacing the disk with an SSD transforms an old machine more than anything else you can buy.
Three copies of anything you care about, on two different kinds of storage, with one of them somewhere else. A single external drive sitting next to the computer is not a backup against fire, flood or theft.
Never click the link in the message. Go to the organisation yourself, by typing the address or using the app you already have, and check from there.
Use a password manager and let it generate a different long random password for every site. Then you only need one strong passphrase, plus two-factor authentication on email and banking.
Back up, sign out of everything, deauthorise licensed software, then erase the drive properly. Deleting files and emptying the bin does not remove anything.
Clear the vents, use it on a hard surface, and have the fans and heatsink cleaned of dust once every year or two. Heat is what kills laptops.
Tipking is general household information, not professional advice. Test anything on a hidden patch first. Full disclaimer.