What is on this site
This site publishes practical guides for computers and technology—no fluff, no marketing. You’ll find step-by-step troubleshooting for stubborn hardware, deep dives into how software really works, and reviews that compare features without hiding flaws.
The focus is on what matters: fixing what’s broken, choosing the right tool, and understanding why things go wrong.
The site is organised into four main parts. The *Guides* section answers specific problems with clear, numbered steps. *Reviews* compare hardware and software side by side, highlighting trade-offs. *News* covers updates and trends without hype.
And *Tools* lists utilities and settings that actually solve everyday issues—no dead links or outdated advice.
| Where | What is there | Go here if |
|---|---|---|
| Guides | Step-by-step fixes for common tech problems | Your PC won’t boot or your printer won’t print |
| Reviews | Side-by-side comparisons of hardware and software | You’re choosing between two SSDs or OS options |
| News | Updates on tech changes, without the spin | You need to know if a security patch affects you |
| Tools | Tested utilities and hidden system tweaks | You want to automate a repetitive task or clean up a slow machine |
How to read a page here
Every page starts with a title that names the exact problem or tool. Below it, a short summary tells you whether the guide applies to your setup (e.g., ‘For Windows 11 only’ or ‘Tested on Linux Mint 21’).
Numbers in the text mark steps you must follow in order—ignore them, and the result may not work.
Timings are given in minutes or seconds, not vague phrases like ‘a few moments.’ Units are always metric (GB, MHz) unless imperial is the industry standard (e.g., inches for monitor sizes). Diagrams or screenshots are labeled with arrows pointing to the critical parts—don’t assume you know which button to click.
If a page mentions ‘advanced users,’ those sections can be skipped on a first read. The core solution is always at the top, followed by optional details. Links to related guides appear at the end, but you don’t need to follow them unless you hit a snag.
When it does not work
Some guides assume you’ve already done basic setup—like updating your OS or checking cable connections. If a step fails, start by verifying those prerequisites. A ‘does not work’ here usually means the guide is outdated (tech changes fast) or your hardware behaves differently than the test bench.
Before you give up
- Check the ‘Applies to’ note at the top of the page—your OS or hardware may not match
- Restart the device and try the step again (many issues vanish after a reboot)
- Search the site for ‘[problem] workaround’—some fixes are buried in comments
- Use the contact page to report the failure, including your exact setup and error message
Who we are
The work here is shaped by one person’s hands—and the machines they’ve outlived.
| The colophon | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Colleen Radcliffe, who dismantles hardware to understand it and writes guides that assume nothing |
| Tested in | A repurposed server rack in a basement office, running Ubuntu 22.04 and Windows 11 Pro |
| Written with | VS Code, Obsidian for notes, and a mechanical keyboard that’s seen too many spilled drinks |
| Learned from | A high school teacher who showed how to read hex dumps, and a sysadmin who said ‘RTFM’ literally meant it |
| Still getting wrong | Explaining why some BIOS settings are locked by manufacturers—no one outside the company seems to know |
Tech should be a tool, not a mystery. If a guide here doesn’t help, it’s because the problem is still unsolved—not because we didn’t try.
If you need something that is not here
The site covers the most common issues, but not every obscure corner case. If your problem isn’t listed, check the *Tools* section first—half the time, a script or setting exists to fix it. For everything else, the contact page is the place to ask.
Include your OS version, hardware specs, and the exact error message. Vague descriptions get ignored; precise details get answers.
The guides are grouped by category: App, Coding, Hardware, Operating System, Outlook and PowerPoint.