Ask Leo

• What Are the Internet’s Rules About Free Speech?
  Posted on Monday October 27, 2025
  When people find their posts or comments removed or altered from websites they visit, sometimes they claim that their right to free speech has been violated. That's rarely the case. Continue Reading »
• Can the Owner of an Open WiFi Hotspot See What Files I’m Downloading?
  Posted on Saturday October 25, 2025
  Internet cafe owners can monitor the activity on open WiFi hotspots. Whether or not they take the time to do it is another story! Continue Reading »
• Are VPNs Safe for Online Banking?
  Posted on Friday October 24, 2025
  Think a VPN makes online banking safer? Banking is already protected by strong encryption, but a VPN adds a twist. I’ll explain what’s really protected, what isn’t, and where the real risks lie when you bank on the go. Continue Reading »
• USB Charging and Cables Explained: Safe and Simple
  Posted on Thursday October 23, 2025
  With USB-A and USB-C, things have gotten simpler, but not always obvious. I’ll walk you through what cables really do, how devices and chargers “talk,” and why missing charger blocks isn't a big deal. Continue Reading »
• Can My Computer or Signed-In Account Be Hacked from the Internet?
  Posted on Wednesday October 22, 2025
  Worried that staying signed in leaves you open to hackers? I’ll explain why your router, firewall, and smart habits protect you, what the real risks to your accounts are, and the simple steps you can take to stay safe online. Continue Reading »
• Why Am I Being Labeled a Spammer?
  Posted on Monday October 20, 2025
  Possibly being labeled a spammer is another reason not to forward political and other emails. Do it enough, and your normal email may not get delivered. Continue Reading »
• Do I Need to Make a New Rescue Disc Every Time My Backup Software Updates?
  Posted on Saturday October 18, 2025
  Worried you need a new rescue disc every time your backup program updates? Relax. I’ll explain when it matters, why it usually doesn’t, and how you can get one at the last minute. Continue Reading »
• How to Recover Deleted Data from Your Disk — Maybe
  Posted on Friday October 17, 2025
  Think those old files on your hard drive are gone forever? Maybe not. I’ll walk you through what affects your chances of recovery, the tools you can try, and why sometimes, it all comes down to luck. Continue Reading »
• How Do I Fix the Master Boot Record (MBR)?
  Posted on Thursday October 16, 2025
  If your computer refuses to start, the problem might be the Master Boot Record (MBR). Fixing it isn’t as scary as it sounds. I’ll show you how to use Windows’ built-in Startup Repair and a couple of handy command-line tools to get your machine running again. Continue Reading »
• I Opened Something I Shouldn’t Have — Now What?
  Posted on Wednesday October 15, 2025
  Accidentally run or opened something suspicious? We've all done it. I’ll walk you through the options from scans to resets, and consider what to learn from the experience. Continue Reading »