When You Get "The Phone Call" – A Light-Hearted Look at Helping Friends with Tech Troubles

Ah yes, the phone call. 

It’s something every tech-savvy person, especially those of us who have been around computers for a few decades, has experienced more times than we’d care to count. 

Whether from friends, family, or even neighbours, the conversation often starts innocently enough, with a friendly, “Hello, how are you?” 

But you know it’s coming, and soon it will slip out...

“Something's wrong with my computer... It's acting funny.”

You sigh, but with a smile. 

You know the drill by now. You’ve been through it countless times before. 

The computer is "acting funny," which is code for, "I did something, but I don’t know what, and now everything is broken." And of course, there’s always that inevitable admission:

“I clicked on something... I don’t know what I clicked on, but now everything’s all messed up.”

I often reply to this with a half-joking, "... when you clicked on it, did it say, 'click on this and it will totally mess up your computer..?'"

"I don't know," is the reply... 

Here’s the thing – as much as we roll our eyes and brace ourselves for what will probably be a long and winding troubleshooting session, there's a part of us that enjoys these calls... we learn from them... and as every day's a school day, we find ourselves in our favourite class.

Having a reputation for being the go-to techie when friends or family members have a tech problem, means they trust us to be the digital Sherlock Holmes who can solve the mystery of why their computer now resembles something from a bad science fiction movie.  

That trust in us is motivation to calm them down and solve the problem as smoothly as possible.

So, let’s take a light-hearted journey through what happens when you get "the phone call".

Microsoft and Autism: A Journey Toward Inclusive Technology for Neurodiverse Users

Microsoft has long been recognised as one of the world's leading technology companies, but in recent years it has distinguished itself as a pioneer in accessibility and inclusivity, particularly for neurodiverse individuals, including those on the autism spectrum. 

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition affecting how individuals perceive and interact with the world around them. 

This can include challenges with social communication, heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, and difficulties with traditional work environments. 

With autism estimated to affect around 1 in 100 people in the UK and millions globally, Microsoft has made great strides in addressing the unique needs of neurodiverse users and employees.

From product innovations to inclusive hiring practices, Microsoft’s approach is built on a philosophy of empowerment—using technology to unlock the potential of every person.

This article explores the various ways Microsoft is creating accessible experiences for people with autism, including their cutting-edge tools, platforms, and inclusive employment strategies.

Having Formatting Issues With Your Emails Using Thunderbird? I Did, And This Is What I've Learned

If you're like me, email is an essential part of your daily routine. You send, receive, and manage dozens of emails, and the last thing you want is for your messages to look unprofessional or be difficult to read. 

Recently, I found myself grappling with some serious formatting issues in Mozilla Thunderbird, the popular open-source email client. What seemed like a minor inconvenience at first quickly turned into a recurring frustration.

Here’s the thing: Thunderbird has many customization features that can help you tailor your email experience. But, these options can sometimes lead to unexpected results, particularly with formatting. 

After spending some time figuring things out, I’ve picked up a few useful tips that might help others who are facing similar problems. 

If you’ve had issues with inconsistent fonts, text that won’t align, or links that don’t display correctly, this article is for you.

The Memories of Fitting a Hard-Card Into a No Hard Disk Amstrad 1512

Ah, the Amstrad 1512—a beacon of computing nostalgia for many of us who cut our teeth on technology in the 1980s. 

This venerable machine, with its chunky keyboard and beige exterior, was the gateway to the digital world for countless homes and small businesses across the UK...

... but if there’s one memory that stands out vividly for those who owned an Amstrad 1512, it’s the day they decided to fit a hard-card into that no-hard-disk-only-one-5 1/4 floppy-drive wonder.

If You Haven't Tried the Ecosia Search Engine, Maybe You Should

In an era where environmental consciousness is becoming increasingly important, our daily choices can have a significant impact on the planet. 

One such choice is the search engine we use. 

While Google, Bing, and Yahoo dominate the market, there's an alternative that not only delivers reliable search results but also contributes positively to the environment. 

That alternative is Ecosia, a search engine that uses its profits to plant trees around the world. If you haven't tried Ecosia yet, here's why you should consider making the switch.

Why A Phone Like the Moto E30 Beats Any iPhone

In the ever-evolving world of smartphones, the iPhone remains a symbol of luxury, innovation, and prestige. 

With its seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, cutting-edge design, and high-end features, the iPhone has carved out a niche for itself as the gold standard in premium smartphones. 

However, for many users, the price tag that accompanies an iPhone is simply too steep, and its features are often more than they need or want. This is where phones like the Moto E30 come in.

The Moto E30, a budget Android smartphone, offers a practical, affordable, and capable alternative to the iPhone for those who prioritise functionality over flash. 

While it may not have the premium build or cutting-edge features of the latest iPhone, it does excel in many areas that matter most to everyday users. 

In this article, I'll  explore why a phone like the Moto E30 can beat any iPhone, especially for users who seek value, reliability, and ease of use.

So, Your Outlook Accounts Are No Longer Working With Thunderbird? No Problem!

If you’ve recently discovered that your Outlook account is no longer functioning with Thunderbird, you’re not alone. 

This issue stems from significant changes made by Microsoft, which have left many users of third-party email apps like Thunderbird scrambling for solutions. 

In this article, I’ll break down what’s going on, why your Outlook account no longer works with Thunderbird, and how you can get everything back on track.

Top 10 Tips for Newbie Excel Users to Make Excel Less Daunting

Excel can seem intimidating to beginners, with its endless rows and columns, cryptic formulas, and unfamiliar features. 

However, once you grasp the basics, it becomes a powerful tool for organizing data, performing calculations, and even visualizing information. 

Whether you’re using it for work, school, or personal projects, Excel can be a game-changer when used effectively. 

If you’re new to Excel and looking for ways to make it less daunting, this guide will walk you through ten essential tips to help you feel more comfortable and confident.

Just How Old Should Children Be Before They're Allowed To Have A Smartphone?

In today’s digital age, the smartphone has become a ubiquitous part of everyday life. From managing schedules to social interactions and educational tools, smartphones have transformed how we live and work. 

However, when it comes to children, the question of when they should first use a smartphone is a topic of considerable debate among parents, educators, and health professionals. 

Recent developments, such as the ban on smartphones in schools by some academies, further highlight the ongoing discussion around appropriate smartphone usage for young people. 

This article explores the key considerations in determining the right age for children to start using smartphones and provides insights into the impact of early smartphone exposure.

Advantages Mature Workers Can Bring To A Workplace

 As businesses strive to remain competitive and innovative, many employers focus on hiring younger workers, often under the assumption that they are naturally more adept at adapting to new technologies. 

Unfortunately, this thinking can lead to the underutilisation of a crucial resource...

... mature, tech-savvy employees. 

The One Fundamental EXPERT Skill EVERY Computer User Should Have...

From managing personal finances and storing precious memories to completing work assignments and running businesses, computers serve countless purposes. 

Yet, amidst the vast array of skills that computer users are encouraged to learn—from mastering specific software to understanding cybersecurity— there is one fundamental skill that stands out as crucial which every computer user should be an expert at... and that is...