The Old Grey Techie - For Tips, Tricks & Techniques For Techies Of All Ages And Abilities

In recent years, the UK telecom industry has witnessed a significant consolidation of power, with BT’s acquisition of EE being one of the most notable moves in the sector. However, this merger, which was supposed to bring efficiencies and better services to customers, has had the opposite effect.  Complaints against EE have surged since the integration with BT, leaving many customers frustrated and disillusioned. But, as we’ll explore in this blog post, this surge in complaints is not all that surprising when considering the broader context of corporate mergers, customer service issues, and the natural growing pains of integration.

In today’s digital world, your smartphone knows more about you than your best friend does. From the apps you use to the locations you visit, the amount of personal data being collected is staggering.  Android, being the world’s most widely used mobile operating system, is a primary target for data tracking and surveillance.  If you're concerned about how your data is being handled, you're not alone — and thankfully, you're not powerless either. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the ultimate method to protect your privacy on Android devices. Specifically, we’ll explore how to block app trackers using DuckDuckGo App Tracking Protection and enhance your browsing privacy with the Opera browser’s built-in VPN. These tools, when used in tandem, create a formidable shield against most digital snooping.

We live in a world where smartphones are an extension of ourselves.  From social media to banking, navigation to shopping, our phones hold a vast amount of personal information.  But while we may feel in control of the apps we download, there’s a hidden layer most of us overlook - app trackers.  These silent intruders monitor our behaviour, collecting data, often without us realising. Are you still happy with your apps now?

Managing passwords securely has become more critical than ever.  With the increasing number of online accounts, each requiring unique and complex passwords, it's easy to fall into the trap of using weak, repetitive passwords. This not only compromises the security of individual accounts but also puts your entire digital identity at risk.  Enter KeePass , a powerful, open-source password manager that stands out in the crowded field of password management tools. If you're not using KeePass for your password management, you really should be!

Amazon's Alexa and Echo devices have become ubiquitous as these devices offer unparalleled convenience, from controlling smart home gadgets to answering questions, playing music, and much more.  However, every time you use your Alexa or Echo device, you might be putting your home network at risk.  Understanding these risks and how to mitigate them is crucial for maintaining a secure and private home environment.

Managing your email inbox efficiently is crucial for maintaining productivity, reducing stress, and ensuring important communications are not overlooked.  In this article, we will explore effective strategies to help you manage your email inbox and keep it under control.

To me few stories are as interesting as the evolution of operating systems... (sad I know... but true...)  For those who have been part of this journey, it's a nostalgic trip down memory lane, tracing the incredible progress from the early days of DOS 3.2 to the sleek sophistication of Windows 11.  This article will take you on a tour of the significant milestones in the development of Microsoft operating systems, highlighting key features, innovations, and the broader impact on the computing landscape.

The ability to effortlessly download and manage content from the internet has become a highly sought-after feature for many computer users. aTube Catcher , a popular software for downloading videos from a wide range of online platforms, has garnered a loyal following over the years.  But what exactly makes  aTube Catcher  stand out in a crowded field of similar tools?  Let's delve into the features and benefits that make  aTube Catcher  a top choice for users looking to enhance their digital media experience.

WhatsApp stands out as a popular choice, boasting over two billion active users worldwide. However, WhatsApp’s ownership by Facebook (now Meta) raises serious concerns about privacy and data security.  If you use WhatsApp, you might be unknowingly sharing more personal information with Facebook than you intended, especially your phone number.  This article aims to shed light on the implications of this data sharing and why you should be cautious.

When it comes to web browsers, most people stick to the big names: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari. After all, these browsers are pre-installed or aggressively marketed, and it’s easy to go with what’s familiar. But have you ever wondered what else is out there?  Believe it or not, there’s a whole world of alternative browsers, each offering its own set of unique features and advantages that might just convince you to jump ship. Enter Brave, Vivaldi, Firefox, Opera and DuckDuckGo.

Google Drive is an essential tool for both personal and professional use. Its cloud-based storage system allows users to store, share, and access files from any device with an internet connection.  While it offers a wide range of functionalities, many users are not aware of its full potential.  This article will provide tips on how to use Google Drive effectively, ensuring you make the most out of this powerful tool.