The Truth about Quantum Computing
We hear a lot about quantum computers these days. They're supposed to work almost like magic. We're even told to choose a certain VPN because they're "quantum proof"! The trouble is, even most experts agree we're not 'there' yet. Far from being an impending...
Windows Updates are stuck in a loop and I can’t log in
This is a fun one! You try to install some updates to Windows, and your puter reboots. And reboots, and reboots, and reboots... It seems to get stuck at 35% or some percentage, but then it does nothing. Restarting your puter doesn't help, because it just stays at the...
3 ways to fix Explorer Won’t Refresh bug
If you're having trouble with files/folders not appearing until you refresh the folder view with a tap on F5, then you've been hit by the dreaded Explorer Doesn't Refresh Automatically bug Fortunately, it's pretty easy to fix. Behold: Three ways to fix the glitch!...
Replace a failed drive in a software RAID on linux
Software RAID is great, especially for servers. While you can use RAID for increased speed, most people use RAID mirroring so that all data is written to two identical disks. If one disk fails, your server stays up because the 2nd drive still works. But what happens...
Stop autoplay videos on Twitter / X.com
If you're a Twitter user [ducks under the table], you've no doubt been seriously annoyed by those constantly auto-playing video posts. What's even crazier than the fact that the vids autoplay is that if you refresh the current page on Twitter, the same vids autoplay...
Are e-Fuel and Biodiesel the future?
You may have heard the word e-fuel, but most people have no idea what the stuff actually is. Same with biodiesel... Along with electric cars, this stuff is supposed to be the future, man! But IS it? Join me for a deep dive into the wonderful (green) world of...
What the heck is an ELECTRET?
Everyone knows what a magnet is. But have you ever heard of an electret? Yeah, me neither! In fact, there's an entire branch of science/engineering that gets very little attention these days - outside of very specific applications that like 3 people know about. Join...
How to rename a bunch of files at once
Let's say you have a folder with a ton of files, but they all have super-long file names. For example, a folder with a bunch of video files like this: ENG SUB【Story of Yanxi Palace 延禧攻略】EP50 Starring Wu Jinyan, Qin Lan, Nie Yuan, Charmaine Sheh.mp4 Wow, that is a...
2 ways to find out why your PC is crashing
Windows is giving you trouble? Stuff is crashing? Normally, you'd just pull out your hair and start screaming. But what if you could see exactly WHY it's crapping out on you? Actually, you can! And it's easier than you think... Join me for a look at Windows logging...
Airplanes, lightning, & the wild world of Static Electricity
Last time you were on an airplane, did you notice those little "antennas" on the backs of the wings? Turns out they're not antennas at all! And that's where it gets interesting... From balloons and carpet to winter afternoons and lightning, we've got ourselves a bit...
How to view blocked web sites on your phone or tablet
These days, darn near everything is censored - for your protection, of course! While you may be able to read whatever web sites you want from home, mobile operators are particularly fond of blocking certain sites. This is obviously particularly annoying for those of...
Convert files to the format you need in just a few clicks
You know the drill: You've got an image, audio, video, or document file. Either you can't open it, or you need to convert it to a different format to send to someone else. You could use complicated software, but why not do it in just a few easy clicks? With File...
Stop Razer Synapse installer from running every time
Razer makes some pretty nice stuff: Laptops, gaming gear, keyboards, and even some very nice webcams. Their Kiyo Pro webcam is particular awesome. Unfortunately, their software is nowhere near as good as their hardware. So, you might not want Razer Synapse to install,...
The Secret of electric cars, mowers, and power tools
Everything these days is powered by batteries: power tools, mowers, cars, etc. But why does this even work? A quick look at the power provided by lithium-based batteries should make even armchair techies cringe! Something doesn't add up... So, what's The Secret?...
Why hypersonic missiles DO actually matter
I recently had the misfortune to read an article on CNN entitled: What to know about hypersonic missiles fired by Russia at Ukraine I say "misfortune" because clearly, the individual who wrote it was trying very hard to downplay the significance of hypersonic weapons...
This common electric motor is SUPER easy to fix
The name "shaded pole motor" might sound scary, but these things are REALLY simple inside. So simple that if you have one, you can probably fix it yourself in about 10 minutes with a few simple tools. DIY, save some bucks, and Bob's your uncle. When they're used, how...