For a long while, I would never use a magnetic screwdriver when working on a computer. I had an experience where a motherboard was working prior to the ‘repair’ and not working after. I had taken the usual precautions so I did not believe it was due to static, rather the magnetic screwdriver I was using. Since then I haven’t used one. After...

There are times when one is so desperate to get the data off a CD or DVD that you’re willing to try anything no matter how stupid it may be. This is exactly what happened to me last Sunday night. For years I’ve heard that toothpaste will make a scratched optical disc readable again. I never believed it. I’ve had in my possession a CD I burned...

No matter where you purchase any computer product, from an entire system to a USB flash drive, inevitably you will be asked if you want to purchase an extended warranty on the item. While you might have an involuntary reflex of answering “no”, experience has proven to me this is not always the best answer. Where I’m Coming From As the primary...