Microsoft Archives

Warning: Your tech expires soon

ChatGPT

Your computer is behaving just fine, right? Opening apps, playing videos, checking email. Life’s good. But one day, without a single pop-up or beep, it’ll just … stop getting security updates. No ceremony. No goodbye. Just silence. From that moment on, it’s basically a digital sitting duck for hackers.

Whether you’re using a Windows PC or a Mac, it’s time to check if your system’s still getting those crucial security patches.

Don’t worry, I’ll make this easy.

Let’s start with Windows

If you’re running Windows 10, you’ve got a ticking clock above your keyboard. Microsoft is pulling the plug on Oct. 14, 2025, which is only four months away. After that, you’ll either need to upgrade to Windows 11 or buy into Microsoft’s “Extended Security Updates” plan.

Now here’s the kicker: That extended support is designed for big companies with IT departments and contracts, not you checking email at the kitchen counter.

So unless you plan to moonlight as a network administrator, your best bet is to upgrade now, if your hardware supports it.

Not sure? Head over to endoflife.date/windows.

Now let’s talk Mac

Apple usually supports the last three versions of macOS, and as of this moment, that’s Sequoia (just announced), Sonoma and Ventura. If you’re running Monterey or anything older? Sorry, it stopped getting updates in September 2024. You’re out of the safety zone.

The good news? If your Mac isn’t too old, you can probably just upgrade it. Click the Apple icon > About This Mac, then go to Software Update. If there’s a newer version waiting, install it. Done.

Oh, and don’t forget to back up your files. Get 10TB of backup space for just $18 at Total Drive. This is important especially if your device is a few years old. They never go out with a bang, it’s always at the worst possible time.

Continue reading →

Food prices change while you shop, here’s what to do

ChatGPT

If you think food prices are high now, just wait. Grocery stores across the country are installing electronic shelf labels (ESLs), ditching those humble paper price tags for sleek little digital screens.

Sounds like a snazzy tech upgrade, right? Just wait until your eggs get a price hike while you’re still pushing your cart toward the meat section.

Continue reading →

So, you unwrapped something techy and you’re already having trouble. Before searching online for help, know it’s dangerous to Google tech company phone numbers.

Scammers work the system to get spoofed websites and numbers as the top search results via ads. Instead of waiting for a response to an online form, try calling the manufacturer or tech company directly. I’ve included links below in case you’d rather use a contact form or chat service:

Amazon: 888-280-4331; Amazon website
Microsoft: 800-642-7676; Microsoft support
Apple: 800-275-2273; Apple support
Google: 650-253-0000; Google support
Meta: 650-543-4800 (Heads-up: It’s hard to get someone to answer); Facebook support, Instagram support
Roku: 816-272-8106; Roku support
Samsung: 800-726-7864; Samsung support
PayPal: 888-221-1161; PayPal support

An older CEO, long past retirement, called IT for support. He asked, “How can I print this document?” IT said, “All you need to do is Ctrl + P.” The CEO replied, “I haven’t been able to do that for years!” (I heard you laugh!)

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Microsoft's Surface Computer - Buyer beware

Open/download audio

Don’t buy a Microsoft Surface computer until you hear this warning

💻 Microsoft released a mini PC: It’s small. It’s boxy. It streams Windows 11 from the cloud like it’s Netflix, so you can work from anywhere. But heads-up, it’s not for everyone. The “Link” is made for businesses. Priced at $349.99, you’ll need to go through Microsoft or a reseller to get one.

$500 million

That’s how much Microsoft saved by AI-answering your customer service calls. Their AI squads took over (paywall link) call centers, transforming human reps into ghost listeners.

Protect your Word doc: Got sensitive info you’d rather keep private? Lock the file with a password. Go to File > Info > Protect Document > Encrypt with Password. Enter and confirm your password, then click OK and Save. Just don’t forget it, because Microsoft can’t recover it for you.

That's when 40% of people are already checking work email to prep for the day

That’s when 40% of people are already checking work email to prep for the day. Microsoft says meetings after 8 p.m. are up 16% in the past year. Welcome to the never-ending workday. The fix? Let AI agents handle the boring stuff like routine reports and admin.

6 a.m.

⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Use dictation in Microsoft Word: Click “Dictate” in the ribbon and just start talking.

🔒 Lock your Word doc: Need to keep sensitive info private? Microsoft Word lets you lock it down with a password. Just go to File > Info > Protect Document > Encrypt with Password. Enter your password, confirm it and click OK. FYI: Don’t forget the password! Microsoft can’t recover it for you.

Out the door, dinosaur: Microsoft is ending support for its Windows Mail, Calendar and People apps. Starting Dec. 31, 2024, you’ll lose the ability to send and receive emails through Mail. Microsoft wants everyone on its new Outlook app. Here’s the official exporting guide for your Mail emails and contacts. FYI: The Outlook app is slow, so you might want to switch to a different email client altogether. Thunderbird is a good free option.