Tech Update on Security, Speed, and Freedom


These tech headlines offer a comprehensive guide to maximizing your digital life, focusing on performance, security, and liberation from big tech constraints.

Learn how to fight back against threats with 12 reliable, free methods to find and remove PC viruses and use Microsoft's new recovery tools to rebuild a glitching Windows PC. For speed, discover the secrets to clearing your Windows 11 PC cache to eliminate lag, running the right internet speed test for better Wi-Fi, and using professional Zipping techniques for large file transfers.

We also explore pathways to digital freedom, from leveraging umbrelOS to turn a spare PC into a personal cloud powerhouse to adopting alternatives like Bluesky and Discourse/Discord. Finally, uncover clever tricks like a Gmail storage hack, how to turn giant PDFs into audio overviews in Google Drive, and what the passkey authenticator means for our passwordless future. Your guide to a faster, safer, and more autonomous digital experience is here.

Keywords: PC security, virus removal, Windows 11, passkeys, cloud computing, umbrelOS, tech tips, performance optimization, digital footprint, RSS feed, Discord, Bluesky, free tools

How to find and remove PC viruses for free: 12 reliable methods that work for me
Viruses now operate quietly in the background, but thankfully, tools exist to stop them.
How to upgrade your 'incompatible' Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 - for free
Microsoft really doesn't want customers to upgrade older PCs to Windows 11, but there are workarounds for all but the oldest devices. Now that Windows 10 support has officially ended, here's everything you need to know.
This Linux distro turned my spare PC into a personal cloud powerhouse - for free
If you want to try self-hosting apps, and finally cut ties with big corporations like Google, umbrelOS makes it very easy.
This Gmail trick gave me 15GB of more storage for free (without losing any files)
Regardless of which Google account you use, this simple trick allows you to back up all your messages and media for free.
Discord and Discourse - Better Together
Rishabh Nambiar, Discourse, Nov 13, 2025 Alan Levine links to this article from 2021 on two different products with similar names: Discourse and Discord. Discourse is software for hosting online forums, while Discord is software for hosting live discussions. "Discord is immediate and synchronous, while Discourse...
You can turn giant PDFs into digestible audio overviews in Google Drive now - here's how
The overview features two lively AI-generated hosts chatting about a topic you might otherwise find dull.
The right way to run an internet speed test (and how I use the results for better Wi-Fi)
After a decade testing PCs, routers, and home networks, I've seen what really causes slow speeds, and I can help you optimize your connection.
What is a passkey authenticator? Only the key to our passwordless tomorrow
Your passkey future requires an authenticator, but which type is best - platform, virtual, or roaming? We help make sense of your options.
Microsoft's new recovery tools rebuild Windows when it glitches – here's how
The point-in-time restore feature will bring a Windows PC back to a previous state, while cloud rebuild will reinstall Windows from the cloud.
I used this free tool to see what data the internet has on me - and the results were disturbing
What does your 'digital footprint' look like? This powerful scanner reveals all. Here's how to try it.
How to clear your Windows 11 PC cache (and wipe out lag for good)
Clearing out this hidden data can significantly speed up your computer - here's how to find and access the setting.
Why your USB-C device isn't charging - and the quick fix that I always consider first
Does your gadget have a USB-C port, but it won't charge when connected to a USB-C cable? Here's why, and how to fix it.
This free Windows app turns your laptop screen into a ring light - how to try it
Inspired by the Mac's Edge Light feature, this new Windows app can make you look brighter on your next video call.
What is an RSS Feed?
Firefox just fixed my biggest annoyance with web browsers - and it's a game changer
Firefox has proved it's still in the game, with a new search feature every browser should copy ASAP.
Waiting on large file transfers? How to zip files in Windows 11 like a pro (and save time)
Compressing files is a practical Windows 11 skill for organizing your storage (and you don't need extra apps). Here's how.
Exploring Joplin Note-Taking Tool
Miguel Guhlin, Another Think Coming, Nov 25, 2025 Miguel Guhlin reviews Joplin Notes, a new online note taking application that can be run locally or in the cloud. It's one of a class of tools designed to organize your writing when you write a lot of content. The main right-up-front feature is easy conversion...
How to use Bluesky: A beginner's guide to the most popular X alternative
Bluesky is one of several social networks offering an alternative to the platform formerly known as Twitter. Here's how to join and use it.
Take Back Your Feed: A Simple Guide to Getting Started With RSS (Even If Tech Intimidates You)
Mike Taylor, Dec 03, 2025 If you're reading this on LinkedIn, this article serves as a simple reminder that you don't have to live that way... (You can follow OLDaily in your RSS reader with this URL). Web: [Direct Link] [This Post]

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