When it comes to tech advice, no-one beats IT specialist, Geeks2U technician Eugene Quah. Whether you have computer issues or are pondering an upgrade in online security, he has the answers to your most pressing technology queries.

What Are Your Tips on How to Remember Passwords?

Here’s how to remember passwords for all your different online accounts.

Most people feel passwords are the bane of today’s digital world. It’s common to forget a password when you’re trying to sign into an app or website, or when setting up your emails on another app or device.

You can go the digital route and use a password manager. Many work on the principle that you have just one master password to unlock your password vault. Password managers can even help you generate strong random passwords, so you don’t waste time choosing a ‘strong’ password as some accounts require. Password managers work across multiple devices, so you don’t have to keep saving your passwords on different devices every time.

If you prefer to write your passwords down, just make sure you don’t write the full password in case your notes fall into the wrong hands. Use prompts to help you remember the password and always date your password changes.

SEE ALSO: Connect 101: How to Use a Password Manager

Is It Possible to Improve Laptop Battery Life?

If you have any issues with your laptop or need tech advice, Geeks2U expert technician Eugene Quah can help.
Geeks2U technician Eugene Quah

A battery is simply a container. Like any container, it holds a certain amount. Treat a container well and it should last the recommended lifespan. 

That means recharging your device well before the battery is completely drained – try not to even let it drop below 20%. Keep the battery away from heat sources and ensure there is adequate ventilation. Close any background apps you aren’t using and, instead of running your screen at full brightness all day, try reducing it to a comfortable level that suits your environment.

How Can I Protect the Photos I’ve Saved on External Hard Drives?

] Back up your data and photos on external hard drives and add data encryption for protection.

First, always make sure you have a backup or duplicate of your photos on another external hard drive or saved to cloud storage. External hard drives degrade over time, and you don’t want to be in a situation where the drive wears out and your data is compromised. 

To keep prying eyes away from your photos, you’ll want to add data encryption. If you are using a Windows-based computer, you can try Microsoft BitLocker to encrypt your external drive. In the case of an Apple Mac, you can use Finder for all your encryption needs.

What To Try

SEE ALSO: Let the Geek Guide You: Buying a New Laptop Computer

How Can I Tell If an Email is Spam?

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to recognise an email as spam without third-party assistance. But prevention is better than cure. Try not to give out your personal day-to-day email to subscription links or unknown contacts. 

Set up an alternative ‘marketing’ email for online shopping, subscriptions or web enquiries. Managing multiple accounts is easy with providers such as Gmail and Microsoft Outlook. 

Never click on links in an email that suggest you need to sign in to a site to make changes to your account – this means someone is phishing for your data. A good third-party spam filter program won’t completely eliminate all the spam you receive but it will help get rid of the bulk of it. Search for “spam filters” to find plenty of great options.

What To Try

My Computer Seems Slow. Is There a Way to Speed It Up?

This may not be what you wanted to hear, but it might be time for a new computer. Most computers today have a solid-state drive. These have no mechanical lag like a traditional hard drive and can access your data and open programs much faster than mechanical hard drives. 

If you really want to keep your old computer, consider replacing the mechanical drive with a solid-state drive. If your laptop is new and running slowly, get in touch with Geeks2U for expert assistance or ask a team member instore about how you can sign up to Geeks2U tech support.

What To Try

SEE ALSO: Let the Geek Guide You: How to Set up a Mobile Hotspot and More

Need further assistance with your tech problems? Call Geeks2U on 1300 725 420 or visit geeks2u.com.au