No jargon, no nonsense - just practical IT advice that won't do your head in.
Don't use "password123" or your pet's name. Try a passphrase like "JumpsOver3Fences!" - easier to remember, harder to crack.
Those update notifications aren't just annoying pop-ups - they're security patches. Schedule them for when you're making a cuppa.
Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media (like external drive + cloud), 1 offsite. Your holiday photos will thank you.
Free airport WiFi? Use a VPN if possible, and never do online banking there. It's like leaving your wallet on a park bench.
Your desktop isn't a junk drawer. Organize files monthly - it's like cleaning the garage, but less spiders.
Review social media privacy settings annually. That embarrassing post from 2012? Probably doesn't need to be public anymore.
Cybersecurity Specialist, Melbourne
"Most breaches happen because of simple oversights. Multi-factor authentication is like having a screen door and a security door - why wouldn't you use both?"
Software Engineer, Sydney
"When learning to code, start small. Your first program doesn't need to be the next Facebook - even a calculator app teaches you fundamentals."
Network Architect, Brisbane
"Your home WiFi password should be like your Vegemite - strong and not shared with just anyone. WPA3 encryption is your friend."
Mobile Tech Consultant, Perth
"Before downloading an app, check permissions. Does a torchlight app really need access to your contacts? Probably not."
We've all been down Chicken Road - that path of questionable tech decisions that seemed like a good idea at the time. Here are some classic Aussie tech blunders and how to avoid them.
Using the same password everywhere is like using the same key for your house, car, and office. When one goes, they all go. A password manager is your mate here.
That moment when you permanently delete files to "clean up" and then need them next week. Cloud backups or external drives can save you from this bad moment.
That $200 "brand new" iPhone 14 from a random website? Probably about as genuine as a three-dollar note. Stick to reputable sellers, even if it costs more.
Phishing emails are getting sneakier. If an email creates urgency or seems too good to be true, it's probably leading you down. Hover over links before clicking.
Remember: Chicken Road might seem like a shortcut, but it usually leads to more work in the long run. Take the proper tech path and save yourself the headache.
Our devices are productivity powerhouses, but they're also distraction magnets. Here's how to avoid the digital equivalent of online slots - those endless scrolls and notifications that suck time without giving value.
Turn off non-essential notifications. Do you really need to know every time someone likes your photo?
Set app timers for social media. It's easy to fall into the online slots mentality of "just one more scroll."
25 minutes focused work, 5 minute break. It's like interval training for your brain. There are great free apps to help.
During important tasks, put your phone in another room. Out of sight, out of mind works surprisingly well.
Despite what you've heard, humans are terrible at multitasking. Do one thing at a time and do it well.