Paul Todd 
The 3-2-1 backup rule is a simple way to reduce the risk of losing important files if your computer, backup drive or even your home is affected by a problem. Despite the name, you do not need three external drives or a complicated home server. The idea is simply to keep several copies of important … Read more
If you’re wondering whether to leave an external backup drive connected to your computer, the answer depends mainly on how you make your backups. But disconnecting the drive when it is not being used gives your backup more separation from problems that affect the computer. For most home users, the right choice depends on how … Read more
Putting a mesh Wi-Fi node directly in the room with the weakest signal can seem like the obvious choice. But if Wi-Fi is already very weak there, the node itself may struggle to maintain a good wireless connection to the rest of the mesh. A better starting point is somewhere between the existing mesh and … Read more
If you need to restore files from a backup in Windows 11, the right method depends on how the backup was created. You may have copied files manually to an external drive, used File History, created a backup with Backup and Restore, or protected files through OneDrive. You usually do not need to restore your … Read more
Windows Backup vs File History can be confusing in Windows 11 because both features are still available. They may sound like two versions of the same thing, but they protect your files in different ways and store the backup in different places. Windows Backup is mainly tied to your Microsoft account and OneDrive, while File … Read more
If your printer can print a test page but normal documents will not print, the successful test gives you a useful clue. It does not necessarily mean every part of the printing setup is working correctly. The most useful next step is to work out which type of test page printed, then compare a simple … Read more
Is your external monitor blurry in Windows 11, stretched, or using the wrong resolution? Start with the display settings before changing drivers or replacing hardware. The most useful first question is what actually looks wrong. A genuinely blurry picture, text that is simply too small, and a missing display resolution are related problems, but they … Read more
Wi-Fi slow on one device but fine on others? The problem is more likely to be connected with that device or the way it is connecting to your network than with your broadband connection as a whole. But do not start resetting network settings or replacing hardware yet. The most useful first step is to … Read more
How often should you back up your home computer? There is no single schedule that suits everyone. A sensible backup frequency depends mainly on how often your important files change and how much recent work you would be unhappy to lose if your computer or storage drive suddenly failed. For many home users, a daily … Read more
Printer printing blank pages? It does not necessarily mean the printer has failed or that you need to buy new ink or toner. The quickest way to narrow the problem down is to work out whether the printer can still put ink or toner onto paper when it prints a test or diagnostic page. That … Read more