Posted December 14, 2025

Introduction: Steps we can take in the new year

As another year winds down, this is a good moment to pause and take stock — not just of the past year, but of how we actually use our computers day to day.

Most of us don’t think much about our technology unless something goes wrong. When everything is working, it fades into the background. But when it isn’t, it can quickly become a source of frustration, stress, and wasted time.

So rather than another tips-and-tricks article, this post takes a step back: first by looking at a few common tech themes that showed up repeatedly this year, and then by looking ahead to some practical ways to make the coming year calmer, more organized, and less reactive.

Security concerns are no longer abstract

One recurring theme this year has been online security. Questions about antivirus software, scams, and warnings came up again and again.

What stood out wasn’t just the number of threats, but the uncertainty many people expressed: Are they protected enough? Should they purchase antivirus software? Or are they paying for things they don’t really need? Which warnings matter, and which can be ignored?

The takeaway isn’t that the internet has suddenly become dangerous. However, the types of online threats we face has changed - and they are increasingly sophisticated. A basic understanding now matters more than ever — but fear and overreaction don’t help.

Many PCs aren’t broken — they’re just cluttered

Another common concern this year was performance. Many people assume a slow computer means it’s time for a replacement.

But a new computer may not be required. In reality, many slowdowns are caused by gradual buildup: programs starting automatically, files piling up, and years of digital clutter accumulating quietly in the background.

This doesn’t mean you need to constantly tinker with your computer. It simply suggests that occasional review and cleanup can make a noticeable difference.

Email overload continues to wear people down

Email remains one of the most common sources of everyday tech stress. It’s not just the volume of messages, but the feeling of never quite being caught up.

Important emails get buried, unwanted ones linger, and many people hesitate to delete anything for fear of losing something they might need later.

In most cases, inbox overload isn’t a discipline problem — it’s a systems problem. Small settings changes often matter more than willpower.

Aim for reasonable, understandable security

You don’t need the most expensive tools or the most complex setup. A sensible goal for the coming year is to understand what protection you already have, make sure it’s up to date, and recognize when something doesn’t look quite right.

Plan a little maintenance instead of reacting

Rather than waiting for problems to appear, plan a clean-up session once or twice a year, or as performance slows. This might include reviewing startup programs, checking available storage, and doing a light cleanup.

Think of it as routine maintenance — not a major project. As Grandma used to say, "A stitch in time saves nine."

Reconsider whether your setup still fits your life

How you use your computer may have changed over the years. More video calls, more online services, or more remote work can change what you actually need from your device.

That doesn’t automatically mean buying something new — but it does mean it’s worth reassessing.

Reduce everyday friction

Small annoyances add up. Whether it’s email, browser behavior, or everyday tasks that feel harder than they should, reducing friction can make technology feel more helpful and less exhausting. Implementing browser tools, automating some email processes, and learning a few shortcuts are simple steps that can increase productivity while reducing stress.

In the coming months, this site will include a growing collection of short, practical PDF guides designed to help with very specific, real-world computer problems.

I encourage you to make use of these freebies. Many everyday computer problems — from slow PCs to cluttered inboxes — are easier to fix than you might realize. By learning just a bit more, you can become a more independent PC user.

If there’s a computer topic you’d like more information about, I’d genuinely like to know. You can use the contact form at the bottom of this page to share what would be most helpful to you.

The goal for the coming year is simple: fewer surprises, less stress, and more confidence when using everyday technology.