Technology, explained simply.

November 12, 2026

Computer Help for Seniors in Loomis, CA: What to Expect

In-home and remote computer help for seniors in Loomis, CA. See what a Porchswing visit is like, common problems we fix, and how to book one.

November 11, 2026

How to Spot a Fake Bank Fraud Alert Text Message

Learn how to spot a fake bank fraud alert text message, why these scams work so well, and the simple steps to check if your bank text is real.

November 10, 2026

How to Clear Your Browser's Cache and Cookies

If your web browser is slow, glitchy, or stuck on old pages, clearing its cache and cookies often fixes it. Here's how, on Chrome, Edge, and Safari.

November 9, 2026

How to Spot a Fake IRS Tax Scam Call

Learn the real signs of an IRS tax scam call, the scare tactics callers use, and the calm, simple steps to take if one ever reaches your phone.

November 8, 2026

How to Turn On Live Voicemail on Your iPhone

See who's calling and why before you answer. Live Voicemail shows real-time captions on your iPhone screen so you can decide calmly, not under pressure.

November 7, 2026

What to Do If You Forgot Your Windows or Mac Password

Forgot your Windows or Mac password? Here's exactly what to do next, whether you sign in with a Microsoft account, an Apple ID, or a local account.

November 6, 2026

How to Spot a Fake Utility Shut-Off Scam Call

Scammers call pretending your power or gas will be shut off today unless you pay right now. Here's how to tell the call is fake, and what to do instead.

November 5, 2026

Computer Help for Seniors in Granite Bay, CA: What to Expect

Thinking about booking computer help for seniors in Granite Bay? Here's exactly what a Porchswing visit includes, step by step, from a real local technician.

November 4, 2026

How to Spot a Fake Package Delivery Text Scam

Fake 'package delivery' texts and QR codes are a common scam, especially before the holidays. Here's how to spot one and what to do if you tapped the link.

November 3, 2026

How to Find a Lost or Stolen Laptop, on Windows or Mac

Turn on Find My Device on Windows or Find My Mac before a laptop ever goes missing, so you can locate, lock, or erase it from any other device.

November 2, 2026

Why Your Browser's Homepage Keeps Changing on Its Own

If your browser's homepage or search engine keeps changing on its own, here's what's likely happening and the calm steps to fix it for good.

November 1, 2026

How to Update Your iPhone's Software and Apps

Updating your iPhone closes security gaps and fixes annoying bugs. Here's how to update your apps and iOS, plus turn on automatic updates for you.

October 31, 2026

How to Turn On the Pop-Up Blocker in Chrome, Edge, or Safari

Turning on your browser's pop-up blocker is one of the simplest ways to keep scary warnings and unwanted pop-ups off your Windows PC or Mac.

October 30, 2026

What to Do About a Fake Subscription Renewal Scam Email

A renewal-invoice email with a scary charge and a phone number to call is a common scam aimed at seniors. Here's how to spot it and stay safe.

October 29, 2026

Computer Help for Seniors in Folsom, CA: What to Expect

What an in-home computer help visit looks like for seniors in Folsom, California, from the first phone call to what the technician actually does.

October 28, 2026

How to Spot a Medicare Open Enrollment Scam Call

Medicare open enrollment brings a flood of scam calls promising free cards and gifts. Here's how to tell a real Medicare contact from a fake one.

October 27, 2026

What a VPN Is and Whether You Need One

A VPN encrypts your internet connection so others sharing the same Wi-Fi cannot see what you are doing online. Here is when you actually need one.

October 26, 2026

How to Spot a Fake Tech Support Refund Scam

Someone calls or emails saying you're owed a refund, then asks to connect to your computer. Here's how to spot the scam and what to do if it happens.

October 25, 2026

How to Find a Lost iPhone Using the Find My App

If your iPhone goes missing, here's how to use the free Find My app to locate it on a map, make it play a sound, or lock it safely from afar.

October 24, 2026

How to Check If Your Built-In Antivirus Is Turned On

Not sure if your Windows PC or Mac is actually protected? Here is the exact, plain-English way to check your built-in antivirus settings today.

October 23, 2026

What to Do When a Hacked Account Asks You for Money

A message from a hacked friend's account asking for money can feel urgent and real. Here is how to spot the scam and what to do about it next.

October 22, 2026

Computer Help for Seniors in Lincoln, CA: What to Expect

What a Porchswing in-home tech help visit is really like for seniors in Lincoln, CA — from your first phone call to the technician wrapping up.

October 21, 2026

What to Do About a Social Security Scam Call

A caller says your Social Security number is suspended or linked to a crime. Here's why that's always a scam, and exactly what to do about it.

October 20, 2026

How to Turn On the Firewall on Your Windows PC or Mac

A firewall blocks unwanted connections before they reach your computer. Here is how to check yours and turn it on, in plain English, on Windows or Mac.

October 19, 2026

How to Spot (and Stop) a Gift Card Scam

If someone on the phone asks you to pay with gift cards, it's always a scam. Here's why scammers ask, and what to do if you already bought and used one.

October 18, 2026

How to Use Emergency SOS on Your iPhone to Call for Help

Learn how Emergency SOS on your iPhone can call for help fast, share your location, and alert your emergency contacts when you need it most.

October 17, 2026

What to Do When Your Computer Freezes Up

A frozen Windows PC or Mac is not broken. Here is what to try first, in order, so you can get back to work without losing anything you already saved.

October 16, 2026

How to Spot the 'Grandchild in Trouble' Phone Scam

A caller says your grandchild is in trouble and needs money right away. Here's how to recognize this common phone scam and what to do instead.

October 15, 2026

Computer Help for Seniors in Roseville: What to Expect

What happens when you book in-home computer help for a senior parent in Roseville, from the first call to the technician's final walkthrough.

October 14, 2026

Why a Call Asking for Your Verification Code Is a Scam

A caller asks you to read back a code just texted to you, claiming to verify your identity. Here's why that's always a scam, and what to say instead.

October 13, 2026

What to Do When Your Computer Is Running Slow

If your Windows PC or Mac has gotten slow, here are simple checks that can speed it back up again — no technical experience needed, just patience.

October 12, 2026

What Those Confusing Antivirus Alerts Really Mean

Antivirus pop-ups can be confusing: some are routine, some are sales pitches, and a few need real attention. Here is how to tell which is which.

October 11, 2026

How to Set Up Medical ID on Your iPhone

Learn how to set up Medical ID on your iPhone so first responders can see your allergies, medications, and emergency contacts right from the Lock Screen.

October 10, 2026

How to Turn On Two-Factor Authentication for Your Email

Learn how to turn on two-factor authentication for Gmail, Microsoft, and Apple email so a stolen password alone can no longer get a stranger in.

October 9, 2026

What a Scam Text Message Looks Like, in Plain English

Scam texts about fake deliveries, bank alerts, or unpaid tolls can look convincing. Learn the warning signs, and what to do if you already tapped one.

October 8, 2026

Computer Help for Seniors in Rocklin: What a Visit Is Like

Thinking about booking in-home computer help in Rocklin? Here's exactly what a visit involves, from scheduling to the technician's final walkthrough.

October 7, 2026

Why Seniors Get Targeted by Tech Support Scams

Scammers target seniors with tech support scams for specific reasons. Here's why it happens, the warning signs, and how to stay protected and calm.

October 6, 2026

How to Back Up the Files on Your Windows PC or Mac

Two simple ways to back up your Windows PC or Mac, so your photos and files stay safe even if the computer breaks, is lost, or gets a virus.

October 5, 2026

Free Antivirus vs. Antivirus With a Real Person to Call

Free antivirus catches some threats, but confusing alerts and no one to call can leave you guessing. Here's how PorchswingProtect is different.

October 4, 2026

How to See Which Devices Are Signed In to Your Apple ID

See every device currently signed in to your Apple ID in a few taps, so you can spot one that isn't yours and keep your account more secure.

October 3, 2026

How to Create a Strong Password You Can Actually Remember

Learn a simple passphrase trick for a strong password you can actually remember, plus how your Windows PC or Mac can safely save all the rest.

October 2, 2026

Signs Your Computer May Have Malware

Malware means harmful software. Here are real warning signs on Windows or Mac, how to check for them, and calm steps to take if you find one.

October 1, 2026

How Adult Children Can Help Lock Down a Parent's Computer

A simple, one-afternoon checklist adult children can use to help an aging parent's Windows or Mac computer stay safer from scams and viruses.

September 30, 2026

What to Do If You Typed Your Password Into a Fake Website

You typed your password into a fake website and now you're worried. Here's the calm, step-by-step way to secure your accounts before it becomes a real problem.

September 29, 2026

What to Do When Chrome or Edge Won't Close a Tab

A scary pop-up or a frozen page can make Chrome or Edge feel impossible to close. Here's how to safely force it shut on Windows or Mac, step by step.

September 28, 2026

What a Phishing Email Looks Like, in Plain English

Phishing emails look real but aren't. Learn the exact signs — the sender address, rushed language, and links — to spot one calmly, before you click.

September 27, 2026

How to Share Your Screen With a Helper on Your iPhone

Stuck on your iPhone and don't know how to explain it? Learn how FaceTime lets a trusted helper see your screen and guide you, step by step.

September 26, 2026

How to Install Updates Safely on Your Windows PC or Mac

Keeping Windows and Mac computers updated protects you from scams and viruses. Here's how to check for updates safely and spot a fake update pop-up.

September 25, 2026

How to Tell a Real Microsoft or Apple Call From a Scam

Got a call from someone claiming to be Microsoft or Apple about your computer? Learn the warning signs and what to do if you already answered.

September 24, 2026

When to Call for Hack and Scam Cleanup Help

Not sure whether to fix a computer scam yourself or call for help? Here's how to tell, and what Porchswing's hack and scam cleanup covers for you.

September 24, 2026

What to Do When a Pop-Up Says Your Computer Is Infected

A calm, step-by-step guide to closing a scary pop-up that says your computer is infected, and how to tell a real warning apart from a scam, fast.

September 23, 2026

How to Speak a Text Message Instead of Typing It on Your iPhone

September 21, 2026

How to Turn On Speakerphone During a Call on Your iPhone

September 15, 2026

How to Look Up a Word You Don't Know on Your iPhone

September 11, 2026

How to Change the Ringtone on Your iPhone So You Know It's Yours Ringing

August 29, 2026

How to See Your Recent Calls on Your iPhone and Call Someone Back

August 28, 2026

How to Turn Off the Clicking Sound When You Type on Your iPhone

August 27, 2026

How to Close an App That's Frozen on Your iPhone

August 22, 2026

How to Zoom In on a Photo on Your iPhone to See the Little Details

August 21, 2026

How to Check How Much Storage Space Is Left on Your iPhone

August 20, 2026

How to Save a Phone Number From a Text Message Into Your Contacts on Your iPhone

August 19, 2026

How to Turn On Low Power Mode When Your iPhone Battery Is Running Low

August 18, 2026

How to Scan One of Those Little Square Codes With Your iPhone Camera

August 17, 2026

How to Block a Phone Number That Keeps Calling You on Your iPhone

August 16, 2026

How to Tell if Your iPhone Is on Silent and Switch the Ringer Back On

August 14, 2026

How to Share a Website You're Reading With a Friend by Text

August 13, 2026

How to Reply to Just One Message in a Busy Text Conversation on Your iPhone

August 12, 2026

How to Get Back a Photo You Just Deleted on Your iPhone

August 11, 2026

How to Send Your Current Location in a Text Message on Your iPhone

August 10, 2026

How to Mute a Chatty Group Text on Your iPhone Without Leaving It

August 8, 2026

How to Set a Timer on Your iPhone So You Don't Burn the Cookies

August 7, 2026

How to Add a Photo to a Contact So You See Their Face When They Call

August 6, 2026

How to Search Your Old Text Messages for a Word or Name on Your iPhone

August 5, 2026

How to Delete a Blurry or Accidental Photo From Your iPhone

August 4, 2026

How to See the Exact Time a Text Message Was Sent on Your iPhone

July 21, 2026

How to Check Tomorrow's Weather on Your iPhone Before You Get Dressed

July 18, 2026

How to Listen to Your Voicemail Messages on Your iPhone

July 16, 2026

How to Copy and Paste Text on Your iPhone

July 15, 2026

How to Send a Quick Thumbs-Up Reply to a Text Message on Your iPhone

July 13, 2026

How to Bookmark a Website in Safari on Your iPhone So You Can Find It Again

July 12, 2026

How to Forward a Text Message to Someone Else on Your iPhone

July 11, 2026

How to Check for the Little Padlock Before Typing Your Credit Card on a Website

July 10, 2026

How to Turn On Airplane Mode on Your iPhone Before a Flight

July 9, 2026

How to Turn On Do Not Disturb at Bedtime So Your iPhone Doesn't Wake You

July 8, 2026

How to Add a Contact to Your Favorites on Your iPhone for Quicker Calling

July 7, 2026

How to Close the Extra Tabs Piling Up in Safari on Your iPhone

July 5, 2026

How to Turn Up the Ringer Volume on Your iPhone So You Don't Miss Calls

July 4, 2026

How to Take a Screenshot on Your iPhone

July 3, 2026

How to Save a Number From a Recent Call to Your Contacts on Your iPhone

July 2, 2026

How to Set an Alarm on Your iPhone for Tomorrow Morning

July 1, 2026

How to Use Your iPhone as a Magnifying Glass to Read Small Print

June 30, 2026

How to Silence Calls From Unknown Numbers on Your iPhone

June 29, 2026

How to Tell If Your iPhone Is Connected to Wi-Fi

June 28, 2026

How to Make Your iPhone Read a Text Message Out Loud to You

June 27, 2026

How to Mute Your iPhone Quickly When a Call Comes In at the Wrong Moment

June 26, 2026

How to Check How Much Battery Your iPhone Has Left

June 24, 2026

How to Answer a Video Call From a Grandchild on Your iPhone

June 23, 2026

How to Set a Daily Reminder on Your iPhone to Take Your Medication

June 22, 2026

How to Find a Photo You Took Last Week on Your iPhone

June 21, 2026

How to Remove an App You Don't Use From Your iPhone

June 20, 2026

How to Send One Photo to One Person in a Text Message on Your iPhone

June 19, 2026

How to Use the Flashlight on Your iPhone

June 17, 2026

How to Turn On Captions for Netflix Shows

June 16, 2026

How to Add Your Doctor's Phone Number to Your iPhone Contacts

June 15, 2026

How to Make the Text on Your iPhone Bigger

June 15, 2026

How to Spot a Phone Scam Before It Costs You

Scammers love the phone because it feels personal and urgent. Here are five calm, simple ways to recognize a scam call — and exactly what to do instead.