Helpful Stuff
Good tools. Useful resources. Fewer headaches.
You don’t have to become a computer expert to make technology work better for you. Sometimes you just need the right tool.
Here are some services and resources that may make your digital life a little easier. Some I’ve used personally; others are included because they’re worth knowing about. I’ve marked the ones I have firsthand experience with.
Some are free, some cost money, and all are worth a look.
Back Up Your Stuff
Because the worst time to discover you needed a backup is after you’ve lost everything.
Backblaze — Online Computer Backup
Personally used
I’ve relied on Backblaze, and it’s saved my bacon more than once when my LaCie storage system failed. It’s one of those services you hope you’ll never need, but you’ll be awfully glad you have when something goes wrong.
Backblaze automatically backs up your computer’s files to the cloud, including files on supported external hard drives.
A few things worth knowing: Backblaze is a backup service, not permanent archival storage. By default, deleted files, older file versions, and data from disconnected external drives are retained for 30 days. Backblaze also offers one-year version history at no additional charge and a paid Forever Version History option.
External drives need to be connected regularly, and the applicable retention period matters. Network-attached storage (NAS) isn’t covered by standard Backblaze Computer Backup.
Apple Time Machine — Mac Backup
Built into your Mac. Connect an external drive, set it up, and let it handle regular backups.
It’s a great companion to cloud backup because having both local and offsite copies is much better than relying on either one alone.
Microsoft’s built-in options for backing up supported files, settings, and preferences. Worth exploring before paying for something you may not need.
Did You Know? The Cloud Isn’t Necessarily a Backup.
If your business uses Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, you might assume your email and files are safely backed up simply because they’re stored in the cloud.
Not quite.
Microsoft and Google provide safeguards and recovery options, but those aren’t necessarily the same as having an independent backup. Accidental deletion, compromised accounts, and retention limits can still put your business data at risk.
Cloud-to-cloud backup services maintain separate copies of your business email, files, and other supported information, giving you additional recovery options when something goes wrong.
These services are often provided and managed by IT professionals rather than set up by individual customers.
ITPTSD can help you protect your business data with a cloud-to-cloud backup solution that’s properly configured and maintained.
Because having your data in the cloud isn’t the same as having a backup.
Keep the Bad Guys Out
A little prevention is considerably cheaper than recovering from a scam.
Personally used
Securely stores your passwords, creates strong new ones, and helps you access your accounts across computers and phones. Particularly useful for households and small businesses juggling more logins than anyone should reasonably be expected to remember.
And if the thought of organizing years of passwords sounds like an especially unpleasant way to spend an afternoon, ITPTSD can help with that.
Have I Been Pwned — Data Breach Checker
Check whether your email address has appeared in known data breaches. The name is strange. The service is useful.
Microsoft Defender — Windows Security
Windows includes built-in security protection. Before paying for another antivirus subscription, find out whether you actually need one.
Find Out What’s Going On
When something isn’t working, a little information can save a lot of guesswork.
Speedtest by Ookla — Internet Speed Test
Check your internet connection’s download speed, upload speed, and responsiveness. Particularly handy when your internet provider insists everything is working perfectly.
Downdetector — Service Outage Reports
Before tearing your network apart, find out whether the service you’re trying to use is having problems everywhere.
Sometimes it’s not you. It’s them.
Check whether Apple’s online services are experiencing problems. Because even Apple has bad days.
Clean Up and Organize
Useful tools for getting your digital life under control.
Adobe Acrobat Online — PDF Tools
Convert, combine, and work with PDF documents. Just be mindful about uploading sensitive documents to online services.
Ninite — Windows Software Installer
Install or update multiple popular Windows applications without visiting a dozen different download pages. A handy way to get a new PC up and running.
Apple Support — Official Help Guides
Instructions and troubleshooting resources for Macs, iPhones, iPads, and other Apple products.
Sometimes the manufacturer’s instructions really are the best place to start.
Got Something Helpful?
Know of a great app, website, or utility that makes life with technology a little easier?
I’d love to hear about it. I’m always on the lookout for useful tools, especially ones that solve everyday problems without creating three new ones.
Send me your suggestion. I’ll take a look, and if it seems like a good fit, I may add it to this page.
No promises, no paid placements. Just good stuff worth sharing.
Need a Hand?
Not every problem needs professional help. But sometimes spending three hours trying to save $125 doesn’t make much sense.
ITPTSD — Personal Technology Support
Friendly, practical help with Macs, PCs, phones, software, backups, networking, passwords, and the technology that’s supposed to make your life easier.
Whether you need help setting up a reliable backup, getting your passwords under control, or figuring out why something that worked yesterday isn’t working today, I’m here to help.
Ridiculously responsive support.
No lectures. No unnecessary jargon. Just help.