dwirch

Derek Wirch is a seasoned IT professional with an impressive career dating back to 1986. He brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience that is invaluable to those embarking on their journey in the tech industry.

Author Archives: dwirch

Twenty Tips for Mastering the Art of Working From Home

In the age of remote work, the line between home and office has blurred. While the flexibility is a boon, it also brings unique challenges in staying organized and maintaining productivity. Here are twenty practical tips to help you create an efficient and enjoyable work-from-home environment.

Why an Extended Warranty on Electronics Is a Waste of Money

When purchasing new electronics, the offer of an extended warranty can be tempting. However, many consider these warranties a waste of money. The primary reason is that most electronics come with a manufacturer’s warranty that covers defects and malfunctions for a certain period, usually one year. This coverage often makes the extended warranty redundant, as it overlaps with… Read More »

Make Your Own CAB Files with MakeCab.EXE

Ever need to compress a bunch of files for distribution or storage? While ZIP is a familiar format, Windows offers a lesser-known option: Cabinet files, identified by the CAB extension. Makecab.exe, a command-line tool, lets you create and manage these efficient archives.

What Really Happens In A Data Breach?

Data breaches have become a common concern, affecting individuals and organizations alike. Understanding what happens during a data breach and knowing how to protect yourself can help mitigate the risks. Let’s break down the process of a data breach and explore practical steps you can take to safeguard your information.

5 Tips For A More Productive Work Week

For tech professionals, balancing the demands of work with the constant influx of new technologies and projects can be challenging. Staying productive requires a blend of effective strategies, discipline, and smart use of tools. Here are five tips to help you have a more productive work week.

Top 7 Ways to Fix Steam Error Code 107

Steam is a popular platform for gaming enthusiasts, but like any software, it can encounter errors that disrupt your gaming experience. One such error is the Steam Error Code 107, which typically indicates a connection issue between your Steam client and its servers. This blog post will walk you through the top seven ways to resolve this issue… Read More »

What Causes msmpeng.exe High CPU Usage and How to Fix it

Msmpeng is the process behind Windows Defender, your computer’s antivirus program, constantly scanning for threats. Normally, it shouldn’t cause major slowdowns. However, there are times when msmpeng.exe might spike CPU usage.  Causes of High CPU Usage by msmpeng.exe How to Fix High CPU Usage by msmpeng.exe Important Note Disabling real-time protection or excluding critical folders leaves your system vulnerable.… Read More »