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

Creative Uses for an Old Computer

That dusty old computer sitting in your attic or garage might seem like nothing more than a relic of bygone days, but with a little creativity and ingenuity, it can be transformed into something truly remarkable. Rather than letting it collect dust, why not breathe new life into it with these creative uses?

Troubleshooting VirtualBox Result Code E_FAIL 0x80004005 Error in Windows

VirtualBox is a powerful tool for running virtual machines on your computer, allowing you to experiment with different operating systems and software configurations without affecting your main system. However, like any software, it’s not immune to errors. One common issue that Windows users encounter is the “Result Code: E_FAIL (0x80004005)” error. This error can be frustrating, but fortunately,… Read More »

Troubleshooting the Video_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR in Windows

Encountering the “Video_DXGKRNL_FATAL_ERROR” on your Windows system can be alarming, especially if it leads to frequent crashes or system instability. This Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) error typically indicates a problem with the DirectX graphics kernel subsystem. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to diagnose and fix this issue, restoring stability to your system.

7 Tips for Avoiding Scammers on Social Media

Social media has become an integral part of our daily lives, connecting us with friends, family, and communities worldwide. However, along with its many benefits, social media also presents risks, including the threat of scams and fraudulent activities. Scammers often use social media platforms to target unsuspecting users, aiming to deceive them for financial gain or to compromise… Read More »

Do You Really Need to Buy Antivirus Software?

The necessity of purchasing antivirus software in today’s digital landscape is a topic of ongoing debate among cybersecurity experts. While antivirus software has traditionally been a cornerstone of computer security, the effectiveness of standalone antivirus programs in combating modern cyber threats is being questioned.

FAT32 vs ExFAT vs NTFS: Which is Better for a Storage Drive

Choosing the right file system format for your storage drive depends on various factors, including compatibility, file size limitations, and the intended use of the drive. Let’s compare FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS to help you determine which format is best suited for your needs:

File Ownership with Linux’s Chown Command

File ownership is a fundamental aspect of system security and user management in the Linux World. Understanding how to manipulate file ownership is crucial for system administrators and power users alike. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal for managing file ownership in Linux is the chown command. In this blog post, we’ll explore what the… Read More »

What is WireGuard and do you need It?

WireGuard is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) protocol designed to be faster, simpler, and more secure than traditional VPN protocols like OpenVPN and IPSec. It aims to offer better performance and easier implementation while maintaining high security standards.

How to Change the Time Zone and Language in Outlook

Outlook has become an indispensable tool for managing emails, calendars, and tasks for millions of users worldwide. However, sometimes, it’s not just about organizing your inbox; it’s about adapting Outlook to your specific needs. One crucial aspect of customization is setting the right time zone and language preferences. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to… Read More »

How to Check Hard Drive Health on Windows

Your computer’s hard drive is like its beating heart, storing crucial data and keeping your system running smoothly. However, like any other component, hard drives can degrade over time, leading to potential data loss or system slowdowns. That’s why it’s essential to regularly monitor the health of your hard drive. In this guide, we’ll explore how to check… Read More »