After 20+ years running Pacific Northwest Computers, I've installed, uninstalled, and re-installed a lot of "must have" Android apps. Most of what gets marketed as a "hacker toolkit" on the Play Store is either abandoned, repackaged, or outright malicious. So I figured I'd share the apps that have actually earned a spot on my phone for use all of the time, or just if/as needed. Nonetheless, these are the ones I can and do reach for during client visits, network troubleshooting, and security work.
This isn't a sponsored list.
These are the tools I use, or have used.
Applies to: Windows 10 Pro / Windows 11 Pro (22H2 and later)
The purpose of this guide is to help folks with configuring a standard desktop computer to reliably serve files, printers, and business applications (QuickBooks, Sage, etc.) without downtime or performance lag.
If you are setting up a new environment on Windows Server 2025, you might have run into a frustrating issue: you try to adjust your Internet Explorer (IE) security zones, only to find the "Medium-High" setting is completely missing or the slider is grayed out.
This happens because Windows Server ships with Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration (IE ESC) enabled by default. This feature forces the browser into a high-security lockdown mode, preventing you from selecting lower security levels like "Medium-High" or "Medium."
In this article, I’ll walk you through the four methods to resolve this issue, ranging from the standard Server Manager fix to advanced registry edits.
Sometimes you need to change your Windows Server edition; maybe you installed Datacenter but only have a Standard license, or you're migrating licensing models. Here's how to do it in-place without a full reinstall.
Microsoft’s official stance is that Remote Desktop Services (RDS) generally requires an Active Directory Domain. However, for small environments, standalone servers, or specific test cases, you can set up a Workgroup RDS Deployment.
This guide covers how to install the RDS roles manually, configure licensing without a domain controller, and strictly manage local user access.
⚠ Important Warning: This guide focuses on a Workgroup setup. If you require strict Per-User CAL enforcement or advanced features like RD Gateway, a Domain environment is the only fully supported path.
I am thrilled to announce the launch of three new, powerful resources on GitHub designed to help you navigate, understand, and master the world of technology, from fundamental computing to advanced cybersecurity. Whether you're a complete beginner, an aspiring IT professional, or a seasoned enthusiast, this new collection has something crucial for you.
