I Thought My New Laptop Was a Lemon. Turns Out It Was Just This One Setting.
The ‘S Mode’ Trap
I bought my mom a new Windows laptop, and she called me an hour later, furious. “This thing is a piece of junk! I can’t install my favorite card game!” She was ready to return it. The problem wasn’t the laptop; it was stuck in “S Mode,” a security setting that only allows apps from the Microsoft Store. I guided her through the settings to a button that said “Switch out of S Mode.” It was a one-way, one-click process. Suddenly, her brand-new laptop worked perfectly. She wasn’t using a lemon; she was just locked in the tutorial level.
How I Made My 7-Year-Old Computer Feel Brand New for Free
The Digital Spring Cleaning
My dad’s seven-year-old PC was so slow he was browsing Best Buy for a new one. I told him to give me 15 minutes first. We didn’t buy anything. We just went to “Add or Remove Programs” and uninstalled all the junk he never used, like old printer software and free games. Then, we ran the built-in “Disk Cleanup” tool to get rid of temporary files. After a restart, the computer booted up twice as fast. He was amazed. His computer wasn’t old; it was just cluttered with seven years of digital dust.
The Real Reason Your Printer Is “Offline” (And How to Fix It in 60 Seconds)
It Wasn’t Broken, It Was Just ‘Jammed’
My dad was about to throw his printer out the window. It was on, connected, but the computer insisted it was “Offline.” He was fuming. The problem wasn’t the printer; it was a digital traffic jam. A previous print job had gotten stuck and was blocking everything behind it. I showed him how to find his printer settings, view the “print queue,” and cancel the one stuck document. He clicked print again, and his recipe came out instantly. He learned the issue wasn’t mechanical; it was a simple software clog.
I Never Lose a File Anymore. Here’s My Simple “Digital Filing Cabinet” System.
From Desktop Chaos to Organized Calm
My mom’s computer desktop was a terrifying wall of hundreds of icons. She could never find anything. “Where did that photo go?” was a constant refrain. I showed her that her “Documents” folder is like a big filing cabinet. We created a few main folders inside: “Finances,” “House Stuff,” “Photos,” and “Recipes.” Inside “Photos,” we made folders for each year. Now, when she saves something, she has a simple choice of where to put it. Her desktop is clean, and she can always find her files because her digital office is finally tidy.
What Is “The Cloud” and Why It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds
It’s Not Weather, It’s a Digital Bank Vault
My grandmother was terrified of “The Cloud.” She asked me, “Where do my pictures go? Can people see them? What if it rains?” I explained it like this: “Think of The Cloud as a super-secure bank vault for your photos. Instead of keeping them in a shoebox in your house (your computer), you’re also putting a copy in the vault. So even if something happens to your house, your precious memories are still safe.” She finally got it. It’s not a mysterious weather pattern; it’s just a secure backup.
How I Finally Mastered Copy and Paste (And It Changed My Life)
The ‘Digital Scissors and Glue’ Trick
My uncle used to re-type everything. If he wanted to send a paragraph from an email to his son, he’d meticulously type it all out again. He was amazed when I showed him how to “copy and paste.” I explained it as digital scissors and glue. You highlight the text you want (the scissors part) and right-click to “Copy.” Then, you go where you want it to go, right-click, and “Paste” (the glue part). It seems so simple, but it has saved him hours of tedious re-typing.
The “Ctrl+Z” Keyboard Shortcut That Is an “Undo” Button for Your Mistakes
The Magic ‘Go Back in Time’ Button
My mom was editing a letter to her sister and accidentally deleted a whole paragraph. She let out a cry of frustration, thinking it was gone forever. I calmly walked over and pressed two keys on her keyboard: the Control (Ctrl) key and the Z key. Like magic, the paragraph reappeared. Her eyes went wide. I told her, “Ctrl+Z is the universal undo button. It’s your ‘oops, go back’ command.” Now, she works with more confidence, knowing she has a magic wand to instantly reverse any small mistake.
I Stopped Calling My Son for Help After I Learned These 5 Basic Troubleshooting Steps
The ‘Before You Call’ Checklist
My dad used to call me for every single computer problem. I finally taught him my five-step troubleshooting process. 1. Is it plugged in and turned on? (You’d be surprised). 2. Have you tried turning it off and on again? (Fixes 50% of problems). 3. Is the Wi-Fi connected? 4. Is the specific program frozen, or the whole computer? 5. What was the last thing you did before it stopped working? Now, he runs through this checklist himself, and he solves most of his own problems before he even thinks to call me.
How to Make Everything on Your Computer Screen Bigger
The End of the ‘Screen Squint’
My dad would lean in, squinting at his computer screen, and still complain he couldn’t read the text. He thought he needed a new monitor. The fix was much simpler. I went into his computer’s “Display Settings” and showed him a slider called “Scale and layout” or “Resolution.” We changed the setting from 100% to 125%. Instantly, all the icons, text, and windows became bigger and clearer. He leaned back in his chair and smiled. It was like getting a new pair of glasses for his computer.
The Difference Between “Shut Down” and “Sleep” (And Which One to Use)
The ‘Quick Nap’ vs. The ‘Good Night’s Sleep’
My mom was shutting down her computer completely every time she walked away for 10 minutes. It took forever to start back up. I explained the difference between Sleep and Shut Down. “Sleep is like a quick nap,” I said. “The computer rests but can wake up instantly right where you left off. Use this during the day.” “Shut Down is for a good night’s sleep. It turns everything completely off. Use this when you’re done for the day.” This simple analogy cleared it up, and she now uses the “Sleep” function all the time.
I Cleaned My Keyboard Without Breaking It. Here’s the Safe Way.
De-Crumbing the Keys
My dad’s keyboard was a horrifying collection of dust, crumbs, and pet hair. He was afraid to clean it, thinking he’d break it. I showed him the safe way. First, we shut down and unplugged the keyboard. Then, we turned it upside down and gave it a few gentle shakes to let the bigger crumbs fall out. For the stubborn dust, we used a can of compressed air, holding it at an angle and using short bursts to blow the debris out. Finally, we wiped the key tops with a lightly dampened cloth. It looked brand new.
How to Take a “Screenshot” on Your Computer to Show Someone an Error
The ‘Show, Don’t Tell’ Trick for Tech Support
Trying to describe a computer error to my son over the phone was impossible. “There’s a box with some words… I don’t know!” I’d say. He taught me the magic of the “Print Screen” (PrtScn) button. He said, “Mom, it’s like taking a photograph of whatever is on your screen.” Now, when an error pops up, I just press that button, paste the image into an email, and send it to him. He can see the exact problem instantly. It’s the best communication tool I’ve ever learned.
What “Downloading” vs. “Uploading” Actually Means
The Digital Highway Explained
My aunt was so confused by the terms “download” and “upload.” I explained it using a highway analogy. “Think of the internet as a big city. When you take something FROM the city and bring it to your house (your computer), you’re ‘downloading.’ This is like downloading a photo or a program. When you take something FROM your house and send it TO the city, you’re ‘uploading.’ This is like sending an email or posting a photo to Facebook.” That simple visual of traffic flow made it click for her.
I Use My Computer’s “Sticky Notes” to Remember Everything
The Post-It Note That I Can’t Lose
My dad’s desk was covered in a blizzard of yellow sticky notes with phone numbers, passwords, and reminders. He was always losing the important ones. I showed him that his Windows computer has a built-in “Sticky Notes” app. He can type as many notes as he wants, and they stay right on his computer’s desktop. They’re impossible to lose, he can make them different colors, and they’re always there when he turns on his computer. His physical desk is finally clean, and his digital desk is perfectly organized.
How to Find Your Wi-Fi Password on Your Computer
Unlocking My Own Network
My sister came to visit and asked for the Wi-Fi password. My parents went into a panic, frantically searching for the little piece of paper the internet guy gave them five years ago. I calmly sat down at their computer, which was already connected to the Wi-Fi. In the network settings, there’s an option to view the “properties” of the connected network. With one click on a “Show characters” box, the password was revealed right on the screen. They were amazed they had the key all along.
Why Your Computer’s Fan Is So Loud (And What to Do About It)
My Laptop Sounded Like a Jet Engine
My mom’s laptop fan was so loud, it sounded like it was about to take off. She thought it was broken. I explained that the fan is like the computer’s sweat glands; it works hard when the computer gets hot. The most common cause is too many programs running. I showed her how to close the 20 browser tabs she had open and shut down a few applications she wasn’t using. Within a minute, the computer cooled down, and the fan became whisper-quiet. It wasn’t broken; it was just overworked.
I Uninstalled These 5 Programs and My PC Sped Up Instantly
The Digital Freeloaders Slowing Me Down
My computer was getting slower every month. My daughter sat down with me and opened the “Add or Remove Programs” list. She called them “digital freeloaders.” We uninstalled five things: the old printer software from a printer I don’t own anymore, a “PC Tune-Up” program that was actually just an ad, a free game that came with the computer, the McAfee antivirus trial that expired years ago, and a weird browser toolbar I never used. After a restart, it felt like I had a new machine.
How to Set Up a New Printer Without Getting a Headache
The Secret is Ignoring the Included CD
I bought a new printer and dreaded the setup, remembering the nightmare of my last one. This time, I followed my son’s advice: I threw away the installation CD that came in the box. He said they’re always outdated. Instead, I just plugged the printer in and connected it to my Wi-Fi using its little screen. Then, on my computer, I went to “Add a printer,” and Windows found it automatically in about 15 seconds and installed the correct software itself. It was the easiest, most headache-free setup I’ve ever had.
The Easiest Way to Transfer Photos from Your Camera to Your Computer
From the SD Card to the Screen in 60 Seconds
My dad loves his digital camera but could never figure out how to get the photos onto his computer. He’d let hundreds of pictures get trapped on the little memory card. I showed him the easiest way. I pointed out the SD card slot on the side of his laptop. He took the card out of his camera, slid it into the slot, and a window instantly popped up on his screen, showing all his photos. He could drag his favorites right to his “Pictures” folder. It was that simple.
My Browser Had 20 Tabs Open. Here’s How I Organized the Chaos.
I Gave My Internet Browser a Clean Desk
I’m a curious person, so my web browser always ends up with 20 or 30 tabs open. It’s overwhelming. My son showed me two tricks. First, if I find a group of tabs all related to one topic (like a vacation I’m planning), I can right-click on one and choose “Add all tabs to a new group.” It color-codes them and lets me collapse them into one neat button. Second, if it’s just one tab I want to save for later, I bookmark it. My browser is now as organized as a tidy filing cabinet.
What Are “Browser Cookies” and Should I Delete Them?
They’re Not Food, They’re Your ‘Ticket Stubs’
My mom was scared of “browser cookies,” thinking they were viruses. I explained that cookies are more like little digital ticket stubs. When you visit a website, it gives your browser a cookie so it can remember you next time. This is how it remembers your shopping cart or keeps you logged in. They are mostly harmless. I told her it’s good practice to delete them every few months for a “fresh start,” which can sometimes fix website glitches, but they aren’t something to be afraid of.
How to Safely Eject a USB Drive So You Don’t Corrupt Your Files
Don’t Just Rip It Out!
I used to finish using my USB thumb drive and just yank it out of the computer port. One day, I did that and all the files on it became corrupted and were lost forever. My daughter explained that sometimes the computer is still “writing” to the drive in the background. Yanking it out is like pulling a record off while it’s still playing. Now, I always go to the little USB icon in the corner of my screen and click “Safely Eject Hardware.” It’s one extra click that ensures my files are always safe.
I Use My Laptop’s “Night Light” Mode for Better Sleep
Making My Screen Easier on My 8 PM Eyes
I like to use my computer in the evenings, but the bright, blue-tinted screen would leave my eyes feeling strained and make it hard to wind down for bed. My son showed me a setting in Windows called “Night Light” (on a Mac, it’s called “Night Shift”). I can set it to turn on automatically after sunset. It changes the screen’s color to a warmer, yellow-orange tone that is much gentler on the eyes. My evening computer use is now more comfortable, and I genuinely feel like I sleep better.
How to Create Folders to Organize Your Desktop
From a Messy Desk to Tidy Drawers
My computer’s desktop was a chaotic jumble of icons. I had documents, photos, and shortcuts scattered everywhere with no rhyme or reason. It was stressful to look at. My granddaughter showed me how to right-click on the desktop and select “New > Folder.” It was like creating a new, empty manila folder. I named the first one “Photos” and dragged all my picture files into it. I made another called “Bills.” In 10 minutes, my chaotic desktop was replaced by five neat folders. It was a huge relief.
What to Do When a Program Freezes and Won’t Close
The ‘Three-Finger Salute’
I was in the middle of writing an email when the program completely froze. The cursor was a spinning wheel, and clicking the “X” did nothing. I used to just restart my whole computer. My son taught me the “three-finger salute”: holding down the Control (Ctrl), Alt, and Delete keys at the same time. This brings up the Task Manager, which is like a list of all running programs. I could just find the frozen email program on the list, click on it, and select “End Task.” The problem was solved without a full restart.
Is a Mac Really “Easier” Than a PC? An Honest Comparison.
They’re Just Different Languages
I’ve used a Windows PC my whole life, but my kids all have Macs and say they’re “easier.” I finally tried one. It wasn’t easier, just different. On a PC, you close a window with the “X” in the top right; on a Mac, it’s a red circle in the top left. On a PC, programs are in the Start Menu; on a Mac, they’re in the Dock. It’s like comparing Spanish and Italian. Neither is “easier” to learn, they just have a different vocabulary. The best computer is simply the one you’re most used to.
How to Bookmark a Website So You Can Find It Again Easily
The Digital Dog-Ear
I was always losing track of websites I liked. I’d find a great recipe or an interesting news article, and then have no idea how to find it again a week later. My daughter showed me how to use bookmarks. She said, “Dad, it’s like dog-earing the page of a book you want to come back to.” Now, when I’m on a page I want to save, I just click the little star icon in the address bar. It adds it to a list that I can easily access anytime. I’ll never lose a good website again.
The Right Way to Back Up Your Computer (Before It’s Too Late)
My Hard Drive Died, But I Didn’t Lose a Thing
My worst nightmare came true: my computer died, and it wouldn’t turn on. I had 10 years of family photos on it. I was devastated for about five minutes, until I remembered what my son had helped me set up a year prior. We bought a $60 external hard drive and used the computer’s built-in backup software (“File History” on PC, “Time Machine” on Mac) to run an automatic backup every week. I bought a new computer, plugged in my backup drive, and restored every single one of my precious photos.
I Use Free Google Docs Instead of Paying for Microsoft Word. Here’s How.
The $70 I Save Every Year
I needed a word processor to type letters, but I didn’t want to pay the $70 annual subscription for Microsoft Office. My daughter showed me Google Docs. It’s a completely free program that runs in your web browser. It does everything I need: I can write, change fonts, check my spelling, and save my documents. I can even download my files as a Microsoft Word document if I need to send them to someone. For my simple needs, it’s the perfect free alternative.
How to Scan a Document Using Just Your Printer
Turning Paper into a PDF
I needed to email a signed document to my accountant, but I had no idea how to get the physical paper onto my computer. I thought I needed a special scanner. My son pointed to my all-in-one printer and said, “You already have one.” He showed me the “Scan” button on the printer itself. I put the document on the glass, pressed the button, and a few moments later, a perfect digital copy of the document appeared on my computer screen as a PDF, ready to be emailed.
The “Task Manager” / “Activity Monitor”: Your Computer’s Secret Control Panel
The Look ‘Under the Hood’
My computer was running slowly, and I had no idea why. My son showed me a tool I never knew existed: the Task Manager (on Mac, it’s the Activity Monitor). He said, “This is like looking under the hood of your car while it’s running.” It showed me a list of every single process running on my computer and how much “power” (CPU) each was using. I saw that a program I thought was closed was actually running in the background, eating up resources. I ended the task, and my computer instantly sped up.
How to Connect Your Laptop to a TV for a Bigger Screen
My 15-Inch Laptop Became a 55-Inch Movie Theater
My wife and I wanted to watch a movie we had rented online, but we didn’t want to huddle around my small laptop screen. I noticed my laptop had a little port on the side that looked like the one on the back of our TV. I bought a ten-dollar HDMI cable, plugged one end into the laptop and the other into the TV, and used the TV remote to switch to the correct “Input.” Instantly, my laptop screen was mirrored on our big TV. We made popcorn and had a movie night.
The One Security Program Every PC User Should Have (It’s Free)
The ‘Second Opinion’ for Viruses
I have antivirus software, but my computer was still acting weird. My son told me that no single program catches everything. He had me download a free program called Malwarebytes. He explained it’s not a replacement for my main antivirus; it’s like getting a “second opinion” from a specialist. I ran a scan, and it found three pieces of “Potentially Unwanted Programs” that my main antivirus had missed. I removed them, and my computer started behaving normally again. It’s a great tool for a periodic check-up.
How to Update Your Computer (And Why You Absolutely Should)
It’s Not Annoying, It’s Armor
I used to hate those “Update available” notifications. They seemed so disruptive. “My computer is working fine!” I’d think. My daughter explained that these updates are not about adding new features; they are critical security patches. She said, “Dad, think of it like this: hackers find a new hole in the computer’s armor every day. The company releases an update to patch that hole. If you don’t update, you’re leaving the hole open for them to get in.” Now, I see updates as free armor, and I install them right away.
I Forgot My Computer Password. Here’s What I Did.
I Thought My Computer Was a Brick
It was a moment of pure panic. I sat down at my computer, and my usual password just wasn’t working. I tried every variation I could think of. I was locked out of my own digital life. I thought I’d have to buy a new computer. In desperation, I called my son. He calmly told me that because I had linked my computer to a Microsoft account, I could simply go to a different device (my phone), visit the Microsoft website, and follow the “Forgot my password” link to reset it. I was back in within minutes.
How to Adjust Your Mouse Speed to Be More Comfortable
My Cursor Was Too Fast and Jumpy
When I got my new computer, the mouse cursor felt like it was flying all over the screen. It was so fast and sensitive that I had trouble clicking on small buttons. It was incredibly frustrating. I thought it was a faulty mouse. But then I found the “Mouse Settings” in the control panel. There was a simple slider for “Cursor speed.” I dragged it down a few notches, and suddenly, the mouse felt calm and precise. It was a simple adjustment that made the whole computer feel more comfortable to use.
The Simplest Way to Burn a CD of Your Favorite Songs
I Made a Perfect Road Trip Mixtape
I wanted to make a CD of my favorite oldies to play in my car, which doesn’t have a fancy Bluetooth connection. I thought it would be a complicated, technical process. But my Windows Media Player program made it easy. I created a “Playlist” of the songs I wanted, right in the app. Then, I popped in a blank CD, and there was a “Burn” button right at the top. I clicked it, and 10 minutes later, I had a perfect, custom-made CD ready for my next road trip.
What Is a “ZIP File” and How Do You Open It?
The ‘Digital Suitcase’
My cousin emailed me a folder of family photos, but it arrived as a single file with a little zipper on it, called a “.zip” file. I had no idea what to do with it. My daughter explained, “A ZIP file is like a digital suitcase. Your cousin packed all the photos into one suitcase to make it smaller and easier to send.” She showed me that all I had to do was right-click on the file and select “Extract All…” It “unpacked” the suitcase, and a regular folder with all the photos appeared.
I Use My Computer’s Calendar to Manage All My Appointments
The Secretary I Don’t Have to Pay
My system for keeping track of appointments was a mess of notes on a paper wall calendar and reminders scribbled on envelopes. I was always double-booking or forgetting things. I finally opened the Calendar app that came with my computer. I spent 30 minutes entering all my recurring events, like my weekly coffee with friends, and my upcoming doctor’s appointments. I set it up to give me a pop-up reminder a day before each event. It has become my reliable personal secretary, and I haven’t missed an appointment since.
How to Tell How Much Storage Space You Have Left
Is My Digital Attic Full?
I wanted to install a new program, but it said I might not have enough “space.” I had no idea how to check. I felt like I was guessing if my attic was full without being able to look inside. My son showed me how easy it is. On a PC, you just open File Explorer and click on “This PC.” It shows you a little progress bar for your “C:” drive that visually represents how much space is used and how much is free. It’s a simple, two-click way to see how full your digital house is.
The Secret to a Fast Computer Startup
My PC Used to Take 5 Minutes to Be Ready
My computer would turn on, but then it would take a full five minutes before it was actually usable. I learned that the problem was too many programs trying to launch themselves at startup. In the Task Manager, there is a tab called “Startup.” It showed me a long list of programs that were set to run automatically when the computer turns on. I disabled things I didn’t need immediately, like Spotify and my printer software. The next time I booted up, my computer was ready to go in under a minute.
How to Connect Bluetooth Headphones to Your Laptop
The Freedom of Wireless Sound
I love listening to music while I work on my computer, but I was always getting tangled in my headphone cord. I bought a pair of Bluetooth headphones but had no idea how to connect them. I went to the Bluetooth settings on my laptop and clicked “Add a device.” I put my headphones into “pairing mode” (usually by holding down the power button), and a moment later, they appeared on my laptop’s screen. I clicked “Connect,” and that was it. I was finally free from the tyranny of the cord.
I Thought My Wi-Fi Was Broken, But It Was Just My Computer
The ‘One Device’ Test
My laptop suddenly couldn’t connect to the internet. I was convinced my home Wi-Fi was down. I restarted the router three times and was about to call my internet provider to complain. Then my wife walked in and said, “The internet is working fine on my iPad.” That was the ‘aha’ moment. The problem wasn’t the Wi-Fi; it was my specific device. I just had to restart my laptop, and it connected perfectly. Now, if the internet seems broken, the first thing I do is check another device.
How to Clear Your Browser History and Why You’d Want To
Wiping Away Your Digital Footprints
I was shopping for a surprise anniversary gift for my wife on our shared computer. I realized that if she used the computer, she might see the jewelry websites I had visited in the browser’s history. I quickly learned how to clear it. In the browser’s settings, there’s a “Privacy and security” section with an option to “Clear browsing data.” I chose to clear my history for the “Last hour.” It was a simple way to erase my digital footprints and keep her surprise a secret.
The “Find” Feature (Ctrl+F) That Helps Me Find One Word in a Huge Document
The ‘Digital Needle in a Haystack’ Finder
I was looking for one specific detail in a 50-page insurance document. It felt like an impossible task, searching for a needle in a haystack. My daughter taught me the most useful keyboard shortcut I’ve ever learned: Control+F (for “Find”). A small search box appeared. I typed in the word “deductible,” and instantly, every single instance of that word was highlighted in the document. I could jump from one to the next. What would have taken an hour of manual reading took me 15 seconds.
How to Change Your Computer’s Background to a Family Photo
A Personal Touch for My Desktop
My computer’s desktop background was a generic, boring blue logo. It felt so impersonal. I wanted to see my grandkids’ smiling faces every time I turned it on. I found a favorite family photo in my “Pictures” folder, and I simply right-clicked on the photo file. One of the options in the menu was “Set as desktop background.” I clicked it, and instantly, my boring desktop was transformed into a beautiful, personal photo that makes me smile every single day.
What Is “Right-Clicking” and What Can It Do?
The ‘Secret Menu’ Button
For years, I only used the main left button on my mouse. I thought the right button was useless. My granddaughter showed me that right-clicking is like opening a “secret menu” of options for whatever you’re pointing at. Right-clicking on a file gives you options to copy, rename, or delete it. Right-clicking on a word gives you spelling suggestions. Right-clicking on the desktop lets you change the background. It’s a powerful tool that unlocks a whole new layer of control over the computer.
The Best Free Antivirus Software That Won’t Slow Your Computer Down
The Bodyguard That Came with My PC
I was about to pay $50 for a subscription to McAfee or Norton antivirus because I thought I needed it. My son stopped me and said, “Dad, you already have one that’s just as good, and it’s free.” He showed me “Windows Security” (formerly Windows Defender), which is built right into Windows 10 and 11. It runs silently in the background, updates automatically, and doesn’t slow down my computer with annoying pop-ups. It’s all the protection I need without paying a cent.
How to Stop Annoying Pop-Up Ads in Your Browser
The Digital Whack-a-Mole
I was trying to read a news article, and my screen was filled with annoying pop-up ads for things I didn’t want. It was like a game of digital whack-a-mole. I installed a free browser extension called uBlock Origin. It took about 30 seconds. The next time I visited that same news site, it was peaceful and clean. All the ads were gone. It’s a simple, free tool that has made using the internet dramatically less frustrating.
I Learned to Type Without Looking at the Keyboard. Here’s the App I Used.
From a ‘Hunt-and-Peck’ Typist to a Pro
I’ve been a “hunt-and-peck” typist my whole life, slowly searching for each key. I thought I was too old to learn the “right” way. On a whim, I started using the free lessons on Typing.com. It turned learning into a game, teaching me the “home row” keys and having me practice with fun exercises. I practiced for just 15 minutes a day. After a month, I was typing twice as fast as before, without even looking at my hands. It’s an old skill, but learning it has made me feel incredibly proficient.