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SURVEYS

By Susan Bradley

As most of you should know by now, Woody Leonhard has retired from AskWoody operations, and I’ve taken over the reins.

Transitions of this level are an excellent time to take stock of where we’ve been and where we’re going.

So I’d like to get to know more about you, the AskWoody member. And the best way to start that process is with a survey. I’d love to learn about the technology you’re using, what tech you’re interested in, and how the AskWoody newsletter can help you navigate our digital world.

The survey — AskWoody newsletter – what do YOU want? — is quick and simple; it should take no longer than a few minutes. The survey is open to all, whether you read the paid newsletter or the free edition. Again, the object of the survey is to help me, our newsletter editor, and our contributors provide the information you need.

What would I like to know about you? Here’s a preview:

What systems and devices do you use? We’ll start with the operating systems you use every day. Clearly, more and more of us are no longer tied solely to Windows. We might use one OS for our work computing, another for a tablet, and possibly a third on our phone. (I see nearly as many complaints and confusion about smartphones as about Windows.) Knowing what hardware and software you regularly use will help us plan the breadth and depth of platform coverage.

Your thoughts on the paid newsletter: I ask a few open-ended questions about what you like about the paid newsletter — and what we might improve. Feedback on these questions is especially important to both the AskWoody staff and our contributors.

I also ask you to “stack rank” some of our recent articles — which you find most useful. Don’t worry, our feelings won’t be hurt if your favorites don’t match ours. The newsletter is for your benefit — although we learn a lot from it, too. You may also add topics you’d like to see covered in more depth (or that you feel we’ve neglected).

Is the timing of the newsletter right? From time to time, we’ve had discussions about the frequency and schedule of the newsletter. Back in the Windows Secrets days, we sent it out Thursday evenings — mostly to match up with Patch Tuesdays. But updating Windows and Office has become somewhat more complex, so we chose Monday for the AskWoody editions.

Does that schedule work for you? Would another day be better? (Wednesdays and Thursdays are not practical, due to our coverage of Patch Tuesday releases.)

How about frequency? We currently send out an issue every week, with a few breaks through the year. (We like to take summer vacations as much as anyone else.) Is that schedule too frequent or not often enough? Would publishing twice a month help reduce your mailbox clutter? If you have some other format, schedule, and/or frequency that you think would be better, let us know!

Technology consumer protection: I know that security and privacy are important topics for AskWoody subscribers. But I’ll let you in on a secret. Currently, Windows Secrets founder Brian Livingston publishes a newsletter on fintech (financial technology). However, he’s willing to join AskWoody as a contributor focusing on personal protection — such as avoiding hackers and scammers on the Web and protecting yourself from those who would do you harm.

Are you interested in topics related to online financial security? Let me know in the survey!

The free newsletter: I’d like to know what you like best and least about the abbreviated free edition, and why you prefer the free newsletter over the more comprehensive paid version. Keep in mind that free subscribers are often missing out on popular columns such as LangaList and Patch Watch. And our Master Patch List is offered only to paid members. AskWoody uses a pay-what-you-want model, so the bar for becoming an AskWoody supporter is low.

General feedback: This might be the most important question in the survey. Use this open-ended comment box for any specific thoughts, suggestions, and constructive criticisms you’d like to leave with us. This information can go a long way toward creating a newsletter — and website — that’s useful to all AskWoody subscribers.

How do you apply technology? The next series of questions asks about your employment status, the type of work you do (or don’t), and your level of technology expertise. This will help with balancing our coverage of “personal” versus “work” computing. I’d also like to know what other sources you use for technology assistance and news.

Getting a bit personal: The final question asks your age. If you find this annoying or simply not something you wish to reveal, feel free to skip it. But it’s another valuable data point for helping us get to know you.

If you’re about my age, you’re old enough to remember Windows 3.1, BASIC, Lotus 123, pfs: Write, and Word Perfect. But you’re still young enough to have grown up with technology as a major part of your life. Younger people will have very different tech perspectives and preferences.

Making AskWoody an even better resource: We know that there are many websites devoted to technology news and information. But we like to think that AskWoody is different. We strive to cut through the massive amount of information clutter and provide concise and accurate help through a combination of fresh posts, forum assistance, and the newsletter. As our tagline says: “Not bull.”

This survey is an important step toward making our site and newsletter even better. So please help us out: take a few minutes to fill out our simple online survey form. And add any additional thoughts you might have using the comment link below.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

—Da Prima Susan Bradley

In real life, Susan Bradley is still a Microsoft Security MVP and IT wrangler at a California accounting firm, where she manages a fleet of servers, virtual machines, workstations, iPhones, a cloud or two and other digital devices. She also does forensic investigations of computer systems for the firm. To that extensive resume, Susan has added the title of Da Prima Boss of AskWoody.com, where she ensures that you get honest technology information and advice.

Best of the Lounge

As we’ve known for some time, Web browsers are a known source of malware. MVP Microfix has posted a list of potentially malicious extensions revealed by Avast researchers (more info). The affected browsers include Chrome and MS Edge. No word yet on Firefox.

When was the last time you ran through your installed extensions and add-ons, looking for unfamiliar or outdated versions? And is validating extensions feasible or even desirable? Drop in and offer your thoughts — after you check all your browsers.

If you’re not already a Lounge member, use the quick registration form to sign up for free.

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