9sBlog

Marcus Reed

Marcus began as a systems administrator before moving into cybersecurity at a managed-security and web-hosting company, and then into tech writing. He handles security, privacy and browsers at 9sBlog — Chrome and Edge, passwords and accounts, tracking, DNS, and staying safe without the scare tactics.

50 articles

A blurred chart of data on a computer
Software

How to Use INDEX MATCH in Excel

INDEX MATCH is Excel's flexible lookup: MATCH finds the row, INDEX returns the value. Learn the formula, the match_type rules, and error handling.

3 min read
A metal padlock, a symbol of a secure site
Hosting

How to Tell If a Website Is Legit

Check whether a website is legit before you buy or sign in: verify the URL, run a Safe Browsing scan, check domain age, and read payment red flags.

3 min read
Lines of code on a computer screen
Software

Fix Notepad++ When It Won't Update

Notepad++ stuck on an old version? Close the app fully, allow gup.exe through the firewall, run it as admin, or reinstall over the top to fix it.

3 min read
A hand holding a smartphone with a dark, switched-off screen
Android

Fix a Google Pixel That Won't Turn On

A dead-looking Pixel is usually a drained battery or a frozen system. Charge it right, force restart it, and use the ring test to spot a broken screen.

4 min read
A student's written assignment and school supplies
Software

How to Insert a Checkbox in Word

Add a clickable checkbox in Word with the Developer tab, or a printable box for paper checklists. Plus how to switch the X to a checkmark.

3 min read
Title card reading Password Protect a File on a dark green background
Software

How to Password Protect a PDF

Lock a PDF with a password using Word on Windows, free LibreOffice, Adobe Acrobat, or a browser - plus what Windows and Android cannot do for you.

9 min read
An hourglass with sand running through it against a dark background
PC

Chrome Running Slow on Windows 11

Chrome dragging on Windows 11 is usually memory pressure, a throttled power mode, or a stale GPU driver. Here is how to tell which one in minutes.

10 min read
A brass padlock and its key resting on a heavy steel chain
Software

How to Export Chrome Passwords

Chrome's export moved into Google Password Manager. The desktop and Android steps, what the CSV holds, and what to do when the option is missing.

8 min read