The Tech Helper is a plain-English guide to modern technology, written for older adults and for the people who help them – adult children, grandkids, caregivers, anyone who’s ever been asked “can you just fix this for me?” over the phone.
Why we started this
Most tech advice online is written by and for people who are already comfortable with technology. It skips steps, uses jargon without explaining it, and assumes a level of confidence that not everyone has. We wanted something different: short sentences, numbered steps, no jargon (or jargon explained the first time it comes up), and a tone that’s patient rather than condescending – like a helpful grandchild talking you through something, not a manual.
What we cover
Six things, mostly: phones and tablets, computers and laptops, staying safe online, staying connected with family, smart home gadgets, and streaming. If it’s a device or a piece of software that causes confusion, there’s a good chance we’ve written about it or will soon.
How we choose what to recommend
When we recommend a specific product, we look at current real-world reviews, actual specifications, and current pricing and availability, rather than relying on a manufacturer’s marketing or reusing an old “best of” list that’s gone stale. We favour products with a genuine track record – a strong review count over time, not just a handful of five-star ratings – and we’re upfront about tradeoffs and limitations rather than pretending every pick is perfect.
The Tech Helper is reader-supported. Some of the links on this site are Amazon affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you buy something after clicking through – at no extra cost to you. This never affects which products we recommend or how we describe them.
Get in touch
Spotted something out of date, have a question, or want to suggest a topic? Get in touch here – we read every message.