TN TechiesNetwork

Meet the team

Real IT professionals solving real problems

Let me introduce you to the people behind our content. These aren't content writers who research topics—they're IT professionals who've spent years in the trenches, solving real problems for real people. When you read our guides, you're getting advice from people who've actually done the work.

The Experts

Each person here brings deep expertise in their platform—the kind you only get from hands-on experience. Years of IT support, system administration, and cybersecurity work means they know how to solve problems that actually matter to you.

Lance Cobain, Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Lance Cobain

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

WindowsTechies

Expertise

  • Windows Systems (MS-DOS to Windows 11)
  • Making Complex Tech Accessible
  • Software Tutorials
  • System Fundamentals
  • Advanced Topics Made Simple

About

About Lance Cobain

Lance Cobain is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief at WindowsTechies, bringing over 30 years of Windows experience to help you truly understand your PC. If it runs on Windows, from MS-DOS to Windows 11, Lance has been there—and he’s spent decades learning how to explain it in a way that actually makes sense, no technical background required.

Areas of Expertise

Lance’s expertise spans the full journey of Windows and everything it encompasses:

  • Complete Windows History - MS-DOS through Windows 11, understanding how each evolution shaped modern systems
  • System Fundamentals - How Windows actually works under the hood, in language that makes sense
  • Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving - Systematic approaches to diagnosing and fixing issues
  • Making Tech Accessible - The art of explaining complex topics in simple, relatable terms using analogies and real-world context
  • Software Tutorials - Clear, step-by-step guidance for using any Windows software, from basics to advanced features
  • Advanced Topics Made Simple - Taking sophisticated concepts (registry editing, system architecture, security) and making them approachable

Lance’s mission is straightforward: help you build genuine understanding of your Windows PC so you feel confident, capable, and independent with the technology that’s central to your daily life. No degree required, just clear guidance and patience.

Derek Armstrong, Performance & Tech Specialist

Derek Armstrong

Performance & Tech Specialist

WindowsTechies

Expertise

  • Performance Optimization
  • AI Tools for Windows Users
  • Software Application Optimization
  • Cross-Platform Tools
  • Web-Based Applications
  • Gaming Performance
  • Hardware Considerations

About

About Derek Armstrong

Derek Armstrong is WindowsTechies’ Performance & Tech Specialist, bringing over 20 years of optimization experience to help you get the most out of your Windows PC and the software you use every day. If it can be faster or more efficient, Derek knows how to make it happen—and he’ll show you exactly how to do it yourself.

Areas of Expertise

Derek’s expertise spans the full spectrum of Windows performance and productivity:

  • Windows Performance Optimization - Boot time reduction, startup management, system resource optimization
  • AI Tools for Windows Users - ChatGPT, Claude, Midjourney, and productivity AI integrations
  • Software Application Optimization - Getting peak performance from creative, productivity, and development tools
  • Cross-Platform Tools - Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, Canva, Notion, Slack, Trello, and beyond
  • Web-Based Applications - Optimizing browser-based tools and platforms from a Windows perspective
  • Gaming Performance - Maximizing FPS, reducing lag, and hardware/software optimization for gamers
  • Hardware Considerations - Knowing which upgrades actually help and which are marketing hype

Derek’s mission is simple: make every reader’s PC and software fast enough that it never gets in the way of what they’re trying to accomplish. Life’s too short for slow computers.

Jamie Chen, Troubleshooting Expert

Jamie Chen

Troubleshooting Expert

WindowsTechies

Expertise

  • Error Diagnostics
  • DLL and System File Issues
  • Driver Problems
  • Application Crashes
  • Windows Update Errors
  • Common User Problems
  • Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

About

About Jamie Chen

Jamie Chen is WindowsTechies’ Troubleshooting Expert, bringing over 8 years of hands-on tech support experience to help you solve even the most frustrating Windows problems. If you’re stuck with an error message, a program that won’t start, or a mysterious Windows issue, Jamie’s patient, step-by-step approach will guide you to a solution.

Areas of Expertise

Jamie’s troubleshooting expertise covers the full spectrum of Windows problems:

  • Error Diagnostics - Identifying root causes of Windows errors, crashes, and mysterious failures
  • DLL and System File Issues - Fixing missing or corrupted system files that break applications
  • Driver Problems - Resolving driver conflicts, installation failures, and hardware recognition issues
  • Application Crashes - Troubleshooting software that won’t launch, freezes, or crashes repeatedly
  • Windows Update Errors - Solving common and uncommon update failures that block installations
  • Common User Problems - Everyday issues like “won’t start,” “won’t open,” or “stopped working”
  • Step-by-Step Troubleshooting - Systematic diagnostic approaches that find solutions efficiently

Jamie’s mission is simple: turn “this is impossible” into “I fixed it!” for as many readers as possible. Every problem has a solution, and she’s here to help you find it.

Mike Torres, Security Specialist

Mike Torres

Security Specialist

WindowsTechies

Expertise

  • Malware Identification and Removal
  • Privacy Protection
  • Password Security
  • Safe Browsing Practices
  • Windows Defender and Antivirus
  • Network Security
  • Phishing Recognition

About

About Mike Torres

Mike Torres is WindowsTechies’ Security Specialist, bringing over 10 years of cybersecurity experience to help everyday users protect their Windows systems. His practical approach focuses on security that actually works for real people—security you can understand, implement, and maintain without needing a degree in computer science or living in constant fear.

Areas of Expertise

Mike’s security expertise covers the full spectrum of threats everyday Windows users face:

  • Malware Identification and Removal - Recognizing different types of malware and safely eliminating them
  • Privacy Protection - Securing personal data and understanding privacy risks without going overboard
  • Password Security - Creating strong passwords, managing them effectively, and understanding authentication
  • Safe Browsing Practices - Avoiding threats before they become problems through smart online habits
  • Windows Defender and Antivirus - Understanding built-in and third-party protection tools and their trade-offs
  • Phishing Recognition - Identifying social engineering attacks and avoiding manipulation tactics
  • Network Security - Securing home networks, WiFi, and connected devices

Mike’s mission is simple: help you stay safe online without making security feel overwhelming or impossible. Security should be consistent, understandable, and part of your normal routine—not something that makes you anxious every time you open your browser.