If there's one thing you do for your own computer safety, please, use strong, unique passwords! Doing so decreases your chances of suffering virus infection, account hijacking, identity theft, and even financial fraud. People continually re-use passwords, or create weak passwords, or don't change the default passwords on important devices like routers and smart home gadgets. … Continue reading The Essential Guide to Strong Passwords (2021 Edition)
Category: mobile computing
What You Need to Know About Tech Support Scams
Tech support scams are a continuing threat to consumers, especially with so many people working from home. Here’s how to avoid them, and how to find real tech support. A tech support scam usually starts with a fake phone call, phishing email, or pop-up ad. Phone calls are an especially popular choice for reaching consumers … Continue reading What You Need to Know About Tech Support Scams
Avoid Computer Problems By Updating Your Apps
We’re all guilty of ignoring app updates, myself included. But keeping your apps updated not only prevents computer problems, it also helps to protect your data. Updating your apps is an easy way to prevent computer problems before they start. If your app is crashing or causing errors, an update can fix the problem. Features … Continue reading Avoid Computer Problems By Updating Your Apps
How to Use a VPN to Protect Your Home Computer
Virtual private networks are easy to use despite the complicated name. Let’s cut through the tech jargon and talk about how you can use a VPN to protect your home computer. To understand VPNs, we need to know a little about how the Internet works. Every online service, from Facebook to Amazon to your local … Continue reading How to Use a VPN to Protect Your Home Computer
The Beginner’s Guide to Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, is an easy way to add extra security to your accounts. Here’s what home users need to know about setting up and using 2FA. How Two-Factor Authentication WorksTwo-factor authentication works in tandem with your password. When logging in, you’ll enter your password plus a one-time token, such as a code sent … Continue reading The Beginner’s Guide to Two-Factor Authentication
Ransomware: A Dangerous Threat to Your Computer
Ransomware is a particularly nasty form of computer virus that encrypts your data, then demands payment for the encryption key. Why is ransomware so hazardous, and how can you remove it? Ransomware is vicious because it doesn’t just render your computer unusable. It encrypts all of your files, including those on networked computers, removable drives, … Continue reading Ransomware: A Dangerous Threat to Your Computer
A Home User’s Guide to Mobile Device Internet Security
Few of us maintain the same security precautions on our tablets and phones that we do on our computers. But mobile devices contain personal data, and they go wherever we do. Here’s what you need to know to keep your mobile devices protected. In general the same security rules we use for computers also apply … Continue reading A Home User’s Guide to Mobile Device Internet Security
Remote Learning: How to Solve Computer Problems and Keep Your Kids Safe Online
The necessity of remote learning means families need more computer help than ever. From one parent to another, here are some of my best tech support tips to help you provide a safe and effective home computer environment for your child. One of this year’s challenges is the widespread shortage of some electronics. Web cams … Continue reading Remote Learning: How to Solve Computer Problems and Keep Your Kids Safe Online
How to Clean and Sanitize Your Electronics
When was the last time you sanitized your computer, phone, or gaming controller? For frequently-used electronics, daily cleaning and sanitizing is a must. Here’s how to get started. There are cleaning products specifically designed for electronics. Some people use a small amount of rubbing alcohol instead, or a touch of environmentally-friendly all-purpose cleaner. Avoid bleaches … Continue reading How to Clean and Sanitize Your Electronics
How To Protect Your Mobile Devices From Malware
Mobile malware is on the rise, but few people maintain the same precautions on their tablets and phones that they do on their computers. Here’s what you need to do to stay protected. Mobile devices need antivirus software just like any other computer, but watch for malware masquerading as antivirus. In general the same security … Continue reading How To Protect Your Mobile Devices From Malware








