Simple Tech Tips for Home Computer Users
Windows, Mac, and mobile tech support – networking – Internet safety – consumer technology
Many network problems are preventable with a little routine care. Here are five quick and easy things you can do to keep your network running smoothly. Know Your Network LayoutGet to know your network by taking a picture of your router and its connections. Even better, label those cables so you know what’s supposed to … Continue reading Five Easy Ways to Keep Your Network Up and Running
Your computer’s built-in antivirus software is no match against today’s Internet threats. Here’s why you should replace it with something stronger. Windows and Mac computers both have default antivirus programs, Windows Defender and Apple’s XProtect. (If you haven’t noticed XProtect running on your Mac, that’s because it runs silently in the background as part of … Continue reading You Need Better Antivirus Than Your Computer’s Built-In Software
When was the last time you backed up your computer? If you have automatic backups, do you check them on a regular basis? Have you ever tested your backups by trying to restore some of your files? It’s not enough to set your backups and forget them. You would not believe the number of times … Continue reading This Computer Backup Guide Will Really Save Your Assets
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)
How do you know if a web site is safe? Do you look for the lock icon? Would it surprise you to learn that isn’t enough? Consumers have long been taught to look for the lock icon or “https” in the address bar to determine whether or not a site is secure. Years ago, when … Continue reading “Secure” Web Sites Aren’t Always Secure
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
With everyone relying on webcams and microphones these days, it’s vital to know how to protect yourself from accidental—or intentional—spying. Cameras can be hijacked in a number of ways. Cybercriminals can commandeer them with viruses or ransomware, then extort you by demanding money for the deletion of potentially embarrassing photos and videos. There’s always the … Continue reading How to Stop Your Webcam and Microphone From Spying On You
If you’ve ever suffered from slow WiFi, you’re not alone. But there are a number of easy things you can do to try to speed up your wireless network. 1. Relocate the routerThe most common wireless problem I encounter is poor placement. Wireless routers should be placed as high as possible, such as on a bookshelf, and away … Continue reading Five Ways To Improve Your Wireless Network Signal
Party like it’s 1998, because Microsoft is once again sneaking its software onto users’ computers without their knowledge. In a move that has sent ripples of disdain across the tech world, Microsoft has begun pushing its Edge web browser to users as part of the latest Windows updates. The Verge even compared the Edge install … Continue reading Microsoft Says You’re Installing Its Edge Web Browser, Whether You Like It or Not
Ever get the sinking feeling that something's wrong with your computer? Here are ten ways to tell if your computer is infected with a virus, and what to do if it is. Run a virus scanA bit obvious, isn't it? While you're at it, make sure your antivirus program has been updated recently. If you … Continue reading Ten Ways to Tell If Your Computer Has a Virus (And What to Do About It)
