Simple Tech Tips for Home Computer Users
Windows, Mac, and mobile tech support – networking – Internet safety – consumer technology
Many people have asked me about Windows 10. They want to know if they should upgrade, and how they can reconfigure the settings to avoid Win10's notorious privacy issues. Windows 10's default security settings are not conducive to consumer privacy, to put it mildly. (Microsoft isn't alone in this; it's become an increasing problem with modern operating systems.) … Continue reading What You Need To Know About Windows 10
Time once again for my updated guidelines on creating passwords. The short version: use passphrases that are at least 12 characters long and different on every site, plus two-factor authentication where possible. And for pity’s sake, stop using weak passwords! Many people say to me, “I don’t need a secure password. I don’t have anything … Continue reading How To Create Strong Passwords (2016 Edition)
As you may have heard, Microsoft has ceased support for Windows XP. Many people assume it’s okay to keep using it. They’re dead wrong. WinXP is already vulnerable to viruses because it’s been out so long. Now we have the nightmare scenario in which bugs are discovered but not fixed. Here’s how it goes: Microsoft … Continue reading Windows XP Is Dead. Now What?
The new Windows 8.1 affects you, even if you're still using previous versions of Windows. Here's what you need to know about the upgrade. First Rule of Windows 8.1: There Is No Start Menu Microsoft's been shouting it from the rooftops: "The Start button's back! The Start button's back!" Except that doesn't mean what you … Continue reading Six Things Every PC User Needs To Know About Windows 8.1
Everyone knows you're supposed to make backups, but choosing a method can be confusing. Here's a rundown of your choices for Windows and Mac. Related article: Today's Backups Offer More Flexibility by Triona Guidry (The Northwest Herald) Built-In Backups All modern computers come with utilities which you can use to back up to an external … Continue reading How To Backup And Restore Files On Your PC Or Mac
Adobe has announced that, from now on, the only way to get Creative Suite is via the cloud. That's right, no more boxed versions of CS - you get it via the Internet or no Photoshop or Illustrator for you. Many people are wondering how this is going to work in the real world, myself … Continue reading Adobe’s Moved Creative Suite Exclusively To The Cloud. Is This Good Or Bad?
Many people say to me, “I don’t need a secure password. I don’t have anything sensitive on my computer, so I don’t care if a hacker gets in.” You, my friends, are a hacker’s dream. Because it’s not necessarily your personal information they want, although they’ll happily steal your credit card info if they can. … Continue reading How To Create Secure Passwords (Revised Edition)
Once your data is in the cloud you lose all control of it. A journalist's online persona was recently hijacked through hackers' clever and scary manipulation of Apple and Amazon's tech support. This could happen to any of us, at any time. A description of the incident from the journalist, Mat Honan, who works for … Continue reading Apple & Amazon Customer Service Hacked: Can The Cloud Be Trusted?
Social media site LinkedIn suffered a major security breach this week as over 6 million passwords were stolen. First, here's a great quote from eWeek that explains why you need to pay attention to data breaches. The compromise of a LinkedIn account has three important ramifications, opined Carl Leonard, senior manager of security researcher at Websense. "First, the … Continue reading Lessons Learned From The LinkedIn Password Hack
Join me for an exciting new seminar, Mobile Social Media, on April 17, 2012! In this open-format session we'll talk about how you can use mobile devices like smartphones and tablets to access social media platforms. This is going to be fun! Some of today's mobile technology is really sweet, and pairing it with social media … Continue reading Mobile Social Media – New Seminar April 17, 2012
Simple Tech Tips for Home Computer Users 