Simple Tech Tips for Home Computer Users
Windows, Mac, and mobile tech support – networking – Internet safety – consumer technology
Voice activated assistants are everywhere, but they may reveal more than you intend. Many of the major tech companies including Amazon, Google, and Apple have admitted to allowing human employees or contractors to listen to recordings in an effort to improve their services. There have also been instances of voice assistants activating accidentally, and at … Continue reading How to Check Your Voice Assistant Privacy Settings
There’s been a lot of talk lately about “sharenting,” or parents oversharing information about their children on the Internet. Some parents believe they should be able to share their parenting experience as they see fit. But many children, as they grow older and realize the plethora of information that their parents have posted about them, … Continue reading The Risks Of Sharenting: When Parents Post Too Much About Their Kids Online (And How To Share Safely)
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
When was the last time you checked the security preferences on your computer, tablet, or smart phone? Unfortunately, the default security settings for most devices are woefully inadequate, leaving you vulnerable to viruses, malware, and hacking attempts. Here's more information on how to configure the security and privacy settings for Windows, Mac, iOS (iPhone and iPad), and Android. … Continue reading How To Configure Security Settings For Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android
Today's computer viruses go beyond mere annoyance. How does holding your data for ransom sound? What about spying on you through your webcam, tracking your physical location, recording every keystroke you make? Welcome to the modern generation of computer threats, where infection means real-world consequences. The latest virus making the rounds is Cryptolocker, a textbook … Continue reading Cryptolocker: Why Modern Computer Viruses Are More Dangerous Than Ever
I recently had the opportunity to test-drive the Samsung Galaxy S4 from Verizon. If you're looking for a powerful smart phone with some of the features of a tablet, this might be the device for you. Related article: Galaxy S4: Vivid Color, Vibrant Performance by Triona Guidry (The Northwest Herald) The Galaxy S4 looks similar … Continue reading Hands-On With The Samsung Galaxy S4, Plus Antivirus For Android
I recently spent some quality time with the new BlackBerry Z10. The Z10 is a lightweight, keyboardless smart phone... wait, a keyboardless BlackBerry? How does that work? Let's find out. The Z10 has a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm processor with 2GB of RAM and a 4.2-inch 1,280-by-768 LCD display at 356 pixels per inch. It's sized … Continue reading Hands-On With The BlackBerry Z10
Smile! Your private life might be streaming live on the Internet! Did you know hackers use viruses to commandeer the webcam on your computer, tablet, or smart phone? Makes you think about all the places you take these devices, and what they could be recording. In this month's The Northwest Herald I talk about the dangers … Continue reading Your Webcam Can Be Used Against You
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?
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 