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
Category: windows 10
This Computer Backup Guide Will Really Save Your Assets
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
The Essential Guide to Strong Passwords (2021 Edition)
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)
The Pros and Cons of Parental Control Software
One of the most common questions I hear from parents is, “How can I set up parental control software?” But parental controls aren’t a panacea for keeping your kids safe online. Let’s talk about when to use parental controls… and when not to use them. Most computers have basic built-in parental controls, like the ability … Continue reading The Pros and Cons of Parental Control Software
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
“Secure” Web Sites Aren’t Always Secure
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: 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
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