If you’re a Windows PC user, you know the term “bloatware”, or maybe “crapware”. Every consumer PC comes chock full of it. Free trials of games, cloud storage services and antivirus software. Half a dozen “helper” apps from the PC manufacturer. Pre-installed calling, chat, and shopping services. It’s a mess. But these unwanted apps aren’t
I’ve made my opinion pretty clear on what I feel are the pros and cons of modern antivirus software. But even the best AV tools can’t be 100% perfect. So what if you get that file attachment and you want to be extra sure that it’s safe to open? Where can you go to get
One of the major perks of modern smartphones is the built-in camera. When was the last time you actually carried (or bought) a separate camera? I used to love the little Canon Elph cameras because they were small enough to carry around on a belt holster. But it’s gathering dust now because my iPhone arguably
The old expression “like finding a needle in a haystack” is usually uttered in frustration, like it’s a bad thing. But today I’m going to give you at least one case where you want that haystack to be huge… massive, even. Because the needle you’re hiding in that haystack is your password. Source of Inspiration
If you have a Wi-Fi router made by Netgear, you need to pay close attention to this one. Most Netgear routers (79 models), even as old as 2007, are vulnerable. According to a report by security research firm Trend Micro, Netgear routers have a flaw that could allow a remote attacker (anywhere on the internet)
This year’s election in the United States is arguably the most important election in modern times, for several reasons. With the 2020 general election just 20 weeks away, and with no relief in sight for the coronavirus pandemic, we all need to set up our contingency plan now: vote by mail. Vote By Mail Election
(This one is going to get a little technical, but hang with me.) Your WiFi router is the main portal to your home network. Most of us think of it as just a box that gives us a wireless connection, but this box almost always contains a firewall, as well. A firewall normally acts like
During our global COVID-19 self-quarantining, video conferencing usage has exploded. I’ve tried to find hard statistics, but they’re rising so fast that anything I post now will be stale tomorrow. That said, I’ve seen usage growth figures as high as 400%. And since we’re all staying home now (right?), video chatting is a great way
[UPDATED: See the end of the article] Obviously, the corona virus (COVID-19) is on everyone’s minds these days – largely because you can’t avoid the super scary, 24/7 news coverage about death tolls, cruise ships full of infected people, global heat maps, and all the click-bait articles. But whenever there is a big, scary news
Well, it’s that time of year again: tax time. And today I have a simple tip for you: how to find the real Free File version of all the popular tax software. It’s not as easy as you’d think – and that’s no accident. A Brief History of Free File Back in the early 2000’s
