Tech Refresh: Clubhouse, dangerous app, robocalls galore

February 19, 2021

This week, the team dives into the hot new app Clubhouse and the security gotchas you need to know. It’s time to update, whether you have a Windows PC or Mac, and there’s a file-sharing app you should seriously reconsider using if it’s on your phone. Plus, 2020 was a wild year for robocalls. How will 2021 stack up?

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7 simple ways to speed up your smartphone

Few things in life are more frustrating than a slow smartphone. You spend all this money on the latest technology only to have it crawl when you need it most.

Many factors can affect your phone’s performance. It could be something as simple as having too many apps open at once. Maybe your storage space is close to full.

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A simple way to make your mask more comfortable and easier to wear

We have a ways to go before we can go back to pre-COVID-19 living conditions. Though vaccines are now being produced and administered, the virus is still spreading around the world.

Vaccine availability is different from one location to the next, and jurisdictions have their own distribution plans based on priority. Tap or click here to see how to check your eligibility.

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With everyone on Zoom, this dangerous scam is out of control

Those of us who grew up during the internet’s early days remember the warnings. Young people were told never to share information. Adults sought to protect their children with lectures and net nannies.

Though we are generally smarter browsers nowadays, bad actors have evolved tactics accordingly. Teens are being targeted via chat and dating apps. Scammers either ask for explicit photos from the victim or send such images themselves. Following this, they demand compensation and threaten exposure. Tap or click here to read about this new form of sextortion.

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This handy app helps you get more done around the house

Daily life is overwhelming enough with countless things to do at any given moment, so it’s easy for routine maintenance checks to slip through the cracks. Luckily, when it comes to your home or your car, there’s an app for your Apple devices to help keep you in check!

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3 surprising facts about Parler being back online

As far as controversial apps go, last year was a busy time for regulators, consumers and marketing departments. From the U.S. government threatening to ban viral video platform TikTok to security issues with Zoom, there was a lot to take in.

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How to see what the kids are doing on their phones

In this modern world of digital dangers and threats, keeping children safe while online is of the utmost importance to all parents. There are inappropriate websites and apps, cyberbullying, sexting, the risk of internet and digital addiction and worst of all, online predators that your child can be exposed to.

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An easy way to help out someone in need (Hint: It involves pasta)

How about we stop talking about everything that’s wrong with the internet for just a moment? We could all use a bit of good news.

What do you get when you mix lasagna with good feels? Lasagna Love. Its fantastic mission is to pair up people who want to do some good with others who could really use a homecooked meal. And who doesn’t love a tray of lasagna?

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Quickest way to fix dead pixels on your monitor

Your monitor is made up of millions of pixels. Each pixel is a group of red, green and blue subpixels that combine to create the images you see on your computer screen. When a few are dead or stuck, it can be super distracting.

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1.3 million cars recalled: Use this site to check your VIN

The largest auto recall in history keeps getting bigger. An ongoing issue with Takata airbags las led to tens of millions of vehicles being recalled along with several deaths.

A couple of months ago, nearly 6 million more trucks and SUVs were added to the already massive list of recalled vehicles. Tap or click here to find out what you need to do if yours is on the list.

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The big mistake that's getting you more spam emails and texts

Hearing your phone’s notification sound can trigger a rush of dopamine. “Who’s calling me?” you wonder. It could be a friend, a partner, or even your boss saying you can take the day off.

You think the possibilities are endless — then you see it’s just junk, and the smile slips from your face. The average American gets about 15 spammy text messages per month, according to research from Statista. Tap or click here for ways to block spam messages on your phone.

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