Using free antivirus? Beware of companies that sell your data or even plant malware

Saving money can be easy. Simple things like eating dinner at home more often than going to your favorite restaurant or skipping that daily $6 latte can really add up. You’ll have your next vacation paid for in no time.

But you must be careful not to cut corners on the wrong things in life, like antivirus protection.

There are plenty of free antivirus programs on the market, but protecting your devices takes more than basic defenses. Also, those free programs could be selling your data or worse.

You can’t always trust free programs

You can’t take a chance using just any free protection. Even names you’ve heard of can engage in shady practices. If legitimate sites can’t always be trusted, consider lesser-known companies. These could even present antivirus programs that plant malware on your device instead.

You need to know the company you choose has smart, robust tools to combat hackers and scammers. More importantly, you need protection from a company you can trust.

We recommend our sponsor, TotalAV. With TotalAV, you’ll get antivirus protection, but they offer so much more. It’s a suite of security tools that protect all of your devices.

Get the Best Security Suite for 2023 and save over 85% at TotalAV.com/Kim.

TotalAV protects all of your devices

TotalAV makes cybersecurity hassle-free and does all the heavy lifting. Premium users can benefit from an extensive anti-malware database that provides advanced real-time protection, keeping your devices safe from harmful threats and viruses.

Its all-in-one cross-platform security software will protect you at home, in the office or on the go. No matter which device or platform you use, you’re protected.

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Tablet buying guide: How to choose the best tablet based on your needs and budget

Tablets provide excellent utility, great accessibility and open up a world of possibilities from your fingertips. That is if you use the right ones. Tap or click here for 10 tips and tricks for your iPad.

You can be creative with graphic design and art, watch your favorite shows and viral video clips, or turn a tablet into a pop-up workstation wherever you are.

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Presidents Day deals

It’s a holiday weekend, and that means sales, sales, sales.

  • The newest iPad is $70 off, the lowest price since Black Friday. If you want all the AI bells and whistles, wait for the next one.
  • Dive into your favorite story with a brand-new Kindle Paperwhite (16% off).
  • Wonder if I could walk and take meetings at the same time … I want a walking treadmill! This one is 30% off.
  • Streaming upgrade! The latest AI-powered Amazon Fire TV Stick is 24% off.
  • Treat yourself with an eye-massaging mask (30% off) after a long day staring at your computer screen. Click the coupon for an extra $7 off.
  • This Owlet baby monitor sock (20% off) is rarely on sale. It’s FDA-cleared to track heart rate and oxygen levels. I wish they had this when Ian was a baby!

🛒 Time for some couch shopping time: Lots more deals here for your browsing pleasure! Have fun.

Our hospitals are under attack

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This week’s cyberattack on one of the largest health systems in the U.S., Ascension, was bad — really bad. Plus, a controversial Apple iPad ad, more Cybertruck problems, and Roblox adds virtual billboards to the game.

🍏 Using old Apple tech? Starting Dec. 18, there’ll be no more iCloud backups for devices running on iOS 8 or earlier. Device-wise, that’s anything older than an iPhone 4s or iPad 2. Check if you can update to iOS 9 via Settings > Software Update. If not, it’s time to move on, friend. Cheap upgrades: iPad (10th-gen) for 20% off and the iPhone 12 (16% off).

Amazon unveils robot on wheels, a $60 smart thermostat and more

Big Tech is rarely content with simple announcements when it comes to unveiling new hardware. It has to be an event, and this continues even as audiences can only attend virtually.

Apple recently unveiled its flagship product, the iPhone 13, which comes in four flavors. Along with this came details on the new Apple Watch as well as some new entries in the iPad family. Tap or click here for our Apple rundown.

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Your iPad just got its biggest upgrade in years - 7 new features try now

Typically with the changing of seasons from summer to fall comes a slew of new Apple devices. This year is no different as the Cupertino company updates its line of iPhones, iPads and Apple Watches.

Along with four models of iPhone 13 and Apple Watch Series 7, a new entry-level iPad and a redesigned sixth-generation iPad Mini are being released. Tap or click here to check out some features on these updated Apple devices.

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Listen up: Soon, Apple will drop a free software update that adds a hearing test and hearing aid features to the AirPods Pro 2. Keep in mind only those with mild hearing loss can benefit from AirPods as hearing aids. You’ll also need iOS 18.1 on your iPhone or iPad for these new features to work.

Apple’s working on a little surprise: It’s an iPad 7 mini! A coder found clues to a new release hidden in Apple’s backend software. Insiders say it’ll have an 8.3-inch display, a better chip and a front-facing camera (finally). Plus, you’ll be able to use it with the fancy, new Pencil Pro.

🤢 Phone got you carsick? Apple found a way to get rid of motion sickness while you text. Hallelujah. Vehicle Motion Cues show animated dots on the edges of your iPhone or iPad screen that move with the car’s direction, tricking your brain and calming your queasy stomach. ETA: Later this year.

7 uses for an old iPad

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Want to buy one of Apple’s upcoming iPads? Here are seven creative ways to put your old iPad to good use. Great news for cat owners: You can even turn an outdated iPad into a cat toy!

Use an iPad as a second computer monitor

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Got an extra iPad lying around? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a nifty way to recycle it.

iPad accessories way cheaper than the original Apple versions

Do you love your Apple products but cringe at the prices of all those accessories? You’re not alone. Thankfully, there are tons of affordable accessories on the market that deliver the same high quality at a fraction of the price.

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5 uses for an older iPad

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The new generation of iPads comes with improved screens, speed and memory. But that doesn’t mean an old iPad is worthless. In fact, there are a lot of productive ways to use your outdated tech.

Don't buy an Apple Mac or iPad this weekend

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This Tuesday, Apple is unveiling new products. The company’s tight-lipped about what we can expect, but we know this event will be big. Here are some of the most exciting predictions.

Upgrade to the latest iPad Air at a record low price

If you’re in the market for an iPad, now’s the best time to buy. One of the most impressive models is being sold at a deep discount on Amazon. That’s the iPad Air, which is now $40 off its normal price.

Or maybe you’re in the market for a new computer. Well, iPads are a lot more powerful than you think: with a few accessories, you can turn this tech into a full-fledged computer. Tap or click here for steps on turning an iPad into a powerful PC.

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Kim’s essential tech picks: 15 gifts your family and friends will love

I like to give gifts that solve problems. Something that the person didn’t know they needed until they open the box and say, “Wow, now that’s terrific.”

And with so much stress this year, why not gift our loved one’s tech that can make their lives easier? Tap or click here to see some of Amazon’s early Black Friday deals on tech.

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12 best tablets you can buy right now

Digital entertainment is at an all-time high with so many people staying home right now. Luckily for those who want to take the plunge into the tablet world, there are more awesome options than ever.

Whether you want something for your kids to play and learn on, something for creative work or even a laptop substitute, there’s a tablet out there for you. Tap or click for 5 things you didn’t know your tablet could do.

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Grab these office essentials while they're still on sale

Even though businesses across the U.S. are starting to reopen, no one knows exactly when life will truly return to something that resembles normal. And while working from home is still a relatively new experience for many of us, it could continue well into the future.

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World’s first baby crib with built-in iPad is for sale

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Do you remember the long sleepless nights caring for a newborn? Dad Gary Taylor saw this as a business opportunity. He created a crib with a built-in iPad to keep babies occupied. Is this really the wave of the future: Babies getting nurtured by electronics?