Android pro tip: You can download apps onto your phone from your PC as long as you’re signed into the same Google account on both devices. This is super handy when you find a cool app on your computer; you’ll see the option to send it to your phone right there on the app download page.
Malware warning: Red flags your computer is under attack
It’s Computer Security Day, and there’s no better time to remind you malware is lurking everywhere. From phishing emails to unsuspecting ads, just one wrong click can compromise your personal info or infect your devices.
Don’t panic! Knowing how to spot the early warning signs can save you a world of trouble. Let’s make your devices malware-free zones.
I saw the sign … and it slowed down my computer
🚩 Sluggish performance: Does your computer seem like it’s running so‑o‑o‑o slowly? Most malware hogs your system’s resources. Start by checking for too many open tabs or outdated software. Still slow? It’s time to dig deeper.
🚩 Pop-up pandemonium: Random pop-ups are a big red flag. They might be ads or flashing warnings saying your system’s infected. Rule No. 1: Don’t click them. That’ll only lead to more trouble.
🚩 Mystery programs: Malware can lead to other sneaky software installed on your device. Go through the apps installed on your computer, phone or other device, and look for anything unfamiliar.
🚩 Hijacked browser settings: Did your homepage or search engine suddenly change? It could be malware trying to redirect you to sketchy sites. Fix this by removing any extensions and changing the default search page in your browser.
🚩 Disabled firewall: If your firewall turns off mysteriously, malware might be covering its tracks. To check your firewall settings:
- On Windows: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Firewall & network protection.
- On Mac: Go to System Settings > Network > Firewall.
🚩 Skyrocketing data usage: A sluggish connection or unexplained data spikes could mean your machine is sending data to who-knows-where. To check:
- On Windows: Open Task Manager > App History and look at the Network column.
- On Mac: Open the Activity Monitor app > View > Dock Icon > Show Network Usage.
Don’t wait for the worst to happen
How to choose a UPS to keep your computer (and files) safe
Today’s topic isn’t the most exciting — you might call it downright boring. If you don’t care about damaging your computer and losing your work because of a power outage, keep scrolling for the tech news you need to know. You won’t hurt my feelings.
Company you've never heard of brought down the world
A routine software update ended up causing millions of computers worldwide to crash with the infamous blue screen of death. Here’s the scoop — and how it impacts you.
👋 So long, farewell: Without warning, Russian cybersecurity provider Kaspersky Lab deleted its anti-malware protection from its subscribers’ computers and replaced it with something called UltraAV. This comes after the U.S. government added Kaspersky to its national security concern list because of its ties to the Kremlin. If you were using Kaspersky for antivirus protection, try my antivirus pick instead.
What was the first feature film to use computer-generated imagery, aka CGI? Was it … A.) “Star Wars: A New Hope,“ B.) “Tron,“ C.) “Westworld“ or D.) “Alien“?
$7,100 for a PC case
InWin’s Infinite clocks in at 100 pounds. It has 180-degree curved glass, diamond-cut edges and a mechanical hinge that opens with the press of a button. Each glass panel takes about 12 hours to mold. Uh, don’t drop it.
iBUYPOWER's prebuilt PCs will supercharge your gaming
Top gamers trust iBUYPOWER for unparalleled performance and reliability
When you’re gaming, the last thing you want is a lagging computer or unexpected crashes. Game over!
Need a new computer? Knowing the minimum requirements for what you do helps. For using the internet and watching movies, a 1.3 GHz processor and 2GB to 4GB of RAM is fine. If you do anything more intensive, go for a 3.5 GHz processor and at least 8GB of RAM.
Like having two computers: On Windows and macOS, you can create virtual desktops to keep things organized and switch between them using keyboard shortcuts. You could try separate home and work setups or a regular profile plus one you use for all your house renovation stuff, for example. Steps here if you want to try it.
I’m so itchy: Kids at Riverside High School in North Carolina took home Chromebooks for school work. Unfortunately, no one realized they were crawling with bedbugs. The insects infested the media center over the summer and were hiding in the laptops. Check your kiddos’ computers.
What percent of e-waste — think old computers, phones and other tech — gets recycled? Is it … A.) 50%, B.) 90%, C.) 20% or D.) 10%?
📶 Goodnight, kids: If your kids sneak back onto their phones, tablets and computers at night, I have a trick: Disable the Wi-Fi after a specific time for all your devices or just certain ones, like your kiddo’s iPad. If you use an app to control your internet, pop in there. Otherwise, log into your router’s web interface. Steps here!
Stop mining my business: An Airbnb host got a nasty shock when guests used her house to mine $100,000 in crypto, sticking her with a $1,500 electricity bill. External security cameras caught them hauling out 10 computers and charging their EV. She got them to pay up, but now she’s got a strict “no crypto mining” rule. It’s a new world.
$1.25 per issue
For a Popular Science magazine in 1978. Old editions like this one were loaded with cigarette promos, limited-run cars like the Jeep Honcho and DIY kits for early home computers like the Sol-20. I always get a kick out of ‘70s ad copy. They just don’t write them like they used to!
Intel launched in 1971, and today, its processors power more than half of all computers. Was the very first Intel processor used in … A.) Televisions, B.) Traffic lights, C.) Digital watches or D.) Calculators?
Parenthood is the scariest “-hood” of all: A new study shows that kids who are glued to TVs, phones, computers and tablets are more likely to have emotional and social issues later in life. Early warning signs include brattiness, possessiveness and addictive behavior around screen time. Share this fact with parents of young kiddos.
Noland Arbaugh is the first Neuralink patient
His brain-chip implant lets him control computers and other devices with his mind. Kim Komando talks to Noland about why he got it and how it works. What could this tech mean for the future? He shares his ideas and hopes.
🚨 Hospital nightmare: The Ascension hospital cyberattack in May 2024 shut down computers for weeks, and it all started with one employee who mistakenly downloaded a malicious file. Ascension handles roughly 3 million emergency room visits and performs nearly 600,000 surgeries per year.
⚡️ Not everything can be AI: Microsoft says to advertise as an “AI PC,” computers need three things: Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot (how convenient), a special Copilot button on the keyboard (OK, sure) and an NPU (NP‑who?). The NPU, or Neural Processing Unit, is a processor specially designed for machine learning algorithms. Will that make them work better than a regular PC? TBD.