Wait until January to buy TVs, workout gear, winter clothes and home goods. Here’s why. Plus, TikTok live streams are getting out of control, best Christmas gifts under $50, cheapest family plans, be careful getting your phone or computer repaired and a new way to recognize fake images and videos.
Why you should use Google to search for your email address right now
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We’ve written a lot of articles about Google searches and online databases. Our online safety is important, and much of that comes down to regulating our searches and learning how to protect ourselves. Tap or click here for seven things to never search for on Google.
If you haven’t tried Googling your email address, though, this is a new tip that you should try. While you can scroll through the internet and look for your old accounts one by one, there is an easier way.
Searching for your email address can bring up all sorts of stuff you weren’t expecting. The most common thing you’ll find is your information on people-search databases. Let’s look at those and how to remove yourself from those sites. This tip is brought to you by our sponsor, TotalAV.
People-search sites
If you type in your email, you’ll see many results like Spokeo. These sites are gold mines to look up other people’s data. Type in someone’s email, phone number, or personal data and it will offer to sell you all of their information for a certain price.
Terrifying, isn’t it?
How do you delete your information from these sites? It isn’t easy. Some of the biggest sites make it nearly impossible to remove your data. Some sites will allow you to opt out directly to their site, like Spokeo. Tap or click here for step-by-step instructions to opt out of Spokeo.
We recently gave instructions on how to opt out of many people search sites. Unfortunately, many of those sites either changed the process or removed the option altogether after our coverage. Keep checking in on komando.com for updates as we get them.
Dating sites
This may seem weird, but if you’ve had some experience with online dating, you might see yourself cross-referenced on several of these sites when you Google your email. Take care not to click on the links, though. Some of them are hacker sites set up to lure you in.
Dating sites not only have a treasure trove of your data but can also be dangerous. There are tons of bots and scammers on these types of sites trying to rip you off. Tap or click here to find out how to spot them.
If you are worried about what information about you is available online and how to keep yourself off the web entirely, here are ways to protect your data and delete yourself online.
Where to put your router for better speeds
If you sink a ton of money into a high-performing router, you probably expect it to function perfectly. Though, just buying a good router isn’t enough. You need to put it in the ideal spot to maximize efficiency.
Regarding routers, it’s all about location, location, location. By that, we mean you need to think about anything that could obstruct its signals.
To stop creeps, blur your home on Google Maps
Did you know that anyone with a phone or computer can see where you live? Listen to this one-minute podcast to protect your privacy.
Best timekeeping, accounting and money-management software
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Time is money, and every minute counts. Detailed time tracking and bookkeeping can seem like a hassle if you’re running things independently.
If a skeleton crew operates your business or you’re managing everything on your own, that means relying on the right tech to get the job done. Don’t waste your time and money on software that doesn’t work for your needs.
3 work from home mistakes you're making
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We’re beyond the two-year mark of working from home here at Komando.com. There’s a good chance you’re not far behind.
All these months later, you might still be making a few mistakes that make getting your job done harder than it needs to be. Hopefully, by this point, you’ve figured out Zoom or whatever video chat program your company uses.
Protect these files - hackers want them the most
Your life is on your computer. Want to protect your work, private photos and passwords? In this one-minute podcast, you’ll master a top cybersecurity tip.
These laptops have an expiration date
When you think of “expiration date,” electronics don’t come to mind. In this 1-minute podcast, what to look for so you don’t buy a computer near the end of life.
Make your PC or Mac start up faster
Is your computer taking more than a few minutes to start? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a few time-saving fixes.
Watch for this TSA scam
Heading to the airport soon? Be on the lookout for computer thieves. In one minute, here’s how this scam works — and what you can do.
How to record your computer screen for free
Want to record an upcoming video meeting? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a free way to record your screen.
Tech causes your cells to age faster
Do you spend a lot of time gazing into your computer screen? Listen to this one-minute podcast to find out how the blue lights are aging you faster.
Windows or Mac? How to get more disk
Want to maximize your computer’s performance? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a few insider secrets.
Use an iPad as a second computer monitor
Got an extra iPad lying around? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a nifty way to recycle it.
Looking for work? 3 sites to find free resume templates
If you’re looking for a new job, you have a long road ahead of you. Not only do you have to hunt down the perfect position, but you also have to craft the perfect resume, which means hours of formatting and designing. Luckily, you can save yourself a lot of time with free resume templates you can find online.
Here’s what it looks like when a virus takes over your computer
A slow computer can turn you into a detective. You start investigating the clues, trying to find out what happened. You might even Google “How to tell if you have a virus” or “Warning signs your computer is infected.”
True or false: Macs are immune to malware and viruses
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There is a common misconception that Apple’s Mac computers can’t get viruses or malware. The belief is that only Windows-based systems suffer from malicious code and nasty bugs.
There is no consensus on where the claim originated. But it might have been Apple itself. Until 2012, Apple’s marketing for its Mac computers included the line that “a Mac isn’t susceptible to the thousands of viruses plaguing Windows-based computers.”
How to turn an old PC into a home media server
If you’ve ever upgraded your computer system, you’ve had to deal with the old version. Maybe you want to sell it online for a pretty penny. Tap or click here to maximize your selling price when giving away your old devices.
Mayo Clinic on your Apple Watch
Have you ever thought of an Apple Watch as a powerful computer that can save your life? I have. Here’s why, in 60 seconds.
How to get handwritten notes into your PC
Want to transfer your notes over to your computer? Listen to this one-minute podcast for a quick way to get the job done.