Need to brush up? Microsoft offers free online training for its Office programs, including video tutorials, interactive guides and practice exercises.
Antivirus isn't just for your computer - Here's why you should protect your smartphone, too
You probably know that antivirus software is essential for your computer. Without it, you’re browsing without protection, exposing yourself to ransomware, viruses, Trojans, spyware and countless other threats. But your computer isn’t the only gadget that needs antivirus protection.
Your phone and tablet could also be gateways for criminals to use to steal your money.
Think about it: Our phones and tablets go with us everywhere, so they have way more personal data than laptops. If your credit card is attached to any apps on your smartphone, it’s time to download antivirus software for your mobile device. We’ve got all the tips you need in this helpful guide provided by our sponsor, TotalAV.
Why your Android needs antivirus protection
Security breaches are so common nowadays that hardly anyone can scrape by without being scratched. That’s terrible news since data breaches can open you to identity theft.
Almost all of us have been involved in a data leak in one way or another. Don’t believe us? Enter your email addresses into HaveIBeenPwned, an online database with all the latest news of data breaches.
If you download TotalAV onto your Android, you can save yourself a step by using its built-in Data Breach Check. Like HaveIBeenPwned, this tool lets you search to see if their email address has been included in any known breaches. You even get educational guides telling you what to do if a breach has hurt you. It will even tell you how to stop unauthorized account access or identity theft.
There are a few more specific protections you can take advantage of
Do you want to protect yourself against rogue apps and games before installing them? If you’re sick of constantly being vigilant and looking out for yourself, TotalAV lets you finally relax. Thanks to its 24/7 security and Real-Time Protection feature, you can stay safe since dangerous websites are automatically blocked.
Here are more details on the features that benefit you the most:
- Real-time protection: You’re constantly being protected against malware and viruses. TotalAV is watching out in real-time.
- App lock/PIN functionality: This privacy feature is perfect for family devices. You can add a passcode or PIN lock to any app on a device through TotalAV. This means you can let your kids play a game on your phone — without worrying that they’re secretly looking through your online banking app. That’s just one example; there are many other ways it can protect sensitive apps when you’re concerned about privacy and security.
Don't want your ISP or Big Tech seeing what you look up? Do this
Doing online searches without a VPN is asking your internet service provider, Google or your search engine of choice to snoop on what you do. All that information — the products you look up, medical conditions you search for, people you Google — is compiled into the dossier about you.
Rent-A-Hitman owner, AI lifeguard & fake travel guides
Plus, concerned about ChatGPT scraping your data? I’ll show you how to stop it. Also, people are finding creative ways to earn money by renting out their Starlink satellites. Don’t miss Google’s latest gadgets, opportunities to earn money with your car, and tech travel tips you’ll use repeatedly.
🌪️ Going out for a spin: Travelers are shelling out big bucks to chase dangerous storms in “Tornado Alley,” which stretches through the central U.S. and into the Canadian Prairies. For $2,000 to $4,500 per trip, tour guides bring folks as close as safely possible to hail the size of baseballs and winds that can sweep you off your feet. Yes, you’ve got to sign a waiver.
5 free resources to grow your business
Entrepreneurs and small business owners need all the help they can get. When you’re a self-starter, you’re constantly on the go, multitasking and doing all you can to grow your company quickly. Luckily, there are a ton of free small business resources that can help you along the way.
6 small-business freebies
Savvy small-business owners and team managers, this one’s for you. It seems like every business software platform I’ve used takes five months and at least $50,000 to get up and running. So, that’s why I found some tech tools that can help you today. Oh, and they’re all free!
Cheap tech upgrades anyone can do
Reading this on a two-year-old iPhone SE 3? Go ahead and make those over-the-hill jokes — it’s reaching the average smartphone lifespan of 2.5 years.
Upgrading your laptop or smartphone is inevitable. But wait before you throw out that clunky computer. Even when a piece of tech starts showing its age, you’ve still got options to give it a new lease on life.
Tragic loss of life tied to supplements sold online
I ran into an acquaintance I hadn’t seen for a few years, and she’d lost a ton of weight. I asked her, “Did you start an exercise program?” Nope. She’s taking supplements she heard about on TikTok. That bothered the heck out of me, so I did some research.
Win the house-hunting game with foreclosure-finding apps
In my spare time, I am a bit of a horse trader in real estate. I have purchased and sold over 20 commercial buildings and homes at all price points. I’ve used realtors and sold properties myself. I’ve bought foreclosures and short sales. I’ve remodeled homes and purchased spec homes. I just completed building a new home on a lot that I eyeballed for 10 years. It’s my hobby.
Steps to convert your old VHS tapes to digital
Think you can only score free shipping on Amazon? Tap or click for five tricks to get free shipping on most major sites.
You can also go the more personal route. Digitized home movies are an excellent gift — or a fabulous way to relive old memories at your next get-together. Put away the projector and check out the best ways to preserve and share your home movies.
iPhone 15, MagSafe upgrades, Apple Watch: Everything we’re expecting from Apple’s next reveal
The leaves change colors, you grab a scarf, pumpkin spice is back and Apple has a big announcement — all classic signs of fall. Sept. 12 is Wonderlust — yeah, Apple’s naming them now. I know.
Fear not if your eyes glaze over at yet another camera and processor chip upgrade. Apple’s big promos can start to feel a little same-old, same-old, but some big things are coming this year. Here’s what my grapevine is vining about.
Hiring a hitman online, AI lifeguard & fake travel guides
Plus, concerned about ChatGPT scraping your data? I’ll show you how to stop it. Also, people are finding creative ways to earn money by renting out their Starlink satellites. Don’t miss Google’s latest gadgets, opportunities to earn money with your car, and tech travel tips you’ll use repeatedly.
Tech 101: How to record your computer screen
Sharing your screen can revolutionize video meetings. Whether on Zoom, Google Meet or Skype, you can use many features to enhance your experience. Tap or click here for five pro tips for making the most out of video conferences.
5 apps every pet owner should download
There is no instruction manual on how to be the perfect pet owner. Luckily, there are many resources you can rely on. Tap or click for nine things Kim buys for her dog Abby that your dog deserves, too.
There are apps for veterinary care, nutrition, grooming and even plain old getting social with other local dog moms and cat dads.
Tech spring cleaning: Guide to a fresh phone, computer and TV
Moment of honesty. When was the last time you cleaned up your digital life? Maybe you dusted your monitor, cleared your inbox and sanitized your devices a couple of months ago.
Good for you! And for the rest of us, it’s time for a fresh start.
Free stuff you get with your cable subscription
Here at Komando HQ, we’ve written a lot of guides about cutting the cord. Here’s a five-step plan you can follow to ditch cable and start streaming. But sticking to cable has its upsides.
In fact, some cable packages include free streaming subscriptions, which means you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, it can be time-consuming to research all the cable TV perks out there.
See this in a URL? Don't click!
Platforms such as Wix and Squarespace are hugely popular, as you can quickly design a website in a few clicks with no technical knowledge. Did you know that Google offers a free website creator? It’s not well known but is gaining popularity. It’s called Google Sites. The problem is criminals are using the platform to create spoofed sites, trying to rip you off.
15 things you didn’t know you can get for free
Internet advertisers are master manipulators, and they want you to feel excited about their products when you browse the web.
They want you to feel dazzled when you look at targeted ads. These emotions inspire you to whip out your credit card and buy the cool tech gadgets and services lighting up your screen. Tap or click here for a few ways to avoid personalized ads on social media.
Google Maps and Apple Maps: 8 hidden settings you'll use all the time
Thanks to the constellation of satellites, we can use GPS to chart our paths. We don’t have to worry about getting lost in new areas because navigation apps help us find our way through unknown territory. They also offer plenty of secret GPS settings you should know about.