Safe Search: 3 ways Incognito mode can save you
We willingly give our most personal data so often to advertisers, Big Tech, scammers and everyone looking to make a dime off us. Want to take control back? Start with changing a few settings that make it easier for strangers and companies to pinpoint who you are in your Chrome browser.
While at it, take a minute and look at your Facebook account settings. Tap or click for three steps to limit or stop targeted ads.
Your browser offers Incognito or private mode. It’s not a privacy catch-all, but it can make a real difference.
Is Incognito mode private? Sort of …
While Incognito mode in any browser provides more privacy than if you’re not using it, it isn’t as private as we were led to believe.
When you surf the web incognito, your browser doesn’t save your browsing history, cookies, site data or information you enter in forms. However, it keeps any downloaded files or bookmarks created during the session.
Your internet service provider (ISP) can still see your activity, as can a school or employer providing your internet access or computer. Want to stop that? You need a VPN.
That leads us to the question, “Is Incognito mode even worth using?” Yes. Let’s look at three situations when it’s necessary.
1. Trying to keep gifts a surprise
When you shop online, your browser keeps tabs on what you’ve perused. Later, you’ll see ads on other sites that try to get you to come back to make the purchase — even if you’ve already bought the item.
You might not be the only person seeing those ads. If the person you’re buying the gift for uses your computer, tablet, or smartphone, they will see the same ads. They may also see them on their devices since you share an IP address.
Of course, these ads tip them to what you’re up to. That won’t happen if you shop in Incognito mode.
Fastest internet providers in the US – Where’s yours on this list?
Sick of slow Wi-Fi? Your provider might be to blame.
Let’s look at the fastest (and slowest) average download speeds for providers across the U.S.
Privacy tip: 5 ways you’re being tracked you must stop right now
Online privacy is an oxymoron. For example, an advertiser ID on your phone is supposed to keep your location anonymous. Are you surprised it doesn’t? Me neither. Tap or click here for steps to see and remove your advertiser ID.
Say goodbye to bad Wi-Fi: Solutions for smooth browsing
So, your Wi-Fi is spotty and super slow. Or maybe it’s just unreliable, depending on what room you’re in. The bad news: It could be just about anything. Signal congestion, physical location, firmware issues, hardware limitations or even your internet service provider limiting you.
Is your ISP throttling your speeds? Here’s how to check
Websites seem sluggish and downloads take forever. It’s frustrating — especially when you’re paying for high-speed internet.
First, make sure it’s not just you. When I’m unsure if slow speeds or timeouts are part of a more significant issue, I hit Down Detector to see if others reported the same problem. Tap or click for a direct link and a few other tricks if a website won’t load.
Is your ISP throttling your internet speeds? Here's a fast test to find out
Does it ever feel like your internet is running slower than usual? Of course, it does. It’s happened to all of us at some point.
Web pages seem sluggish, while downloads and uploads seem to take forever. It’s very frustrating — especially when you’re paying for high-speed internet. Many potential issues are causing the slowdown, including problems with your device, browser or even a website you’re trying to visit.
Your ISP is watching — Here's what it knows about you
You probably know by now that your internet service provider watches what you do. After all, a tiny bit of surveillance helps these companies provide the best services possible. But many ISPs collect data beyond their scope, according to a new report from the FTC.
If they don't sell your data, how does DuckDuckGo make money?
More people are becoming aware of how much their privacy is exploited by social media, apps, smart devices and browsers. That last one is particularly problematic since it’s your gateway to the internet. Every website you visit, forms you fill out and search history can be tracked by your browser and shared with third parties.
Google knows what you type, watch and say – unless you take these steps
You might laugh thinking about all the random Google searches you’ve done over the years. Imagine someone getting access to that list, and you might instead shudder in embarrassment.
Did you know your entire Google history is accessible online? If you’re signed in, a snoop can poke through it all. Tap or click here for steps to password protect that page and your private info.
Change this one setting to get faster internet speeds
Slow internet speeds are incredibly frustrating. You pay a boatload of cash to your internet service provider, and your connection is spotty and slow.
Many things could be causing delays in your connection speed. We’ll go over each of these things at the end of the article, but we’re going to focus on your DNS or domain name system for now.
Your ISP sees everything you do online - Here's how to stop it
We all know that Google, Amazon and Facebook are tracking us, but have you really thought about your ISP? That’s short for “internet service provider.” Depending on where you live, you may have a few to choose from — or maybe there’s only one.
Have a Windows PC? Don't fall for this bogus Windows Defender charge
Online scams come in all forms, including phony links, apps, files, phone numbers and websites. Scammers reach out to victims via phone, email and text message. It’s not always easy to spot a scam, but there are signs you can look out for.
5 hidden ways a VPN can make life better and more secure
Between all the cybercriminals and downright snoops in the world, it’s getting more difficult to protect your privacy.
A VPN gives you a secure bridge between your devices and the internet. You might not even realize just how important this is and all the ways a VPN comes in handy. Keep reading for five uses you might not know about.
New law could save you money on your cable and internet bills
Cable bills have been rising to out of control prices for a few years now. That’s what sparked the cut the cord phenomenon in the first place. It’s not just the plan you chose making it so expensive, either.
Tons of hidden fees are constantly being added. Tap or click here to see some of the fees you didn’t know you’ve been paying for.
Will hooking up two or more routers speed up my internet?
Faster internet is coming, but not fast enough. But there are things you can do to get a better connection at home. I’ll show you how to speed things up.
Vets eligible to get internet for $10/month and cheap laptop or PC
Are you a veteran or know someone who is? For all the years of service to our country, businesses are always finding new ways to say thank you. Recently, one internet service provider has made it easy for veterans to sign up for the internet without breaking the bank.
One simple way to keep your browsing history secret
Sitting at home alone, surfing the internet, it’s easy to forget how many organizations are watching what you do. Your internet service provider is recording every site you visit, Google is tracking your search history, advertising companies are tracking your browsing history, the government is tracking who knows what.