Think your phone’s being watched? Here’s how to find out.
4 tips to maximize browsing speed and improve performance
Nothing is more frustrating than trying to browse the internet and having to wait (and wait and wait) for pages to load. Sometimes, it’s a momentary glitch, but more often than not, a sluggish browsing experience can be attributed to something amiss behind the scenes.
It might be apps running in the background that eat up a ton of your device’s resources and slow the whole system down. Let’s take a look at the usual suspects.
Software updates: All your tech has software that needs updating. Depending on your settings, you can manually update it, or it will automatically update for you. Either way, your system is likely constantly scanning for the latest update.
🛠️ The fix: Open your settings of the app. Schedule your automatic updates to occur overnight or during other times when you are less likely to be active. I prefer this over turning off auto updates altogether since they really are important.
Synching with the cloud: Constantly transferring files (especially large ones) can suck up a lot of resources behind the scenes and, yes, slow down your internet speed.
🛠️ The fix: Customize your cloud settings to prioritize what kinds of documents are worth backing up and which aren’t. You might be surprised what you’re automatically syncing. You can also set your backups to happen overnight.
CPU and RAM hogs: Sometimes, your system runs background apps that can tax your device’s CPU and RAM. That, in turn, can affect the internet and browsing speed. We’re talking video editing software, virtual machines and other resource-sucking applications.
🛠️ The fix: If you’re on a Mac, check the Activity Monitor and turn off any CPU-sucking apps. On a PC, check Task Manager.
Streaming issues: Ah, the ol’ stop, start, stop, start. Streaming taxes your system’s bandwidth like almost nothing else.
🛠️ The fix: Make sure you aren’t streaming in more than one window. Reduce the video settings to lower resolution to free up some bandwidth. Still choppy? Consider downloading your movie or show instead.
I wish you speedy browsing! (P.S. While looking into your bandwidth issues, make sure you also know all the signs your phone or computer is infected with a virus or keylogger.)
Are you making this huge Wi-Fi mistake?
Entertaining guests? They’ll want access to your Wi-Fi, but it’s a pain to give out your login repeatedly. Get tech-smart. Post a QR code in your home that automatically signs in guests on your home network.
Now, if a hacker gets into your home network, they can access your personal information. Should you set your home Wi-Fi network to public or private? The answer might surprise you.
Signs your phone or computer is infected with a virus or keylogger
No matter your device, a hacker with enough gumption and know-how can break in.
Here are surefire ways to know if your system has been hacked and what you can do to fix or prevent it, brought to you by sponsor TotalAV. Your best defense against viruses, keyloggers and other malware? A solid security suite.
Bad Windows default settings you should change today
Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop, your devices come loaded with settings, apps and bloatware. They exist for many reasons: To give you a free tease of a paid program, to collect data or simply part of a deal with other companies.
Your TV is spying on you, but you can stop it
Fun fact: The first Compaq Portable computer shipped in 1983 and cost more than $8,400 in today’s dollars. Wow, times have changed.
Still, your computer is a significant investment, and you want it to perform well for years. Tap or click for my five-minute fix to speed up your PC.
Clicking on one of these texts allows devious malware to take over your phone
Text messages have not gone out of fashion. While platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram have exploded in use, 2.1 trillion text messages were still sent in 2020. Facebook Messenger is also a popular choice, and the company recently introduced end-to-end encryption.
Biggest mistakes you’re making with apps on your phone
A stealthy hacker can snatch all of your private information without leaving a trace. Like an investigator, they can root out your last name, address, job and even your Social Security number. Then, they milk you like a cash cow, selling that information to private buyers online.
Check your PC or Mac for a dangerous program that records your keystrokes
Criminals looking to rip you off never stop coming up with clever new ways to do it. Sometimes, their schemes run behind the scenes on your device and you may never know what’s going on.
One example comes in the form of malicious apps that are designed to run adware. Another sneaky way thieves can rip you off is through a keylogger, a program secretly installed on your device to record keystrokes.
Malicious new apps are stealing bank details - Here's what to look for
Screen recordings can be very useful when you want to explain something to a friend. A screenshot can also help you remember places, prices or contact details. But when malware records your screen without your knowledge, you are in trouble.
Have an older iPhone or Mac? Don't miss this security warning
Most Apple products are known for having tight security measures in place. It’s part of why people love Apple devices — the system security and safeguarding makes them hard to compromise.
That doesn’t mean Apple products are impenetrable, though. While we hear more about security problems with PCs and Androids, there are issues that pop up with Apple products, too. They don’t occur as often but they still happen. These 11 Apple security updates you should install right now are proof.
5 answers to common tech questions, revealed
A woman called her company’s tech support desk, and the technician asked for her password. She replied, “Snow White Cinderella Snoopy Dopey Pinocchio Harry Potter Ariel 5.” The technician said, “That’s a great long password.” The woman replied, “Thank you! I was told my password needs to have seven characters and one number.”
5 scams spreading online that can cost you thousands
We know that scams are rampant, but so many Americans still fall for them. Think you’re immune? Take Google’s scam spotter quiz and see if you can pass it.
You may have noticed that the number of robocalls slowed down when the pandemic hit. As call centers reopen around the world, robocalls are increasing. Tap or click here for proven ways to stop annoying robocalls for good.
How to tell if someone is snooping on your computer or tablet
Our devices hold our digital lives. And all those photos, videos, documents, messages, and emails contain some highly personal information.
That’s why locking down your tech the right way is essential. Have you ever wondered whether a PIN, fingerprint, or face ID is the safest way to lock your smartphone? I reveal the answer here on Komando.com.
Live with snoops or just want privacy? Tech smarts for your smartphone
Your phone is your constant coronavirus companion. It’s there for news, entertainment, work, and communication.
It’s more important now than ever to make sure your phone doesn’t have a digital virus. Tap or click here for the tell-tale signs your phone is infected with malware, a keylogger, or worse.
Frightening new ransomware attacking Macs
Mac users have plenty of reasons to feel confident in their computers. They’re sleek, fast and feature excellent hardware and software design. But above all else, Mac users love the peace of mind that comes with how malware-resistant these computers are.
Dangerous new malware installs keylogger to swipe your banking info
Data breaches and cyberattacks are so common these days that you may have been affected by one without ever knowing. According to reports, the average American had their data stolen at least four times during the past year, and that’s not only people with weak passwords or lackluster security settings.