Having trouble with the latest Windows 10 update? Maybe it’s so bad, you wish you’d never updated your PC in the first place. In this Komando DIY, we walk you through how to roll back your Windows version.
Don't buy these 10 obsolete products
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Have any old gadgets around? Your dusty phones, boomboxes and gaming consoles can be worth a fortune. Here’s a list of items to fatten your wallet.
“New” is a relative term when it comes to tech. One product can remain on the shelves for years while another is replaced annually. The impact this has on your buying decisions can vary. Purchasing last year’s toaster oven may mean missing out on the new air fryer, but it’s not the same as getting an older smart speaker.
Here’s why you should avoid buying specific outdated tech.
End of Life
When a product leaves the market, it’s known as End of Life or EOL. This could result from introducing a newer product, low sales, or other reasons. EOS is sometimes used interchangeably with EOS or End of Sale.
EOL does not necessarily mean the manufacturer will stop supporting the product, but this is inevitable as time goes on. Replacement parts will also become more difficult to find.
End of Service Life/Support
A product pulled from shelves can have support from the manufacturer as long as they’re willing to offer it. When that’s removed, it’s known as the End of Service Life (EOSL).
Support could come in many forms, from producing spare parts to software updates and patches. The latter is critical regarding tech, whether it’s a physical product or software.
Without updates, your phone, smart speakers, security cameras, operating systems, browsers and routers become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Developers are constantly working to stay ahead of hackers, and you should always have the latest updates to protect yourself.
As a general rule, connected devices and apps that haven’t had an update in 12 months can seriously compromise your privacy and personal information. Go through your tech at least twice a year and determine which ones might be outdated. Then, either update their software or get rid of them.
Here are 10 products to avoid. If you already have them, stop using them.
Tech security tip: How to remove malware from your phone or computer
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Anyone who regularly browses the internet needs antivirus software. Think of it as a life jacket. It’s there to keep you safe in case of an emergency.
And when malware strikes at your defenses, it’s code red. You’re afraid that you’ll lose everything, your emotions are high and you might not be in the right state of mind to find a good solution. That’s why preventative measures make a world of difference.
Windows 10 death date: Microsoft has announced you won’t get any updates or support for Windows 10 after Oct. 14, 2025. That’s plenty of time to save up for a new Mac … just sayin’.
What Windows 11 means for the world
Six years ago, Microsoft announced that the current version, Windows 10, would be the last. Today, even Microsoft executives are surprised that Windows 11 is on the way.
Microsoft’s very bad advice: Some 240 million active PCs are too old to update to Windows 11. After years of telling us otherwise, Microsoft now says you can go ahead and update your incompatible PC. The big disclaimer: Your computer might not get every security patch and update, so it’s not worth the risk.
Windows and Mac security settings to check now
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It’s never good to go too long without checking your security settings. Now and then, you should brush up on your protections. Whether you use a Mac or a PC, all devices are vulnerable to attacks.
On the bright side, there are tons of built-in features you can take advantage of for your safety. For example, Windows Defender can help protect your PC from lurking threats. However, many native protections might be a bit hard to find on your own.
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.
Update your PC: Windows’ latest Patch Tuesday fixes a whopping 142 flaws, including four zero-days (aka vulnerabilities hackers already know about). There are non-security updates, too: Windows 11 KB5040442 and Windows 10 KB5040427.
How often you should reboot your computer
There are few certainties in life: Death, taxes, and turning your computer off and on when there’s a problem. This advice is usually the first tip you get from friends, family, and tech support.
Rebooting your computer helps keep it running smoothly. It clears the memory, stopping any tasks that are eating up RAM. Even if you’ve closed an app, it could still tap your memory. A reboot can also fix peripheral and hardware issues.
Windows 10 has built-in ransomware protection
Most Windows 10 users don’t know there’s a way to protect their computer’s files against ransomware. It’s not a 100% guarantee, but it can work wonders in case of an emergency.
Review: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold
Welcome to the future, where video calls have become commonplace, drones are actually starting to make package deliveries and artificial intelligence has been weaved into just about every field imaginable.
Oh yeah, and screens have become foldable. Samsung has been releasing new bendable smartphones for a couple of years now, along with a few other manufacturers. LG has TV screens that unroll out of a box.
Need a computer? Kim's recommended laptops and desktops up to 45% off
Working on an outdated, slow computer makes life harder than it needs to be. And if that computer is your main machine for getting your job done, it can make you unproductive, too.
If you own a business or work from home, you need reliable tech that can get the job done. Thanks to our sponsor, Dell, now is the perfect time to upgrade.
Windows woes, NFT craze, Clubhouse copycat app
The latest Windows 10 update is a mess. Find out if it’s finally safe to download. Plus, the team dives deep into the NFT craze. Why are people ponying up millions for things they’ll never touch? Plus, there’s a copycat of the social media app Clubhouse floating around. Get the details on how to spot the fake.
Space internet, Mac malware, Windows 10 pro tip
SpaceX is poised to bring fast internet to the areas that need it most, and it just got faster. Malware is targeting new Macs, and Ben has a Windows 10 pro tip every PC user should know. Plus, the crew talks about the best ways to sell old tech — or which cupboard to stash it in if you can’t be bothered.
Kim's top 10 tech tips of 2020
Komando.com
Covid-19, murder hornets and a presidential election: There’s no doubt 2020 has been a year for the books. Luckily, we had some amazing tech to make our daily lives easier. Zoom, for example, helped us socialize and work, even when we were stuck at home.
A bug in Windows 10 means your passwords could disappear
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Software: Can’t live with it, can’t work without it. It sure would be nice if all computer programs worked the way they are supposed to every time we need them, but as you’re well aware, that’s not the case.
The reality is that bugs happen, and they happen often. Any Microsoft Windows user can tell you that much. A Windows patch that was released earlier this year fixed a whopping 113 bugs — and plenty of more updates have followed.
12 best tablets you can buy right now
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Digital entertainment is at an all-time high with so many people staying home right now. Luckily for those who want to take the plunge into the tablet world, there are more awesome options than ever.
Whether you want something for your kids to play and learn on, something for creative work or even a laptop substitute, there’s a tablet out there for you. Tap or click for 5 things you didn’t know your tablet could do.
7 pro tips to speed up your old computer
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There’s nothing better than getting more for your money — especially when it comes to tech. And with the rapid evolution of technology and marketing practices, it’s easy to believe newer is always better.
While many fall for this notion and shell out cash for the newest devices, some remain steadfast and invest a bit of time and effort, along with a few bucks (if needed), into their existing equipment. Got some antiquated gadgets? Tap or click to see what old tech in your house right now is worth big bucks.
20 ways to get more out of your Amazon account
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It’s impossible to deny Amazon has changed the way we shop and do business online. Since 2004, Amazon has grown from $6.92 billion in sales to more than $280 billion. On top of that, there are now an estimated 105 million Amazon Prime members.