Protect your files! Signs your hard drive is on its last legs and what to do about it
You’re cruising along when, suddenly, your computer starts misbehaving. Webpages are lagging, programs are slow to open, and then (uh oh), the blue screen of death or a spinning wheel.
It could be any number of things, but there’s a chance your trusty hard drive is giving out. “Kim! My files!” Yes, I know that’s what’s on your mind. But stay calm. There are ways to make sure your data remains safe and sound.
Before anything goes wrong
Protection begins with prevention, long before those data alarms can ring.
Regular backups: Imagine never worrying about losing important pictures, videos, work documents and everything else on your computer. Spoiler: You don’t have to stress if you do regular backups. You can do this to an external drive, but cloud backups are easier. Oh, and if you don’t want to think about it, you can always set up automated backups. I recommend IDrive. Use my name and get 90% off the first year.
Scan and repair disk errors: Your computer has built-in ways to make sure nothing is going wrong behind the scenes. Disk Utility for Mac and CHKDSK for Windows can help scan and repair potential disk errors.
Check for updates: Regular system updates bring performance fixes and security enhancements that can save your data. Stop hitting “Remind me later.”
Antivirus and antimalware software: The days of getting by without software to protect your machine are over. Make it a habit to run routine system scans. My pick is TotalAV.
Surge protection: Electrical spikes can wreak havoc on hardware. Investing in a surge protector or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) shields you from that. Your data will thank you later!
Signs that should make you nervous
The early signs of data loss are subtle. Be on the lookout for these warnings.
Unusual sounds: A strange clicking or grinding sound could be a sign something’s amiss, like the read/write heads scraping the hard disk platters. (Only the nerds know what that means.) If you have an SSD, you don’t hear anything, though.
6 signs your phone is on its last legs
There are two kinds of people: Those who upgrade to new devices anytime something shiny catches their eye and those who wait until their beloved gadgets finally bite the dust before upgrading.
When it comes to phones, there are warning signs yours is on the way out. My recommendation: Save your money and wait till you can say “Yes” to most of the tells on this list before buying a new one.
5 signs of a hacked webcam
You look at your PC or Mac and notice the webcam light is on. But wait, you haven’t even opened your camera.
Hackers or even some creepy admins in a chat room can remotely take over webcams. Terrifying.
7 annoying Android problems and how to fix them
You love your Android smartphone, right? There’s a lot to like. The operating system is fast, flexible and usually safe. It’s also highly customizable when compared to iOS.
Of course, no device is perfect, and Android has a few annoying features. We have solutions to fix these annoyances. Note: Several manufacturers make Android smartphones. So the steps you use to fix these problems may vary from the ones below.
You can get the latest iPhone updates early if you take this simple step
Apple’s Craig Federighi recently rocked our worlds with one insight into automatic iPhone updates that we find fascinating. If you’ve ever wondered why it takes so long for your iPhone to update itself, you’ll want to check this out. Your iPhone’s security may be hanging in the balance.
Free up space on your Android by updating a single app
No matter the size of your Android phone’s internal storage capacity, ensuring enough space can be complicated. As applications and mobile games grow, so too does their size. Tap or click for eight simple tips to speed up and clean out your Android phone.
Check this list before you buy a Chromebook
There are plenty of laptop models to choose from, so deciding which one is right for you can be challenging. But if you prefer a system that requires minimal maintenance and gets automatic updates, you should consider a Chromebook.
What will Apple announce for iOS 17 in June?
You know it’s a big deal when Apple rushes out one update after another. The latest iOS 16.4.1 patch addresses zero-day flaws and other security concerns. Here’s what you need to know and how to get the update.
If we go by the release dates of Apple’s mobile operating system going back to iOS 6, we should see the next one this September. And as is usual, Apple will announce what’s coming at its annual Developers Conference in June.
Get Temu, the popular shopping app, off your phone now
Seemingly overnight, everyone’s talking about Temu, an online shopping app full of deals that seem too good to be true. You’ll find $17 wireless earbuds, $1 “gold” necklaces and $23 wedding dresses.
No wonder Temu is the most popular shopping app in the U.S., behind only Amazon. But most of us know little about the app’s origins. Like these apps, it’s tied to China.
iPhone trick: How to copy and paste text and images from your photos
Safety is a selling point of Apple’s latest offering. The iPhone 14 has improved car crash detection and even emergency SOS via satellite. Tap or click here for instructions on sending an emergency text when you have no signal. It could save your life.
Check this list - Phones vulnerable to a new no-click hack
Researchers recently discovered that certain mobile phones suffer from a severe flaw where no user interaction is required to be hacked. These are called no-click hacks, and often the criminal only needs to know the target’s phone number.
Opt-Out Tuesday: How to see what Microsoft knows about you and shut down tracking
Thanks to people search sites, your information is all over the internet whether you’ve ever accessed the site or not. Tap or click here to remove yourself from these invasive data collectors.
There are a few apps and services that don’t require you to sign in or create an account. But the more you use your details on various sites, the more information that company gathers on you. Eventually, these companies compile the data into a neat bundle and use it to serve you personalized advertising.
Security tip: Check what devices have access to your Google account
How many connected devices do you have at home? You may need a minute to think about it. And it’s not just yours you have to count. Ever given a friend Wi-Fi access? This slows down your connection and compromises your security. Here’s how to find and remove unwanted devices from your network.
Patch your Windows PC now to fix 3 zero-day exploits
Keeping your operating system updated is a great way to fend off cybercriminals. Many Widows updates contain patches that fix vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. The latest Windows update is no different, as it fixes three dangerous zero-day flaws.
How to limit ad tracking on Android
Tracking on mobile phones will always be a controversial topic. As much as some people detest being served relevant and localized ads, companies have been using ad tracking for years to understand consumers’ habits better.
PC acting up after the latest update? Try this
The latest update from Microsoft fixes 14 issues in Windows 10, but it’s not going smoothly for some.
There is always a chance that something can go wrong during an operating system’s update, and the last patch is creating havoc for some users. It’s not as severe as past update consequences, but it can still hamper productivity.
Update your PC! Microsoft releases 14 patches for Windows 10
Not all software updates are bad news. Sometimes, it’s just a bit of maintenance that enhances your experience.
That’s the case with the latest Windows 10 update from Microsoft. Even though the update is optional, you should still install it as it corrects 14 issues. There are no security updates in this patch.
Here's what Apple knows about you (and how to stop more data collection)
It shouldn’t be surprising that online services such as Facebook and Instagram know a lot about you. After all, it is their business model to know exactly where you go, what you do and what you enjoy. Use Apple, Google, Facebook or Twitter? Here’s how to find out what they know about you.
How to know if hackers are in your phone
The iPhone has a reputation for being secure. Apple has a closed operating system (as opposed to Android’s open-source) and more closely monitors and vets apps in the App Store. And with just one phone model, the iPhone, Apple can more easily push out updates and pressure its users to download them.
Do this before installing any program on your computer
Your PC is running things in the background without you knowing it, and Windows is the main culprit. While some quiet tasks are necessary to keep things going, others can be switched off. The result is a faster, smoother experience. Tap or click here for five processes you can end right now.