Plus, got a spy in your backseat? I list the top spots for hidden cams in your car. ChatGPT had it’s bias exposed, Allie’s got a neat trick on how to restart your phone with just your voice. And jumpstart your reselling business online with our pro guide. Get a headstart at Komando.com/makemoney.
Tech myths you need to stop believing: Private browsing, magnets and computers, bars = service
When it comes to tech myths, I’ve heard ‘em all. That’s why I’m here — to help you keep a handle on what’s real and what’s not. For each of the myths below, I’ve got a step you can take to stay safe or a tech rule of thumb to live by.
Myth: Private browsing is totally private.
Fact: ISPs, advertisers and websites can still spot you. After all, the term “incognito” is rooted in the Latin incognitus, meaning “unknown.” Always log out from sensitive accounts and consider using a VPN for an extra layer of privacy.
Myth: The more megapixels, the better the camera.
Fact: Pixels are just part of the picture; today’s magazine cover photos are often shot with cameras under 20 megapixels! The pros know the software you use is just as important. Oh, and don’t shoot in RAW unless you need to; the files take up so much room.
Myth: Macs are the Fort Knox of computers.
Fact: They’re secure but not invincible. Macs get malware, too. Regularly update your software, and don’t skip those security patches.
Myth: Deleting files means they’re gone forever.
Fact: With the right tools, files can resurface like digital zombies. Your PC’s Recycle Bin? It’s more like a temporary holding zone. Use file-shredding software for sensitive documents to ensure they’re truly deleted.
Myth: Charging phones overnight kills the battery.
Fact: Modern phones are smarter than you think. Lithium-ion batteries, like those found in most smartphones, have built-in circuits to prevent overcharging. Use manufacturer-approved chargers to ensure safe and efficient charging.
Myth: Using a magnet near your computer could result in your PC’s instant death.
It’s summer! Protect your tech from the heat
Tech is expensive, and there are endless ways to ruin yours. Scan this list of five ways you might be destroying your phone, laptop, tablet and TV.
While we’re talking money, I put together a list of tech freebies you can grab right now.
💤 Give your tech a breather: A restart ends background processes, clears the cache and RAM, and speeds up things. After you read this newsletter, turn your phone off and back on. Do the same with your computer for extra credit!
ChatGPT's bias exposed, creeper cams in the men's room & CEO's sham medical implants
Plus, got a spy in your backseat? I list the top spots for hidden cams in your car. Dust off the record player – Matt shares why vinyl outsold CDs for 1st time in 36 years. Allie’s got a neat trick on how to restart your phone with just your voice. And jumpstart your reselling business online with our pro guide. Get a headstart here komando.com/makemoney.
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.
Tech fix: What to do when you can't download apps to your Android phone
Unfortunately, there are times when the apps you want to add to your Android won’t download. You may try and try but end up staring at the screen, waiting endlessly for the app to load on your device.
Complicating the issue is there are tons of reasons apps won’t download. Here are some steps to troubleshoot the problem and download apps again on your Android.
Annoying Amazon Echo and Alexa settings to change now
Amazon’s Echo speakers, and the Alexa assistant, are incredibly useful and pretty darn invasive. On the practical side, it can even function as a security alarm with a device you already own.
But creepy? Absolutely. I once found a voice recording of a conversation my Echo caught when I knew for sure I didn’t ask Alexa to listen in. It just thought it heard the wake word. Check out this massive list of terms that can trigger your smart assistants.
Simple mistake making your computer slower and less safe
Your privacy is at risk whenever you go online or use a connected device. This isn’t to say you should throw away all your tech and live in a cave, but there are ways to minimize exposure.
Let’s start with your choice of browser. This has a significant impact on your online experience. Many browsers share popular features like dark mode, but you’ll find more significant distinctions when it comes to privacy. Tap or click here for the best privacy-focused browsers.
5 ways to increase your PC's download speed
You may have a poor internet connection if downloads take forever to reach 100%. Outages or poorly-constructed websites could also be to blame. Whatever the cause is, try these tricks to increase the download speed on your PC.
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.
3 simple ways to make your Wi-Fi faster and more stable
Game time. Work time. Chill time. All rely on lightning-fast Wi-Fi. Little is more frustrating than slow internet.
Many things can cause your connection to falter from unauthorized users to a poorly-placed router and even an outdated modem. What’s the best way to get faster internet? We can help.
PC patch alert! Update your Windows computer now
Patch Tuesday is still a couple of weeks away, but Microsoft has released an optional update for its Windows 11 operating system. The November optional KB5020044 cumulative update includes 25 bug fixes and enhancements.
Can't access Outlook? Here's the fix until Microsoft patches it
Google’s Gmail is one of the most popular email services in the world. But the tech giant is known for tracking your every move. If you want more privacy, there are options. Tap or click here for details on a Gmail alternative focused on privacy.
Review: Will this smart grilling hub boost your backyard barbecue skills?
Speaking from experience, it’s not always easy to grill backyard barbecue favorites like burgers and steaks to the perfect temperature, inside and out, every single time. Variables include what type of grill (gas, charcoal) you’re using, fine-tuning the heat and other factors.
How to use Safe Mode to diagnose problems on your Windows PC
Are you having trouble surfing the internet? It could be a simple issue with your web browser. Tap or click here for five ways to speed it up.
The problem could be deeper, though. There might be something wrong with your Windows PC. If you’re experiencing poor performance or crashing apps, pay attention. There’s a real problem behind every surface-level symptom.
Update Chrome now to patch another zero-day flaw being used in attacks
Updates to software and operating systems aren’t anything new, often released with varying degrees of severity. But when an update rolls out to correct a single zero-day exploit, you know it’s serious.
While details are a bit sparse, Google quickly made an update available to fix another recently discovered vulnerability in its Chrome browser. This comes just over two weeks since Google’s last update patched 27 other Chrome issues.
Tech 101: What to do when your computer freezes
Pop quiz: How often do you need to restart your computer for best performance?
Here’s a hint. If you only do it when your machine crashes or needs to update, that’s not enough. Tap or click for my recommendation for keeping your computer happy.
True or false: It's OK to restart your computer by holding down the power button
This used to be a pretty big no-no, but it’s fine now. You can even customize your power button, which lets you choose what happens when you hit it on a PC. (Speaking of which, here are seven ways to customize your Windows computer.)
Why does rebooting your computer almost always fix it?
People and computers can be very similar in some ways. After a long day, energy runs low and completing certain tasks become more difficult.
Sometimes the best thing to do is shut down and rest. Computers are the same way. When a computer is in use, applications are starting and shutting down all the time. After a while, it can really overload your computer’s memory.