Don’t download these apps — or any that look or sound like one of these examples.
Here’s what it looks like when a virus takes over your computer
A slow computer can turn you into a detective. You start investigating the clues, trying to find out what happened. You might even Google “How to tell if you have a virus” or “Warning signs your computer is infected.”
A Google search can easily send you down a rabbit hole, though. That’s why we took the time to write a helpful guide you can use to solve the mystery. There are a few obvious signs, like a parade of popups whenever you open your laptop.
But you should also know the more subtle signs of a virus. Not all infections are in your face — some lurk on your system for a while before taking over. Here are some surefire signs your computer is infected with a virus.
1. It’s hot to the touch
When you accidentally download malware, your computer’s internal components start working overtime to handle it. They’re not supposed to work that hard.
The fans are hustling to cool down the system, and eventually, they might wear out. Once they go kaput, your inner circuitry might even melt. Tap or click here to see how to keep your gadgets cool.
Speaking of which, watch out for strange sounds
Your computer may try to warn you that something is wrong. Although some types of malware can hide warning messages, they can’t overpower the sound itself. If it sounds like phantoms are moaning or bells are ringing, take that as a warning sign.
2. It keeps crashing
Desktop apps that previously worked wonders suddenly stopped working. It might be an issue with the developer, so check out official sources for news of any problems.
You might find out your software and hardware aren’t compatible, which may cause technical issues. If no other customers complain, the problem may lie within your system.
Tiny fixes for big annoyances
Sometimes, you just need to take a few deep breaths. Other times, you need a piece of plastic called the Bug Bite Thing.
- Magnetic shower curtain weights ($14) keep the plastic off your legs. The ones sewn into the bottom are never heavy enough!
- Suction the bug saliva out of your bites to stop the itch. Sounds fake, but it works and it’s only $10.
- A sturdy plastic scraper (11% off) for decal removal. Scrape off a sticker, use them to clean the counters, whatever.
- Peanut butter stirrer for when you buy the “naturally separated” stuff. Free option: Store the unopened jar upside down for a while.
- Tube squeezer for eeking out that last bit of toothpaste.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Get sound alerts from your phone: Your phone can alert you to noisy things like barking dogs, crying kids or broken glass. Don’t rely on it to tell you if the baby is crying or to keep your dog safe, but it’s a nice fallback.
- On iPhone: Go to Settings > Accessibility > toggle on Sound Recognition. Tap Sounds to customize.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Sound Notifications. Turn it on, then tap the cog icon to customize.
Sounds familiar: Scammers are after Google Voice accounts. If they trick you into giving up your multifactor authentication code, they can make calls that look like they’re coming from you. Never share this info. If you already have, go to Protect your verification code and disconnect your number.
1x a week
How often the National Security Agency says you should reboot your phone. Sounds like a no-brainer, but it works to combat zero-click exploits. Zero-click flaws mean a hacker can get in simply by sending you the right code. Avoiding that is def worth a weekly restart.
The secret behind 'Top Gun' winning an Oscar for sound
The sound designer for the movie “Top Gun, Maverick” unveils the clever techniques used to make an imaginary aircraft, the Dark Star, sound convincingly lifelike without venturing into sci-fi territory. With a masterful blend of familiar sounds, precise cuts and a touch of auditory wizardry, they breathe life into exhilarating flights.
Bright idea
A ton of you asked me to share more lights since you loved my flashlight pick the other day. I did the work to find you the best ones.
- Still need a flashlight? This one is bright, lightweight and will last forever.
- Love a tiny flashlight for my bag and the car, too. Grab a two-pack for 20% off now.
- Sounds nutty, but a toilet night light is sweet. Get two for under $12. Nice, no more stumbling around in the dark!
- Love a salt lamp. Health claims aside, they look pretty and they’re calming.
- Content Queen Allie swapped all her boring bulbs for these smart LED lights (23% off!) that can be any color and work on a schedule.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Good vibrations: It’s so much easier in Android 15 to adjust your keyboard vibrations. Before, you had to dig into the settings for each app. Now, go to Settings > Sound and vibration > Vibration and haptics. Use the sliders to adjust the buzzing to your liking, all in one place.
57% of Gen Z
Want to be an influencer. Sounds like a dream, but the reality isn’t so pretty. Most influencers barely make enough to scrape by, and even the ones making bank work like crazy.
🥹 I teared up: After losing her voice to a rare neurological disorder, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton used AI to get it back. ElevenLabs created a text-to-speech model from her past voice recordings that sounds just like her! She used it to advocate for others with disabilities in the first AI voiced-cloned speech on the House floor. Watch this truly amazing vid.
Smart idea: Android 15 is going to include Desktop mode. In this demo video, you can see multiple apps running side by side with some clunky window snapping (hey, it’s in beta). Sounds snazzy, and Apple will probably copy it within five years.
Goodnight, moon: Have an Echo? Alexa can help you drift off to sleep. Say something like, “Alexa, play rain sounds” (or whatever your favorite soothing sounds are, whether it’s waves or ambient noise), then say, “Alexa, set a sleep timer for one hour.” That way, the audio will shut off once you’re asleep.
🚨 Do it right now: The National Security Agency (NSA) has a hot security tip: Power off and restart your phone weekly. Sounds like a “duh,” but it works to combat zero-click exploits and spear phishing. More tips (that I’ve been giving you for years): Keep your OS updated, and disable Bluetooth and location services when you don’t need ‘em.
$6,000 per ticket
To fly BarkAir. The dog-first airline sounds like a joke, but it’s totally real. It’s a private charter where you and your best friend are treated like royalty. Routes are super limited, but you can request one if you and the pup need a getaway. Hmm … How do I get them to sponsor Abby and me?
40% quieter
A new leaf blower invented by college students. Engineering brainiacs at Johns Hopkins University designed an electric leaf blower that cuts the noise levels nearly in half and practically erases the most obnoxious whirring sounds most leaf blowers emit. Black & Decker will start selling them in the next two years!
80% accuracy
How well a new brain implant can “decode” your inner monologue (aka read your thoughts). Sounds creepy, but for people who lose their ability to speak, it’s a huge step towards helping them communicate.
A photographer snapped a pic of an incredibly rare blue rock-thrush bird in Oregon. These little guys, native to Europe and Asia, have never been recorded in North America. The birding community is chirping, with experts collaborating to verify it all. How’d the bird get here? Theories range from strong winds to hitching a ride on a ship. Isn’t that amazing?!
Pump it up down: Your iPhone’s speaker goes a lot louder than what’s good for your ears. From Settings, pick Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety > Reduce Loud Audio. This one’s good to adjust for the kids, too.
27.9% of fingerprints
Chinese and U.S. researchers can recreate more than one-fourth of fingerprint biometric scans by sound alone. No kidding, your fingerprints make sounds when you swipe your touchscreens.