Be my guest

March 19, 2024

Be my guest: Check if your router offers a guest mode. If it does, turn it on. This means visitors can get online but can’t start messing with your smart lights or using your printer — that’s getting too comfortable. And if you’re the one on a guest network or public Wi-Fi, always use a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN. Use this link to get three free months.

Tags: ExpressVPN, Guest Mode, guest network, network, printer, public Wi-Fi, router, smart lights, Wi-Fi

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How to find and remove unwanted devices connected to your network

If you use wireless internet at home, you probably have several devices connected to your network. It’s so easy to keep piling on additional devices, too. Your new laptop, another video game console, a tablet or even your friend’s phone.

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Scummy data brokers caught selling military secrets — and your data, too

Data brokers are the companies that make billions of dollars gathering up, then selling or sharing our data. It’s used for everything from targeted ads (that’s how they knew you drive a Subaru) to spam (and why you get so many bogus phone calls).

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Microsoft is nudging Windows 11 and 10 users to switch their Chrome browser’s default search to Bing. The tactic? A sneaky pop-up ad offering free access to ChatGPT-4 if you switch. Click “Yes” and Microsoft automatically changes your search settings to Bing.

‘Hey, have you landed yet?’

Don’t wait for them to call or text. There are better ways, friend!

My favorite option is FlightAware. Type in the flight number and you’ll see where that plane is in the sky. You’re not limited to tracking their flight; you can even see if rain might delay them with the weather radar overlay. Try it on the web or your phone.
Flightradar24 is fun. Open your camera and point it at any airplane. You’ll see its flight number, departure point and destination. It’s powered by ADS-B receivers and can get signals from the aircraft. Download it here.
For the basics, Google Flights gets the job done. Search for a flight number on Google and a box with details like arrival time and gate info will pop up.

Tech tip: Break up with your browser

It’s not you, Explorer. It’s me. Just kidding, it’s definitely you. If your relationship with your current browser is getting stale, you can get a fresh window on the web without losing all of your data.

It’s easier than you’d think to pack up your bookmarks, saved passwords and favorite websites — hint, hint — and move on. You can count on me, your tech-relationship guru, for advice on switching when you’re ready to see other browsers.

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AI showdown: I put 3 chatbots to the test

As I scour 35 to 40 websites a day to make sure I’m up to speed on the tech world, I’m seeing a common theme: drama. There’s a lot of it in the AI world right now, and unsurprisingly, it’s mainly humans causing the buzz. While everyone from Elon Musk to The New York Times is busy suing OpenAI, I’m just focused on whether these AI chatbots actually work.

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10 surprising side hustles to make some extra cash

“Kim, how can I make money from home?” I’ve been getting this one for years and years. And guess what? Between new apps and the rise of the gig economy, it’s never been easier to make an extra buck.

Entrepreneur (paywall link) gathered some weird and wonderful side hustles, plus real examples of regular folks who make a pretty penny. Don’t worry, no Uber on this list — but I did include an option for those who love to drive.

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Free filing: The IRS is testing a free tax filing tool called Direct File in 12 states. Finally! Of course, there’s a catch: It’s only for folks in certain areas with specific incomes. Want in? Check here to see if you’re eligible.

SSN sharks: The FTC says Americans lost over $126 million to Social Security scams last year. Reminder: The real SSA won’t slide into your DMs, rush you or threaten to suspend your SSN. Stay sharp, folks.

Airlines collect a lot more data than you realize

The future of flight is here and it’s not jetpacks — it’s in-air surveillance. If you thought the most invasive thing that could happen on a plane was the person in front of you reclining, I have some bad news, friend.

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