Humans use clothes for protection from the elements, to show off wealth or status or generally just to express themselves. But, what if your clothes were able to do more? Scientists are working to develop a fabric that will be able to hear your heartbeat. What will this mean for future people’s health and wellness? It may just blow your mind.
True or false: Macs are immune to malware and viruses
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There is a common misconception that Apple’s Mac computers can’t get viruses or malware. The belief is that only Windows-based systems suffer from malicious code and nasty bugs.
There is no consensus on where the claim originated. But it might have been Apple itself. Until 2012, Apple’s marketing for its Mac computers included the line that “a Mac isn’t susceptible to the thousands of viruses plaguing Windows-based computers.”
Possibly being called out on it, Apple removed the line in 2012 and the claim that Mac “doesn’t get PC viruses” from all marketing material and the Mac website. An Apple executive now believes the Mac has a huge malware problem. Keep reading for the truth behind Apple and viruses.
This tip is brought to you by our sponsor, TotalAV, Kim’s pick for total online protection. More on that later.
Here’s the backstory
Since changing the marketing details for Apple’s best-selling personal computer, the company has publicly faced its malware reality. The truth to the claim is a bit twisted: Macs can get viruses, but it’s very uncommon for them to do so.
Apple executive Craig Federighi was recently asked why macOS supports different online stores for video games, but iOS doesn’t. His answer? Apple’s “dramatically higher bar” for personal safety, which macOS isn’t meeting.
“Today, we have a level of malware on Macs that we don’t find acceptable,” he told Judge Yvonne Gonzalez. Federighi testified in the ongoing Apple versus Epic Games lawsuit.
So, what’s the deal?
In short, it’s an economy of scale. Malware isn’t universally developed for all platforms but created for a specific operating system and a particular flaw. A flaw in a Windows program doesn’t mean there is a flaw in the macOS or Linux version.
Putting it into perspective, a hacker targeting a vulnerability in Windows can potentially attack 1.3 billion devices. Targeting macOS, the hacker can only reach 110 million. It is far more economical for a hacker to go after Windows than macOS.
But the long-believed theory that Apple devices are immune from viruses isn’t true. That’s why you need to protect your machine no matter which OS you use. For complete protection, we recommend our sponsor, TotalAV.
Budgeting tip: An easy way to slash your monthly charges
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Your dollars don’t go as far these days. Sure, things are more expensive, but “buy now” buttons and shiny new services add up much faster than we’d like to believe. It’s no surprise that subscription-based business models are so popular.
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.
6 apps that could make a difference during an emergency
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Have you ever been stuck in the middle of an actual emergency? Tap or click here for 18 must-have items that help you survive any crisis.
Not every calamity takes place at home. You never know when you’ll be facing something dire with only your smartphone in hand.
Did you pay for a 'free' TurboTax filing? You may be entitled to part of this $141M settlement
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Tax season is over, but it’ll be back again. And again. It’s never too early to start preparing. While you don’t need to hunker down just yet, it can’t hurt to start making a list of deductions for next year’s filing.
Pro tip: How to speed up your Windows network connection
When you shell out mountains of cash for your network connection, you hope it will be fast enough for your needs. Unfortunately, high costs don’t always mean high quality. To make matters worse, searching the web for ways to speed up your Windows network connection churns out an endless mountain of potential fixes.
Is your small business struggling to hire? Try this
If you’re having trouble finding new people to join your team, you’re not alone. When looking to reel in new talent, you need to make the first point of contact tantalizing to potential employees.
We’re talking about the job posting. It’s your one chance to make an excellent first impression. Sure, it’s tough to write the perfect job description, but the results are well worth the effort. Your work here can make or break a potential employee’s willingness to join your company.
Looking for a job? 4 ways to create a winning resume that will get past bots
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Some believe first impressions are everything. It’s especially true when you’re looking for a new job or thinking about changing career paths — which is why it’s vital to have a resume that stands out from all of the other applicants. Tap or click here for over 100 free resume templates to help you create a killer resume.
8 signs that your computer has been hacked
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If your device is connected to the internet, it’s vulnerable to hacks. It’s as simple as that. Cybercriminals are always coming up with new tricks to get into your gadgets and you should be aware of that.
Fortunately, there are usually signs that your device has been compromised. When it comes to smartphones, this can include spikes in data usage, battery drainage and changes to your home screen, among other indicators. Tap or click here for information on diagnosing and solving phone hacks.
When to hire an employee vs. a contractor
So you need new talent to lighten the workload, but you aren’t sure about how much you should commit. If you’re wondering if you should hire an employee or an independent contractor, you’ve come to the right place. First, you need to break down exactly what you need and what you can afford.
Be careful how you answer that cryptocurrency question on your tax return
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Filing your federal taxes can be a relatively complex endeavor. Thankfully you don’t have to verify your identity through a third party anymore, but other pitfalls can make it difficult.
One such issue can arise from cryptocurrency, and depending on how you used it over the last year, you could find yourself in trouble with the IRS. The various digital currencies have exploded in popularity, and the IRS wants to know if you’ve been trading them.
Crypto tip: Top 5 cryptocurrencies for beginners
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Cryptocurrency has been around for more than a decade, starting with the release of the first decentralized blockchain-based digital currency in 2009. Cryptocurrency runs on distributed public ledgers called blockchains and does not rely on a central banking system.
Want to make some extra cash? 15 best-paying side jobs for seniors
Retirement can be a ton of fun. After decades of grinding out long hours, you can finally sit back, kick your feet up and relax. Often, though, people can get tired of the unstructured days and the lack of cash.
In cases like these, many seniors will dip their toes into the working world. After all, the right job can teach you new skills and even fulfill you. Plus, it can bring in some much-needed money.
Don't be fooled! Criminals are using these tricks to get malware apps on your iPhone
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Before some iOS apps are made available on the App Store, they often go through public beta testing. Therefore, you would need a unique app, called TestFlight, to access the early versions of an application. Tap or click here to see how Apple made it easy to report App Store scams.
Giving up Kaspersky? Get a year of Kim's antivirus pick for only $19
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With tensions mounting across the world during the Russia-Ukraine War, cybersecurity experts warn not to use Russian-owned Kasperksy antivirus protection. Here’s why.
A question I get time and time again is, “What’s your antivirus recommendation?” Whether you’ve never used antivirus, stopped years ago, or want to get rid of Kaspersky, I can help.
Crypto tip: Simple mistake costs man $120K – Don't let it happen to you
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You’ve probably heard of cryptocurrency, the digital medium of exchange that has become a darling of social media influencers. You don’t need to be a crypto investor to know that there’s no such thing as easy money and that crypto, in particular, is an especially risky investment.
Is your ISP throttling your internet speeds? Here's a fast test to find out
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Does it ever feel like your internet is running slower than usual? Of course, it does. It’s happened to all of us at some point.
Web pages seem sluggish, while downloads and uploads seem to take forever. It’s very frustrating — especially when you’re paying for high-speed internet. Many potential issues are causing the slowdown, including problems with your device, browser or even a website you’re trying to visit.
Smart trick to get all the perks of an Echo Show for less money
Amazon
Everyone loves their Amazon Echo Show. Regardless of generation, you can access all your smart gadgets, listen to your favorite podcasts and music, get the local weather forecast and use tons of Alexa-friendly apps.
Own a business? 3 places to run ads
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Digital marketing makes advertising your business more accessible than ever. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy, especially if you’re diving into online advertising for the first time.
Along with where to advertise, you have to put a ton of thought into who your primary audience is and what ad types you want to use. You’ll also have to consider analytic capabilities, targeting strategies and — of course — the dreaded budget. It’s time to dust off your spreadsheets and get ready to look over every number.