Signs your phone or computer is infected with a virus or keylogger

No matter your device, a hacker with enough gumption and know-how can break in.

Here are surefire ways to know if your system has been hacked and what you can do to fix or prevent it, brought to you by sponsor TotalAV. Your best defense against viruses, keyloggers and other malware? A solid security suite.

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Worried your system has been compromised? Look for these warning signs.

1. Slowed to a crawl and too hot to be bothered

Malware tends to eat up a lot of system resources. After all, it’s an extra piece of unwanted software that intentionally runs your system dry. Programs on your computer can get sluggish or lag; by the time you finally notice, it may already be too late.

If your computer is working overtime to handle the unwanted software, that can cause it to heat up. This can be dangerous for the health of your tech.

Internal components can melt or become damaged when a device gets too hot. Excessive heat also wears out the mechanical parts of your device, such as its fans. A device that runs cool will last for much longer. Tap or click here to see how to keep your gadgets cool.

Here are some handy tools to pinpoint malicious applications on your computer. If your desktop or laptop is running hot and a program you don’t recognize is hogging your system resources, there’s a good chance it is malware.

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How to clear your browser cache in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari and Brave

Not sure how to clear the cache and cookies in your web browser? Use this easy, step-by-step guide. We’ll show you how to clear the cache on any browser, from Firefox to Brave.

To be clear, these tips are for your computer. If you want to clear your smartphone browser’s cache, we’ve got another article that can help. Tap or click to delete all the annoying tracking cookies from your phone.

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Should kids be wearing shoes less often?

If you have ever had foot pain, you know how debilitating it can be. What if the reason for that pain was due to wearing shoes too often? One study suggests that kids especially should be wearing shoes less frequently. But why?

Best and worst jobs for 2023 if you want to work from home

When was the last time you checked your basement, attic or storage unit? Some of the stuff collecting dust in there could be worth big bucks. Here are some big-ticket items that recently sold online.

There are many ways to make money from home, especially with the boom in remote work that started during the onset of the pandemic. Here are the jobs you should keep an eye on.

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Best free home inventory apps to rule the roost in style

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of fire alarms blaring. You quickly realize your home is on fire and rush your family out of the house safely. Then you realize you never took inventory of your belongings.

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How to tell if a video is made by AI

Look for unnatural body language and strange shadows, blurs or light flickers. And listen closely for choppy sentences or weird word inflection.

How much is this 1999 Pokémon card collection worth?

In the ’90s, the craze of Pokémon swept over the country. Kids everywhere were playing video games, collecting plushies and, most importantly, they were stocking up on Pokémon cards. Today these cards can be worth a pretty penny. But how much does one “Antiques Roadshow” appraiser think an entire collection is really worth?

You won't believe how prolific AI art can be

Artwork created by artificial intelligence (AI) has taken off over the last year. It can generate virtually any image you can think of. But it doesn’t always match exactly what they were picturing when artists make a request. One artist took it upon himself to change that by using his artistic skills to work with AI and create some incredibly stunning images.

Simple trick to spot fake reviews on Amazon

Plus, misdial 911? Hold the phone – I’ll explain why it’s costly to hang up. Allie has ways to stake your claim in Facebook’s $725 million settlement, and don’t miss Matt’s ridiculous story about a naked Instagram cat. And there’s also a hilarious joke!

Will AI eventually replace greenscreens?

People have been using greenscreen technology for a long time. Meteorologists use it to explain the weather, movie directors use it to create incredible scenes, and online influencers use it to make fun videos. But now that artificial intelligence is becoming more advanced, some wonder if greenscreens will become obsolete.

Warren Buffett’s take on AI, upload dead people to a computer & our guide to earning $ online

Plus, it’s garden season! I’ve got the best smart sprinklers to keep your lawn green. But that’s not all – Matt’s got a genius email trick to track down data-selling companies. And if you’re sharing a web doc, don’t miss Allie’s tip to avoid embarrassing edits. Also, I tell the tale of an unbelievable Jeep underwater rescue. And can you believe “The Simpsons” predict the future? Matt shares some bone-chilling moments that prove they might.

From Fiverr to Reedsy: How This Freelancer Ghostwrites for $15,000 a Month | The Kim Komando Show

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Why AI doesn't speak every language

When you ask ChatGPT a question, it’s good at quickly returning a valid answer. But what if you speak a language that isn’t as common as English, Spanish, Chinese or French? Well, the AI model doesn’t have quite the same abilities. So why is this, and how will it improve in the future?

Small biz or side hustle tip: Manage appointments and rentals with these tips and tech tools

Running multiple small businesses can be overwhelming. You have to juggle scheduling, accounting and countless other duties. Talk about stressful.

Luckily, you can streamline your operations with a small business scheduling app like Google Calendar, Calendly or Acuity Scheduling.

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Woman finds love with an AI husband

In this episode of The Kim Komando Show, Kim interviews Rosanna Ramos, a Bronx mother of two who describes the chatbot she built using Replika AI. Ramos explains why her relationship with the chatbot, Eren, is more fulfilling than her past relationships.

How much could you make from the old vinyls in your closet?

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.

Worth it? This router has a built-in VPN

Protect your internet-connected devices at home, such as an Amazon Echo or a smart thermostat, with a VPN router to prevent hackers from causing chaos.

A VPN-enabled router encrypts data on your network, adding an extra layer of security and privacy for all connected devices. Watch out for these five signs indicating your current router may not keep you safe.

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It's tax time: 4 free and paid software options to file your return online

The deadline for filing federal tax returns for the 2022 tax year is Tuesday, April 18. You don’t have to wait until the deadline, however. You can start filing today.

Are you planning to file electronically? You have a few options, including IRS Free File or Fillable Forms, tax prep sites and commercial software. You can scan important documents into a digital format using your phone or tablet. Tap or click here for more tax filing tips.

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Unnecessary programs to delete off your Windows PC

Plus, how many hours does Elon Musk work a week? Spoiler – it’s a lot. Allie’s got a trick to stop doom scrolling. And a shocking grandparent scam spreading. Plus, stick around for a moon TikTok trend and a heartwarming listener story about an Emu named Onion, written by ChatGPT.

Take better Android phone photos with these phone lens attachments

Cell phones rival expensive cameras more and more every day. If you know how to use them properly, that is. Beyond using pro mode on your phone, you can attach a lens over your camera to take stunning photographs with more depth and clarity. These inexpensive lens attachments don’t do all the work on their own. When you pair them with the proper phone camera settings and angles, nobody will believe you took these photos on your phone.

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