Encryption algorithms are used for security purposes in many facets of today’s world. We can use them to keep our messages private, send photos we want to keep discrete and hide our location. But did you know the FBI has its own encryption system that is virtually uncrackable? This complicated algorithm uses a unique system that no one has ever broken.
5 ways tech can make your Thanksgiving easier and more fun
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The holiday season is here and you’re sending out family photos that include your pet. So is everyone else. Want to command the best real estate on your recipients’ refrigerators? Tap or click here for creative ways to include your pet in this year’s holiday cards.
But wait, Turkey Day comes first. Here are a few last-minute items to make the day run smoother.
A better way to carve the turkey
An electric carving knife doesn’t sound very modern, but it sure can make turkey carving much easier. This model from Black+Decker features stainless steel blades, an ergonomic handle, and a safety lock button that prevents the knife from turning on while it’s plugged in.
The serrated blades saw rapidly and evenly through meat, cheese and bread. Plus, they are easily removed at the press of a button and you can toss them in the dishwasher.
This is the ultimate in basic Thanksgiving technology.
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RELATED: Want to keep your surprise gifts a surprise? Tap or click here for tips on hiding your purchases.
And make sure you don’t overcook the bird
There’s a fine line between a perfectly cooked turkey and one that’s overdone. This wireless meat thermometer will help spare you the embarrassment of a tough, dry bird.
You’ll need to download the Govee Home App and pair your phone with the thermometer via Bluetooth. When you’re ready, simply insert the probes into your turkey and place it in the oven. The thermometer device remains outside the oven.
The app includes USDA-recommended temperatures from rare to well-done for beef, lamb, chicken, fish, turkey, pork and more. You can also set your own temperature. The app will alert you when your food reaches the target or exceeds the range, and you can open the app to monitor the cooking at any time.
10 ways to make money for Christmas that anyone can do
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Is there anything better than the holidays? Food, family, and gifts. What more could you want? Tap or click here for creative ways to include your pet in this year’s holiday cards.
As with anything in life, these things all come at a cost. That’s why we’re here to share ways to make this holiday season one your family and friends will never forget.
Messy photo gallery? Tricks to clean it up once and for all
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The temperature outside is dropping, and you know what that means — holiday photo cards! If you want your card to command some real estate on your loved ones’ refrigerators, the easiest trick is to bring in your pet! Tap or click here for creative ways to include your furry friend in this year’s holiday cards.
Tech security tip: How to remove malware from your phone or computer
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Anyone who regularly browses the internet needs antivirus software. Think of it as a life jacket. It’s there to keep you safe in case of an emergency.
And when malware strikes at your defenses, it’s code red. You’re afraid that you’ll lose everything, your emotions are high and you might not be in the right state of mind to find a good solution. That’s why preventative measures make a world of difference.
An ATM glitch that gave one man infinite money
ATMs make getting cold hard cash from your bank account a breeze. Just pop in your card, click a few buttons and the cash is in your hand. But ATMs can make mistakes. Just ask the man who discovered a glitch that allowed him to withdraw a seemingly endless amount of money. So, how did he do it?
Run a small business? Follow this end-of-the-year checklist before 2022 ends
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The new year is right around the corner, which means it’s time for New Year’s resolutions, paperwork filing and holiday vacations. For busy business owners, there’s a lot to keep track of. Make sure you don’t forget anything important with this small business checklist.
5 free alternatives to Microsoft Excel
When Excel first hit the market, businesses flocked to use it for their management needs. But it’s far from the only option. There are many free alternatives to Microsoft Excel you should know about.
Many people are so married to Excel they won’t consider other spreadsheets. At first glance, it seems like the perfect one-stop-shop for scheduling, accounting, compiling data, tracking sales and more. Tap or click here for three tips and tutorials that help you make the most out of Excel.
Have a website? Run it through these free online tests
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You could spend a lot of money designing the perfect website. But if you don’t have the right back-end systems in place, your website will go nowhere. Unless it’s intended to be a private website where only a select few can see it.
Tech tip: How to find anyone’s email address online
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Keeping up with your inbox feels never-ending some days. Between work, your personal life, and all that spam, you might have hundreds of emails to sift through.
Is junk mail getting you down? Do something about it. Spending a little time once will save you from clicking “trash” all day. Tap or click for five simple ways to stop spam.
Free versions of Excel if you don’t want to pay for Microsoft 365
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Smart penny pinchers know there are a ton of freebies around the web. You have to be savvy about where you search since there are a ton of dangerous downloads lurking. We’re always here to share safe tools, like the top free Excel alternatives.
Find your perfect job match with these free online tools
If your career is stuck in a rut, try switching to a new job. Depending on your skill set, there are many careers you may not even know you’re qualified for. Finding jobs matching your skills is as easy as taking a few online career quizzes.
Tech tip: What really happens when you unsend a text on your iPhone
If you have an iPhone 8 or later, you’ve probably already updated to iOS 16. The latest operating system has many new security features you should be using.
A super-secure mode was designed for politicians, activists, and journalists. I think there’s a great case to suggest this iPhone option for the elderly and vulnerable people in your life. Tap or click here for a closer look at Lockdown Mode.
Take a minute to adjust these important Android privacy settings
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Security can be complicated with your smartphone, especially for Android users.
What are some of the best ways to keep your device (and yourself!) safe from nefarious actors, illegal surveillance, and malware?
Best smartwatches for emergency situations (SOS mode)
Smart home devices offer exceptional accessibility and can help during an emergency. Tap or click here for steps to use an Amazon Echo as an affordable Life Alert alternative.
But not everyone wants a smart assistant listening to every word spoken in their home. There is a solution. Your next best bet is a smartwatch. These smartwatches include SOS features to help in emergencies for everyone, especially seniors.
Google smarts: 5 ways to get more out of Gmail, Maps, Calendar, and Docs
Think Big Tech, and I bet Google comes to mind. They control our inboxes, calendars, document storage, cloud storage, routes, and more. Most of their products are free to use, which means you are the product they are selling.
Google Chrome is safe but here’s how to make it even safer to use
If I were a betting woman, I’d guess you use Google Chrome. It’s far and away the world’s most popular browser. It’s not my pick if you’re looking for the most privacy. Scan my list of browsers ranked by privacy.
Are hackers in your phone? Here’s how to find out
I’ve heard from many people who have been cyberstalked over the years. Sadly, today’s tech makes it all too easy.
Take Apple AirTags, for example. They’re cheap, small, and easy to hide — and can tell the owner exactly where you are located. Here are six signs to look for if you suspect someone is tracking you this way.
5 ways to think like a hacker, starting today
The more we rely on our devices, the more vulnerable we are to attacks and scams. Your smartphone is a prime target. Tap or click here for three ways to secure it from hackers.
It’s not just passwords and sensitive details you need to protect. Think about all the photos and videos stored on your phone that you would be heartbroken to lose. Tap or click for the best ways to save your phone’s photos before it’s too late.
Have an older iPhone or iPad? You need to update NOW
Zoom became popular during the onset of the pandemic and still has millions of daily users. Are you one of them? A security flaw was recently discovered that could put your computer at risk. Tap or click here for our report on the critical vulnerability and how to avoid it.