Give your PC a boost: Trim down startup programs that take forever to load. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, then hit the Startup tab to view all the programs that fire up when Windows starts. Right-click and disable any you don’t need right away when your system reboots.
Tags: Microsoft Windows, programs, startup, startup programs, system, task manager
There are plenty of apps that reward you for doing things you probably already do. I’m sure you’ve seen ads for them. You’re not going to pay your rent from the rewards you earn, but you might get enough perks to make your otherwise pointless scrolling worth it.
There are so many tech tricks you only know if someone clues you in. Take the humble USB.
If you’re always plugging in the wrong way, here’s the secret: The symbol on one side isn’t just for branding or decoration. That symbol will point up if you’re plugging in horizontally, and if you’re plugging in a cable vertically, the USB symbol will face you.
Double trouble: Scammers are creating copycats of major retail sites and hitting you with “card declined” messages when you try to pay. It’s a trick to get you to enter another card number so you pay twice. The sites are spreading in search results, social media ads and email links. Always check the URL closely, and if your card declines, call your bank first.
What’s the term for a computer virus that replicates itself and uses up a computer’s processing space? Is it … A.) Worm, B.) Trojan, C.) Spyware or D.) Adware?
Calories burned walking up a flight of stairs than on flat ground. Even going downstairs is more effective — five times the burn of a regular walk. Related: Today, I learned there’s such a thing as the Stairclimbing World Championships. I think they’re up to something.
In life, few rewards come without risk. Take your dream job, for instance. If you want to land that position you’ve been dreaming about, you’ll need to make a great first impression.
When you’re applying for jobs, that all comes down to your resume. Every little detail makes a big difference. For example, a small mistake could take you out of the running for a job you’re qualified for.
Sensors in today’s smartwatches can detect your heartbeat, track how you sleep and even monitor blood oxygen levels. We’re not far from your watch tracking your blood sugar … and possibly sending reports about it to your doctor.
Give yourself extra time before your next flight: After attacks on Hezbollah, aviation authorities in Lebanon banned travelers from boarding planes or checking luggage with pagers and walkie-talkies. Expect the TSA to increase their screening for explosives (paywall link).
It’s not the holidays without a Hallmark movie or five … And here’s a link so you can print this list out if you want.
This Zoom feature isn’t even remotely funny: Zoom’s new AI companion takes notes, summarizes meetings and even tells you who talked most. Click the magic wand icon below the main video window to use it. You can ask it for a quick update or to pull out action items from the discussion, too. Fine print: Available for paid plans only.
