Microsoft tightens the leash

🌡️ Trim your energy bill: A tiny temp change can mean big savings. Use apps like Nest or Ecobee to set your smart thermostat on auto-away or eco mode. Seriously, dropping the heat (or AC) by just 2-3 degrees can shave up to 10% off your energy costs over time.

🔐 Lock your PC: Want stronger security on Windows 11? A few clicks can make snooping way harder. Go to Settings > Accounts > Account settings > Sign-in options. From there, you can update a weak PIN or Password, or step it up with Facial recognition, Fingerprint sign-in or a physical Security key.

Help out remotely: Next time your mom or dad is stuck on a PC, avoid the phone call nightmare. Install Chrome Remote Desktop on both computers, sign in with Google and connect. You can see your parents’ screen, move the mouse, open files and run programs. All free, streamed online.

⚠️ Check this iPhone setting: In iOS 26, Apple added a default that automatically trusts wired accessories when your phone is unlocked. That means plugging it into a public USB charger could let hackers steal your data. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Wired Accessories and change Automatically Allow When Unlocked to Always Ask. Smarter move: Use a power bank.

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⚡️ 3-second tech genius: Need the perfect pet name? Ask a chatbot. Give it the breed, color and personality traits, and it’ll whip up ideas. You can even get some first-time training tips. Because Fluffy deserves better.

🍏 Take calls on your iPad: You don’t always need to grab your iPhone to answer. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Phone > Calls on Other Devices and toggle Allow Calls on Other Devices. Make sure both devices use the same Apple ID, then select your iPad. Remember to keep them nearby and on the same Wi-Fi.

Print for free at libraries: Why drop cash on a printer you’ll use twice a year? Many local libraries let you print 10-20 pages a day for free. Search libraries.org to find one near you, then call to confirm. Perfect for last-minute forms or that “oops” school project.

 Nothing to see here: Wish we could go back to the good old days of the internet, when nobody was watching or tracking everything we did? We can! I use ExpressVPN to keep my activity private and shielded from prying eyes. Reclaim your digital freedom today and get 4 months FREE!