Scam Electricity-Saving Devices

This post is not really a computer tip, per se, but I’ll cover it anyway. Scam electricity-saving devices are rather tangential to what I write about here, and quite a few people are asking me about them. So heads up! Here’s what I can find and say about these things: Power Saving Devices These things … Read more

Avoid Using Registry Cleaners

The Windows operating system has this central database that it uses constantly, while your computer is running. Better know as the Windows registry, it is essential for your PC’s operation. It’s hidden away where you won’t see it, and only advanced users ever meddle with it. And yet, some helpful apps offer to clean and … Read more

Flea Power

Computers and other tech devices retain small amounts of electricity even when turned off and unplugged. Some of it is deliberately stored in capacitors on circuit boards. Other energy is incidentally caught up as a static charge. In any case, this minute amount of electricity is called Flea Power. It’s a Bug, Not a Feature … Read more

Email Your Future Self

If you’ve ever wanted to send an email to your future self, there’s a great website for that! FutureMe You’re welcome to use this website for free, and it does exactly what it says on the tin: You write an email to your future self, and FutureMe promises to send it to you at the … Read more

Xfinity’s 2023 Data Breach

Has Xfinity contacted you recently to change your password? This was probably a legitimate request, and prompted by Xfinity’s 2023 data breach. (I’ll call it the 2023 data breach, because they also had one in 2022!) It looks like cybercriminals exploited and intruded upon Xfinity’s systems in October of this year, and we’re just now … Read more

Thank Your Amazon Driver

It’s that time of year again: Amazon has started up their driver tipping program for the holiday season. Everytime someone sends a thank you to their last delivery person, Amazon will pay them an extra $5. If you buy through Amazon, remember to thank your Amazon driver! They make this quick & easy to do. … Read more

How to Recognize Spam

For some, it’s easy to spot spam in your inbox. But for others, it can be a real challenge. Spammers use a variety of tactics to make their email look tempting, believable and worthy of attention. But much like a spoiled brat or a passive-aggressive boss, we don’t want to encourage a spammer any more … Read more

Vishing

I didn’t think we needed a specific term for scam phone calls, but here we are. Following in the footsteps of smishing and quishing, we also have the term vishing. Vishing is another portmanteau, created from voice + phishing. When you see or hear about vishing, they’re referring to any phishing/cybercrime carried out over the … Read more

Apple NameDrop

If you use Apple devices, there’s a new feature in the latest OS updates called NameDrop. This function allows you to quickly and easily share contact info with other Apple device users. Simply place the two devices near each other, and NameDrop will appear! Each device user will get a pop-up, asking if they want … Read more

Low-Hanging Fruit

In the technology world, people are jeopardized by two separate yet equally scary groups: the big tech companies, who care only for monetizing their users’ data; and the opportunistic scammers, who prowl the web looking for victims. These are their stories. Dear Xxxxxx, I’m writing this letter to you about your kiddo. Please don’t worry, … Read more