Your daily dose of practical, easy to follow tech tips!
Many Windows 10 users have discovered that their machine’s Windows installation has been deactivated, and a number of them have messaged me asking what’s going on.
In a nutshell, Microsoft is experiencing an issue with their Activation servers that’s causing some Windows 10 installations to lose their “Activated” status.
Whenever you visit a secure website, the data flowing between your web browser and the site’s server is encrypted (converted into code that is very difficult to understand and use without having the decryption key).
Encryption is a big deal because it helps protect your personal information from prying eyes and hackers. You’ll know you’re visiting a secure website when the URL in the address bar starts with https: instead of the usual http:. [Read more…]
If your PC is running Windows 10 and have your user account protected with a password, you are no doubt familiar with the Lock Screen.
That’s the screen with the pretty picture on it that loads right before you get to the Login Screen.
Some people like the Lock Screen for its aesthetic value, but I happen to find it irritating because it’s simply an extra screen that I have to get past in order to log in to my Windows account. Therefore, I have disabled it.
If you’d like to disable the Lock Screen on your computer as well, follow the steps listed below. [Read more…]
If you use the popular GoToMyPC remote access service you probably already know they were hacked big time over the past weekend.
To help protect the security of your account, you’ll be required to reset your password before you can log in again.
Before you choose a new password however, you might want to read this post for tips on choosing a good one.
After you have successfully changed your password and logged in to your GoToMyPC account, I strongly recommend that you enable Two Factor Authentication on the account. (Note: GoToMyPC calls it “2-Step Verification”) [Read more…]
Question from Mike: I bought a custom-built PC from a local computer shop back in February 2017.
I recently found out there’s a major UEFI firmware update available for this computer’s motherboard, and I’d like to install it.
I asked for advice and tips for installing the update on a computer forum that I’m a member of and several people recommended that I don’t update the firmware because it’s dangerous to do so.
They all said I should take it to a computer shop and have them update it for me.
I’d take it to the folks who built the computer but they shut down a while back and they’re no longer in business. The closest computer repair shop is now located over 40 miles away.
I’d really like your opinion on this. I want to install the update but not if there’s a real chance that I could mess something up. Do you think there is?
Rick’s answer: [Read more…]