Computer Tips Archives - Page 172 of 230

Browse the Internet securely with your Opera browser’s built-in VPN feature

Posted on October 16, 2017

Important Update: Opera has announced that they’ll be removing the integrated VPN from their browsers on April 30, 2018.

I really enjoyed having my VPN seamlessly integrated with my web browser, but things are what they are. It sure was nice while it lasted.

Note: The original post begins below.

If you ever use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to securely use the Internet with your laptop or desktop PC, you should know that the fantastic Opera browser now has a VPN feature built right in to it!

Opera’s free VPN service allows you to safely access the Internet via open Wi-Fi hotspots such as those commonly found in restaurants, coffee shops and many other types of venues.

And the best part is you can do it without having to install a browser extension or sign into a VPS server!

Once the VPS feature is turned on, your Opera browser will automatically create a secure, encrypted connection between your PC and an Opera-owned VPN server. It really is as simple as that!

Simply follow the steps below to download the latest version of Opera and turn on the VPN feature: [Read more…]

How to adjust the volume for individual programs and apps on your PC

Posted on October 5, 2017

Sometimes it can seem like your PC’s volume control has a mind of its own.

For example, have you ever turned the volume up to a comfortable level while listening to music only to have your ears blasted to oblivion the next time an ad started playing in your web browser?

That’s happened to me more than once, and I almost jumped out of my skin of every time!

But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can take control of the sounds emanating from your computer’s speakers and avoid unpleasant surprises. [Read more…]

How to mute ALL auto-playing audio in your web browser

Posted on September 19, 2017

One of my biggest pet peeves is audio that starts blaring from my computer’s speakers just as soon as I visit a web page.

It makes no difference whether its coming from an ad, a cute video or simple background music, if it starts playing on its own, I don’t like it.

In fact, I dislike it so much I immediately hit my browser’s “Back” button when music or some other sound starts playing just as soon as the page loads unless I REALLY want to view the content on the page. [Read more…]

How to enable Two Factor Authentication on your Dropbox account

Posted on September 19, 2017

Regular readers of this blog know that I’m a huge fan of two-factor authentication for online accounts.

For those who might have missed them, I have already written posts explaining how to enable it on Facebook and Twitter.

Two factor authentication is a security measure which requires you to enter a verification code that’s sent to your mobile phone before you’ll be allowed to log in to your account.

This effectively locks your online account as tight as a virtual drum since a hacker would need physical access to your cell phone in order to break into your account.

The steps below explain how to quickly and easily enable two-step verification on your Dropbox account: [Read more…]

Beware of fbDOWNLOADER, a free app for downloading your Facebook pics to your PC

Posted on September 8, 2017

If you ever receive an offer or recommendation to download a free Facebook app called fbDOWNLOADER, I strongly recommend that you don’t.

The “pitch” sounds so tempting: “Download all of your Facebook photos and albums directly to your PC at one time. Even download the ‘public’ pictures of your Facebook friends and other photos that you have been tagged in.”

Sound like a great app, right? The pitch sounds so good in fact that a very well-known tech expert fell for it and recommended this app on her weekly radio show and on her website. [Read more…]