Tech News Archives - Page 2 of 135

Here’s an easy way to get a brand new iPhone every year

Posted on May 16, 2026

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Did you know that Apple has an iPhone Upgrade Program?

Well, they do, and if you’re the type of person who always wants to have the most recent iPhone (and you can afford it) this plan could well be for you.

Once you’re enrolled in the iPhone Upgrade Program you’ll make a monthly installment payment every month for a year and then you’ll receive a brand new iPhone after you’ve made the last payment. [Read more…]

THIS is why you need a strong password on your WiFi network

Posted on May 2, 2026

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I have written many times about why it’s so important to protect your family’s WiFi network by enabling encryption on it and locking it down with a strong password.

Well, this slightly old, but still very relevant news story is a real-world example of why locking your WiFi network down is so important. I ran across it while doing some research for a related blog post and thought I’d share it with you. [Read more…]

How to get Xfinity Internet for $15 a month (if you qualify)

Posted on April 29, 2026

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Comcast/Xfinity recently expanded their reduced-rate Internet Essentials program to include an wider demographic.

In a nutshell, this plan offers 75 Mbps broadband Internet connection (where available) for just $14.95 per month, with home Wi-Fi included at no additional charge.

[Read more…]

Your Apple device might qualify for a free replacement battery

Posted on March 26, 2026

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If you happen to have an Apple device that’s covered by an AppleCare Protection Plan, it might already qualify to receive a new battery at no charge under the plan.

In years past, Apple would make you wait until a covered device’s battery degraded to the point where it would only retain 50% or less of its rated maximum charge before they would replace the battery under AppleCare. But they have since upped that threshold to 80%.

The 80% threshold applies to the batteries in all AppleCare covered Macs, regardless of how old the machine happens to be. Apple mobile devices purchased after April 10, 2015 qualify as well.

Bottom line: If you own an AppleCare covered Mac, you should check to see if its battery will retain at least 80% of its maximum charge.

If it won’t, I recommend that you request a free replacement battery under AppleCare. You should also do the same for any other covered Apple devices.

Bottom line: New batteries are wonderful things because they allow you to use your devices longer between battery charges.

If you can get a new one installed in your device for free under AppleCare, why not do it now and reap the benefits of that expensive AppleCare Protection Plan?

Bonus tip: This post explains how to quickly determine the warranty status of your Mac, iPhone, iPad or any other Apple device.

Q&A: Are Chromebooks safer than Windows laptops?

Posted on March 13, 2026

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Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Patsy: My friend just bought a Chromebook after the salesman at the computer store told her they are safer to use than Windows computers.

Among other things, he said it’s impossible for a Chromebook to catch a virus.

I’d just like to know if you agree with him because I’m needing to get a new laptop myself.

So, are Chromebooks really safer than Windows laptops? [Read more…]