Your daily dose of practical, easy to follow tech tips!
Did you know that Microsoft uses your computer’s Windows 10 installation to spy on you?
Windows 10 has a “Telemetry and Data Collection” tool that gathers several kinds of user data from your PC and sends it back to Microsoft via the Internet.
Personally, I don’t much like that. [Read more…]
Another day, another scam. But I must admit that this one caught me by surprise.
The makers of the popular “Web of Trust” browser extension (aka WOT) have been caught collecting and selling sensitive user information to third party companies.
And when I say the information being sold is sensitive, well…check it out for yourself: [Read more…]
Question from Carl B.: As the youth minister for my church, I’m in charge of our computer-based Bible training program. I need your help with a networking question.
We have a classroom that’s set up to allow 5 students at a time to use a popular Bible study software package and collaborate with the class in virtual discussions. The kids also take computer-based quizzes and tests.
We currently have 6 desktop computers connected to the network via two wired routers. All the computers can access the Internet, but we only connect the router to the DSL modem when we need to download Windows updates. The students are never allowed to use the Internet so that needn’t factor into your recommendation.
We want to add an additional 7 computers so that 12 students plus the teacher can be connected to the network at the same time. In order to do this, can we add extra routers to the network to connect the extra computers? Or perhaps you have a better setup that you can recommend?
Rick’s answer: [Read more…]
Back in the days before the term “hacker” took on the dark, illicit meaning that it has today, being called a hacker was actually a compliment.
In the golden age of computing, being a hacker simply meant that you enjoyed modifying and enhancing computer hardware and software in order to make it do new, interesting and exciting things.
Then along came the Internet and in no time flat the word hacker had become synonymous with the words crook, thief and criminal. And it’s truly a shame.
[Read more…]
Question from Donna R.: I know this is probably an unusual question Rick, but is there a router that can be set up using just a smart phone?
I remember setting up all the routers I’ve had before by connecting them to a computer. But my family no longer uses computers, only smart phones and a couple of iPads.
If you don’t know of a router that can be set up without a computer I can always borrow my sister’s laptop, but she lives over 2 hours away!
I’ll be grateful for any advice you can give me. Thanks for your help!
Rick’s answer: [Read more…]