Prevent Bad Browser Extensions From Compromising Your Security

CRXavator listing for Grammarly.

Have you installed a browser extension only to later regret it? Many plugins can access your personal data before you even realize. Learn how to research add-ons to avoid malicious ones. Follow tips on assessing permissions, vulnerabilities, communications, and risk scores.

Reduce Frustration with Simple Android Phone to PC Tethering

COMCAST notice of temporary service interuption.

Prepare for unexpected network disruptions with USB tethering, a reliable method for sharing your Android phone’s internet with a Windows PC. This tutorial provides a thorough explanation of the tethering process, including its benefits, potential carrier charges, setup instructions, and valuable troubleshooting advice. USB tethering not only offers a secure and fast connection but also helps conserve your phone’s battery life.

Try Windows Steps Recorder for Troubleshooting & Teaching

Excel file with Steps toolbar on top.

Are you one of these people that gets frustrated with tech support? You explain your problem but the support rep still doesn’t understand your problem. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to use the Steps Recorder in Windows. Not only is this utility free, but it’s easy enough for anyone to learn. And it can help troubleshoot other PC programs.

Amazon Shopping Tips for Every Day Savings

My Amazon home page.

Regardless of the time of year, we have shopping needs whether it’s grocery items or that special gift. Now, some people prefer to just shop during special sales events such as Amazon Prime Days, Cyberweek, or a daily deal. However, I think better savings can be achieved with a slow and steady approach. And while Prime is optional, a Smile is recommended.

How to Find All Your Chrome Extensions and Folders

Module table showing browser extension info

Many times when troubleshooting browser issues you need to find out all the extensions. This can be a time-consuming process. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to find all your browser extensions using net-export. The nice thing about this tool is it also shows the extension ID which is the folder name.

How to Add an Outlook.Com Signature

Outlook.com email signature.

Microsoft has several email products. One of the most popular ones is the free version called Outlook.com. However, the feature set is different than its paid counterpart like Microsoft 365. One difference deals with creating an email signature. Most of the functionality exists with a few exceptions.

How to Fix Web Pages Where Text is Too Wide

reduce element size

The web is a wonderful place, but sometimes the pages don’t work for me. It’s not the content, but how they display. I’ll find a site where the text is very wide or even full screen. On some monitors, this works well. Other times, the width makes it harder to read the page. Your eyes have to span the full screen and it’s more tiring. But, with the use of your browser and a couple of tweaks, you can fix pages where the text is too wide.

When Alexa Voice Recognition Gets it Wrong

Alexa account history menu

Image my surprise this morning when I looked at my To Do list and saw, “do a review on grimm kermit call marilee”. I stared at the screen for a good 20 seconds hoping something would pop to mind. I was stumped. Fortunately, I could tell the task had been placed the day before by Alexa. Now, the question was how to figure out what Alexa voice recognition heard. It was time to go to the source.

Experience A Smarter Way to Study Using Kindle App for PC

Desktop Kindle for PC.

Struggling to study on your Kindle’s small screen? The free Kindle App for desktops offers better learning features. You get expanded reading space to view content and notes side-by-side. Sync highlights and notes automatically to all devices. Easily highlight and annotate PDF documents. Download now to improve your studying experience.

Be Proactive: How to Check Your PC Specs (Offline & Online)

Speccy summary panel

Learn how to check your PC specs using free Windows tools, including Microsoft’s built-in system information tool, Belarc Advisor, Piriform Speccy, and the Windows 11 Compatibility Checker. These tools can help you troubleshoot issues and provide basic computer information to tech support reps.

InSpectre Takes the Guesswork Out of Meltdown & Spectre

InSpectre summary results

One of the biggest security problems to hit this year has to do with some design flaws with various computer processor chips from notable vendors. The breadth of the problem is pretty wide, but the details for consumers is a bit lacking. Much of the info out there is technical and yet there is still a lot we don’t know. A new freeware app called InSpectre sheds some light.

Alexa Routines Show Promise and Limitations

Add new routine

It shouldn’t be any surprise that I’m an Amazon Alexa fan. Naturally, I was intrigued when Alexa added a new feature called “Routines”. As the name suggests, it allows you to standardize certain actions for consistency. In theory, this works well, but it didn’t give me the flexibility I expected. I was hoping that anything I could speak, I could use in a routine. However, it’s still something worth exploring as it can make things easier.

Be Vigilant Online: How to Avoid Falling for Suspicious URLs

Cloudflare Radar scan showing expanded URL and no risks.

This article delves into the common scenarios of encountering potentially harmful URLs. Learn to investigate sender behaviors, recognize red flags, and uncover the characteristics of suspicious URLs. Discover tips for checking short URL addresses and utilizing multiple tools to enhance your online security. Stay informed, ask questions, and be prepared for the unexpected while teaching your kids about the dangers of unknown links.