What Are Internet Worms, and Why Are They So Dangerous?
We don’t hear much about internet worms anymore, but they’re still an important part of the malware ecosystem. But what are worms, how do they spread, and how are they used by hackers?
Is it Actually Bad to Have 100 Browser Tabs Open?
Through all of human history, a mess of tabs has been a sign of poor productivity. But that 100-tab habit could be the secret to your productivity, so long as you have the right extensions and hardware....
Why Do New Electronics Have a Weird Smell?
So, you’ve cracked open that new phone or laptop, only to be greeted by a familiar, plastic smell. Where does this strange “new electronics smell” come from, and why does it disappear over time?...
What Are Esports, and Why Do People Watch Them?
In the next few years, competitive gaming will become a multi-billion dollar industry, and it could even come to the 2024 Paris Olympics. But what are Esports, and why are people watching gaming tournaments instead of footba...
How to Not Have 100 Browser Tabs Open
The 100-tab habit is widespread; it’s nothing to be ashamed of. But a cluttered browser can lower productivity and reduce computer speeds. Maybe it’s time to break that habit with a few simple tips....
Does Looking at Your Phone Make You Dizzy? Disable Animations
Are your phone’s buttery-smooth animations causing motion sickness, eyestrain, or even slow app performance? Those animations are just for looks, and you can disable a lot of them on both iPhone and Android....
Do Video Streaming Services Care If You Share Your Account?
Do you feel like a rogue bandit every time you log in to a friend’s streaming account? If you do, you probably shouldn’t feel that way. Streaming services don’t care about account sharing....
Tired of Robocalls? Stop Answering Your Phone
The robocall problem keeps getting worse. Nearly half of all calls come from automated systems, and that number is increasing. Tired of answering your phone and talking to robots, scammers, or scammer robots? Just stop answer...
Why Netflix Doesn’t Care If You Share Your Account
With Netflix’s yearly price hikes and severe lack of sitcoms, account sharing can look a lot more appealing than a monthly subscription fee. But how does Netflix feel about account sharing, and why hasn’t the comp...
Amazon’s Choice: Who Chooses It, and How Does It Work?
Amazon’s Choice is a fantastic little program, and it’s probably informed a handful of your purchases. But have you ever stopped to ask who chooses Amazon’s Choice, or how the program works behind the scenes...
How to Watch TV Online for Free
So, you’ve ditched the cable company, but now you’re stuck with a dozen streaming services and their rising prices. Fortunately, you can watch TV online for free. It just takes a little effort and a little patienc...
What is an OTA Box, and How Does it Enhance Free TV?
Cutting the cord and switching to over the air (OTA) TV can be difficult, especially if cable TV’s DVR functionality has pampered you. Thankfully, a simple OTA box can make your free TV experience more akin to cable....
What Are Algorithms, and Why Do They Make People Uncomfortable?
We live in a world where computers are only vaguely understood, even though they permeate every moment of our lives. But there is one area of computer science where anyone can understand the basics of what’s going on. T...
What is RAT Malware, and Why Is It So Dangerous?
A Remote Access Trojan (RAT) is a type of malware that allows hackers to monitor and control your computer or network. But how does a RAT work, why do hackers use them, and how do you avoid them?
When Can Headphones and Earbuds Damage Your Hearing?
Conversations about headphone-induced hearing loss have faded away, but headphones and earbuds still pose a serious risk to your ears. How loud is too loud, and how do you protect your ears without giving up music?...
What Is a Time of Flight (ToF) Camera, and Why Does My Phone Have One?
More and more manufacturers are bragging that their phones have Time of Flight (ToF) cameras. But what are ToF cameras, how do they work, and why would you want one in your smartphone?
Hearing Loss: How Loud is Too Loud?
While conversations about earbud-induced hearing loss have mostly faded away, people are becoming seriously concerned that volume levels at work, in restaurants, and on the street can cause permanent hearing loss. So, how lou...
How Fake Reviews Are Manipulating You Online
Fake reviews are everywhere online and they’ve probably influenced some of your purchases. Fake reviews can be positive or negative, and they’re obviously unethical and harmful. But they’re the symptom of a ...
How to Pack Your Electronics for Air Travel
Vacations prove to be a great opportunity to use your electronics away from home. But just this year, the US government banned lithium-ion batteries from checked bags. So, just how are you supposed to pack that laptop?...
What Does Amazon’s “Project Zero” Anti-Counterfeiting Plan Mean for You?
Amazon’s Project Zero is the company’s first real attempt to remove all counterfeit listings from the Amazon marketplace. But how does Project Zero work, and how will it affect customers like you?...
How to Sell Your Laptop, Phone, or Tablet for Top Dollar
So, you’ve decided to turn those old electronics into cash. But if you’re trying to turn a retired phone or laptop into big bucks, you’re going to have to put in some elbow grease.
ASTC 3.0 Explained: Broadcast TV Is Coming to Your Phone
A new era of free TV is on the horizon, and it promises to bring 4K TV to your phone over-the-air. The FCC began the transition to this new format, called ATSC 3.0, on March 5th, 2018.
What Is Wireless HDMI and Should You Use It?
Wireless HDMI products have been around for almost a decade, but they haven’t gained a lot of popularity. But how does Wireless HDMI work, and should you buy Wireless HDMI products for your home?...
Early Adopter Pain Is Real, But We Need It For Progress
New tech products are usually expensive, semi-useless, and buggy. When describing the feeling of first-generation tech, a certain phrase comes to mind. No, it isn’t “buyers remorse,” it’s “early ...
Facebook Is Killing Onavo, Its Spyware VPN App
Facebook is shutting down Onavo, the controversial data collecting app. But the company plans to continue spy-like research in the future.
