Windows 10 Tries to Push Firefox and Chrome Over the Edge
Windows 10 now “warns” you not to install Chrome or Firefox when you download them. It’s just one of the many annoying ways Microsoft pushes Edge, which only has 4% market share despite Microsoft’s inc...
App Stores Can’t Protect You From Apps Abusing Your Data
Apps you get from an app store aren’t necessarily trustworthy. A top app in the Mac App Store hoovering up browsing data is just the latest example. Even an app you get from an app store might do bad things with your da...
Don’t Give Apps Access to Your Email (Even to Save Money)
Some online services want full access to your email account, so they can scan it for purchases, travel plans, or annoying newsletters. Apps like these generally sell your private data. They’re not great for your email a...
How to Put Your Smarthome in Vacation Mode
When you go on vacation, there are probably a handful of things you to do to your house to prepare it for a prolonged vacancy. That list should include taking care of your smarthome devices.
Why Do Websites Redirect to Fake “Congratulations” Gift Card Pages?
It’s probably happened to most people by now: You’re viewing a web page on your phone and, suddenly, you see a popup saying you’ve won a $1000 Amazon gift card or similar fake prize. What’s going on?...
Chrome 69 No Longer Says Websites Are “Secure” (Even Though They Are)
Google is celebrating Chrome’s ten-year anniversary with a slick new theme, but there’s another big new change. The familiar green lock and “Secure” indicator in the address bar are going away....
Why is Chrome Telling Me to “Update or Remove Incompatible Applications?”
Many Windows applications, such as antivirus software, inject code into Chrome to modify its behavior. This results in more frequent browser crashes, so Google is taking a stand by blocking these techniques....
What Is a Checksum (and Why Should You Care)?
Checksums are a useful way to ensure a downloaded file doesn't have errors.
How to Protect Yourself From Public USB Charging Ports
USB charging ports in public places are convenient but possibly risky. Data is transferrable over a USB connection, so plugging your phone into an unknown charging port puts it at risk.
What is Code Injection on Windows?
Code injection is common on Windows. Applications “inject” pieces of their own code into another running process to modify its behavior. This technique can be used for good or evil, but either way it can cause pr...
Dark Patterns: When Companies Use Design to Manipulate You
Ever feel like you’re being prompted into going along with something you don’t want because better options aren’t clearly being presented? You probably just found a dark pattern.
How to Enable Microsoft’s New OneDrive Folder Protection in Windows
Microsoft OneDrive now offers to “protect” the contents of your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders. You can use your standard file storage folders, and OneDrive will synchronize them as if they were saved in...
Should You Buy a Smart Smoke Alarm?
If your house is already decked out with a ton of smarthome products, your next addition might be some smart smoke alarms, but are they worth buying in the first place? Here are some things to keep in mind....
