“There’s nothing important on my computer, so I don’t care too much about Internet security. Why would anyone want to mess with me?” “My business is too small for the big Internet crooks; why would they bother to hack my computers?” People express sentiments like...

Join this column to the end of last week's column, and it will make sense, as the quest continues for privacy using Windows 10. As it goes with the Camera, the same goes for the Microphone, as well. I turn off everything except for Skype, and you may not even need...

Last week, we looked at the desirability of privacy on the Internet, and the sad state of current affairs where seemingly every major Internet company wants to deny us that ability. No matter what Internet-connected device you use, the principles of attaining privacy,...

As we progress (or, "regress," I would say) in the areas of computers, privacy and the Internet, once treasured ideals are quickly and firmly being swept aside in favor of convenience and pervasive connectivity. With easy social networking "freedom" promoted as the...

I recently received an email from my bank, notifying me that they were upgrading their security systems, and that my account information needed to be updated. The email included a convenient link which took me directly to my bank’s website. No problem, I thought, so I...

Computer folks often throw around words, terms and acronyms assuming everyone else knows what they mean. I recently learned that’s a bad assumption, though, as a customer discussing backing up files to an external hard drive remarked, “You know, I don’t think I really...

I once watched someone walk out of the back of a local downtown business and throw a computer in a dumpster; monitor, keyboard, mouse and all. As highly dignified and refined as I am, I have been known to occasionally insert my entire body into large trash receptacles...

Too many people fail to take the subject of online Internet safety and security seriously in advance of a catastrophe. That’s a shame, because taking basic, simple precautions now can pay big dividends in the future. People who’ve lost everything to a hard drive...

If you've followed this column for any length of time, you've read my rants, warnings and exhortations regarding passwords. In a nutshell, computer and Internet account passwords (email, Facebook, Twitter, banking, Amazon, etc.) need to be sufficiently complex to make...

I work for many different people fixing a wide variety of computer problems. This week’s computer fix-it jobs brought to mind some technology-related quotes I’ve had stuck in my mind for years. Quotes like these can attain a proverb-like status, perfectly describing...

Most folks who pay AT&T to provide them with Internet service don't know that the email part of that service is actually handled by Yahoo. For nigh on 15 years, even though you may have been paying AT&T for Internet service, if your email address ended with att.net,...

It’s called “crapware,” or, in more polite circles, “junkware.” Some varieties are called “bloatware,” but the root definition is always the same: useless, ridiculous, unnecessary and annoying software that somehow gets into your computer. Where does crapware come...

Were you to set up a Facebook profile, would you use it to let your friends, family and others learn more about yourself? Would you talk about your personal history, likes, dislikes and other things that would let people get to know you better? Consider the following...

Are you in the habit of regularly changing the passwords for your online accounts? You should be; changing passwords regularly is a required part of every wise Internet user's safety routine. The reason for changing online account passwords is simple: the Internet bad...

Have you ever received a phone call from a telemarketer who became rude and abusive when you refused to listen to their sales pitch? Who hasn't? Have you ever tried to report them to their superiors by calling the number that appeared on your Caller ID, only to...

10 things should know about Kim Kardashian! Insane card offers 0% APR! 26 hot moms you can't unsee! The best bacon in America! In the class I teach about Internet safety called "Fight the Internet bad guys and win," I recently felt the need to add a section about fake...

Like a chapter from some cheesy spy novel, the story behind the global "WannaCry" ransomware attacks that began in Europe May 12 is so incredulous that many people will refuse to believe it. Yet, an obstinate refusal to acknowledge the dangers of the Internet is why...

Not long ago, I was surfing the website of a popular local publication, reading stories and other items that interested me, when a new page suddenly appeared with an official-looking notice that said, "Attention! It is recommended that you download Flash Player to...

Every springtime, I reassess the electronics communications gear that is available to help Oklahomans prevail in difficult, severe weather situations. Electronics manufacturers change, replace and discontinue things all the time, and so, every year I take a fresh look...

If your computer uses Microsoft's Windows Vista operating system or Microsoft's Office 2003 productivity suite, and you are not prepared, you may be in for a shock in two weeks. Next month, on April 11, 2017, Microsoft will end all support for its still widely-used...