Avoid a Wi-Fi traffic jam

Avoid a Wi-Fi traffic jam: Most routers let you switch channels for a clearer signal. Log into your router’s online interface. (Check the manual or online guide if you’re not sure how.) Look for Wireless Settings and find the Channel option. Channels 1, 6 or 11 are typically less congested. Reboot your router and you’re good to go.

Tags: router, Wi-Fi


How to delete yourself from the internet

I feel lucky to have the job I do. Every day, I help folks stay up to date on tech and help solve all those digital-life problems Google just can’t answer.

And after all these years, I’ll toot my own horn a little and say there’s not much that stumps me anymore. I did get a question recently, though, on my daily podcast that had a not-so-happy answer.

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How to install antivirus and scan your computer

If you’re online, you’re at risk, plain and simple. There’s more out there after your info and wallet than you realize, from phishing scams to ransomware and malicious apps to malware.

That’s why it’s critical to protect your personal and business devices correctly. When it comes to your computer, tablet and phone, you need a robust security suite.

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PuppyGPT: Brace yourselves because “digital bioacoustics” could allow us to chat with our cats and dogs in just a year or three. Seriously. This tech picks up on our furry friends’ subtle sounds and behaviors, and AI then translates them.

Don’t let Google delete your stuff

Did you know Google deletes accounts that have been inactive for at least two years? The good news is that you can save that old account you rarely use by signing in. 

Once you’re logged in, consider whether it makes sense to download everything associated with that account so you can retire it. Here’s how:

  • Sign in to your Google account, then go to ​​takeout.google.com.
  • Choose all the data you wish to export.
  • Hit Next step, then pick how you’d like to receive this information: A download link via email or added to a Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or Box account.
  • Choose how often you’d like to receive this (once or every two months for a year) and the file type you’d like to receive (either .zip or .tgz). I’d go with a zip file.
  • Click Create export. You’ll get an email when the process is complete.

That’s it! Go do it before it’s too late.

Fraud and identity theft are up - Protect your info in one simple step

A lot of numbers cross my desk … er, computer screen. Like this: 10,400 people monitored Taylor Swift’s flight to the Super Bowl in real-time; 13,000 folks had their Wyze camera footage leaked, and Americans lost $10 billion to scams in 2023.

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Tech that’s changing the world (not just AI!)

“Kim, what’s coming soon that will change the world?” I get this question a lot. “AI” is a definite answer. But what about life changers that have nothing to do with AI? 

Like this one. Infection after surgery occurs in one of every 10 patients. A genius high-schooler created a special suture that changes color when an infection is present. Amazing, right? Here are some others that I bet you’ll want to tell your family and friends about. Shout out to Reader’s Digest for compiling a great list.

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I bought a fast charger to see if that makes a difference.

Tyler Perry stopped his $800 million Atlanta studio build after seeing OpenAI’s text-to-video tool Sora. He would’ve added 12 soundstages to his 330-acre property. Perry says he’s shocked he “would no longer have to travel to locations. If [he] wanted to be in the snow in Colorado, it’s text.”

They get ya when you’re in a rush

You don’t want to miss the last available spot for dinner tonight, so you let a reservation-booking app access your Google Calendar. Harmless, right? Wrong. 

The more apps you give access to your account, the more you’re exposed. And if an app suffers a data breach, that puts you at risk.

The good news is it’s easy to revoke third-party app permissions. Here’s how:

  • Log in at myaccount.google.com and tap Security.
  • Scroll to Your connections to third-party apps & services > See all connections.
  • Select the app or service you want to review, then choose See details.
  • Click Stop using Sign in with Google and confirm your selection.

NOTE: This does not delete your account with that app. It may request access to your Google account again the next time you open it, so be on the lookout.

🤣 Where’s the best place to hide a body? Page 2 of the Google search results. 

3 security steps every small business needs to take right now

Business accounts can be hacked as easily as personal accounts. Imagine all your hard work being held at ransom by a hacker or your data falling into the hands of someone who can sell it to the competition.

You need to secure your business as best you can, and here are three crucial tips to get started. This tip is brought to you by our sponsor, NetSuite.

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