February 20, 2024 By Mark Computer Techs

Charge Smarter, Not Harder: Maximizing Battery Life in Your Devices

Let’s face it, dead batteries are never convenient. Whether you’re on a call, streaming a movie, or crunching deadlines, a depleted battery can throw your tech-powered day into chaos. But fret not, battery-conscious friend! By understanding how and when to charge your devices, you can extend their lifespan and keep them powered up longer.

Debunking the myths:

First, let’s clear the air on some common misconceptions:

  • Myth: Leaving your phone plugged in overnight damages the battery.
  • Fact: Modern devices have safeguards to prevent overcharging. However, it’s better to avoid keeping your battery at 100% constantly.
  • Myth: Letting your battery drain completely before charging is good for it.
  • Fact: Deep discharges stress the battery and can shorten its lifespan. Aim for moderate charge cycles.

The sweet spot for charging:

Here’s the key: most lithium-ion batteries, used in almost all modern devices, thrive in the 20-80% charge range. Aim to keep your battery within this sweet spot as much as possible. Here’s how:

  • Smartphones and tablets:
    • Charge when the battery reaches 20-30%.
    • Unplug at around 80-90%.
    • Avoid full charges and complete drains whenever possible.
  • Laptops:
    • Set battery thresholds in your settings (e.g., stop charging at 80%).
    • Remove the charger when not actively using the laptop.

Beyond the numbers:

Remember, these are general guidelines. Several other factors can impact battery health:

  • Extreme temperatures: Avoid hot environments, which can degrade battery performance.
  • Fast charging: While convenient, it can generate heat and stress the battery. Use it sparingly.
  • Low-quality chargers: Stick to certified chargers to avoid potential damage.

Bonus tips:

  • Optimize settings: Reduce screen brightness, disable background apps, and turn off location services when not needed.
  • Invest in a power bank: For extended journeys, keep a portable charger handy.
  • Monitor battery health: Most devices have built-in battery health indicators. Keep an eye on them.

Laptop-specific tips

While keeping your laptop plugged in all the time won’t cause immediate harm, there are a few reasons why it might not be the best practice for long-term battery health:

Battery stress: Although modern laptops have safeguards against overcharging, keeping them constantly at 100% can put stress on the battery. Batteries have a limited number of charge cycles, and full charges count as one cycle even if you plug and unplug frequently throughout the day. This stress can contribute to a faster decline in battery capacity over time.

Heat generation: Plugged-in laptops often generate more heat, especially if the charger or surrounding area is poorly ventilated. This additional heat can shorten the lifespan of other components inside your laptop, like the processor and motherboard.

Reduced mobility: Being tethered to a power outlet limits your laptop’s portability, defeating the purpose of having a “lap”top you can easily carry around.

Risk of power surges: While rare, sudden power surges or fluctuations can damage your laptop, even if it’s plugged in. Unplugging it minimizes this risk.

Reduced lifespan of the charging adapter: Keeping the charger plugged in constantly puts stress on its components, potentially leading to earlier wear and tear.

Energy usage: Even when not actively charging, plugged-in laptops still draw a small amount of power. If you’re environmentally conscious, unplugging it when not in use can help conserve energy.

However, there are also some scenarios where keeping your laptop plugged in might be beneficial:

  • You use your laptop primarily at a desk and rarely unplug it.
  • You frequently use applications that demand high performance, requiring constant charging.
  • You have a faulty battery that drains quickly.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to keep your laptop plugged in depends on your individual usage patterns and priorities. If you’re concerned about maximizing battery life and ensuring optimal performance, it’s generally recommended to follow the 20-80% charging rule and unplug your laptop when you don’t need it.

By following these tips and being mindful of your charging habits, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your phone, tablet, and laptop batteries. Remember, a little awareness goes a long way in keeping your devices powered up and ready to go!

Remember that Computer Techs can help you understand the complexities with desktop and laptop computers, tablets, smartphones, and “dumb-phones”. We even help with smart/internet connected devices around your home such as smart speakers and assistants, and streaming media players that connect to your television. Contact us for more information.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: ,
February 20, 2024 By Mark Computer Techs

How Seniors and Less-Tech-Savvy People Can Use Artificial Intelligence

AI in 2024: Your Friendly, Tech-Savvy Sidekick

Artificial intelligence (AI) might conjure images of robots taking over the world, but the reality is far more down-to-earth. In 2024, AI is not here to replace us, but to assist us, and that includes everyone, regardless of age or tech skills.

Whether you’re a senior citizen looking for a helping hand or someone who finds technology intimidating, AI can be your friendly sidekick, making daily life easier and more enjoyable. Here are some ways AI can benefit you, along with free services like Gemini and Copilot that you can start using today:

Free and Friendly AI Helpers:

Free services that can make your AI journey even smoother:

  • Gemini: Google’s large language model trained to be informative and comprehensive. It can answer your questions in an engaging way, even on complex topics. Think of it as your friendly AI librarian!
  • Copilot: Microsoft’s AI writing assistant can help you write emails, letters, social media posts, and even creative content. Stuck on what to say? Copilot can provide suggestions and help you overcome writer’s block.

Helping Around the House:

  • Smart Assistants: Smart speakers and displays can control your lights, thermostat, and other devices with simple voice commands. No more struggling to reach the thermostat on a cold day – just tell your AI assistant to turn up the heat!
  • Reminders and Organization: Stay on top of appointments, medications, and tasks with reminder apps that can even learn your routines and anticipate your needs. Imagine never forgetting to take your medication again!

Exploring New Hobbies and Interests:

  • Creative Tools: AI-powered art generators and writing assistants can spark your creativity, even if you’re not a professional artist or writer. Imagine creating a beautiful painting or writing a heartfelt poem with just a few prompts!
  • Learning and Entertainment: Language learning apps with AI tutors can help you pick up a new language at your own pace, while educational platforms can tailor learning experiences to your interests. Imagine learning French or delving into the history of ancient Rome, all from the comfort of your home!

Staying Connected and Informed:

  • News and Information: Services like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa can answer your questions, read you the news, or even play audiobooks. Imagine relaxing in your favorite chair while listening to the latest headlines or an engaging story.
  • Social Connection: Feeling isolated? AI-powered chatbots can keep you company and engage in conversation. Additionally, video chat platforms with features like facial recognition can help you connect with loved ones face-to-face, even if they’re miles away.

Remember, AI is a tool, and like any tool, it’s most useful when you know how to use it. Don’t be afraid to experiment, ask questions, and have fun exploring what AI can do for you. With a little guidance and these free resources, you can harness the power of AI to make your life easier, more enjoyable, and full of new possibilities.

If you need help getting started with AI, Computer Techs provides In-Home training and setup of your computer, mobile devices and smart devices around your home. Contact us for more information, or to set an appointment.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: ,
January 17, 2024 By Mark Computer Techs

Do you need to pay for antivirus?

Windows Security vs. Paid Antivirus

For years, we’ve been bombarded with warnings about lurking online threats, prompting many to invest in pricey antivirus software. But with Windows Security, a robust built-in security solution on modern supported versions of Windows, is paying for additional protection really necessary?

Windows Defender: A Force to Be Reckoned With

Windows Defender is the core antivirus and anti-malware protection included in Windows Security. Contrary to its earlier reputation, Windows Defender has evolved into a capable security solution. Independent testing labs like AV-TEST consistently award it high marks for malware detection, real-time protection, and performance. In fact, some recent tests show it performing on par with several popular paid antivirus programs.

Advantages of Windows Defender:

  • Cost-effective: It’s completely free and comes pre-installed with Windows, eliminating the need for additional purchases and subscriptions.
  • Seamless integration: It’s deeply integrated with the Windows system, offering smooth background protection without resource-intensive scans or pop-ups.
  • Automatic updates: Microsoft constantly updates Windows Defender with the latest threat signatures, ensuring you’re always protected against the newest malware.
  • Low system impact: Unlike some resource-heavy antivirus programs, Windows Defender runs efficiently, minimizing its impact on your system’s performance.

Is Paid Antivirus Still Worth It?

While Windows Defender provides solid protection for most users, some situations might warrant additional security measures:

[Read more…]
Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: ,
November 15, 2023 By Mark Computer Techs

FBI warning: Cyber criminals impersonating brands using search engine advertisement services to defraud users

Cybercriminals are Targeting People with Malvertising and Imitation Ads

In recent months, there has been a surge in cybercriminal activity using a variety of techniques, including malvertising and imitation ads, to trick people into revealing personal and financial information or downloading malware.

FBI Warns of Imitation Ads in Paid Search Results

The FBI has warned of an increase in imitation ads that are appearing in paid search results. These ads are designed to look like ads from legitimate companies, but they actually lead to fake websites that are designed to steal personal information or install malware. Some of the ads lead to fake security warnings designed to get people to call and pay for unnecessary tech support services.

Malvertising Campaign Targets Seniors via Fake Weebly Sites

One recent example of how cybercriminals are targeting seniors is a malvertising campaign that is using fake Weebly sites to host decoy content that is designed to fool search engines and crawlers. When victims click on a link to one of these sites, they are redirected to a fake computer alert that warns them that their computer is infected with malware. The fake alert then prompts victims to call a tech support number, where they are scammed into paying for unnecessary repairs or services.

How to Protect Yourself

There are a number of things that people can do to protect themselves from these scams, including:

  • Be suspicious of unexpected pop-ups or alerts. If you see a pop-up or alert that warns you that your computer is infected with malware, do not click on any links or call any phone numbers. Instead, close the pop-up or alert and/or restart your computer.
  • Be careful about what you click on. Do not click on links in emails or text messages from unknown senders. Even if the sender appears to be a legitimate company, it is always best to hover your mouse over the link to see the real URL before you click on it.
  • Don’t respond to an invoice for something you never ordered. Scammers are using fake invoices to get you to call them to supposedly cancel an invoice or charge. When in doubt, contact your financial institution about unrecognized invoices or charges.
  • Go to the address directly when possible. Rather than search for a business or financial institution, type the business’s website address into an internet browser’s address bar to access the official website directly. For example, rather than searching for “Amazon”, type “amazon.com” into the address bar of your browser.
  • Double-check the website address. After clicking a link in a search result or typing in a website address, double-check the website address in the address bar for spelling errors to make sure that you’re on the website that you intended to be on. A malicious domain name may be similar to the intended URL but with typos or a misplaced letter.
  • Use an ad blocking extension when performing internet searches. Most internet browsers allow a user to add extensions, including extensions that block advertisements. These ad blockers can be turned on and off within a browser to permit advertisements on certain websites while blocking advertisements on others. But be careful to pick a reputable ad blocker with millions of favorable reviews. A free ad blocker we like is AdblockPlus. You do not need to pay for a good, reputable ad blocker.

By following these tips, you can help to protect yourself from the growing number of cyber scams that are targeting people of all ages.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: ,
October 16, 2023 By Mark Computer Techs

Passkeys slowly replacing passwords for account logins

  • Passkeys are a new secure way of logging into websites and apps without the need for a username and password. Google just made passkeys the default method for sign-in unless you opt-out.
  • As of fall 2023, few websites support the use of passkeys for sign-in.
  • Usernames and passwords will continue to exist for many years due to the slow and voluntary adoption of passkeys. Therefore we still recommend the use of a password manager to store passwords, passkeys and secure information.

Passkeys are a new type of login credential that allow you to log in to websites and apps more easily and securely. After enabling passkeys on a specific account, instead of having to type in a username and password on a website, you’ll simply click a “Sign in with passkey” button or link.

[Read more…]
Filed Under: Blog Tagged With:
September 14, 2023 By Mark Computer Techs

The pros and cons of Google Chrome’s new Ad Privacy settings

Google Chrome’s new Ad Privacy settings are part of its initiative to phase out the use of third-party cookies for tracking and advertising purposes. According to Google, these settings are designed to enhance user privacy while still allowing relevant and personalized ads. However, some critics and users are skeptical about Google’s claims and prefer to opt out of these settings.

Here are some of the pros and cons of Google Chrome’s new Ad Privacy settings, gathered from 2 different AI Chatbots – Google Bard and Microsoft Bing:

[Read more…]
Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , ,
August 20, 2023 By Mark Computer Techs

How to save money on your wireless cell phone service – use an MVNO

If you’re paying too much for wireless cell phone service, consider switching to using a MVNO instead. A wireless MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) is a company that does not own its own cellular network but instead leases network capacity from a major carrier. This allows MVNOs to offer lower prices than the major carriers, as they do not have to invest in building and maintaining their own networks.

AT&T, Dish Wireless, T-Mobile and Verizon are the 4 local wireless carriers that build and maintain the cell tower network and infrastructure, but dozens of MVNOs resell service on those networks for often a cheaper price.

Some of the more popular MVNOs, and the network(s) that they use

[Read more…]
Filed Under: Blog
August 17, 2023 By Mark Computer Techs

Charter Spectrum notifying customers about required Internet equipment upgrades

Due to recent network upgrades in the Reno area which enable faster and symmetrical speeds, Spectrum has been notifying customers about required upgrades to their Internet equipment. Charter Spectrum Internet subscribers are required to use an authorized modem for use on the Charter Spectrum network, which they provide at no additional charge to the monthly Internet service fee.

In 2023 and 2024 we helped many customers change to a new Spectrum DOCSIS 3.1 modem, and a new Spectrum WiFi 6/6E router if not using their own purchased router. Quite a few customers have been sent older DOCSIS 3.0 modems in error, and we’ve helped them make an appointment at a local Spectrum Store to swap out to the DOCSIS 3.1 modem which is required for the faster and symmetrical speeds.

[Read more…]
Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , ,
July 17, 2023 By Mark Computer Techs

Your Scam Protection Guide – and What to Do If Your Computer Has Been Compromised by a Scammer

Below is a scenario that we hear about many times each month – and it could happen to you.

You’ve just spoken on the phone with someone claiming to be from Microsoft, Amazon, your bank or Internet provider or other well-known company. You’ve given the stranger remote access to your computer and they’ve shown you a bunch of things that’s wrong with it – errors, security or firewall problems, exposed social security numbers, or even offered to help transfer funds to or from your bank account. They may say that they have a “fix” – and can remedy the “problems” for a few hundred dollars.

Maybe you didn’t tell them your credit card number or purchase gift cards for payment, but the damage has already been done. In a matter of minutes a scammer can obtain or change passwords or credit card numbers stored in your web browser, purchase goods or services on your behalf or create new accounts. Sometimes it happens so quickly and convincingly that you may not realize that you’ve been conned until long after you’ve hung up the phone.

If you’ve let a stranger get into your personal device – what should you do?

[Read more…]
Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: ,
July 17, 2023 By Mark Computer Techs

How to save money at the grocery store using your computer or mobile app

With prices at the grocery store skyrocketing recently, we can help you save money by using the store’s website or app to save money with digital coupons, shopping sale items and other offers, keeping track of rewards, and even sticking to your list by ordering your groceries for pick-up or delivery.

Digital coupons and offers

Many stores in the Reno area feature digital coupons and other money saving offers on their website or mobile app, including Raley’s, Smith’s, Safeway, Save Mart, and Sprouts.

To use digital coupons at these stores, you will need to download the store’s app and create an account. Once you have created an account, you can browse the available coupons and “clip” the ones you want to use. The coupons will then be applied automatically at checkout.

[Read more…]
Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »