March 19, 2025 By Mark Computer Techs

Having problems with a website? Try these tips.

That moment of frustration when a website refuses to cooperate is all too familiar. Whether it’s a slow loading page, a broken link, or a complete inability to connect, website problems can throw a wrench in your productivity or simply be a major annoyance. But before you throw your hands up in despair, take a deep breath and try these simple yet effective troubleshooting tips. You might be surprised at how often the solution is quick and easy.

Try an alternative web browser

Most computers have more than one web browser installed. The most common browsers are Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox and Safari (macOS). If a specific website isn’t working or displaying correctly in your normal browser, open your other web browser and go to the same website. If the problem is happening with multiple browsers, and your internet connection is OK (verified by other websites working), then the problem is likely something that out of your control. Try the website again later.

Delete the cookies and website data for the website you are trying to use

Here’s how to delete cookies and website data for a specific website in the four major browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari.

Google Chrome

Method 1: Through Site Information (Quickest)

  1. Navigate to the website: Open the website for which you want to delete cookies and data.
  2. Click the padlock icon (or “Not secure”) in the address bar to the left of the website’s URL.
  3. Click on “Cookies and site data” in the dropdown menu.
  4. A small window will appear showing the cookies and storage used by the current website.
  5. Click on the specific website’s entry (it will likely be the first one listed).
  6. Click the “Remove” button next to each individual cookie or data entry you want to delete.
  7. Alternatively, you can click the “Remove all” button at the bottom to delete all cookies and data for that website.
  8. Click “Done” to close the window. You might need to refresh the page for the changes to take full effect.

Method 2: Through Browser Settings

  1. Open Chrome’s menu: Click the three vertical dots (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser window.1
  2. Go to “Settings”: Click on “Settings” in the dropdown menu.2
  3. Navigate to “Privacy and security”: Click on “Privacy and security” in the left-hand sidebar.3
  4. Click on “Cookies and other site data”.
  5. Click on “See all site data and permissions”.
  6. Search for the website: In the search bar in the top-right corner, type the name of the website.
  7. Click on the arrow next to the website in the search results. This will expand the details.
  8. Click the “Remove” icon (trash can) next to each cookie or data entry you want to delete.4
  9. Alternatively, you can click the “Clear all data” button at the top of the expanded website information to remove everything.
  10. Close the settings tab. You might need to refresh the page for the changes to take full effect.

Microsoft Edge

Method 1: Through Site Information (Quickest)

  1. Navigate to the website: Open the website for which you want to delete cookies and data.
  2. Click the padlock icon (or “Not secure”) in the address bar to the left of the website’s URL.
  3. Click on “Cookies and site permissions” in the dropdown menu.
  4. Under “Cookies and site data,” click on “Manage and delete cookies and site data.”1
  5. A page will open showing all stored cookies and site data.2 Find the entry for the specific website. You might need to expand the list by clicking the arrow next to the domain name.
  6. Click the trash can icon next to the specific cookie or data entry you want to delete.
  7. Alternatively, you can click the “Remove all” button at the top of the website’s expanded section to delete all cookies and data for that website.
  8. Close the settings tab. You might need to refresh the page for the changes to take full effect.

Method 2: Through Browser Settings

  1. Open Edge’s menu: Click the three horizontal dots (…) in the top-right corner of the browser window.3
  2. Go to “Settings”: Click on “Settings” in the dropdown menu.4
  3. Navigate to “Cookies and site permissions”: Click on “Cookies and site permissions” in the left-hand sidebar.5
  4. Click on “Manage and delete cookies and site data”.6
  5. Click on “See all cookies and site data”.
  6. Search for the website: Use the “Search cookies and site data” bar in the top-right corner and type the name of the website.
  7. Click the down arrow next to the website in the search results to expand the details.
  8. Click the trash can icon next to each individual cookie or data entry you want to delete.
  9. Alternatively, you can click the “Remove all” button at the top of the expanded website information to remove everything.
  10. Close the settings tab. You might need to refresh the page for the changes to take full effect.

Important Considerations for Edge:

  • Deleting cookies and website data for a specific site will log you out of that website and may reset any preferences you had set.
  • Be careful when deleting data, as it might remove important settings or information you want to keep for other websites.
  • After deleting the data, the website might take slightly longer to load on your next visit as it needs to retrieve the information again.

Mozilla Firefox

Method 1: Through Site Information (Quickest)

  1. Navigate to the website: Open the website for which you want to delete cookies and data.
  2. Click the padlock icon in the address bar to the left of the website’s URL.
  3. Click on “Cookies and Site Data” in the dropdown menu.
  4. A dialog box will appear showing the cookies and storage used by the current website.
  5. Select the specific website in the list.
  6. Click the “Remove Selected” button to delete the highlighted entries. You can select multiple entries by holding down the Ctrl (or Cmd on Mac) key while clicking.
  7. Alternatively, you can click the “Remove All” button to delete all cookies and data for that website.
  8. Click “Save Changes” and then “OK” to close the dialog box. You might need to refresh the page for the changes to take full effect.

Method 2: Through Browser Settings

  1. Open Firefox’s menu: Click the three horizontal lines (☰) in the top-right corner of the browser window.
  2. Go to “Settings”: Click on “Settings” in the dropdown menu.
  3. Navigate to “Privacy & Security”: Click on “Privacy & Security” in the left-hand sidebar.5
  4. Scroll down to the “Cookies and Site Data” section.
  5. Click the “Manage Data…” button.
  6. Search for the website: In the “Search websites” field, type the name of the website.
  7. Select the website in the list.
  8. Click the “Remove Selected” button.
  9. Click “Save Changes” in the pop-up confirmation window.
  10. Click “OK” to close the “Manage Cookies and Site Data” dialog box.6 You might need to refresh the page for the changes to take full effect.

Safari (macOS)

Method 1: Through the “Privacy” Tab in Preferences

  1. Open Safari’s menu: Click on “Safari” in the top-left corner of your screen.
  2. Go to “Preferences…”: Click on “Preferences…” in the dropdown menu.7
  3. Click on the “Privacy” tab.
  4. Click on “Manage Website Data…”.
  5. Search for the website: In the search bar in the top-right corner, type the name of the website.
  6. Select the website in the list.
  7. Click the “Remove” button.
  8. You can remove multiple websites by selecting them (using Cmd + click) and then clicking “Remove”.
  9. Click “Done” to close the “Manage Website Data” window.8 You might need to refresh the page for the changes to take full effect.

Method 2: Through the “Develop” Menu (If Enabled)

  • Enable the “Develop” menu (if you haven’t already): Go to Safari > Preferences > Advanced and check the “Show Develop menu in menu bar” box.9
  • Navigate to the website: Open the website for which you want to delete cookies and data.
  • Click on “Develop” in the menu bar.
  • Hover over “Website Data”.
  • Find and select the specific website in the submenu.
  • Click the “Remove” button.
  • Click “Done” in the “Website Data” window.10 You might need to refresh the page for the changes to take full effect.

Important Considerations:

  • Deleting cookies and website data for a specific site will log you out of that website and may reset any preferences you had set.
  • Be careful when deleting data, as it might remove important settings or information you want to keep for other websites.
  • After deleting the data, the website might take slightly longer to load on your next visit as it needs to retrieve the information again.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage the cookies and website data stored by your browser for individual websites.

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March 18, 2025 By Mark Computer Techs

Can your data really be taken off the dark web?

While no service can guarantee the complete and permanent removal of your data from the dark web, some services can reduce your exposure. Here’s a breakdown of what they can and cannot do:

What Dark Web Monitoring Services Can Do:

  • Monitor: These services continuously scan known dark web marketplaces, forums, and other hidden areas for your personal information. This includes things like:
    • Email addresses
    • Passwords
    • Social Security numbers
    • Credit card numbers
    • Bank account details
    • Other sensitive data
  • Alert You: If your information is found, the service will typically notify you immediately. This allows you to take action, such as changing compromised passwords or contacting financial institutions.
  • Provide Guidance: Many services offer advice and support on what to do if your data is found on the dark web. This might include steps to secure your accounts or mitigate potential damage.
  • Automated Removal Requests (Data Broker Removal): Some services go beyond just monitoring and will actively work to remove your information from publicly accessible data broker sites. These are not the dark web itself, but they are sources from which your data can be aggregated and potentially end up on the dark web. They send opt-out requests on your behalf to these data brokers.

What Dark Web Monitoring Services Cannot Do:

  • Directly Remove Data from the Dark Web: Once your data appears on the dark web, it’s extremely difficult, if not impossible, to have it completely removed. The decentralized and anonymous nature of the dark web makes it challenging to track down and control the spread of information.
  • Prevent Initial Data Breaches: These services can only help you respond after your data has been compromised and has appeared on the dark web. They cannot prevent the initial data breach that led to your information being exposed.
  • Guarantee Complete Protection: Even with monitoring, there’s no guarantee that all instances of your data on the dark web will be found. New marketplaces and methods of sharing information constantly emerge.

Think of it this way:

Imagine your personal information is like a piece of paper that has been copied and spread to many different, hidden locations. A dark web monitoring service can act like a search party that tries to find those copies and alert you to their existence. Some services can even try to stop new copies from being made by targeting the original sources on the open web (data brokers). However, they can’t go to every single hidden location and retrieve every single copy that already exists.

In conclusion, it’s your responsibility to keep informed.

Dark web monitoring services can be a valuable tool for staying informed about potential compromises of your personal data. They can provide early warnings and help you take steps to protect yourself. However, it’s crucial to understand their limitations. They cannot magically erase your data from the dark web once it’s there. Prevention through strong security practices and being mindful of where you share your information remains the most effective way to minimize your risk.

Your best defense against identity theft is freezing your credit with the major credit bureaus. This makes it difficult for identity theives to use your name and information for financial gain.

You also need to keep informed about the latest scams such as imposters using your personal information to convince you that they are a company, bank or government official, or even a friend or loved one. Imposter scams are often someone trying to persuade you to perform a financial transaction such as purchasing gift cards or Bitcoin, or process a refund into your bank account.

Visit Computer Techs YouTube playlist to watch videos about the latest scams to keep you informed.

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