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.

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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.

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