Your email account is one of the most important online accounts to keep secure and un-hackable. There are two main reasons why checking recent login activity to your email account is a good idea: Spotting Unauthorized Access: Your email account likely contains sensitive information, personal documents, and access to other online accounts. By checking the login activity, you can see if someone else has accessed or attempted to access your account from an unrecognized location or device. This … [Read more...]
May 20, 2024 By Computer Techs
February 20, 2024 By 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 … [Read more...]
January 17, 2024 By Computer Techs
Do you need to pay for antivirus?
Updated May 2026 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. … [Read more...]
September 14, 2023 By 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 … [Read more...]
July 17, 2023 By 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, … [Read more...]
April 19, 2023 By Computer Techs
Spectrum upgrades to symmetric internet speeds in the Reno area
Update May 2024: Charter/Spectrum has notified existing customers via email and web page that new symmetric internet speeds are now available to existing customers. A DOCSIS 3.1 modem is required for the upgrade. As part of a multi-year nationwide upgrade to Charter's Spectrum Internet service announced in December 2022, in April 2023 they began advertising the availability of symmetric internet speeds at Reno area addresses. The Reno area is one of the first markets to be upgraded as part of … [Read more...]
December 9, 2022 By Computer Techs
A chat with OpenAI about Streaming TV vs Cable TV
A new chatbot called "ChatGPT" that tests what AI (Artificial Intelligence) can do has been all the rage this week. So I decided to have a conversation with the chatbot about Streaming TV vs Cable TV, and our unedited conversation is below. You can sign-up and have a conversation with the chatbot yourself at https://openai.com/ What are the advantages and disadvantages of streaming tv versus cable or satellite tv? There are several advantages and disadvantages to streaming TV as … [Read more...]
June 28, 2022 By Computer Techs
New option for home internet service – should you switch?
Wireless carrier T-Mobile is expanding their services to include Home Internet in some areas of Reno/Sparks. Assuming you are in their limited service area – should you switch? Why you may want to switch If you’re on a budget, at $50/month TMHI is less expensive than most AT&T and Spectrum internet plans.*TMHI is available in some rural areas that are under-served by AT&T and Spectrum.If you’re in an area served only by AT&T’s legacy DSL service with speeds less … [Read more...]
December 27, 2021 By Computer Techs
Keep your mobile phone number safe from hackers
Updated 7/3/25 with new information: Your mobile phone number has become increasingly valuable because it’s the way that hackers can gain access to your online financial, email and social media accounts. We now are encouraged to use our smartphone and attached phone number to prove who we are – often via Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), a method that requires not only entering your username/email address and password into a website, but also entering a code or responding to a prompt sent to … [Read more...]