Microsoft has been aggressively coercing people to use their “Edge” browser by making it a recommended or default choice after Windows updates. Perhaps you’re used to using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox – and that’s OK. You can say “no” to Microsoft’s solicitations if you read and select carefully, and watch for dark patterns on their selection screens.

Here are several reasons why Microsoft wants people to use the Edge browser:

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The scam may start with a simple text or email message that initially seems directed to someone else, but responding to such messages can lead down a “rabbit hole” where most victims lose thousands of dollars. With worldwide communication at our fingertips these days, it’s easy for scammers to target anyone – and it may start with a simple message saying “Hi”. “Pig butchering” is a complex and evolving social scam that preys on victims through manipulative online relationships. Here’s the details that you need to know so that you don’t become a victim:

The basic premise: Scammers build trust with victims over prolonged periods, often months or even years, through online platforms like dating apps, social media, investment forums, or even seemingly misdirected emails or text messages. They often pose as wealthy individuals interested in romance, friendship, or business opportunities.

The manipulation: Scammers employ various tactics to gain trust and exploit victims’ emotional vulnerabilities, such as:

• Mirroring victims’ interests and personalities.
• Offering emotional support and flattery.
• Sharing elaborate or fabricated stories about their lives.
• Gradually introducing investment opportunities or financial requests.

The exploitation: Once trust is established, scammers may persuade victims to invest in fake schemes, cryptocurrency scams, or other fraudulent ventures. They may pressure victims to transfer increasingly large sums of money, often isolating them from family and friends to prevent intervention.

The dangers: Pig butchering scams can have devastating consequences, leading to significant financial losses, emotional distress, and even identity theft. It’s crucial to be wary of online relationships that seem too good to be true, especially those involving promises of quick wealth or sudden romance.

Remember:

• DO NOT RESPOND to email or text messages that seem like they were meant for someone else. A message from an email address or number that you don’t know may include simply “Hi” or “Did you hear from Sally?”.
• Be cautious of online relationships that develop quickly or involve excessive flattery.
• Do not invest in opportunities presented by someone you haven’t met in person.
• Never share personal financial information with someone you haven’t verified.
• Report any suspicious activity or online scams to the appropriate authorities.

By staying informed and exercising caution, you can protect yourself from falling prey to social scams like pig butchering.

How did “pig butchering” become the term for this social engineering scam?

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If your computer has been overrun with pop-ups along the right side on your computer, you may have inadvertently chosen to allow notifications to from an untrustworthy website.

How to block browser notifications

To block notification pop-ups in Chrome:

• At the top right of Chrome, click More
• Click Settings.
• Under Privacy and security, click Site settings.
• Click Notifications.
• Under Allowed to send notifications, select Block.

To block notification pop-ups in Edge:

• At the top right of Edge, click More
• Click Settings.
• Click Cookies and Site Permissions
• Under All permissions, click Notifications.
• Click Notifications.
• Under Allow, choose the site(s) you’d like to block and select Block.

For more information, read: What are browser notifications, and how did I get them? – Malwarebytes Blog

Also read: The good and bad of browser extensions – Computer Techs tips

Are you getting excessive pop-ups and getting redirected to websites that you didn’t intend to visit? Please contact us if you need help cleaning up your browser.

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Updated 11/15/23:

Here are some of the best methods to reduce the amount of spam/junk email in your Inbox:

• Use an email service with good junk/spam email filtering. Gmail is our favorite free email service that does a pretty good job at segregating important email from spam, as well as promotional, social, and any other emails you want to filter out of you main Inbox.
• Unsubscribe from specific emails only after you’ve verified that they are from a legitimate sender.
• For any obvious junk/spam email that arrives in your Inbox, report it as spam/junk – but don’t unsubscribe if your email service offers a setting to do so.
• Don’t react to junk/spam email by clicking links or replying. Just delete it.
• Use different email addresses or aliases and/or different email services to segregate personal emails, email addresses you use for banks and financial institutions, travel confirmations, newsletters, etc. Google’s Gmail, Yahoo Mail and Outlook.com all offer such features.
• Use a strong, unique password and enable 2-step verification for your email account so that hackers can’t access your account and steal your contacts list among other dangers.
• When addressing email to multiple recipients, use Blind Carbon Copy (BCC) so that you’re not inadvertently sharing people’s private email addresses with others. Also, compose descriptive subjects so that spam filters and the recipient can tell whether or not your email is spam.
• Realize that you cannot prevent all junk email. The longer you have an email address and the more people and businesses that it is given to, the more junk email you will likely receive over time.

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Dark patterns are user interface (UI) designs that are intentionally deceptive or manipulative to trick users into making unintended choices, or choices that the creator wants you to make. They are often used by websites and apps to get users to sign up for services, make purchases, or share personal information.

Some examples of dark patterns include:

• Trick questions: This is where a website or app asks you a question in a way that makes it difficult to give the correct answer. For example, a website might ask you to agree to a term of service that includes a hidden clause.
• Misdirection: This is where a website or app uses confusing or misleading language to trick you into making a certain choice. For example, a website might use the word “free” to describe a product or service, even though there are actually hidden costs associated with it.
• Disguised ads: This is where ads are disguised as content or features. For example, a website might have a “featured article” that is actually an ad for a product or service.
• Bait and switch: This is where a website or app offers a product or service at a low price, but then makes it difficult or impossible to actually purchase it. For example, a website might offer a free trial of a service, but then make it difficult to cancel the subscription after the trial period ends.
• Forced continuity: This is where a website or app makes it difficult or impossible to cancel a subscription or service. For example, a website might require you to call customer service to cancel a subscription, or they might make the cancellation process very complicated.
• Hidden costs: This is where the true cost of a product or service is not disclosed until after you’ve made a purchase. For example, a website might charge a hidden fee for shipping or handling, or they might have a high cancellation fee.
• Roach motel: This is where a website or app makes it difficult or impossible to leave. For example, a website might make it difficult to find the “logout” button, or they might keep redirecting you back to the same page.
• Confirmshaming: This is where a website or app tries to guilt you into making a certain choice. For example, a website might ask you to confirm that you really want to cancel your subscription, and they might make it seem like you’re being a bad person if you do.

Dark patterns are often difficult to spot, but there are a few things you can do to protect yourself:

• Be aware of the psychology of dark patterns: Dark patterns are designed to exploit our cognitive biases, so it’s helpful to be aware of these biases so you can spot them when they’re being used.
• Take your time: Don’t rush through any online interactions. Take your time to read the terms and conditions, and make sure you understand what you’re agreeing to.
• Be skeptical of defaults: Defaults are often used in dark patterns to trick users into making certain choices. For example, a website might default to “opt-in” for marketing emails, even though most users would prefer to “opt-out.”

Now that you’re aware of dark patterns, you can watch for them while on websites where you’re asked to click a link or make a decision.

Learn more… View more examples of dark patterns on web pages here

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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.

Benefits of using digital coupons include saving money on your grocery bill for items that you use regularly or trying new items. With the store’s mobile app you can easily browse and clip coupons or shop sale items from your smartphone or tablet while you shop before you get to the checkout.

Rewards

Many stores reward loyalty by accumulating “points” for dollars spent on purchases, which can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases.

Pick-up and delivery 

Most stores offer pick-up and/or delivery services which can help you stick to your list and avoid impulse shopping when visiting a store. This can also be helpful if getting around the grocery store is a bit more challenging these days. Using the store’s website or mobile app you can chose items for purchase, pay, and then go to the store and wait outside for the attendant to load your order in your vehicle – or wait for a delivery driver to bring your order to home.

We can help you get started with saving money at the grocery store

We can show you how to use the store’s website to save money, or even come over and show you how to download and use the store’s mobile app. We can walk you through the process of adding items to your list, clipping digital coupons, and placing an online order if you’d rather pick-up your groceries or have them delivered.

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Updated November 2024 noting official end of support is December 31, 2024

On a Windows PC, if you currently use the Mail and Calendar apps to access your email instead of going to your email provider’s website, you’ll likely be happy to hear that Microsoft will be replacing those (awful) apps on Windows 10/11 with the new Outlook for Windows app in 2024.

Outlook for Windows is a unified app that combines mail, contacts, and calendars. It also integrates with many of Google’s popular tools such as Gmail and Calendar.

This change could be confusing for some users, as there are already many different Outlook products available. However, the new Outlook for Windows is a significant improvement over the Mail and Calendar apps. It has more features, a better interface, and better integration with other Microsoft products.

What’s the difference between Outlook, Outlook.com and the new Outlook for Windows?

Outlook (classic) has been the default email program in Microsoft Office since 1997 and is still part of the subscription version of Office 365 – now called Microsoft 365.

Outlook.com is a website that replaced Hotmail which is Microsoft’s competitor to Google’s Gmail or Yahoo Mail.

The new Outlook for Windows is an app, not a website, that has the look of Outlook.com and many of the basic features of Outlook (classic).

For more information, see:

• Feature comparison between new Outlook and classic Outlook
• Outlook for Windows: The Future of Mail, Calendar and People on Windows 11

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When using the PDF viewer Adobe Reader, you may get prompts suggesting that you should/need to upgrade to Adobe Acrobat. Adobe Acrobat is the paid version that includes additional features, such as the ability to create, edit, and protect PDF files. Most home computer users do not need to upgrade to Adobe Acrobat and pay for features that they do not need.

Here are the pros and cons of upgrading to Adobe Acrobat from Adobe Reader:

Pros:

• Create and edit PDFs: Adobe Acrobat allows you to create and edit PDFs, which is not possible with Adobe Reader. This means you can add text, images, and annotations to PDFs, as well as rearrange pages and delete content.
• Convert PDFs to other formats: Adobe Acrobat can also convert PDFs to other formats, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This is useful if you need to share a PDF with someone who doesn’t have Adobe Reader.
• Protect PDFs: Adobe Acrobat can protect PDFs with passwords, encryption, and digital signatures. This helps to keep your PDFs secure and prevents them from being tampered with.
• Add advanced features: Adobe Acrobat also includes a number of advanced features, such as the ability to create PDF portfolios, add watermarks, and track changes.

Cons:

• Cost: Adobe Acrobat is a paid software, while Adobe Reader is free.
• Complexity: Adobe Acrobat is more complex than Adobe Reader, so it may take some time to learn how to use all of its features.
• Not necessary for everyone: If you only need to view and print PDFs, then you don’t need to upgrade to Adobe Acrobat. Adobe Reader is sufficient for most users.

Additionally, word processing programs such as Microsoft Word and LibreOffice Writer let you save documents as a PDF (Portable Document Format) file. So if you have a word processing document that you don’t want easily changed or edited, you already have the ability to save it as a PDF file.

Overall, Adobe Acrobat offers a number of advantages over Adobe Reader, but it is also more expensive and complex. Whether or not you should upgrade depends on your needs. If you need to create, edit, or protect PDFs, then Adobe Acrobat is a good choice. However, if you only need to view and print PDFs, then Adobe Reader is sufficient.

Here is a table that summarizes the pros and cons of upgrading to Adobe Acrobat from Adobe Reader:

Feature	Adobe Reader	Adobe Acrobat
Cost	Free	Paid
Complexity	Simple	Complex
Features	Basic	Advanced
Necessary for everyone	No	Yes (for some users)

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Updated October 2023:

Since 2003 clients regularly ask us for a way to keep their computers secure and up-to-date, and not have to worry about the seemingly constant barrage of updates. With websites getting hacked on a daily basis, and the increasing chance of your personal information being lost or compromised, it’s more important than ever to keep your computer up-to-date and maintained.

With the Computer Techs Maintenance Plan, we will maintain, update and check the security on your computer on a convenient quarterly schedule. Service can be performed via a Remote Support session which takes about an hour. Services include:

• Install security updates for browser add-ons, program updates, available router updates, critical computer firmware and Windows updates
• Remove adware/toolbars/homepage hijackers
• Remove or disable unused or unnecessary apps that cause security or performance issues
• Check internet connection settings and remove any malicious scripts, DNS or proxy settings
• Virus/malware/adware scan
• Check hard drive health and used space
• Check back-up and system restore settings
• Defragment hard drive files
• Check browser settings and remove unnecessary extensions and allowed notification pop-ups
• Delete unnecessary temporary, log and update cache files to free up drive space
• Check Wi-Fi settings and adjust if interference or performance issues exist
• Check internet connection and speed tests
• Apply computer manufacturer’s urgent and recommended software and hardware updates if needed
• Check for print jobs stuck in the queue
• Check for frequent app crashes or system “blue screen” errors that could lead to more serious problems

Additional benefits of being on our quarterly Computer Maintenance Plan include:

• Priority callbacks and email replies with simple or easy-to-resolve issues or questions under 5 minutes at no charge.
• VIP rates: Receive regular (non-maintenance) in-home service calls at the same price as our remote rates (Save $20/hr)

When you sign up for the Computer Techs Computer Maintenance Plan, you’ll get all of the services above for less than the price of a house call – quarterly remote service for one computer is just $80 payable at the time of each quarterly service. Additional computers maintained during the same appointment time are just $20 each. Semi-annual remote appointments are also available for $89 and $30 for additional computers. On-site service is also available at regular VIP hourly rates. To sign-up for your initial quarterly remote service, schedule your appointment – or contact us for semi-annual and/or on-site service.

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In the past few months, AI (Artificial Intelligence) Chat has come to light as a new conversational way to search the internet. To compose the rest of this article I asked Google’s Bard chatbot and Microsoft’s Bing chatbot “What is AI Chat and how does it make searching the Internet better?”. Below are the responses I received.

According to Google’s Bard:

“AI chat is a new way to search the internet. It uses artificial intelligence to understand your questions and provide you with answers in a conversational way. This can be much more helpful than traditional search engines, which often return a list of links that you have to click through to find the information you’re looking for.

With AI chat, you can just ask your question and the AI will provide you with an answer, or a series of answers, in real time. This can be much faster and more efficient than traditional search engines.

AI chat can also be more helpful because it can understand your context. For example, if you ask “What is the best restaurant in San Francisco?”, the AI will take into account your location and other factors to provide you with a list of restaurants that are relevant to you.

Overall, AI chat is a new and innovative way to search the internet that can be much more helpful than traditional search engines. It is still in its early stages of development, but it has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the internet.

Here are some of the ways AI chat can make searching the internet better:

• It can provide you with more accurate and relevant results.
• It can save you time by helping you find the information you need faster.
• It can be more user-friendly, as it allows you to interact with the search engine in a more natural way.
• It can be more interactive, as it allows you to ask follow-up questions and get additional information.
• It can be more personalized, as it can tailor the results to your specific needs and interests.

Overall, AI chat has the potential to revolutionize the way we search the internet. It can provide us with more accurate, relevant, and timely results, and it can do so in a more user-friendly and interactive way.”

According to Microsoft’s Bing “Ask me anything…”

“AI Chat refers to a program that simulates human conversations using natural language processing (NLP) ³. Chatbots are programmed to address users’ needs independently of a human operator ³. AI Chat can improve searching the internet by providing more accurate and relevant results ¹. However, conversational AI is far from applicable to every kind of search ¹. Bing has integrated an AI language model into its search engine which is more powerful than ChatGPT ² and can understand context and reply back in a humane way ⁴.

I hope this helps!

Source: Conversation with Bing, 4/6/2023(1) 18 of the Best AI Chatbots for 2023 – HubSpot. https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/best-ai-chatbot Accessed 4/6/2023.
(2) I used the future of AI web search – Digital Trends. https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/ai-search-microsoft-openai-chatgpt-novelty-to-normal/ Accessed 4/6/2023.
(3) ChatGPT versus AI-enabled Bing. How do they differ?. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2023/02/ai-chatgpt-openai-bing-search/ Accessed 4/6/2023.
(4) 10 Things New AI Bing Chat Can Do Better Than ChatGPT. https://techwiser.com/things-new-ai-bing-chat-can-do-better-than-chatgpt/ Accessed 4/6/2023.
(5) What is ChatGPT and why does it matter? Here’s what you need to know. https://www.zdnet.com/article/what-is-chatgpt-and-why-does-it-matter-heres-everything-you-need-to-know/ Accessed 4/6/2023.
(6) The best AI chatbots of 2023: ChatGPT and alternatives | ZDNET. https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-ai-chatbot/ Accessed 4/6/2023.”

I followed up by clicking “examples of AI Chat”

“There are many examples of AI Chatbots available today. Some of them include Zoho SalesIQ, Tidio Chat, Landbot, ChatBot, Manychat, FreshChat, Tars ¹. Other examples include Apple’s Siri, Google Assistant, Microsoft’s Cortana, Amazon Echo, and Facebook Messenger ². Automat.ai is another example of a conversational AI software with exceptional listening skills that “understands every customer” and has a built-in product recommendation engine that serves up personalized suggestions and engages customers to provide superior shopping experiences ³.

I hope this helps!

Source: Conversation with Bing, 4/6/2023(1) 15 Best AI Chatbots (2023 Update) – Guru99. https://www.guru99.com/best-ai-chatbots.html Accessed 4/6/2023.
(2) What is AI Chatbot & How do AI Chatbots Work? The Complete Guide. https://www.heliossolutions.co/blog/what-is-ai-chatbot-how-do-ai-chatbots-work-the-complete-guide/ Accessed 4/6/2023.
(3) Conversational AI Examples + Uses and Insights. https://getvoip.com/blog/conversational-ai-examples/ Accessed 4/6/2023.
(4) Why We’re Obsessed With the Mind-Blowing ChatGPT AI Chatbot. https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/why-were-all-obsessed-with-the-mind-blowing-chatgpt-ai-chatbot/ Accessed 4/6/2023.
(5) The best AI chatbots of 2023: ChatGPT and alternatives | ZDNET. https://www.zdnet.com/article/best-ai-chatbot/ Accessed 4/6/2023.
(6) ChatGPT: How to Use the AI Chatbot for Free – How-To Geek. https://www.howtogeek.com/871065/chatgpt-how-to-use-the-ai-chatbot-for-free/ Accessed 4/6/2023.”

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