Weekly Tech Tips

After recent Windows 11 updates, Outlook, Word, and File Explorer started freezing when opening or saving files in OneDrive or Dropbox. Microsoft released a free patch — go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates, and install any available patches. A restart applies the fix in about 5 minutes.

Google confirmed 60 newly discovered security vulnerabilities in Chrome this week, two of them serious. The fix is already out — but it only applies after you restart Chrome. Click the three dots in the top-right corner → Help → About Google Chrome, then click Relaunch.

The FTC issued a fresh warning: fake "unpaid traffic violation" texts are hitting millions of phones. Clicking the link leads to a page that steals your card number. Here's how to stay safe.

Google offers a free Security Checkup that shows every device signed in to your account, flags weak passwords, and checks for suspicious activity — all in one place, no tech knowledge needed.

Scammers are placing fake QR codes on parking meters, restaurant tables, and flyers to steal your personal information — always preview the web address before tapping, and skip the code entirely if the address looks strange or misspelled.

Forgot your Wi-Fi password? Your phone, tablet, or computer already knows it — here is how to look it up without calling your internet provider.

Videos that play automatically on websites and social media apps drain your mobile data and can be distracting — but you can turn them off in just a few taps.

If you use a computer at the library, a hotel, or any shared space, logging out properly is essential — otherwise the next person who sits down could access your email, bank account, or social media.

Spam texts with fake delivery notices, bank alerts, and prize offers are on the rise — but your phone has built-in tools to block them and report them as junk.

Your phone has a built-in feature that lets paramedics or anyone helping you see your emergency contacts and medical info — even when the phone is locked. It takes just a few minutes to set up.

Apple just released an urgent security update (iOS 18.7.7) that fixes a serious vulnerability. Without it, a hacker could break into your iPhone just by getting you to visit the wrong website — no download needed.

A screen lock PIN is the first line of defense if your phone is ever lost or stolen — it keeps strangers out of your personal information, photos, and accounts.

Your phone has a built-in "Do Not Disturb" mode that silences calls, texts, and notifications — perfect for bedtime, doctor visits, or when scam calls won't stop.

Save the websites you visit regularly as bookmarks in your browser — this prevents typos in the address bar that could lead you to fake or dangerous lookalike sites.

If a website shows a scary pop-up saying your computer is infected, don't click anything — it's almost certainly a scam designed to trick you into installing malware or calling a fake support number.

Visit haveibeenpwned.com to find out if your email address has appeared in any known data breaches. If it has, change your password for those affected accounts right away.

Check which apps on your phone can access your camera, microphone, and location. Revoking permissions you don't need is one of the easiest ways to protect your privacy.

Genuine companies like Microsoft or Apple will never call you out of the blue to say your computer has a virus. If you get this call — hang up.

Set up automatic cloud backups using Google Photos, iCloud, or OneDrive — it takes 5 minutes and keeps your memories safe forever.

Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols — and never reuse the same password across different sites.

Look for spelling mistakes, urgent language, and suspicious sender addresses. When in doubt, don't click.

Clearing cached data fixes many website issues and frees up storage. Do it monthly for best results.

Sort files into folders and delete what you don't need. A tidy downloads folder makes everything easier to find.

Windows Defender is built-in and excellent. On Mac, keep your system updated — it has strong built-in protection.

Use headphones for better audio, position your camera at eye level, and make sure you're well-lit from the front.

Lower your screen brightness, close unused apps, and turn off Bluetooth and location services when not needed.

Updates fix bugs and security holes. Turn on automatic updates so you never miss an important patch.

Add an extra layer of security to your accounts. Even if someone steals your password, they can't get in without the second step.

Check for HTTPS, look at the domain carefully, and don't trust sites with lots of pop-ups or too-good-to-be-true deals.

Unsubscribe from newsletters you don't read and delete old messages to keep your inbox fast and manageable.

Choose a secret word with your family that only you know. If someone calls claiming to be a relative in trouble (even if it sounds exactly like them — AI can clone voices now), ask for the safety word. No word? Hang up and call them directly.

The single most important thing you can do for security. On iPhone: Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates. On Android: Settings > System > Software Update > Auto-download. On Windows: Settings > Windows Update > turn on automatic updates. Updates fix security holes that hackers exploit.

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