Whenever you use the Internet, your browser uses small applications called plug-insto display certain types of content. For example, the Adobe Flash Player plug-in is often used to play videos, games, and other interactive content. And while Flash Player is one of the most commonly used plug-ins, it has also become less popular in recent years. There are […]
Driving safely with mobile devices The best way to stay safe is to avoid using a mobile device entirely while driving. Some states even prohibit cell phone use while driving. Visit your state’s department of transportation website to check on the laws for your area. If you must use a mobile device while driving, follow these safety tips. […]
Home Wi-Fi security If you are using a home Wi-Fi network to access the Internet, you should make sure it is secure; otherwise, your activity and information could be accessible to hackers and cybercriminals. Securing a wireless network can get technical, so beginners may prefer to get help from their Internet service providers (ISPs). When setting up your […]
Using phone verification If you’ve used a webmail service like Gmail, Outlook.com, or Yahoo! Mail in the past few years, you may have been asked to provide a phone number to help verify your account. As we start to conduct more and more of our everyday tasks online—like paying bills and shopping from online stores—it’s become increasingly important for many web […]
What is a plug-in? Plug-ins are small applications that allow you to view certain types of content within your web browser. For example, you’ll need a plug-in called Adobe Flash Player to view most videos on the Web. Other common plug-ins include Adobe Reader, which lets you view PDF files in your browser; and Microsoft Silverlight, which is often required […]
What to do if your computer gets a virus Computer viruses can be dangerous and should be taken seriously, but there are ways to remove them before serious damage is done. We’ll go through the basic steps of virus scanning and removal, but keep in mind that it may still be necessary to hire a technical support professional […]
Understanding social media privacy Social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have made it easier than ever to share things online. But sharing something on social media is a bit different from other types of online communication. Unlike email or instant messaging, which are relatively private, the things you share on social media are more public, which means they’ll […]
Understanding browser tracking Whenever you use the Internet, you leave a record of the websites you visit, along with each and every thing you click. To track this information, many websites save a small piece of data—known as a cookie—to your web browser. In addition to cookies, many websites can use your user accounts to track browsing activity. […]
Online shopping is a convenient way to buy almost anything from the comfort of your home. And while there are some risks with shopping online, there are also many ways to protect yourself and your financial information. Shop from home To protect sensitive information like credit card numbers, you’ll want to shop from your home Internet connection if […]
How to avoid malware Malware is one of the most common hazards to your computer when you’re online, but it’s easy to avoid. Developing safe and smart browsing habits can protect you from malware and other threats, like viruses. Securing your computer and learning how to identify and avoid suspicious links are the fundamentals of […]
From email to instant messaging to social media, the Internet is an essential communication tool. Unfortunately, it’s also popular among scammers and cyber criminals. To protect yourself from email scams, malicious software, and identity theft, you’ll need to understand how to identify and avoid potentially dangerous content in your inbox, including spam and phishing attempts. Dealing with spam If you’ve ever […]
Your computer faces different threats whenever you browse the Web, including viruses, malware, and spyware. The good news is your web browser has a lot of built-in security features to help protect your computer. Let’s take a look at some of the most important features you should know about, as well as some simple tips you can use to stay […]
You’ll need to create a password to do just about everything on the Web, from checking your email to online banking. And while it’s simpler to use a short, easy-to-remember password, this can also pose serious risks to your online security. To protect yourself and your information, you’ll want to use passwords that are long,strong, and difficult for someone else to […]
There’s almost no limit to what you can do online. The Internet makes it possible to access information quickly, communicate around the world, and much more. Unfortunately, the Internet is also home to certain risks, such as malware, spam, and phishing. If you want to stay safe online, you’ll need to understand these risks and learn how to avoid […]
