Monthly Archives: October 2021

How to End Ads on Windows 10 Start Menu

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Happy Halloween!

If you were to see pop-up ads on your Windows 10 Start Menu, don’t be alarmed. They were specifically put there by Microsoft to recommend different apps for purchase from their store. Yes, it’s a way for Microsoft to make more money, and yes it may be annoying to most users.

But did you know that you can disable that feature? Here’s how:

  1. Go to Settings on the Start Menu
  2. Go to Personalization
  3. Click Start
  4. Find the Show suggestions occasionally on Start
  5. Click the toggle off

If you are needing help with Microsoft issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you by our staff at the Las Vegas Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Las Vegas, NV please call the local office at (702) 800-7850.

Quick Tip: Incognito Mode

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The majority of modern browsers have an Incognito Mode feature that allows users to browse the internet anonymously. Your activities are not kept on your computer while you are incognito. Private browsing mode allows you to browse the web without saving browsing data on your browser, which makes it impossible to recover later. This comes in handy when shopping online. It deletes cookies immediately after closing the browser and empties its history.

Incognito mode is also available for iPhone and Android devices.

Here’s how to use Incognito Mode

Pressing Ctrl + Shift + N instigates a new private page in Chrome. Ctrl + Shift + P will do it in Firefox.

Unfortunately, your ISP, snoopers, and hackers can still access your data.

Despite its perks, Incognito Mode won’t hide your traffic from other parties like as your ISP, the government, or your company or university’s network administrator. It also won’t protect your traffic from hackers and other assaults and weaknesses.

Extra Security Added to Incognito

If you want more privacy, activating private browsing is a start. But you won’t retain complete anonymity or data security. There’s another way to help ensure privacy and security when you go online.

A VPN — a virtual private network — can help you create a private network that is secure and encrypted from a public Internet connection.

Source: Norton
Pros and Cons of Cookies and Cache

If you have any computer-related questions, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you by our staff at the Henderson Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Henderson, NV please call the local office at (702) 800-7850.

Microsoft Store Revamp Coming to Windows 10

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This year has been full of updates to a handful of Microsoft features, along with a new operating system. Developers are continuing the process of updating the Microsoft Store and allowing the Windows 10 OS to acquire it.

If you are in the Windows Insiders Program, you can now install the new Microsoft Store. According to WindowsLatest, “Microsoft originally announced Windows 11’s new app store in June, and since then, the company has been trying to improve the quality of its marketplace. Several servicing updates have been released as part of the Windows Insider Program and users have been testing the new Store on their devices for more than three months now.”

Source: Microsoft

The new Microsoft Store appears less crowded than the present app store. It is also built on XAML (UWP) code rather than WebView. This means especially when the internet connection itself is sluggish, the speed should be improved.

If you would like to try out the new Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 device, you can join the Windows Insiders Program. It’s free. We don’t know for sure when the installation will be open to the public, but hopefully soon.

Note for Windows Insiders: The preview may carry bugs that can affect your device. To become part of the Windows Insiders Program and try out upcoming features before anyone else, sign up here!

If you are needing assistance with any Microsoft issues, please give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities.  This blog post is brought to you by our staff at the Tampa Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Tampa, FL please call the local office at (813) 400-2865.

2021 Cyberattack Developments

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Malware, Ransomware, and spyware are just a few examples of threats that are designed to infiltrate vulnerable software. As a result, hackers can steal personal information such as social security numbers or bank passwords. The Microsoft Digital Defense Report shared that while hackers are hitting hard, cybersecurity is hitting harder.

As governments perceive cybercrime as a danger to national security, they are enacting new laws and investing more resources.

Earlier this month, Microsoft published the 2021 Microsoft Digital Defense Report (MDDR). Drawing upon over 24 trillion daily security signals across the Microsoft cloud, endpoints, and the intelligent edge, the 2021 MDDR expands upon last year’s inaugural report and contains input from more than 8,500 security experts spanning 77 countries—including insights on the evolving state of ransomware, malicious email, malware, and more.

Source: Microsoft
Source: Microsoft Digital Defense Report

To avoid dangerous cyber assaults, make sure your antivirus software is up to date on your computer. Windows 10 has Ransomware protection as part of its operating system.

In the Settings app, you’ll find a plethora of protection settings, including Firewall & network protection. You’ll also notice Virus & threat protection, which easily scans your device to search for any possible attacks.

Source: Gilbert Computer Repair Service

Ransomware protection is provided if you scroll to the bottom of the Virus & threat prevention section. Simply click on Manage ransomware protection to enable this useful tool. You may then flip the toggle On to safeguard your data on your PC. In the event that danger arises, recovering files becomes an extra option.

If you have any questions regarding ransomware, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the St. Petersburg Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in St. Petersburg, FL please call our local office at (727) 350-1090. 

The Difference Between Adware and Spyware

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Throughout the world of technology, many different types of software flourish. Some are safe and secure, while others tend to cause a ruckus to your PC. No one wants that. Unfortunately, cyber hacking is very much apparent in software and has the ability to be quite secretive. Two kinds of these kinds of software are Adware and Spyware.

What is Adware?

Adware, simply put, is advertising-supported software. Malwarebytes says, “Some security professionals view it as the forerunner of the modern-day PUP (potentially unwanted program).”

It is generally a tricky method of claiming its legitimacy so you will download its content. And when you do, unwanted pop-up advertisements will occur while you’re on the internet. It’s aggravating and annoying, to say the least. However, they’re less malicious than the Spyware. Adware can exist on both PC and mobile.

What is Spyware?

Spyware is mostly described as a malicious kind of software that is intended to find personal information. And it doesn’t stop there. This also allows the hacker to track browsing and reveal any kind of login credentials. Sometimes, they’re able to review in the information and report it back to their own software, or a third-party, without the user’s knowledge or consent.

What do I do if my computer is infected?

It’s very important for your computer to have the latest update to ensure the best security and safety. The operating systems include enhanced anti-virus software, which can be ran through your Security Settings.

Windows 10, for example, involves a Virus & threat protection that automatically does a quick scan throughout the day, every day. You can also opt-in for a Full scan, a Custom scan, or a Microsoft Defender Offline scan.

Many anti-virus software options are free. Researching can help you find the best one suited for your PC.

For help updating, restoring or dealing with any Windows 10 issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Denver Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

What is the PC Health Check App

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Microsoft will install the PC Health Check software on Windows 10 PCs. Many people sought to delete Health Check since their computer could not meet the criteria for running Windows 11.

So what’s it all about?

PC Health Check was originally designed to provide a rating for your PC, indicating whether or not it was upgradeable to Windows 11. However, Microsoft appears to have permitted many unsupported PCs to install the latest operating system.

Source: Microsoft

“Microsoft then went back and forth on its hardware requirements for Windows 11, eventually landing on a compromise that PCs without the “supported” hardware required by PC Health Check would be able to upgrade to Windows 11, but without updates. Well, some updates—anecdotal reports say some unsupported PCs are receiving Windows 11 updates, but they’re not guaranteed.”

Source: PCWorld
Here’s how to uninstall PC Health Check app:
  1. Click Start
  2. Open Settings
  3. Go to Apps > Apps & Features
  4. Find “Windows PC Health Check”
  5. Click on the 3-dot icon
  6. Click Uninstall.

For help troubleshooting PC issues, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Aurora Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Aurora, CO, please call the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Scan Documents Using Notes on iPhone

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This is a pretty cool tip if you don’t have a printer with a scanner. If you have an iPhone, you can scan important documents using the Notes app.

All you have to do is go to the Notes App and click on the Camera icon on the bottom of the screen (it’s right in the middle). Once you’ve clicked on it, the option Scan Documents will be available for you to pick.

From there, you’ll just position the document and take a picture. You can drag the sides to match up to the paper. Then save the scan.

After all that is said and done, you can print off the document by hitting the Share button in the top right corner. Then scroll down the options until you find Print. What a handy feature on iPhones!

For help with Apple devices, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Reinstalling your Operating System

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Sometimes, when all other attempts at troubleshooting your software issues have been depleted, your very last attempt may have to be reinstalling your operating system, or OS.

Reinstalling should be last resort, as it removes any, and all, data from your C drive. The C drive is your primary hard drive that stores your operating system, along with other files.

Clean Slate

Remember that completely uninstalling and reinstalling comes in the form of a clean slate – which means everything gets deleted. Do not forget to back up your files by going to the Start menu and typing in Backup Settings. From there, you can use Windows 10 feature, Back up using File History and use another drive to store anything you want on there.

According to Microsoft Support, here are a few ways you can reinstall Windows 10:

“There are three options that allow you to reset your PC. If you’ve tried just about everything else and your PC still isn’t running well, resetting it might fix the problem.

  • Option 1: Select Start  > Settings  > Update & Security  > Recovery. Under Reset this PC, select Get started. Open Recovery settings.
  • Option 2: Restart your PC to get to the sign-in screen, then press and hold down the Shift key while you select the Power  icon > Restart in the lower-right corner of the screen. After your computer restarts, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
  • Option 3: Select Start , then press and hold down the Shift key while you select the Power  icon > Restart to restart your computer into Recovery Mode. After your computer restarts, select Troubleshoot > Reset this PC.
  • Any of these three options will get you started, but once you’re in the process, follow the steps as they are presented to you. If none of the preceding three options work, you can use installation media to resinstall Windows 10.
Use installation media to reinstall Windows 10
  • If your PC won’t start at all, you can use installation media to do a clean install of Windows 10. Go to the Microsoft software download website, download the media creation tool, then use it to create installation media on a DVD or USB drive. 
  • From there, see Reinstall Windows 10 for more detailed steps.”

If you have any questions regarding operating systems, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Phoenix Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Phoenix, AZ please call our local office at (602) 445-9862.

Quick Assist Allows Remote Access on Windows 10

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Remote access to other computers is quite the handy feature to have when it comes to helping those having issues with their PC. And with the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are relying on remote accessing.

There are a handful of Remote Access Applications out there, such as TeamViewer and Chrome Remote Desktop. These are free and easy to use. However, Windows 10 has it’s own remote access feature available.

Quick Assist allows others you trust have access to your computer. It’s secured and only requires a Microsoft account.

To access Quick Assist, follow the prompts below:
  1. Start Menu
  2. Type in Quick Assist and click on it
  3. From there, you can Get assistance or Give assistance
  4. Giving Assistance requires a signed in Microsoft account and will give a 6 digit code to provide to the one receiving assistance
  5. Receiving Assistance requires the 6 digit code in the box provided. Then click on Share screen.

It is recommended not to have any personal data shown or anything you don’t want the remote assistance to see. Quick Assist will prompt a permission box.

Source: Windows Community

For inquiries with Windows 10 features, call us at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you from our staff at the Frisco Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

Free Up Some RAM on your PC

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If a software program refuses to load or runs slowly, the first thing you should do is close all other open apps. Random Access Memory, or RAM for short, is used by every application in the software.

The more software you have running on your computer, the more RAM it consumes. This can be especially troublesome if you’re utilizing older PCs with little RAM.

Here’s how to free up some RAM on your PC:

  1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete on Windows, then select the Start Task Manager button.
  2. Click the Processes tab, then the Memory menu item, in the window that displays it. This shows how much RAM the programs are consuming.
  3. Click the End Process button to end a runaway process. Before you do so, be sure to check and make sure the program running isn’t crucial to Windows OS.

Another Way

Because RAM is volatile, you will lose its contents if your computer is turned off. Additionally, restarting your computer will free RAM and reset any active apps. While this will not increase your overall RAM, it will clear up any background programs that may be using RAM.

If you need computer repair, computer service or have any technology problem, give us a call at 1-800-620-5285.  Karls Technology is a nationwide computer service company with offices in many major cities. This blog post was brought to you by our staff at the Littleton Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Littleton, CO please call our Littleton office at (720) 441-6460.