Monthly Archives: February 2022

Quickly Clean PC with Disk Cleanup

Refreshing your computer at least once a month is advised by Microsoft and is an excellent method to keep your operating system running smoothly.

Disk Cleanup is a Microsoft software application that was initially released with Windows 98 and has since been included in every subsequent Windows operating system.

It allows users to delete files that are no longer needed or are no longer safe to keep. Removing superfluous files, especially temporary files, can make the hard drive and computer run faster and more efficiently.

Getting a message that your PC is running out of room can be a stressful event—or, even a genuine emergency if you’re in the middle of an important project. The good news is you can probably free up a lot of space on your PC running Windows by following the tips here. But if you keep getting messages about low drive space, you might want to consider other options, including adding additional removable storage.

Source: Microsoft

On their website, Microsoft offers several tips on how to free up drive space.


If you are having computer-related 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 Plano Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Plano, TX please call the local office at (469) 299-9005.

New Update Speeds up Windows 11

Updates come with a variety of new features and security formats. In the upcoming Windows 11 update, the process will be throttled in efficiency mode to avoid interfering with the foreground experience.

According to WindowsLatest, “With Windows 11 Build 22557, Microsoft is trying to implement a feature that will allow users to limit the “resource allocation on a per-app process basis”. So instead of utilizing “End Task” on the Task Manager, the new “Efficiency mode reduces process base priority to low and sets QoS mode to EcoQoS.”

As noted, when you configure several processes to use less resources, Windows will automatically assign free resources to higher-priority processes. This is all based on the circumstances of your PC.


If you are needing help with computer 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 from our staff at the Tucson Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Tucson, AZ, please call the local office at (520) 526-9940.

Google: Brand Indicators for Message Identification

With the pandemic continuing, many workers are obligated to work remotely from home. And with that comes with a plethora of obstacles to keep your computer secure.

Hackers all over the globe are doing anything and everything they can to manipulate e-mails to con the most vulnerable users. Because of that, it’s important to large software companies to create the best security features.

Google announced back in 2020 that their Gmail update included what they called “Brand Indicators for Message identification”, or BIMI. This feature implemented the best security experience for companies.

They added, “Our BIMI pilot will enable organizations, who authenticate their emails using DMARC, to validate ownership of their corporate logos and securely transmit them to Google. Once these authenticated emails pass all of our other anti-abuse checks, Gmail will start displaying the logo in existing avatar slots in the Gmail UI.”

BIMI adds these handy features:

  • Embed your logos in your emails.
  • You have complete control over the logos that appear in your email messages.
  • Improved user experience and rapid brand awareness.

If you are having security problems or any other issue with your computer and would like some assistance, 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 from our staff at the Arvada Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Arvada, CO please call the local office at (720) 441-6460 or schedule an appointment at www.arvadacomputerrepairservice.com.

Storage Sense on Windows OS

Storage Sense may proactively free up disc space for you by removing stuff you no longer use, such as temporary files and photos in your computer recycle bin.

How does it work, though? It’s simple, really! Storage Sense will operate when your computer’s disk space is low and clear out unwanted temporary files if it’s switched on with the default settings.

Windows Support states, “Content from the Recycle Bin will be deleted by default after some time, but items in your Downloads folder and OneDrive (or any other cloud provider) will not be touched unless you set up Storage Sense to do so.”

To enable Storage Sense, head over to “Storage” in the Settings app. From there, you can toggle on the automatic option.


If you need help with computer 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 was brought to you by our staff at the Grand Prairie Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Grand Prairie, TX, please call our local office at (469) 299-9005.

In Case You Don’t Know About Windows 10 S

Microsoft has always been about safety and performance when it comes to its Windows 10 operating system. This is why, back in May of 2017, they announced Windows 10 S.

Updated in 2018, and renamed as Windows 10 in S mode, this version allows your security to be heightened while still receiving a similar experience to that of Windows. However, there are limitations within this mode. For example, S mode only allows the Microsoft Edge browser to be used. The reasoning behind this stems from the maximum security you’ll receive, as opposed to Firefox, Chrome, or other browsers.

“With Windows 10 in S mode, your favorite applications, such as Office, Evernote and Spotify, are available from the Microsoft Store where they’re Microsoft-verified for security. You can also feel secure when you’re online. Microsoft Edge, your default browser, gives you more protection against phishing and socially-engineered malware than Chrome or Firefox.”

Microsoft

Windows 10 in S mode also increases performance, as it allows for a better and faster response time and an overall wonderful experience. Processors that S mode will work on include Qualcomm Snapdragon, AMD, and Intel. You can check to see if your PC has any of them by going to the Start Menu-Settings-System-About. Then, under the Device Specifications, you’ll see “Processor,” which will tell you which one you have.

To learn more about Windows 10 in S Mode, be sure to head on over to the Microsoft website and glance through their FAQ.


For help with 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 by our staff at the Mesa Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Mesa, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2950.

Different Antivirus Scans on Windows 10

The Microsoft Defender Antivirus software, included with Windows 10, protects your machine and data from practically all types of malware and hackers.

To access Windows Security, simply type in “Virus and threat protection” in the search bar next to the Start menu. From there, it will give you the current status of the scans, along with different levels of scans.

Quick scans seem to be used the most, as they only take a few seconds and scan for common attacks in certain folders. If Microsoft Defender discovers a vulnerability during a quick or full scan, it’s recommended to select “Microsoft Defender Offline Scan” on the Scan Options page and execute it right away.

The four different scans are below:

Microsoft Defender isn’t just for Windows 10, however. What’s also great is that the software giant has continued to build services for both Android and Apple’s Mac computers. The Microsoft Store now features what appears to be a Windows Defender preview for both Android and iOS.


If you need assistance with any Google 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 Summerlin Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Summerlin, NV please call the local office at (702) 800-7850.

Notepad and Media Player Updated on Windows 11

Microsoft stated last month that it will begin bringing out an Android app compatibility and Taskbar upgrades to all Windows 11 users in February. They also included a refreshment of Notepad and Media Player.

At the heart of Media Player is a full-featured music library that allows you to quickly browse and play music, as well as create and manage playlists. All your content in the music and video folders on your PC will appear automatically in your library, and you can also tell Media Player where to look for additional content in app settings. Media Player is optimized for accessibility, with improved keyboard shortcuts and access keys for keyboard users as well as with other assistive technologies.

Source: Windows Blog

The Media Player app has taken the position of the Groove Music app. As a result, if your music collection is already in Groove Music, your library and playlists will be immediately migrated.

As far as Notepad, Microsoft states, “Menus have also been simplified to make it easier to find the actions you want to take in the app, and we’ve added new highly requested features like multi-level undo, colorful emojis, and a modern and efficient find-and-replace experience.” The revamped UI, or user interface, seems modern with a new design aspect from Windows 11.

If you would like to try out the new Notepad or Windows Media Player, just head over to the Microsoft Store and download them.

If you ever have an issue with any Windows updates, 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 Atlanta Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Atlanta, GA please call or text the local office at (678) 695-8120.

Protect Your Data with Carbonite

Working from home has a lot of advantages. However, it is not without security threats. Cybercriminals target home networks far more than corporate networks. As a result, clicking on an unknown link at home may have unfavorable consequences.

For example, scam links are often sent by e-mail. To ensure that the sender’s email is legitimate, double-check the sender’s email address. Furthermore, customers should not click any links unless they are confident that they were sent by the company. You may also spot grammar mistakes in the text, which is a sign that it’s a phishing email.

The good news is that you can take steps to improve your cyber-defenses, such as making sure your important files and data are backed up to a secure cloud storage. We recommend Carbonite online backup solutions which will protect your data regardless of any type of attack or problem.



If you would like us to secure and and backup your computer or if you are having any problems, call us at 1-800-620-5285 or book an appointment online at www.karlstechnology.com.

Windows 20H2 Needs to Update

Microsoft shared a reminder for users still utilizing Windows 10 version 20H2:

Windows 10, version 20H2 will reach the end of servicing on May 10, 2022. This applies to the following editions* of Windows 10 released in October of 2020:

  • Windows 10 Home, version 20H2
  • Windows 10 Pro, version 20H2
  • Windows 10 Pro Education, version 20H2
  • Windows 10 Pro for Workstations, version 20H2

These editions will no longer receive security updates after May 10, 2022. Customers who contact Microsoft Support after this date will be directed to update their device to the latest version of Windows 10 to remain supported.”

It appears that there must be a clear reason why customers should upgrade to Windows 10. However, it is pretty complicated.

People believe it is simply to obtain the top features and to upgrade the digital sector. And, although it is true, there is a lot more to it. Security is one of the biggest features of an operating system.

Outdated OS systems means that security flaws are more prevalent than ever. Because Microsoft releases security upgrades on a regular basis, the risks associated with upgrading to Windows 10 are minimal.


If you are experiencing computer 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 Riverview Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Riverview, FL, please call the local office at (813) 400-2865.

High Alert for PC Users

Because to the reappearance of the terrible QBot bug, Windows 10 users should be on high alert. This virus initially appeared in 2007, but it has returned and has evolved.

According to Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR), this recent attack can provide hackers with complete access to data such as emails, passwords, and online internet activity within half an hour of an attack.

The issue appears to be able to travel between PCs linked to a network, allowing it to spread wider and quicker. The DFIR had also said the QBot’s reappearance was initially detected in October.

The virus appears to be spreading through phishing emails.

Phishing scams are internet frauds in which hackers attempt to dupe victims into providing personal information. Typically, this is accomplished through the use of e-mail.

These phishing schemes appear legitimate since the e-mails contain identical information to the firm they’re imitating. The recipient may already have an account with the company, such as AOL or Google.

The malware e-mails use subject lines, which include ‘Covid notifications’ to deceive people into installing the bug.

Protect yourself from phishing scams by doing the following:

-Try out Carbonite online backup solutions, which will protect your data regardless of any type of attack or problem. This can ensure your important files and data are backed up to a secure cloud storage. 

-Use 2-factor authentication, which gives an extra set of security.

-Do not click on any e-mail links that look suspicious. If you’re unsure as to who sent you the e-mail, double check their address to verify its authenticity.


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.