The Importance of Multi Factor Authentication

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Last month, the RSA had their security conference, and Microsoft shared quite the alarming statistic about user accounts.

They stated that while 95% of users are protected, there’s still 5% that remains compromised. This 5% is what hackers feed upon. And while 5% of users doesn’t seem like a big number, that rounds out to be around 1.2 million logins every month.

Not only that, but Microsoft engineers said that most, if not all, of these risked accounts are not using MFA, or multi-factor authentication. This system allows a lower risk of a possible compromise to your account – which is incredibly important to any personal information you may have stored. For Office 365 users, set up a 2-step verification here.

Using multi-factor authentication is one of the easiest and most effective ways to increase the security of your organization. It’s easier than it sounds – when you log in, multi-factor authentication means you’ll type a code from your phone to get access to Microsoft 365. This can prevent hackers from taking over if they know your password. Multi-factor authentication is also called 2-step verification. Individuals can add 2-step verification to most accounts easily, for example, to their Google or Microsoft accounts.

-Microsoft Docs

For help updating, restoring, or dealing with any security 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 League City Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in League City, TX please call or text the local office at(281) 860-2550.

Paint App Revamped

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Users in the Windows Insiders Program are trying out the newly redesigned Paint application for Windows 11.

The new app will include a more modernized look, with rounded corners, an updated toolbar, and drop-down menus. Microsoft has also added a text feature.

Microsoft Paint is one of the most popular Windows programs. Although in 2017 it was announced that Paint would be removed, Microsoft ended up defaulting back. Users were incredibly happy with the announcement.

If you’re needing help with computer problems, 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 Boulder Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Boulder, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Windows 10 Ransomware E-Mails – Do NOT Download

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If you get an e-mail telling you to install Windows 10 updates, simply delete it.

Newly discovered malware is asking victims to update to the most recent version of Windows 10. ‘Install Latest Microsoft Windows Update immediately!’ or ‘Critical Microsoft Windows Update!’ appears in the subject line, and when you open it, a file extension attachment appears for you to click on.

This malicious download will infect any computer that downloads the “.jpg” file extension. TechRadar reported that the download, “encrypts all of the files on the infected user’s system and appends their filenames with its own file extension, 777. A ransom note with the filename ‘Cyborg_DECRYPT.txt’ is then left on the desktop of the compromised machine. Finally, the ransomware leaves a copy of itself called ‘bot.exe’ hidden at the root of the infected drive.”

The GitHub file name

The file is called ‘bitcoingenerator.exe’ and the GitHub account is named “misterbtc2020”. This ransomware locks your PC and your files, encrypted. For a ransom, you can receive your files as decrypted.

Make sure your antivirus is up to date on your computer to avoid any and all malicious cyber attacks. Also, remember that Windows 10 updates only push through its operating system and not through e-mails.

If you ever have an issue with any Windows 10 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 Garland Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Garland, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

How To Disable Background Apps

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If you have Windows 10, this is an important tip to know.

Background Apps, by default, are allowed to run even if they’re not being used. This means they’re affecting battery life, collecting information, and can download/install updates.

While this may not seem a problem to some, other users may want to disable it. Here’s what you do:

  1. Go to Settings
  2. Click on Privacy
  3. Find Background Apps
  4. Turn off the “Let apps run in the background” option.

You also have the option of turning on/off individual applications, instead of turning all of them off as a whole.

Source: WindowsCentral

For any computer-related inquiries, 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.

Downloads Are Taking Their Time

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Are your downloading speeds tanking? This could be a handful of reasons. So let’s discuss.

First, check out what your speeds actually are. Speedtest.net gives you accurate upload, download, and ping speeds. If speeds are lower than normal, try unplugging your router for around 30 seconds to a minute, then plug it back in.

Second, if that fails, contact your internet service provider and let them know of the issue. Techs can come out to your house and reset the connection. It’s also possible the router malfunctioned. They can replace it if you’re renting it from the provider, or will let you know you will have to replace it yourself.

Third, it’s possible the computers’ processing is faltering. HelloTech points out on their blog about cleaning the Windows Registry:

“In particular, the Windows registry can be corrupted or may contain many unnecessary files. The computer has to read all of these files before processing the actual download. This process can make everything move at a turtle’s pace. To fix this problem, you need to clean the Windows registry on a regular basis.”

If your computer needs 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 Scottsdale Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Scottsdale, AZ please call the local office at (480) 240-2960 or schedule an appointment at www.scottsdalecomputerrepairservice.net.

When Should You Update to Windows 11?

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This question seems to be asked quite a bit. We understand many Microsoft users can’t wait for the revamped Windows 11 to be released.

If you notice in Windows OS news, there’s plenty of articles pertaining to the release and when to install it. Some are showing you can get it now. And while that may be the case, these are beta (preview) testing.

Microsoft involves the Windows Insiders to test out upcoming features and applications to receive feedback. This allows Microsoft developers to fix any issues that pop up through the testing process.

What is the Windows Insiders Program? Microsoft states on its website, “The Windows Insider Program is a community of millions of Windows’ biggest fans who get to be the first to see what’s next. Windows Insiders run previews of the platform, called Windows Insider Preview Builds, then give feedback and engage directly with our engineers to help shape the future of Windows.”

Seems cool, however, it comes with a variety of risks to your computer. If you choose to do this, it’s best to have a backup of all of your software, documents, files, and other personal information you may have.

So when is the best time to download Windows 11?

Microsoft will finally deliver Windows 11 to supported PCs on October 5th, after its announcement late in June this year. This is the best time to update your computer to the new operating system.

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 from our staff at the Arlington Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Arlington, TX please call the local office at (817) 756-6008.

Wifi is slow, but why?

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With the amount of wi-fi gadgets in our homes, even the tiniest imperfections can have an affect on its performance. There could be a number of hindering culprits.

Here are a few ideas:

Did you know that WIFI speeds are affected by solid objects? Placing your Router in an open area can help the fluidity of speed to your devices.

In addition to computers, phones, and tablets, you’ll also find smart TVs, game consoles, media streaming sticks, smart home hubs connected to WIFI. Get rid of those that are not necessarily needed to boost your speed.

Often times, it’s as simple as unplugging/disconnecting your router from the wall for about 30 seconds. This allows it to readjust and reset.

Other cases involve a bad router. When the connection is bad and speeds have dropped, replacing your router could be the best solution to this problem.

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 from 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. 

Running On Low Disk Space

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At the point when your PC has been utilized for quite a while, you might experience the “Low Disk Space” warning on your Windows operating system. Thankfully, Windows 10 supplies an allotted settings menu to make the process faster and reliable.

Numerous users don’t comprehend the need of having adequate disk space and introduce huge projects leaving not many MB size in C drive. The Windows Installation Disk needs sufficient space to run properly.

“If your PC is running low on free space, you might not be able to install important Windows updates, and your PC’s performance may be affected.

To check the total disk space left on your Windows 10 device, select File Explorer  from the taskbar, and then select This PC on the left. The available space on your drive will appear under Devices and drives.”

Source: Microsoft

You can also simply type in “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar of the Start Menu. There, the application will pop up. You will then be able to click on certain files to delete. It will also show the total amount of disk space you will gain from cleaning it up.

For inquiries with Microsoft 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 Frisco Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Frisco, TX please call or text the local office at (469) 299-9005.

What it Means When Your Computer Freezes

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If your computer freezes, it could be a software or a hardware problem.

When devices are frozen, it means the windows on the screen have stopped responding. Everything has become at a stand-still. This can be quite frustrating to users, especially when working remotely or finishing up daily online schooling.

The easiest remedy comes as simply restarting your computer. Sometimes, that may not help. Here are a few reasons why your PC freezes up:

Software Issues

Updating any and all software is crucial to keeping your PC running smoothly. If your operating system is out-of-date, this could cause frozen windows. Make certain all applications are legitimate. Any malware can also hinder its performance.

Your Windows OS, or any other operating system you have installed, may be corrupted. If that’s the case, uninstall them, and re-install. We wrote a blog post recently about an unsupported Windows 11 OS that could spell disaster if downloaded and installed.

“With their exciting news, rumors have spread to allow users to download the unfinished, not-yet-announced Windows 11. The build leaked overseas, and Microsoft has expressed to users not to do so. On top of that, hackers have been busy taking advantage of this opportunity.”

Hardware Issues

Defective hardware can create malfunctions to the performance. Overheating can potentially disturb the quality of a PC. Fans are designed to keep them cool. All devices require ease of airflow to keep the fans running properly.

Also, any recent installations of components need to be considered a likely culprit. Try removing them to see if that’s the issue.

For any Windows operating system 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 Woodlands Computer Repair Service. If you need better SEO or computer repair in Arvada, CO please call or text the local office at (281) 860-2550.

Update to Safari 15

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If you have macOS, be sure to update it to the latest version of the Safari browser. This particular update includes security and performance enhancements.

Safari 15 has a new design with rounder, more defined tabs with transparency support, and a couple of features, like a small tab bar alternative that can be switched on or off.

According to Apple, here’s what it features:

“Safari 15 delivers faster performance, improved security, and the following new features:

       • Tab Groups help you save and organize your tabs and easily access them across devices

       • Redesigned tabs have a rounder and more defined appearance and take on the color of the webpage

       • Compact tab bar option shows more of your web page on screen

       • HTTPS upgrade automatically switches sites from HTTP to more secure HTTPS when available”

To install, simply open up System Preferences and then to Software Update. It doesn’t require a Restart, thankfully.

For help with any computer 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 Pasadena Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Pasadena, TX please call or text the local office at (281) 860-2550.