How Many Screens of Death Are there?

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In order for Microsoft developers and support to understand the urgency of different computer issues, color-coded screens of death appear. 

Most users who utilize Windows 10 have dealt with the ever-infamous Blue Screen of Death. However, there is a handful more of them out there. Screens of death often result in lost data and an action to restart your PC.

Here are just a few:

The Orange Screen of Death pops up when there are hardware issues occurring. If you use more than one monitor, or if the computer is attempting to turn on from its sleep, this color may show up.

Graphics drivers can cause a Red or White Screen of Death if it is malfunctioning. 

If users are included in the Windows Insiders program, they may come across a Green Screen of Death. This happens when errors in the testing phase occur. It was said the Green was to distinguish between the Windows Insiders build and the updated release, in which it turns Blue.

If you have any computer-related 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 from our staff at the McKinney Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in McKinney, TX please call our local office at (602) 445-9862.

Internet Explorer End of Support Statement

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Confirmation is here. Microsoft announced the retirement of the Internet Explorer 11 desktop app.

Sean Lyndersay, a Microsoft blogger, stated the Microsoft Edge browser’s capabilities with security and experience exceeds Internet Explorer by far. It was important for change to occur to keep up with modernized technology, such as the ‘Chromium project’. This handles many of the popular browsers.

Implementing IE in with Edge gave users to utilize any apps or sites from the Edge browser. The shutdown for IE will be on June 15, 2022. Other Microsoft Apps will be ending support on August 17th, 2021.

Not only is Microsoft Edge a faster, more secure and more modern browsing experience than Internet Explorer. However, it is also able to address a key concern: compatibility for older, legacy websites and applications. 

Source: Windows Blog

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 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.

A Few Things to Remember about Windows 11

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Last month, many speculations have circulated regarding the forthcoming Windows 11 update. Some speculated that Microsoft made it obvious that Windows 10 will be the final version. Others assumed that the software behemoth had something up its sleeve. This was a huge deal, considering the confusion surrounding the future of Windows. 

Here are a few things to remember about Windows 11, since its release date is set for the last quarter of the year. It’ll be an optional update, as opposed to mandatory. If you’d rather keep using Windows 10, end of support will show up in 2025.

Another thing to remember is that Windows 11 will not be available to everyone immediately.

Windows 11 will also begin rolling out as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users around the same time, though not everyone will be offered the update straight away.

Source: WindowsCentral

Your PC will need to meet certain minimum Windows 11’s requirements, such as 64GB drive and a 9″ display.

The display appears to have a fresh, trendy vibe with its more updated rounded edges and centered Start Menu. Let’s hope it’s a good sign for Microsoft.

For any Windows OS feature 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 Arvada Computer Repair Service, if you need better SEO or computer repair in Arvada, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

Offline Access Feature with Google Drive

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If you use Google Drive for your cloud storage space, you’ll want to know about this handy feature!

What is cloud storage?

Unfortunately, hard drives can only hold so much data. Cloud storage enables you to keep data and files in a remote place that you can access through the internet or a dedicated private network connection. A third-party supplier maintains, protects, operates, and maintains the servers and infrastructure, as well as ensuring that you have access to the data should you need it.

With Google Drive, you can share your files easier and back those files up from a remote location. And if you have a Google account, it comes with 15 GB of free storage automatically. With the amount of remote workers since the pandemic, utilizing Google’s tools will help workloads run smoother.

This is where this Google Drive’s feature comes in handy.

Remote work can indeed be stressful. Google Drive includes an Offline Access feature for users to gain admission to their files and data without internet.

Need to work during your commute or other times when you’re not connected to the internet? No problem. Google Drive lets you access your files while you’re offline, and then it’ll sync your changes when you get back online. You’ll need to use the Chrome browser and be signed in to your Google account.

Source: cnet

In the Settings app of the Google Drive, simply check the box for “Create, open, and edit your recent Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides files on this device while offline.” It is encouraged for users not to click the box if it is a shared or public computer.

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 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.

Ransomware Hackers Hits Thousands of Victims

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Cyber Researchers shared that the ransomware institution, REvil, has demanded a $70 million charge in Bitcoin for a decryptor device following its assault at the software program seller Kaseya.

This virus might enter a ADP (automatic data processing) system through malicious downloads, email attachments and package update pop-ups. Once a system is infected, the virus restricts access to the pc. Hackers distribute this virus with the purpose of scaring their victims into paying money.

According to CNN, “Kaseya said it would release new information Monday morning, but has yet to do so. In Sunday night’s update, it reported that the attack “has been localized to a very small number of on-premises customers only.””

UPDATE 7/7/2021

It was shared from Malwarebytes that the hackers mimicked a Microsoft security update, shown below:

How to protect yourself

Be sure your antivirus software is up to date on your computer to avoid any and all malicious cyber attacks. Windows 10 adds Ransomware protection to 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

If you scroll to the underside of the Virus & threat protection, Ransomware protection is included. To show on this handy feature, simply click on Manage ransomware protection. From there, you’ll be able to turn the toggle On to secure your data on your computer. Recovering files becomes an additional option just incase a threat occurs.

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

The Importance of Firewalls

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While antivirus software is an important part of efficient protection against viruses and harmful information on the internet, it is not adequate in and of itself! Antivirus software use built-in heuristic algorithms to identify threats and quarantine them. However, no operating system can ever be entirely safe from a cyber assault.

Firewalls safeguard a network’s perimeter by monitoring and filtering all network traffic, both desirable and unwanted. They establish barriers to deter prospective attackers and harmful applications, protecting the network from illegal access, after undesirable traffic has been discovered.

Users may also customize their firewall’s security settings to meet their personal or business privacy demands. Excessively restrictive settings may prevent a person from accessing the internet completely.

A firewall shouldn’t be your only consideration for securing your home network. It’s important to make sure all of your internet-enabled devices have the latest operating system, web browsers, and security software. You also should secure your wireless router. This might include changing the name of your router from the default ID and password it came with from the manufacturer, reviewing your security options, and setting up a guest network for visitors to your home.

Source: Norton

Without a firewall, potential attackers can simply identify your computer as a susceptible target, enter your network covertly, and undermine the system’s security.

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 from 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.

Windows 11 Announced Today

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Today’s Microsoft Event announced the new Windows 11 operating system. Users have been waiting for Microsoft to verify the long standing rumors surrounding it.

One major feature included in the new OS focused on interaction.

The pandemic over the last 18 months had restricted people over the world to their homes. The software giant used the COVID setback as a way to move forward. This includes a better performance through video calls. The taskbar will now be adding the Microsoft Teams App for easy access. You can call on any platform: Windows, Android, or iOS.

From the app, you can call, video call, or chat and connect with anyone from around the world. Developers worked to allow users to utilize this experience with better quality sound and visual tweaks.

For more information on the new Windows 11, watch the Microsoft Event on their website.

For help troubleshooting your Windows OS, 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.

Microsoft Vulnerability Reports in 2020

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Windows 10 was once deemed the most secure OS. With over 1 billion users utilizing the system, the highest priority has to be its security. However, over the years, it continues to experience vulnerabilities.

And it’s not just Windows 10, other Microsoft products, such as its browsers, Edge and Internet Explorer had issues with flaws. Sources say that in 2020, exposures reached to 1,268. This was the highest it has been, with 132 of those deemed critical.

What can help?

The biggest reason for the vulnerabilities involved admin rights. When others are given rights, the risk of attacks heighten. Removing them can lower the risk.

While there were a wide number of vulnerabilities found in various Microsoft products in 2020, for the first time, Elevation of privilege, which occurs when an application gains rights or privileges that should not be available to them, accounted for the largest proportion. It almost tripled in number year over year from 198 in 2019 to 559 in 2020, making up 44% of all Microsoft vulnerabilities in 2020.

Source: TechRepublic

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 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.

iOS 15 Announcement

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Today begins Apple’s WWDC, streaming live on YouTube. This conference will be announcing a handful of upcoming features and tools for developers, the new iPhone 13, and iOS 15.

The FaceTime app will get an upgrade with Spacial Audio. This allows conversations to be more natural. Also, when in horizontal mode, backgrounds will be blurred, so you are the one in focus.

Another feature in FaceTime will add SharePlay. This can allow those on the video call to listen to music or watch a movie together.

iOS 15 will include new features to Messages. Developers have been working on something called Shared With You. News articles, photos, and music can be shared easily through messages. The shared information will be saved in the appropriate apps for you.

This is just a small part of the bigger iOS picture. Come back later for more information, or go to Apple’s WWDC video on YouTube.

If you have any questions regarding iOS, 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.

Online Privacy and What that Entails

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Companies everywhere are utilizing information given by online users every day. This comes in several ways, such as advertisements and cookies. By collecting this information, companies have opportunities to sell it or use it to their own advantages.

While the majority of this collection is harmless, users often do not know what they are giving online. To heighten the online privacy, here are a couple ways without tracking you.

Virtual Private Networks, or VPN’s, allow users to anonymously surf the web. This handy software gives no location detection, so companies online can’t track information. Prices for VPN’s are cheap and available everywhere.

Check your privacy settings on your computer, phone, or other devices. Some include ‘Incognito Mode’ which doesn’t save any information to your history browsing, nor login credentials. It’s also important to not allow companies to use tracking while using their applications.

For help updating, restoring or dealing with any online privacy 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.