Tag Archives: computer tips

Computer Issues Due to Internet

While browsing the internet, your device is continually downloading data, images, and occasionally additional applications, allowing you to fully utilize the web. Nonetheless, when accessing the Internet, it is critical to be conscious of both your privacy and your security. Every digital device that is linked to the Internet has the potential to be infected with obtrusive spyware (adware & malware) and phishing. Malicious software can be installed secretly on any computer without the owner’s knowledge.

Unfortunately, there are many Spyware traps on the Internet. Open an apparently innocent online page, click on a false hyperlink, a pop-up, or a clickable graphic, and you may have unintentionally opened the door to spyware-laden websites that jeopardize your web safety and privacy with just one click.

While adware, in its worst form, can cause your system to slow down and finally freeze owing to the junk it has amassed on your computer, malware and viruses can take you down a more perilous road. They can gain control of your device and do harmful operations on your computer such as modifying settings, gathering personal data, capturing keystrokes to steal passwords and other important information, stealing files, and spreading the virus via email to your contacts.

What can be done?

Firewalls and antivirus software are important precautions that each internet user should adopt since they are effective instruments against intrusive spyware. They will remove any problematic stuff identified on your machine.

Windows security baselines provide Microsoft-recommended security configurations which reduce Windows systems’ attack surface and increase the overall security posture of enterprise endpoints.

“A security baseline is a group of Microsoft-recommended configuration settings that explains their security impact,” as Microsoft explains. “These settings are based on feedback from Microsoft security engineering teams, product groups, partners, and customers.”

The Windows 10 21H2 security baseline is now available for download via the Microsoft Security Compliance Toolkit, and it includes Group Policy Object (GPO) backups and reports, the scripts needed to apply settings to the local GPO, as well as Policy Analyzer rules.

Source: Bleeping Computer

Whether you need diagnostics for your computer, virus removal or just advice on problems with your computer, Karls Technology Computer Repair is here to help!


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 Pembroke Pines Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Pembroke, FL please call or text the local office at (754) 241-1655.

Computer Terminology To Know

When it comes to computers, it’s imperative to have a bit of knowledge of its terms and their meanings behind them. While there’s a plethora of hardware and software technology terms to fully comprehend computers as a whole, there are basic acronyms and words to help you better understand your computer. Here are a few:

URL, as we all know is simply a web address. But the acronym is known as Uniform Resource Locator. It can also be known as Universal Resource Locator.

SSH is known as Secure Shell. This protocol gives the administrator secure access and control over their servers over the internet. If unknown sources attempt to hack into the server, the code will jumble up to confuse the source.

ELI5 is an acronym in technology known as “Explain Like I’m 5”. It means to simplify certain complex topics.

BSOD, or Blue Screen of Death is an error that shows up on your monitor as a blue screen. This unfortunate error usually indicates your system has crashed.

IP Address is also known as Internet Protocol Address. This is a series of numbers which are identified to a local network or device. The identification connects to your online activities.

Cache/Cookies seem like intriguing terms for the computer world. They’re not harmful, but these files are created and saved by websites you visit. In addition, the websites can track visits. Thankfully, these cache/cookies can be cleared when certain issues ensue, such as pages not loading.

CPU is the Central Processing Unit that pertains to the memory and control of the computer. This hardware allows the user to utilize the programs and apps installed.

UI, or User Interface, can be applied to a visual display of a computer as a whole (monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.). It can also mean apps and the internet and how users engage with those products and services.

VPN is also called Virtual Private Networking. This network allows users to acquire privacy while they’re online. It gives security and peace of mind when you are on a public Wi-Fi connection.

OS is known as the Operating System software. For example, Windows 10 and MacOS are both operating systems. The software connects with the hardware, keeping your PC working the best it can for you.

More terminology will be added throughout the year, so check back in!


For 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 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.

How to Check All Storage Devices on your Computer

The Windows 10 May Update included many features, bug fixes, and more. One specific update was the Storage page only showing the main drive space, even if you have multiple drives.

But they can be easily found on the Storage page, under the More Storage Settings heading: View storage usage on other drives. Any detected drives will show up with your storage information.

Here’s how to get to it:

  1. Start Menu
  2. Settings
  3. Storage

On top of that, you can also click on each device to get a breakdown of what is taking up space. This can contain pictures, apps, games, documents, and more. Knowing this information can help you free up storage, so your computer will run better.


For help with space issues or any hard drive problem, 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.

Computer Services – Smart & Safe Web Surfing Tips:

Karls Technology works hard not only to help fix any computer-related issues but to advise users to properly utilize the software to avoid further troubles. Here are a few tips on Smart and Safe Web Surfing:


1) UPDATE your antivirus software, your web browser and your
operating system REGULARLY
2) Use STRONG PASSWORDS
3) Be SUSPICIOUS of emails, instant messages, files, graphics
and links from unknown senders, as they could be
contaminated with malware. BEWARE, as some websites and
pop-ups can infect your system with malicious content, as
well.
4) BACK UP – be sure to back up all the files that are of
importance and of personal value to you. Storing copies of all
your files will furthermore ensure that your data won’t be lost
in case your system crashes.

This article was previously posted on June 17, 2013, with some new, updated information.

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.

Magnifier Reading on Windows 10

Microsoft seems to be crossing their T’s and dotting their I’s with their variety of tools and applications to suit everyone’s needs. Physical limitations are no match.

One crucial tool available is the Magnifier, which aids those who are hard of seeing. It shows the text larger than normal, so it can be read more clearly. To utilize this tool, Microsoft Support shares how to do so:

To quickly turn on Magnifier, press the Windows logo key+Plus sign (+). To turn off Magnifier, press the Windows logo key+Esc. 

If you prefer using a mouse, select Start  Settings   Ease of Access   Magnifier   Turn on Magnifier

Source: Microsoft Support
Source: Windows Support

One other tool that works well with the Magnifier is the reader. Once the Magnifier feature is open, the cursor needs to be placed wherever the reading needs to begin. Click and hold control, alt and enter to begin the reading.

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 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.

Using the Calendar App Quickly

Accessible through the Taskbar

It’s no secret that Windows 10 holds quite the efficient Calendar app, which helps you remember important dates. But did you know you can quickly access it to create events without even opening the app? Here’s how:

  1. From your Taskbar, you’ll find the date and time. Click on it.
  2. Pick the date you’re needing to add an event to
  3. Enter in the necessary information
  4. Save it.

Once saved, the event will show up to all of your devices through your Calendar app. It’s so convenient.


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 by our staff at the Largo Computer Repair Service. If you need computer repair in Largo, FL, please call the local office at (727) 350-1090.

Who Still Uses Old Windows Operating Systems?

Although Microsoft’s computer operating system was released in 2009 and will soon be three main versions out of date, many people continue to use it.

Back in January of this year, a survey was conducted by StatCounter:

This report specifically targets Windows users and excludes macOS and Linux from the runnings.

StatCounter gets its numbers by checking visitors to specific websites and taking note of which operating system they used to visit. It’s not a perfect measurement. It doesn’t count computers without an internet connection or ones that never visited the websites StatCounter watched; however, it’s a fairly good estimate of what people are using.

Out of all the Windows operating systems, StatCounter recorded 18.03 percent of them running Windows 7 in December 2020. Surprisingly, this is a great deal more than the people using its predecessor Windows 8.1, which came in at 3.95 percent.

Source: Make Use Of
Why don’t users just upgrade?

Both operating systems have essentially identical hardware requirements, most users can update for free, and Windows 10 will provide a familiar user experience. There’s no particular reason as to why Windows 7 users don’t just upgrade their operating systems.

Simply put: They don’t want to deal with the hassle.

However, with Windows 7’s end of support, not upgrading your PC could potentially cause more harm than good. This leaves open vulnerabilities for hackers to steal any personal information you have on the computer.


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 Denver Computer Repair Service, if you need computer repair in Denver, CO please call or text the local office at (720) 441-6460.

How to Utilize Safe Mode Properly

Before you can make use of Safe Mode, you need to understand the basics behind it.

Safe Mode is a secure and handy feature on Windows 10 that allows you to load the minimum interface of the operating system when there are issues occurring on the normal OS. You have the ability to figure out what is causing the malfunctions and fix them accordingly.

How to boot to Safe Mode in Windows 10

Digital Citizen, a tech blog, shares 8 methods on how to boot into Windows 10 Safe Mode. Instructions are easy to follow, and can assist you in troubleshooting PC issues.

The first one, using the “Shift +Restart” option while you’re on the Sign-In screen, seems like an easy way. This will give you the Troubleshoot option. As the admin, you’ll be able to enable Safe Mode and perform the revisions necessary to get your PC back to where it needs to be.

When I tried it on my Windows 10 computer, I didn’t see “Startup Settings” in my Advanced options. Some users may only find “See more recovery options”.

From there, you can enable Safe Mode and then fulfill the needed adjustments to get your computer back on track.

Using the Settings App

Troubleshooting and Recovery are options in the Settings app, under the Update & Security. From there, you can run a troubleshooter for recommendations.

There are plenty of ways that the above blog post shares to boot to Windows 10 Safe Mode. Be sure to read it to get the best option that works for you.

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.

Customizing Command Prompt App

Windows Command Processor is the original title for Command Prompt. It’s utilized to carry out directives that have been entered. The majority of those commands use scripts and batch files to automate activities, perform advanced administrative functions, and troubleshoot or resolve specific Windows issues.

If you use the Command Processor app often, you may know how to customize it to your liking.

However, if you don’t, here’s how:
  1. Click the Windows icon on your keyboard to bring up the Start Menu
  2. Type Command Prompt in the search bar and hit Enter
  3. Once the window opens up, right-click on the taskbar
  4. Click on Properties at bottom of the drop-down

From there, you can change the font, layout, colors, and other features to your liking.


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

How to End Ads on Windows 10 Start Menu

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.