2020 December e-Bytes
Microsoft urges users to stop using phone-based multi-factor authentication
Tablet, Chromebook Demand Soars as Pandemic Prompts Need for Affordable Computers
17 Great Gifts for Cord-Cutters
12 Simple Tweaks to Speed Up Windows 10
Rules for strong passwords don't work, researchers find. Here's what does
ZDNet Recommends: Holiday Gift Guide 2020
Google to Kill Unlimited Storage on Google Photos, Docs Next Year
Microsoft urges users to stop using phone-based multi-factor authentication
Microsoft recommends using app-based authenticators and security keys instead.
Tablet, Chromebook Demand Soars as Pandemic Prompts Need for Affordable Computers
Chromebooks are experiencing massive demand with shipments in the third quarter up by 122 percent year over year, according to research firm Canalys.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/tablet-chromebook-demand-soars-as-pandemic-prompts-need-for-affordable
17 Great Gifts for Cord-Cutters
Know someone itching to replace their cable-TV service? These gifts will help them ditch pricey pay-TV subscriptions and embrace the cord-cutter life.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/15-great-gifts-for-cord-cutters
Cord-Cutting for Live TV Is More Expensive Than You Think - A new study looks at live TV streaming prices over the past five years and finds that services are gradually getting more expensive.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/cord-cutting-for-live-tv-is-more-expensive-than-you-think
12 Simple Tweaks to Speed Up Windows 10
Windows 10 is speedier than the previous versions of Microsoft's desktop operating system, but you can still optimize its performance. Learn how to make your Windows 10 PC run faster with our tips.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/12-tips-to-speed-up-windows-10
Rules for strong passwords don't work, researchers find. Here's what does
In the name of cybersecurity, you can stop adding an exclamation mark to the end of your password.
https://www.cnet.com/news/rules-for-strong-passwords-dont-work-researchers-find-heres-what-does
ZDNet Recommends: Holiday Gift Guide 2020
Looking for the perfect gift this holiday season? Here's a great lineup of gift ideas and resources to get you started.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/holiday-gift-guide-2020
Google to Kill Unlimited Storage on Google Photos, Docs Next Year
The change, set for June 2021, is intended to 'keep pace with the growing demand for storage,' Google says. But it also helps push people toward Google's paid cloud-storage service, Google One.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/google-to-kill-unlimited-storage-on-google-photos-docs-next-year
Links - News, Tips, & Downloads
Comcast to Institute 1.2TB Data Caps for Xfinity Users in Northeast US - Naturally, customers are upset. But the company says the vast majority of affected subscribers—95 percent—never use more than that amount of data in a month.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/comcast-to-institute-12tb-data-caps-for-xfinity-users-in-northeast-us
You Can Buy These Cheap Webcams on Amazon Right Now, But Are They Any Good? - In this new work-from-home world, name-brand webcams from Logitech and Razer are either sold out or on back-order, but there's no shortage of lesser-known models available on Amazon. We bought six of them ranging in price from $13 to $59; here's how they measure up.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/is-a-17-no-name-webcam-on-amazon-any-good
Spot fake news and scams with a simple Google trick - Use a reverse image search to find out if an image is ripped off or taken out of context.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/this-simple-google-trick-can-help-you-sniff-out-fake-news-and-scams
Alexa will soon answer questions you haven't even asked yet - Amazon says its voice assistant will infer the "latent goals" of its users.
https://www.cnet.com/news/alexa-will-soon-answer-questions-you-havent-even-asked-yet
PCMag Picks the Best Workout Apps - Run faster, bike farther, swim better, trim down, or bulk up. However you exercise, these apps help you keep your commitment to physical fitness.
https://www.pcmag.com/picks/best-workout-apps
How to Enable Dark Mode on Your Web Browser - Want to dim the lights on the internet? Don't let a bright screen mess with your eyes or sleep. Here's how to enable dark mode in Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-enable-dark-mode-on-your-web-browser
What to Do When Your Computer Won't Start - If your computer won't start, don't panic (yet). Here are some troubleshooting steps to take when your computer fails to boot correctly.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/what-to-do-when-your-computer-wont-start
How to Control and Delete Cookies on Your Browser - Most of the time, cookies are a good thing, but they can also track you. Take control of a tiny bit of your online privacy by blocking, deleting, and allowing only select cookies.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-control-and-delete-cookies-on-your-browser
Best free TV streaming services: Peacock, Plex, Pluto TV, Roku, IMDb TV, Crackle and more - Stuck inside and looking for some free TV to watch? There are more choices than ever nowadays.
Two reasons your Wi-Fi is slow, and how to fix them - Maybe the answer to faster internet access is easy, maybe it's not. Here's how to tell.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/two-reasons-your-wi-fi-is-slow-and-how-to-fix-them
How to Recover Deleted Files in Windows 10 - Did you accidentally delete an important file? Did you also empty the Recycle Bin? Don't worry. Microsoft added a new file recovery tool in Windows 10 May 2020 Update.
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/how-to-recover-deleted-files-in-windows-10
Change these 5 settings right away on your Android phone - Whether you have a new Android phone or are a longtime user, take some time to check your settings.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/5-settings-you-wont-regret-changing-on-your-android-phone
How to use Zoom like a pro: 15 video chat tips and tricks to try now - Here's how to change your Zoom background and your audio and video settings, and how to create breakout rooms.
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-use-zoom-like-a-pro-15-video-chat-tips-and-tricks-to-try-now
Tested: SpaceX's Starlink Satellite Internet Service Is Fast, But It'll Cost You - Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet project is faster than its retail competitors, according to data from Ookla Speedtest Intelligence. But then again, nobody is really using it yet.
https://www.pcmag.com/news/tested-spacexs-starlink-satellite-internet-service-is-fast-but-itll-cost
Excellent phones you can get for $300 or less - Budget phone may be less expensive, but they still offer features enthusiasts crave, including fingerprint sensor readers and solid cameras.
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